The Trust is currently facilitating the purchase of 47.6 more acres in the Bates Lane Conservation Area. The property has been owned and was farmed by the Wheelwright family of Cohasset for many years. The property consists of three parcels along the Scituate Cohasset town line in the area of the Bates Lane. The land is primarily uplands and wooded, and is potentially developable.

The Trust submitted a proposal on November 1st to the Scituate Community Preservation Committee to consider purchasing, with CPC funds, the 47 acres. As with other Maxwell projects, if the CPC recommends the Wheelwright proposal, it will proceed to Town Meeting for your vote. If successful, this purchase will bring the total conserved property in this forest to almost 300 acres!



Detailed Description of the Project

• The subject property is 47.6 acres, consisting of three parcels. The Ella Bates Pasture is 14.4 acres, the Wheelwright Pasture is 21.2 acres, and the Barn Pasture is 12 acres. These properties are located in the Bates Lane area in the West End of Scituate. The Ella Bates Pasture and the Barn Pasture both border the Scituate Cohasset town line. The Wheelwright Pasture abuts the Bates Lane “T”, and all three parcels are surrounded by or abut previously protected conservation land.

• These properties have been owned by the Wheelwright family and farmed by them for many, many years. We are currently researching plot plans for the parcels. The deed for the Barn Pasture refers to a plan done in the early 1900’s by Tower and our attorneys are trying to locate that plan through engineers who purchased Tower Engineering.

• The other 2 parcels are shown on another plan which was done in 1970 but not filed. We hope to have engineering plans to show you when we meet to discuss the project.

• The applicant requests that all 3 parcels be purchased at this time and does not wish to sell any of these parcels separately.

• The acquisition of these parcels will benefit the town of Scituate as follows: This acreage will be part of the largest remaining unfragmented forest in Scituate. Currently, there are approximately 250 acres of conserved forest in the Bates Lane area. This would add another 47 acres, and further protect this important greenway area for recreation, wildlife habitat preservation, and water resource protection. This land is primarily uplands. An Environmental Report is being written by Danena Engineering and will be made available to the committee at a later date. Sections of these parcels are in a Water Resource Zone.

• This project is consistent with and supports the goals of the Scituate Open Space and Master Plans.

• The amount of $17,000/ac requested has historically been the amount supported by CPC appraisals for open space acquisition in this area.

• Ella Bates and Wheelwright Pastures could be developed through an easement off Indian Winds. Barn Pasture could be developed with access through property on Mill Lane in Cohasset currently owned by Dustin Wheelwright.

• The Bates Lane Conservation Area has over 3 miles of active trails, which are utilized by a broad range of the community. Boy Scout Troops have been involved in Eagle Scout projects on the trails and have built kiosks. The Scituate Recreation Department sponsors walks seasonally. A bridge across a large rip rap area was built in the Spring of 2009 by volunteers with funding from the Carl Pipes Memorial Fund and Maxwell Conservation Trust. This has improved accessibility to that particular area, especially for seniors. Maxwell Conservation Trust has had the trails mapped and marked for ease of navigation.

• The applicant requests that Maxwell Conservation Trust hold the Conservation Restriction for these parcels.

Project Budget Information

• The Cohasset Water Commissioners have been approached regarding the purchase of this acreage, and they have indicated that they will not be able to contribute toward this purchase.

• Included in this project is reimbursement to Maxwell Conservation Trust for legal costs associated with this project, up to $5,000.

• The applicant is requesting that any surveys required by CPC be funded by the committee.