Friends of the Blue Hills news and comments

Route 24 Horse Bridge Update

2009-12-19T07:51:00.004-05:00

It has been brought to the attention of FBH that several of our state legislators have received information about the removal/replacement of the Route 24 DCR Horse Bridge in Randolph. The information was that MassDOT Highway Division does not currently have any plans to continue construction work on the bridge due to a lack of funding.

FBH has been unable to find anyone at MassDOT who knows anything about this or any other highway project being delayed due to budget considerations. Everyone from the Project Manager to the Deputy Director of Planning at MassDOT has responded that they are unaware of this information. The Project Manager stated that the project is shut down for the winter as is common for many construction projects. Progress should proceed rapidly in the spring because the new bridge will be built using pre-fabricated sections. The 3.9 million dollar project is listed as 26% complete as of 10/23/09 on the MassDOT project web site at http://www.mhd.state.ma.us/ProjectInfo/Main.asp?ACTION=ViewProject&PROJECT_NO=603244. Driving by the site on Route 24 reveals that the bridge abutments are mostly completed.

FBH brought this issue to the attention of the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) at their December 17 meeting. MassDOT will look into any miscommunications with our legislators regarding this matter.

Also, it should be noted that capital projects are bonded and not usually affected by operating budget constraints. In this case, the project is part of the Accelerated Bridge Program, which has a special bond-funding source independent of the normal highway financing procedures.

Route 24 Horse Bridge

2009-12-17T20:15:00.003-05:00

We've been informed that the Highway Division will not continue reconstruction of the Route 24 horse bridge, due to budgetary restraints.

We'll let you know if we hear anything more.

House Environmental Committee Hearing on PLPA

2009-12-16T23:23:00.003-05:00

Friends of the Blue Hills submitted written testimony in advance of the Massachusetts House Environmental Committee hearing on H. 3438, the Public Lands Preservation Act (the 'no net-loss' bill). This bill, sponsored by Representative Ruth Balser and Senator James Eldridge, would condition any change of use (sale, easement, etc) of State Constitution Article 97 property (state parkland, including the Blue Hills) on 1) a thorough analysis of alternatives to the change of use and 2) the exchange of replacement property of equal or greater market and resource value.

If this law had been in place in 2002, it is unlikely that the Lantana Land Swap bill would have passed muster.

Friends of the Blue Hills was represented at the Committee hearing on December 15 at the State House and gave oral testimony in support of the bill. Many other organizations appeared and testified in support, including Mass Audubon, the Sierra Club, the Environmental League of Massachusetts and the Nature Conservancy.

The following is FBH's written submission:

December 8, 2009

The Honorable Anthony W. Petruccelli
The Honorable William M. Straus
Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture
State House, Room 473-F
Boston, MA 02133

Re: Public Lands Preservation Act
(H. 3438), An Act to protect the natural resources of the Commonwealth

Dear Chairs Petruccelli and Straus:

Friends of the Blue Hills supports the Public Lands Preservation Act (PLPA, H. 3438) and urges the Committee to report the bill out favorably.

Friends of the Blue Hills is an organization of about one thousand members dedicated to preserving and protecting the Blue Hills Reservation, an Article 97 park containing 125 miles of trails, 7,000 acres of forested hills and wetlands, and a variety of native species located just eight miles from downtown Boston.

H. 3438 would establish a government policy that public land acquired for natural resource purposes (Article 97 land) not be disposed of or converted to other uses without demonstrating that there is no feasible alternative and replacement with comparable natural resource land. The PLPA would stem the loss of parks, playgrounds, conservation land, watershed, and other public natural resource lands.

Friends of the Blue Hills has been fighting against attempts to develop and sell off portions of the Reservation since 1976. Because many of these transfers are drafted without public (or state agency) input, they do not come to light until it is too late for meaningful public participation. A particularly notorious example of this occurred with the passage of Chapter 240, Acts of 2002, entitled “An act directing the Division of Capital Asset Management to convey a certain parcel of land in the Town of Randolph.”

THE LANTANA LAND ‘SWAP’: PAVE PARADISE AND PUT UP A PARKING LOT

No Article 97 transfer has generated as much controversy in recent memory as the ‘swap’ that would allow a restaurant/function hall in Randolph, MA to acquire 3.2 acres of Blue Hills forest in order to build a private parking lot.

In the words of EEA Secretary Ian Bowles (approving the Final Environmental Impact Report on the Lantana Land Swap, April 17, 2009):

The [Lantana land swap] is emblematic of the broader policy considerations posed by increased pressures to convert Article 97 lands to other uses. These development pressures pose a significant threat to the conservation legacy that the Commonwealth has been building over the past several decades.

The following is a brief outline of this unhappy and convoluted episode, which is still playing out.

--On August 10, 2002, the people of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts woke to find that the Governor had signed into law Chapter 240, directing the conveyance of 3.2 acres of undeveloped forest land to the Hart Family Limited Partnership, a private entity that owns the Lantana banquet facility.

--Lantana is located in Randolph, MA, and is separated from the Blue Hills Reservation by High Street, a public street.

--Chapter 240 states that the conveyance is “subject to the conditions that it shall only be used for surface parking, recreation and open space purposes . . .[.]” C. 240, Section 1.

--The only use ever advanced by Lantana is for a paved surface parking facility—a parking lot.

--In exchange, Lantana agreed to convey approximately 3.2 acres of land (the ‘Hart Parcel’) to DCAM, plus such other consideration equal to the difference in fair market value (‘FMV’) between the parcels. Determination of FMV of the DCR Parcel is limited to its use as a parking lot. Ten parking spaces out of approximately 400 (2.5%) are to be reserved for Blue Hills users.

--There is no language in Chapter 240 stating when the transfer shall occur. Chapter 240 exempted the transfer from statutory bidding and property disposal procedures (M.G.L. c. 7, §§40E – 40J) but was silent on environmental review pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30, §61 et seq.

--In October 2007, Lantana filed an Environmental Notification Form (ENF), which was required because the transfer would be a conversion of Article 97 land to a non-Article 97 use, among other reasons.

--On December 3, 2007, Secretary Ian Bowles issued his Certificate on the ENF requiring that Lantana submit an Environmental Impact Report (‘EIR’) demonstrating compliance with the Commonwealth’s Article 97 Land Disposition Policy and demonstrating compliance with the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act, M.G.L. c. 30, §61, et seq. (‘MEPA’), specifically showing that no other alternative with less environmental impact is feasible and demonstrating maximum feasible mitigation of unavoidable environmental impacts.

--On June 20, 2008, after receiving comments from state agencies and numerous other persons and entities, the Secretary issued his Certificate on the Proponent’s Draft EIR (the ‘DEIR’), finding that the DEIR “adequately and properly complies with MEPA.” Lantana was directed to prepare and file a Final EIR (‘FEIR’) containing updated appraisals of the DCR Parcel and the Hart Parcel and which must “thoroughly address” the comments submitted by numerous state agencies. Lantana was also required to show compliance with DCAM’s Article 97 transfer policy.

--Nearly nine months later, on March 2, 2009, Lantana submitted its FEIR.

--On April 17, 2009, Secretary Bowles issued the Certificate on the FEIR, finding that Lantana had complied with MEPA. The transfer of property has not yet occurred, although it is believed that it is moving forward.

Alternatives Analysis

H. 3438 would have made this transfer unlikely because of the many less intrusive alternatives to an outright sale of public parkland.

During the entire MEPA process, the only reason advanced by Lantana to justify the transfer was the safety of its customers. Despite the absence of any evidence of vehicle/pedestrian conflicts, Lantana argued that the safety of its patrons required a new parking lot on public land, and that no alternatives (crosswalk, crossing guards, warning light, pedestrian bridge, etc) were sufficient to protect its customers from the mortal peril of crossing a street. The Secretary was effectively forced to accept the Proponent’s specious argument and ignore the many alternatives that are obviously less damaging to the environment. It is clear that meaningful MEPA review in the context of alternatives analysis was rendered perfunctory and a sham by virtue of the mandatory transfer provisions of Chapter 240.

Replacement with land of comparable natural resource value

H. 3438 would have made this transfer unlikely because the land to be exchanged lacks comparable natural resource value

During the MEPA process, Lantana pledged to provide an additional parcel as part of the exchange, bringing the total acreage pledged by Lantana to 5.2. On its face this seems fair, until you realize that the two Lantana parcels are located in remote, inaccessible areas: alongside the Rte 128/Rte 24 off ramp and adjacent to Blue Hill River/Rte 128, behind a street of private homes. The DCR parcel, on the other hand, contains a decades old trail (the Smith trail) and a mature forest. It is also adjacent to wetlands. Many commentators noted the dramatic disparity in resource value of the parcels during MEPA review.

Real property is not a fungible commodity. Unfortunately, the mandatory language of Chapter 240 required that the Secretary ignore the lack of equivalence and treat the parcels as though they were carloads of grain. H. 3438 could have prevented this.

FRIENDS OF THE BLUE HILLS URGE PASSAGE OF H. 3438

Article 97 of the state constitution protects public land acquired for "natural resource purposes" (e.g., parks, conservation land, watershed), at least in theory. The reality is different. The last legislature authorized transfer or change of use of over 80 parcels of city, town, or state lands "protected" by Article 97. These transfers were frequently to allow the lands to be used as building sites.

H. 3438 declares that the policy of the Commonwealth is that there should be no net loss of lands or easements protected under Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution. The bill establishes a framework to guide legislators' decisions on whether to approve bills that would transfer state or municipally-owned Article 97 lands or easements to a new use, to a different management authority, or from public to private ownership. H. 3438 states that:

· An alternatives analysis should be conducted to demonstrate that there is no feasible alternative.

· For all lands disposed of or changed in use the owner must provide replacement land of comparable acreage, market value, and natural resource value, i.e., no net loss.

The replacement land requirement would be waived where the disposition is of buildings or leads to no significant permanent physical changes to the land.

This bill does not impose onerous or unreasonable preconditions on Article 97 transfers. (See, for example, Article XIV of the New York State Constitution, which requires a constitutional amendment to dispose or change the use of state park land.) This bill would provide important safeguards for lands acquired with taxpayer dollars or donated for natural resource purposes, lands which Friends of the Blue Hills values and are critical to our quality of life.

We urge you to honor the conservation legacy of the Commonwealth as cited by Secretary Bowles. Please report out H. 3438 and recommend its passage.

Very truly yours,

John B. Sheehan
Vice President, Friends of the Blue Hills

Lesson plans for kids and environmental topics

2009-12-14T14:19:00.003-05:00

Interesting offer on lesson plans for children. Spread to word to any teachers you know who may be interested. There are four lesson plans for different ages of children. The information includes: environmental activities, projects and games; facts about waste, recycling, climate change and deforestation; interactive discussion guides on environmental topics; and recommended reading material and additional online resources,
Lesson plans are available at http://www.marcalsmallsteps.com/recycling-lesson-plans.html

Meeting Horses on the Trail

2009-12-08T21:04:00.003-05:00

With so many folks out enjoying the Blue Hills in countless activities on our multi-use trails, I thought it would be worthwhile to post some important safety concerns with our equestrian friends. The following are a few important points from an article written by Andrea Barber and our friends from the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Greenways and Trails Program.

One of the great things about many trails in the Northeast is that they are open to multiple uses. This means that hikers, bikers – and horses – all share and enjoy the trails. However, when these groups mix we must always keep safety mind. On trails where there might be horses, it is important for all users to understand the basic behavior of horses and practice proper trail etiquette when horses and riders are encountered. It's the element of a surprised horse and lack of trail etiquette that put all user groups in danger. Therefore, it is always important to follow these guidelines when encountering a horse and rider on the trail:

Use Line of Sight

If you are approaching a horse and rider traveling in the opposite direction, Stop. A predator would crouch and line up the attack. By stopping, you have taken the first step in distinguishing yourself from a predator.

If you are approaching a horse and rider from the rear direction, announce yourself. Your voice is clearly that of a human and carries with it all the familiar experiences that the horse has had with humans. Your voice will not spook the horse, but if you are silent, the noise of your bike, dog, or running footsteps might simulate a predator's surprise attack from the rear.

Move to the Outer Edge of the Trail

Stand where the horse can see you and can pass you with the greatest amount of clearance. No predator in the world would do this. However, please do not go off the trail into the woods. “Hiding” there quietly is exactly what a predator would do.

Speak

This again distinguishes you as human, familiar and non-threatening. If this seems awkward, a simple, "Hi! Nice day!" will do.

Wait for Instructions

Never assume that every encounter will unfold in the same way. Each horse is at a different point in his training. You might be the first or the one hundredth mountain biker seen by this particular horse. Only the rider (and horse) has a feel for the best way to proceed.

If you have a dog, please, for the safety of your dog, keep it on a leash at all times. Even the most sedate dog will usually get very excited when seeing a horse and fail to listen to the commands of his owner. A dog is no match for a well placed kick from a horse and the results can be deadly for the dog. So, please keep your dog on a leash and enjoy a pleasant and safe walk.

Maybe you’d like to pet the horse. Just ask! Horse owners, not surprisingly, are proud of their animals and the horses usually love admirers. However, again, it depends on the horse and its level of training. So ask first and then wait for instructions from the rider on the appropriate way to approach.

Please instruct your children how to behave when meeting horses on the trail, based on the instructions above. Good instruction from you will teach them how to be safe around horses the rest of their lives. Maybe they will even decide to be future riders themselves.

Thanks for taking the time to learn about horse and trail safety, these simple steps will go a long way to ensuring that we all have a safe and fun time on our multi-use trails.

DCR Stewardship Council Update

2009-12-08T11:34:00.009-05:00

The DCR's Stewardship Council met last Friday at Ponkapoag Golf Course. Please see Pete Jackson's testimony to the committee below. Many thanks go out to Pete for his passion and for advocating on all our behalves.

DCR Stewardship Council

12.4.2009

Pete Jackson Testimony

Good afternoon. Thank you for coming out to visit one of the most important and complex properties under the DCR Stewardship.

The Blue Hills Reservation is important because it protects and incredible variety of priceless environmental resources and provides an unmatched variety of opportunities for outdoor activities in the densest urban population in the Commonwealth. It is complex for the same reasons. From great natural and cultural resource areas like the Quarries and Ponkapoag Bog, opportunities for solitude in an urban region, to the incredible educational resource of the Trailside Museum, to Brookwood Community Farm that provides organic produce to the urban population, to skating rinks and golf courses, the Reservation is critical to the health and wellbeing of the cities of Boston and Quincy and the entire region south of the Charles River

We are heartened by the priority given to preparing a Resource Management Plan for a large potion of the Blue Hills Reservation. It will help identify and sort out many issues and opportunities of this great resource. It is important that upon completion, the plan not be shelved and forgotten as have previous efforts, but that it become a living, working guide to managing the area.

In this light I’d like to identify some of the most important issues both for Blue Hills Reservation and DCR property as a whole from my point of view.

1. Know your property lines. It is important to survey and place bounds around the reservation so you can recover encroachments and protect the resource.

2. Support the Public Lands Protection Act. We have to have a higher standard of protection for Article 97 lands to prevent future giveaways of these precious resources.

3. Become forceful advocates for the protection of these public lands and the resources necessary to manage them.

4. Support and advocate for the Trailside Museum. It is a stepchild to both MA Audubon and DCR fighting every year for resources when it should be a model to be replicated throughout the DCR system.

5. Actively welcome public input and participation. Establish a permanent Citizen Advisory Committee representing a broad cross section of interests in the Reservation. Don’t look on their participation as a burden but as an opportunity.

As a public lands professional and advocate, I’m scared to death of today’s news of layoffs at DEP and the budget challenges DCR is facing. The administration, in consolidating the energy and environmental secretariats, has given short shrift to the land protection aspects of its mission. We have to use all our tools to protect what we can today and hope for a better tomorrow.

I also want to comment on your hardworking and professional staff at the Blue Hills. They are important to us and we need to keep them around.

Thank You

Looks like Winter has Arrived

2009-12-06T12:41:00.013-05:00

Well it may only be a few inches of the white stuff however it's a reminder to dust the winter gear off and get out and play. Whether it's skiing, snowshoeing, hiking or sledding with the kids, we need to remember that we have quite the playground right in our own back yards. Check back frequently here on the blog and on the Friends website for the latest outdoor activities close to home.

Brookwood Farm Barn

2009-12-04T09:21:00.009-05:00

The Patriot Ledger has posted some great photos of North Bennett Street students working on rebuilding the Brookwood Farm barn. Click here to check out the photos and electronic version of the below article. (Photo: students cutting the 'cogs' that the floor joists will lay into.)

Students rebuilding 18th century barn
use hand power, not horsepower
The Patriot Ledger, Posted Dec 03, 2009

CANTON - Students from North Bennett Street School in Boston are using their hands and heads – no power tools allowed – to rebuild an 18th-century barn at the Brookwood Farm in Canton. Students in the school’s preservation carpentry class are using tools and technology from that era to rebuild the post-and-beam barn. The work includes shaping logs into beams by hand and using a hammer and a chisel to fashion wooden joints. Holes are drilled using hand-powered augers.

The students are learning how to restore and preserve architecturally and historically significant buildings.

Former insurance executive Henry Saltonstall Howe gave the 70-acre property to the state in 1976 but continued living at Brookwood Farm until his death in 1994. The state Department of Conservation and Recreation uses the farm for education programs, including the annual Maple Sugar Days.

Upcoming Hikes

2009-11-20T09:51:00.001-05:00

Sunday, Dec. 6, 10:00 am - Chickatawbut Section Hike
FBH joint hike with AMC. 7 mile hike in the wildest and most remote area of the Blue Hills. 5.5 hours. Meet at Shea Ice Rink. Leader: Steve Olanoff, 781-326-6585.

Saturday, Dec. 12, 10:00 am - Little Blue Hill Nature Walk
FBH joint hike with AMC. 3 mile hike in the least-known section of the Blue Hills to look for signs of birds and animals in winter. 2 hours. Meet at rear of Park-&-Ride lot on Rte. 138. Leader: Steve Olanoff, 781-326-6585.

Sunday, Jan. 10, 10:00 am - Ponkapoag Pond Hike
FBH joint hike with AMC. X-C ski or hike if no snow 6 miles around pond. 5 hours. Meet at Ponkapoag Golf Course. Leader: Steve Olanoff, 781-326-6585.

Houghton Re-route

2009-11-18T22:27:00.004-05:00

Don't panic when you see the construction at Houghton's Pond. You can still enjoy the walking paths, you'll just have to take a few detours. Click here to see a map of the re-routes.

Check out our past post for details on the construction project.

Yellow-rumped warbler

2009-11-18T09:15:00.003-05:00

If you'd like to see some photos of a yellow-rumped warbler in the Blue Hills, check out this webpage.

And let us know what else you see!

Temporary Brookwood Barn

2009-11-16T10:31:00.002-05:00

For the last couple of weeks, North Bennet School students have been re-building a model of the English 18th century barn that was originally on the site. The students are practicing replicating the original two-bay building with wide pine vertical siding, shake roof and dry-laid field stone foundation. North Bennet’s Steven O’Shaughnessy said the students have already milled thousands of board feet of pine and oak sheathing and hand hewed white oak sills and joists.

According to DCR staff, North Bennet School was given a permit to build this temporary barn as a training opportunity for students, but the barn will be dismantled when it is completed. DCR is still consulting with state agencies and community groups to determine whether to re-build the barn as it was in the 18th century, or whether to rebuild it the with additions that were added later in the 19th century.

Updated Blue Hills Maps

2009-11-10T07:36:00.001-05:00

The DCR Blue Hills Reservation, in cooperation with the Trailside Museum Charitable Trust, is proud to present our newly revised trail map and guide. This map and guide printed September 2009 contains the latest official DCR trail and park information.

Please note, there are a few changes since the last printing in August 2008, including:

Added red dot color-coded trail loop from Houghton’s Pond to Buck Hill
Added yellow dot color-coded trail loop off West Street in Braintree
Minor reroute of Skyline Trail around a wet area near Wildcat Notch to reduce trail erosion
Removal of green dot loop color coding at Little Blue Hill

DCR strongly encourages all park visitors to upgrade to the new mapfor the latest trail improvements and official park information.

The new trail maps are for sale for $2 each at the DCR Blue Hills Reservation headquarters at 695 Hillside Street in Milton and at the Blue Hills Trailside Museum at 1904 Canton Avenue in Milton. Please contact Ranger Maggi Brown at 617-698-1802, ext. 213, if you have any questions or would like a complete list of 2009 edits.

In addition a free DCR Blue Hills Reservation profile brochure is also available, with general information about facilities and features within the reservation. The free Blue Hills profile brochure does not include a trail map but does show a locator map to key parking areas and other features in the park.

For additional DCR info please visit www.mass.gov/dcr

Hike Suggestions

2009-11-09T22:03:00.002-05:00

In the Patriot Ledger, Wayne Westcott recommends the Blue Hills as a great place for hiking:

If you prefer a more challenging terrain without paved pathways, then I suggest a trip to the Blue Hills Reservation. You will find numerous trails for all levels of physical ability, carefully marked for beginning, intermediate and advanced hikers. The trails are dirt and rock, with an abundance of small to large obstacles on the tougher trails, which require attention to foot placement and a fair degree of fitness for successful navigation.

For the full article, click here. For other hike suggestions, visit our recommended hike page.

Houghton's Pond Construction

2009-11-09T17:18:00.003-05:00

There's quite a bit of activity at Houghton's Pond, including some rerouting and detours around the pond. While the visitor center and restrooms are still open, the DCR has hired a contractor for $748,000 to upgrade the sewer system to the Houghton's Pond bath house.

Here's the details of the project:

The work to be done under this contract consists of the installation of a new sanitary sewer system for DCR’s Houghton’s Pond Bathhouse in Blue Hills Reservation, Milton, MA.

The work includes closure and disposal of existing subsurface sewage systems; supply and installation of a six inch diameter force main and a two inch diameter force main and sanitary sewer connections; supply and installation of a sewage ejection pump and chamber, supply and installation of electrical and other utilities.

The Contractor will carry out the work with two separate and complete installation crews. One crew will commence work at the end of the new 6” diameter force main on Hillside Street. The other crew shall commence work at the Bathhouse end of the new 6” diameter force main.

An existing 2 inch diameter sewer is located on Hillside Street. It conveys sewage from DCR’s Blue Hills Reservation offices and also from the State Police barracks. To maintain sewer service, the Contractor will lay by-pass piping and replace the 2 inch sewer. The new force main and new 2 inch sewer will be laid in the same trench.

To ensure that all work is completed before the beach season at Houghton’s Pond, the contractor will complete all the work by May 21, 2010.

Slower Winds for Wind Turbines

2009-11-04T07:10:00.004-05:00

According to an article in the Patriot Ledger, the Blue Hill Observatory has documented that the average annual wind speed on Great Blue Hill has decreased 10% over the last three decades. The Observatory's Charles Orloff noted that this reflects a nationwide trend.

Not so promising for wind turbine projects, like the one proposed in Milton near the Granite Links Golf Club. Click here to view the full story.

Budget Cuts Breakdown

2009-11-02T06:52:00.003-05:00

For a breakdown of all the budget cuts to state agencies that relate to the environment, visit this website.

Rep Ayers Scores High w/ Audubon

2009-11-01T18:10:00.002-05:00

Since 1985, the Mass Audubon has issued the annual legislative report card to inform citizens of how their legislators are doing when it comes to protecting the environment.

Representative Bruce Ayers has scored above average with a cumulative grade of 96%. This score is based on Yes votes on key issues, including HB 5018 that promotes green job creations and clean energy technology through a new Massachusetts Alternative and Clean Energy Investment Trust Fund.

Sen Joyce Receives 'A' Award

2009-10-30T11:39:00.004-04:00

Senator Brian A. Joyce received Mass Audubon’s ‘A’ Award at the organization’s 113annual meeting on Thursday, October 29. The award is given annually to an individual or organization that has furthered the cause of conservation and environmental protection or broadened public awareness to nature. Since 2000, Joyce, a long-time champion of environmental initiatives, has received 9 straight ‘A’ grades from Mass Audubon for his pro-environmental legislative record.

Senator Joyce has been instrumental in preserving and protecting open space in the City of Boston and throughout Norfolk, Bristol and Plymouth counties. Among the areas Joyce has worked to preserve and protect are Hellenic Hill at Jamaica Pond in Boston, along the Neponset River in Dorchester, Milton, and Mattapan, in the Hockomock Swamp region in Easton, Rattlesnake Hill in Sharon, and at Borderland State Park. He has been a fierce advocate for the 7,000 acre Blue Hills Reservation, and has helped add acreage to the Reservation during his time as a state senator. In 2002, Joyce secured legislation establishing a trust for the Blue Hills Reservation, which is overseen by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. This trust effectively ensures that all non-tax revenues generated by use of the Reservation be directed to improvements and maintenance of the Reservation, rather than to the State’s General Fund.

In addition to securing funding and assisting with land acquisitions, Senator Joyce has long been a champion of the Blue Hills Trailside Museum that is operated by Mass Audubon. The Trailside Museum provides an invaluable and unique opportunity for schoolchildren to learn about their natural environment and the various species with which they share that environment. Earlier this year, on the 50^th Anniversary of the Trailside Museum, Senator Joyce passed legislation naming the Chickatawbut Hill Education Center in the Blue Hills after long-time director and environmental advocate Norman Smith.

Senator Joyce is the only recipient of the award this year. Past winners include the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program: The BioMap Project, the Organization for the Assabet River, David Sibley, Alan French, and U.S. Senator John Kerry.

“I am delighted to receive this award from Mass Audubon, and wholeheartedly support their mission of protecting nature and providing environmental education and awareness for the citizens of Massachusetts,” said Senator Joyce.

“Senator Joyce has a well-deserved reputation for working hard on behalf of the communities he represents and the people he serves. And we are so fortunate that he has made the Blue Hills Trailside Museum a priority for many years now,” said Mass Audubon President Laura Johnson.

Trail Volunteer in the News

2009-10-30T11:26:00.004-04:00

Check out Sue Scheible's interview with with one of FBH star volunteers, Eddie DeSantis. (Eddie is on the far right in the photo.)

DCR Budget Cuts

2009-10-30T07:00:00.002-04:00

The Environmental League of Massachusetts informed us of the following cuts in the state budget. Note the large cut to DCR funding and staff.

Governor Patrick today announced $352 million in cuts to the state's current FY '10 budget in response to revenue shortfalls since the beginning of the fiscal year in July.

On a conference call this morning, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) Secretary Ian Bowles and his staff detailed the cuts to environmental agencies and programs.

Overall EOEEA's budget of $175 million is being cut by $9.3 million
(5.3%).

Breakdowns for DEP and DCR are as follows:

Dept. of Environmental Protection-$2.7 million cut out of $53.4 million (5%)-primary accounts affected are DEP's administrative line-item ($1.7 million), Clean Air Act enforcement ($300,000) and wetlands retained revenue ($640,000). DEP is down 80 positions from FY '09.

Dept. of Conservation and Recreation-$4.3 million cut out of $82.7 million (5.2%)-primary accounts affected are state parks and recreation ($1.6 million) DCR's administrative account ($600,000), stormwater account ($600,000-they hope to make up for this using capital dollars), Office of Dam Safety ($400,000-again, hope to make up for this by using capital dollars). DCR is down 172 positions since FY '09.

EOEEA is in the process of figuring out what the cuts will mean in terms of program reductions or eliminations. They are considering consolidations, privatization of certain programs, shifting some responsibilities to municipalities, etc.

PR & Membership

2009-10-29T12:19:00.005-04:00

Interested in helping out? Check out the first meetings of the newly formed Membership and PR Committees:

Membership Committee
Monday, November 9, 7:00 PM
Morrill Memorial Library, Norwood

Public Relations Committee
Monday, November 16, 7:00 PM
Morrill Memorial Library, Norwood

RSVP to doug@friendsofthebluehills.org. We have productive, practical, and enjoyable work plans for these new committees.

Below you will find complete information regarding both thses new committees. Please read it over to see if one of these opportunities matches your interests.

Membership Committee: Mission & Organization

The mission of the Membership Committee of the Friends of the Blue Hills is numerical growth of the organization. This is accomplished by a coordinated action plan of outreach to new members, and retention of current members. Specific tasks vital to accomplishing this mission are the development and maintenance of a membership prospect list, the regular outreach to that list by a variety of best practices, involving new members in the life of FBH, regularly communicating with current members via email, telephone, and the printed word, and personal contact with every new member when they join, and every departing member when they lapse.

The chair of the Membership Committee shall be appointed by the president from among FBH members in good standing. The chair of the Membership Committee, with the counsel of the executive director, shall appoint as many members of the committee as are deemed necessary to successfully accomplish the annual plan of work. The chair of the Membership Committee, or his/her representative, shall make regular progress reports to the Trustees, at least at every regular meeting of the Trustees, and at such other times as may be requested by any officer.

Membership Committee: Tasks

The basic duties of any effective membership committee include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Develop a prospect list
• Enroll new members from that list
• Create and execute a plan to involve new members in organization events and programs, including enrolling others as new members
• Make personal contacts with members via email, telephone, and written communications• Welcome new members
• Bid farewell to lapsing members
• Make regular reports to the Trustees

Public Relations Committee: Mission & Organization

The mission of the Public Relations Committee of the Friends of the Blue Hills is to build the public image of the organization, and to communicate regularly with FBH members via the printed word and through various electronic media. This is accomplished by a coordinated action plan of outreach to media professionals, and the recruitment of, and delegation of tasks to, a dependable cadre of volunteer media specialists. Specific tasks vital to accomplishing this mission are developing and maintaining a media contact list and an organized program of outreach to that list; regularly communicating with FBH members; issuing press releases and position statements in support of the Advocacy Committee; and creating renewal and recruitment materials in support of the Membership Committee.

The chair of the Public Relations Committee shall be appointed by the president from among FBH members in good standing. The chair of the Public Relations Committee, with the counsel of the executive director, shall appoint as many members of the committee as are deemed necessary to successfully accomplish the annual plan of work. The chair of the Public Relations Committee, or his/her representative, shall make regular progress reports to the Trustees, at least at every regular meeting of the Trustees, and at such other times as may be requested by any officer.

Public Relations Committee: Tasks

The basic duties of any effective public relations committee include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Develop and maintain a media contact list
• Target key media from that list for personal visits/editorial board meetings
• Build the FBH image by publicizing FBH events and programs, especially as they pertain to volunteer involvement, invasives control, etc.
• Create and publish at least four, preferably six, newsletters per fiscal year• Edit and enrich the FBH website
• Regularly contribute to the FBH blog
• Develop and implement other electronic means of communication when practical
• Assist the Advocacy Committee as requested
• Assist the Membership Committee as requested
• Make regular reports to the Trustees

Tree Surveys

2009-10-29T09:00:00.004-04:00

Tree Surveys: Volunteers Needed!

Volunteers are needed for the upcoming Mass. Dept. of Agricultural Resources Asian Longhorned Beetle tree surveys in Boston and Springfield. These are both street tree surveys. There will be a brief training session before the survey starts, and all the supplies you need will be provided, including binoculars (or bring them if you have them). You should bring comfortable walking shoes and drinking water.

Survey schedule:
Springfield - Monday, Nov. 9th, 12pm-1:30pmMeet at Mom and Rico’s, 899 Main St. , Springfield , MACo-sponsored by the Springfield Dept. of Parks & Recreation. Download a flyer for the event here.

Boston - Saturday, Nov. 14th, 9am-11am (Rain date Sunday, Nov. 15th)Meet at the intersection of Commonwealth Ave. Mall and Arlington St. (look for folks wearing ALB buttons) Download a flyer for the event here.

To register for either event, contact Jennifer at 617-626-1735 or email jennifer.forman-orth AT state.ma.us.

Volunteer this Saturday

2009-10-28T14:32:00.003-04:00

Can you lend a hand this Saturday, October 31st?

Choose either the morning or afternoon to pick up plant pots from the purple loosestrife wetland treatment sites. Please volunteer for either or both work sessions:

9:30-11:30AM: Meet: Meadow Rd, Hyde Park
Look for the other Volunteers' cars lined up, mid-way down the road, along the shoulder closest to the wetland (as opposed to woods or homes) and park by them. Take care to avoid traffic, which includes large trucks and taxis and cuts close
to the shoulder.
12:30-2:30PM: Meet: Brookwood Farm, 1 Blue Hill River Rd, Canton

Please wear clothes that you're willing to muck-up, including long pants, long sleeves, and relatively high waterproof boots, and bring a snack and drinking water.

DCR Forestry Assistant Alexandra Echandi ("Ale" for short) will lead the activity; please RSVP to Ale at alexandra.echandi@state.ma.us, 617-727-4573 ext 219, or 617-981-0817 cell.

Report Mile-a-Minute

2009-10-27T11:46:00.003-04:00

The mile-a-minute vine, a fast-growing plant that was first found in Massachusetts in 2006 in Fowl Meadow in the Blue Hills, has been spreading. It is now been spotted in the Blue Hills (Canton and Milton), South Boston, Falmouth, Ervin, Greenfield, Middleborough/Bridgewater and possibly in Littleton. If you see this plant, please report it by visiting http://massnrc.org/pests (click “Report MAM”) or call the MDAR Plant Pest Hotline at 617-626-1779.

To learn how to identify this invasive, check out this flyer or visit this site.