Otis-Lyme Property
Proposed Division & Building Lots
Mudd Pond, Otis-Lyme
Future Lands, LLC John C. Lepore, MASLD P.O. Box 608 Bernardston, MA 01337 (413) 512-0644
Overview
Proposed Division & Building Lots
Otis-Lyme property offers robust open space with several high points and the potential for fabulous vistas with vibrant wetlands below. Numerous upland game signs were seen on two August visits throughout the site where beech (Fagus grandifolia) and various oaks (Quercus sp.) with an understory of striped maple (Acer pensylvanicum) appear to be much of the attraction. Wetlands and woodlands provide a haven for a huge number of upland migratory birds. This unique land is blessed with a healthy diversity of native wildflowers and wildlife.
Proposed Property Division
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The property could be divided into two nearly equal sections offering privacy and personal access. The north section would have access from Stebbins Road onto the recently upgraded Loggers Road. Stebbins Road joins Dimmock Road north of the property. Logger’s Road access was greatly improved from a recent forestry operation with widening for about ½ mile and bridge improvement over Cone Brook on Stebbins Road. Entrance from Giles Road for the south section crosses a wetland and while a full size vehicle cannot cross the bridge at this time, it appears to have solid cement footings, which could be utilized. This would require inspection by an engineer to confirm this Otis-Lyme Property condition. The Woods Road, Proposed Division & Building Lots which at one time connected the two parts, has largely overgrown, except where regular ATV use has controlled vegetative growth. There are many old logging roads Logge rs Roa stemming off Woods Road. d
Building Lots
North Section
The proposed property division would segment the land into two distinct sections. The north and south section each offer three possible building lots options ranging from 7 to 10 acres. Site selection was made on several criteria:
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In general, property orientation takes advantage of existing roads and slope for road access. Each location has a unique set of qualities described on the following pages.
Giles Road
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Potential for “viewscape” of both vistas and inviting local landscapes, such as wetlands Safe road access, especially over higher elevations where steep slopes create access and erosional issues Absence of endangered species Clearance from wetlands Flatness for home construction: Even locations offer more options for such as passive solar construction, photovoltaic panels, family activities, etc.
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Stebbins
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Hayden Swamp
South Section
Mudd Pond
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Future Lands, LLC John C. Lepore, MASLD P.O. Box 608 Bernardston, MA 01337 (413) 512-0644
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Legend Property Boundary Public Road Private Road Building Lot Proposed Access Proposed Division Wetland
North Section Building Lots Lot 1 N
Lot 2 N
• 9.7 acres; peak elev. 1780 feet • Overlooks full length of Hayden Swamp to the south • Takes advantage of existing Loggers Road from Stebbins Road • Gentle road access from north or northeast corner of lot from Logger Road
Lot 3 N
• 10.7 acres; peak elev. 1900 feet • Highest point on the north section, offering the potential for views in multiple directions, depending on clearing preferences and building location • Wood Road could connect to the Loggers Roads from the lot’s south side corner, allowing the sun to melt ice more effectively on a gentler slope
• 7.2 Acres; peak elev. 1800 feet • Overlooks Hayden Swamp to the east • Being the second highest area in the north section, it could offer views in multiple directions depending on clearing and siting preferences • Could connect to the Loggers Roads from the lot’s northwest corner
Otis-Lyme Property
North Section & Building Lots
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Stebbins Road
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North Section
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Lot 1 N
Hayden Swamp
Lot 3 N Lot 2 N
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Future Lands, LLC John C. Lepore, MASLD P.O. Box 608 Bernardston, MA 01337 (413) 512-0644
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Legend Property Boundary Public Road Private Road Building Lot Proposed Access Proposed Division Wetland
South Section Building Lots Lot 5 S
Lot 4 S
Lot 6 S
• 7.9 acres; peak elev. 1906 feet • Beautiful view from northeast to east on side of Kingsbury Mountain along property boundary • Appealing ledges and boulder fall on east side • Access could be from northwest corner swinging to the northeast onto Woods Road
• 10.8 acres; peak elev. 1885 feet • Overlooks Mudd Pond to west • Great opportunity for a hunting camp with waterfowl and upland game • An older logging road comes within 1000 feet of property’s edge • Appealing ledges and boulder fall on east side • Gentle road access from northeast connecting to Wood’s Road
• 9.6 acres; peak elev. 1650 feet • Appealing ledges and boulder falls surround an intriguing flat area on the southwest corner side • Higher elevations to west and northwest offer protection from summer storms thunderstorms and cold winter winds • Access could be directly from the north side to Woods Road
Otis-Lyme Property
South Section & Building Lots
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Hayden Swamp
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South Section Wo od
Giles Road
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Mudd Pond
Lot 6 S Lot 4 S
Lot 5 S Kingsbury Mountain
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Future Lands, LLC John C. Lepore, MASLD P.O. Box 608 Bernardston, MA 01337 (413) 512-0644
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Legend Property Boundary Public Road Private Road Building Lot Proposed Access Proposed Division Wetland
Additional Recommendations • Since some animals find human activity disruptive to their ecological needs, a wildlife corridor analysis might reveal the optimal places for roads and building sites. • A computer generated elevation “viewshed” analysis would optimize specific the locations for vistas. • Since many building lots reside at high locations, a computer generated wind analysis would reveal the best locations for windmills. Viewshed analysis could position windmills favorably. • To maintain the high flora and fauna diversity and resilience, a monitoring plan for invasive plants and animals should be designed. • A land management plan would provide insights for optimizing human use and sustainable design management along with healthy regenerative woodlot harvesting for many generations. It would address the issues noted above, plus help the owners with specific goals.
Future Lands, LLC
John C. Lepore Masters of Art Sustainable Landscape Design P.O. Box 608 Bernardston, MA 01337 (413) 512-0644