Max Tracks Newsletter Fall '08
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The Maxwell Conservation Trust has had, as one of its long term goals, to preserve the largest unfragmented 450 acre forest remaining in Scituate. This forest, in the West End of town, is significant habitat for wildlife, and is
important to the water quality in both Scituate and Cohasset.
       Over the last 7 years, the Trust has worked diligently with the Community Preservation Committee to arrange bargain sale purchases of parcels in the 450 acre forest. To date, 120 acres have been purchased at bargain sale (below market) rates and added to the other 100 acres already in conservation in this area bringing the total conserved area so far to 220 acres.
       For the past two years the Trust has been working with the Hennessey family to help them explore ways of preserving as much of their property as possible for open space, while also meeting their fiduciary responsibility to the family. The Hennessey property adjoins the 40 acre Litchfield property, which was the last project that the Trust facilitated with the Community Preservation Committee. This purchase with CPC funds was approved unanimously at the 2006 Town Meeting.
       The Hennessey property is another essential component in protecting this forest. Maxwell Conservation Trust has worked closely with the Hennessey family to develop a plan that includes selling the back mostly upland acreage (approximately 22 acres) to the town at below market rates. The Trust has been working with the Community Preservation Committee to facilitate this sale. The acreage would have a conservation restriction signed by the State and held by the Trust placed on it for perpetuity.
       We’re very excited about this project, as it utilizes the Flexible Open Space bylaw to preserve as much conservation land as possible. It has been designed as a five building/ten unit development, built on only 7 of the 39 acres. It will be a low impact design, with reduced impervious surfaces and green building methods. Right now, the Hennessey family is working with the Planning Board to obtain approval for their plan.
       The Hennessey family is to be commended for their dedication to the preservation of this important ecological system, and for designing a plan that incorporates preserving as much acreage as possible while still maintaining their fiduciary responsibilities.




Join us for a beautiful and refreshing Fall Walk in the Bates Lane Area Forest on Saturday November 8 from 10 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Rain date November 15th)
       We will meet at the Mt. Hope Building on Clapp Rd., with parking in the field across the street.
       Pre-eminent Scituate naturalist Garry VanWart will lead the walk. Garry’s amazing knowledge of the local plants, animals and habitats are entertaining and informative for everyone. Children will be delighted to participate in our annual nature bingo walk with local teacher and naturalist Shan Morrissey.

In an effort to use less paper paper, we are asking folks to check the renewal date on your mailing label. By doing this, we eliminate the need to send out another letter asking you to renew!

Check out the new and improved Maxwell website! After you enjoy a delightful walk in the Forest, you can post to “Max’s Message Board.”
maxwellconservationtrust.org
Buy a plate today, preserve a wetland tomorrow! If we can get 3,000 people go to www.masslandandwater.info order a license plate, it supports land conservation in Massachusetts through Mass. Environmental Trust.
On September 27, 2008, John McNabb, renowned Clean Water advocate and a Cohasset Water Commissioner, spent a few minutes with Max to discuss the impact of open space on drinking water quality.
1
Last year, the Cohasset Water Commission contributed $100,000 from its budget to support the purchase of 40 acres of open space in Scituate. How does preserving open space in Scituate help the people of Cohasset?
Those 40 acres were within the watershed for the Cohasset drinking water supply. Protecting watershed land from development is a proven means to help protect drinking water quality.
2
New York City spent hundreds of millions of dollars on open space in the Catskills to protect its water supply and avoid billions of dollars of investments in water filtration plants. Is this the same sort of thing, just on a smaller scale?
Studies show that protecting watershed land from development reduces treatment plant costs. Cohasset is protecting watershed land from development anywhere we can to help preserve drinking water quality and reduce treatment plant costs, but not as a substitute for filtration, which is a critical part of the drinking water treatment process.
3
What are the next big water supply challenges for the Town of Cohasset?
Our biggest challenges going forward are to make the necessary improvements in the Lily Pond Water Treatment Plant to enable us to meet newer, stringent, federal drinking water standards that will be taking effect in the next 5-10 years.
4
Do you have any other thoughts for South Shore residents concerning open spaces and water supply?
Protecting open space is good for everyone; it helps protect drinking water quality, reduces infrastructure costs for the community, and is good for the environment.
Scituate naturalist Garry VanWart discusses the many local plants, animals and habitats during the North River Garden Club Walk, 10/01/08.
The Maxwell Conservation Trust is a local 501 (c) 3 non-profit based in Scituate.
The Trust’s mission is to preserve open space, protect the watershed, preserve habitat, and create areas for passive recreation for all to enjoy. What we accomplish will be the legacy that we pass on to our children, and so far, with our members’ help, we have orchestrated the preservation of over 116 acres of conservation land. That land is now available to you all. The Trust has grown from a small group to a membership of almost 400. Wouldn’t you like to be part of this group that has proven it can get the job done? We need your support to continue preserving the legacy! Please become a member, or renew your membership today!
Annual Fall Nature Walk Nov. 8
Join us for a beautiful and refreshing Fall Walk in the Bates Lane Area Forest on Saturday November 8 from 10 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Rain date November 15th)
Scituate’s Garry VanWart shares his extensive knowledge of plants, animals and habitats with participants of the North River Garden Club walk on October 1, 2008, hosted by Maxwell Conservation Trust member Margaret Bergsten and MCT. Join us on November 8th, and see for yourself why this is such a rewarding experience.
       We will meet at the Mt. Hope Building on Clapp Rd., with parking in the field across the street. See page 2 for details.

Check your
renewal date!
In an effort to use less paper paper, we are asking folks to check the renewal date on your mailing label. By doing this, we eliminate the need to send out another letter asking you to renew!
NSRWA’s New Year’s Walk
NSRWA (North and South Rivers Watershed Association) will be hosting a walk on the Litchfield Preserve on New Year's Day at 1 pm. Watch for details in your local newspaper.