Loading...
General Conservation and Recreation Plan 1982BACKGROUND INFORMATION CONCERNING THE NORTHAMPTON AREA* Location Northampton is located to the west of the Connecticut River in Hampshire County, Massachusetts With a total land area of 34.6 square miles, it is bordered by Fa sthampton to the south, Westhampton to the west, and Williamsburg and Hatfield to the northeast. Northampton is 18 miles f ram Springfield and 93 miles f ram the metropoli- tan center of Boston. The City s regional area of influence spans the Connecti- cut River Valley from the Berkshire hills on the west to the Worcester County plateau to the east. Because of this location, Northampton has developed a dual role as the urban center for its local area of influence and an important satel- lite city within its re:gional area of influence. Topography Northampton is bounded by the Mt. Tam and East Mbuntain ranges which extend generally in a north-south direction west of the Connecticut River, and the Holy- oke range which runs east-west between the Mt. Tam range and the Worcester plateau. In ef f ect, these physical characteristics of the land serve to restrain the expan- s ion northerly of the Springfield-Chicopee-Holyoke metropolitan area. The elevation cf the City ranges from 99.0 feet m.s .1. in the flood plains in the east to about 800 feet m.s .1. along the western edge. The area along the Connecticut River in the east and south is fairly level and therefor, subject to frequent flooding. Water Resources Water resources such as ponds, lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams total approximately 826 acres, or about 3% of Northampton' s area. Some of the more significant resources include the 25-acre Roberts Meadow Reservoir in the northwest portion of the City, the 40-acre Fitzgerald Lake in the northeast, and two ponds totaling 45 acres located in the Northampton Meadows area. At one time, the Connecticut River and the Mill River were vital economic and transportation resources for the City. Today they serve an equally important role as conservation and recreation areas and enhance the natural beauty and charm of Northampton. Due to the advanced age of the Connecticut River its elevation and course have been changed by layers of silt deposited over centuries. The f amous ox-bow in the southeast area of the City is a result of the meander process The flood plains of the Mill and Connecticut Rivers are considered as unsuitable for struc- tural development, but may provide certain conditions attractive to specif ic con- servation and recreation purposes, as well as f or farming. Taken directly from the Northampton, Massachusetts Open Space Conservation Recreation Plan 1980 unless indicated by at the beginning and end of an amended portion. Soils Knowledge of soil characteristics is critical in making ccarrnanity planning decisions. An understanding of soil properties can aid individuals and the town in making wise land use and natural resource decisions. The USDA Soil and Conservation Service has prepared a detailed soils report for the City of Northampton. In "Soils and Their interpretations for Various Land Uses soils are grouped in general soil areas. These groupings, which occur in similar patterns throughout the area, are composed of dominant soils along with several others of lesser extent. With this information, it is possible to ascertain opportunities and constraints for various activities. Factor maps developed from the 1" 1,000' soils /topography base map have been developed to aid public decision snaking. (1) Ridgeberry- Limerick- Raynham These are poorly drained mineral soils which occur in nearly level and gently sloping drainage channels and depressions throughout the City. Most of this general soil area has slight limitations for commercial, industrial, residential and farming uses because of extreme wetness. Fifteeen percent of the area was surveyed. (2) Hollis Charlton- Gloucester These are well drained, extremely rocky, shal- low to bedrock soils, and well drained extremely stony soils without hard- pan. They occur on gently to steeply sloping hills and ridges in the north- eastern and western areas of the City. The area has severe limitations for most uses because of the shallow depth to bedrock. Twenty -five percent of the area was surveyed. (3) Paxton-Woodbridge-Belgrade Association Extremely stony, well drained and moderately well drained soils underlain by hardpan; and moderately well drained silty soils. This association is distributed throughout the City on gently to moderately sloping hills and ridges. This area has slight limitations for woodland and recreation use. It has severe limitations for commercial, industrial and wetland wildlife uses, and most of it has severe limitations for residential and farming uses. Twenty -seven percent of the area was surveyed. (4) Hinckly- Sudbury Association Excessively drained and moderately well drained sandy and gravelly soils. This soil area occurs on nearly level to moderately sloping terraces and are located in a narrow band that extends from the northeast to the southwest part of the City. Most of this area has slight to moderate limitations for ca mnercial, industrial, resi- dential, recreational and farming uses; moderate limitation for woodland; and severe limitations for wetland wildlife. Seventeen percent of the area was surveyed. (5) Hadley Winooski Association Well drained and moderately well drained, silty soils and moderately well drained sandy soils. This soils area is generally found on nearly level flood plains adjacent to the Connec- ticut River, with smaller areas located along the Mill River. Most of this area has slight limitations for farming and woodland; severe limi- tations for commercial, industrial and residential uses due to flooding and moderate limitations for recreation. Sixteen percent of the area was surveyed. Where soils are classified unsuitable for deyelopment, there may be certain conditions attractive to specific conservation and passive recrea- tion purposes. Although knowledge of soil conditions can greatly aid plan- ning for recreation and open space acquisition and management, soil factors alone are incapable of guiding decision making.. This important planning tool is available and is utilized as a common element in resource related decision making in the City. Wildlife The abundance of wildlife food and the diversity of habitats allows birds and small animals to flourish in Northampton. Herds of deer thrive in the wood- land border areas and wooded swamps. They graze in fields involved in secondary growth and utilize the wooded areas for protection. Game birds, such as pheasants, native grouse and woodcock may also be found in these areas, along with racoons, muskrats, mink and fox which inhabit the various wetland areas within the City. There has been a substantial increase in the otter, opposum and beaver popula- tions of Northampton in the past few years. In 1979 there were over 2,000 beaver pelts taken, the most seen in many years. Also, there has been an established turkey population which has grown to 2,000 this year. Over 200 different species of birds were reported around Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary last year, including the Bald Eagle, Redtail Hawk, and Screech Owl. The various lakes, streams and rivers in the City provide environments for a wide variety of fish, such as trout, salmon, black bass, pickerel, northern pike, shad and walleye. The Connecticut River and its associated Ox -Bow area are espec- ially significant aquatic habitats. Roberts Meadow Brook, upstream from the Res- ervoir of the same name, is listed as one of the Commonwealth's Scenic Rivers. Vegetation Vegetative cover defines the value of land, its aesthetic quality, its value for wildlife and its potential for other uses. According to a 1972 aerial photgraphic study directed by William MacConnell of the University of Massachusetts, 12,271 acres, or 54% of Northampton is forest land. Mature hardwoods dominate the, City's woodland, followed by larger hardwoods and small mixed woods. There is also a community of conifers. Agriculture and open land comprised 4,742 acres in 1972, and wetlands totaled 990 acres. There has been a definite overall decrease in vegetated lands since 1952, while the number of acres committed to urban land has nearly doubled. The increased demand for fuelwood may greatly accelerate the loss of hardwood lumber stock without proper management. Climate Northampton has a pleasant climate which permits a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities year round. The average temperature in January is 23.8 F. and in July is 71.4 F. Annual precipitation averages 40. inches. The Berkshire Mountains shield Northampton from the full force of the westerly winds. In the summer, there is a variation in temperature between the flood plains and City center in the east and the Berkshire foothills to the west. However, Ives (Amherst College Study 15 /May 1979) found that "...winters are definitely shorter than they were a century ago, and the growing season'is faster and possibly longer... P.T. Ives, "The Changing Climate of the Connecticut River Valley" (Thesis, Amherst College, 5/79), abstracted in: proceedings of the second Annual Research Conference on. the Connecticut River flood plain 9 /June 1979 p. 3. .Webster Center for Biolo- gical Science, Amherst College, Amherst, Mass. Population Areas of Influence The present population of Northampton is approximately 30,000 with a popu- lation density of about 870 people per square mile. Northampton's total population statistics are significantly affected by five major institutions located in Northampton. These are Smith College, North- ampton State Hospital, the Veterans Administration Hospital, Clarke School for the Deaf, and the Hampshire County Sanitorium,,. They have housed approximately one fifth of the total City population over the past 20 years. The change in the resident and institutional population from 1950 -1970 is shown in Table 5. Year TABLE 5. RESIDENT AND INSTITUTIONAL POPULATION CHANGE, 1950 to 1970 Resident Population Institutional Population Number Change Number Change 1950 23,386 5,677 1955 23,546 +160 5,805 +128 1960 24,106 +560 5,952 +147 1965 (1) 24,412 +306 6,045 93 1970 24,145 -267 5,519 -526 *1980 29,128 +4983 3,947 -1572* Sources: U.S. Census Massachusetts Decennial. Census Northampton Junior and Smith Colleges Northampton State and Veteran's Administrative Hospitals Hampshire County Sanitoritun Source: 1972 Comprehensive Plan The sharp decrease was due to two factors one, Northampton Junior College closed in 1973 and two, the trend toward deinstitutionalization at North- ampton State Hospital.* Land Use Patterns The terrain of Northampton ranges from the moderately steep Berkshire hills of the west to the flat flood plains of the Mill and Connecticut Rivers in the central and eastern portion of the City. Major development to date has occurred in the middle section of the community below the steepest part of the Berkshires and, for the most part, above the flood plain of the Connecticut River. Overall, about 16,000 acres of the almost 23,000 acres of Northampton lands are undeveloped. The pattern of development, historically and at the present time, seems to reflect the strong influence of topography and hydrologic conditions. To the west, slopes are steep enough and soils thin enough that development does not occur. Difficulty of the terrain coupled with the uncertainties of onsite waste water disposal through septic systems has effectively restricted most forms of urban land uses; extension of sewer lines into this area in the future can be expected to stimulate significant amounts of new development. Thus, the dominant characteristic of the western portion of the City is.one of forested slopes interspersed with small streams and pockets of wetlands. The Connecticut River flood plain has historically been relatively undev- eloped, being used primarily for agriculture. During the last two or three decades the agricultural economy of Massachusetts has declined, resulting in abandonment of some• of the less economically viable farms from production, both on and off the flood plain. Over the past 20 -plus years, there has been urban land use development within the City, mostly in open and unused areas that were contained in the his- torically developed midsection of the City. Today there is little remaining land available for future development in the midst of the urbanized areas or immediately adjacent to them. The existing land use pattern is characterized by contrasting urban and rural patterns. The urban pattern is located north of the Mill River, running westerly from downtown to Florence and Bay State villages. The rural pattern is found along various roadways outside the urban areas and consists primarily of single- family residence and farmland. Only in Leeds village and the Burts Pit Road and Ryan Road areas is this rural pattern broken by intensive sub- urban development. Large tracts of public and quasi-public land, incliiM ng the Northampton State Hospital, Smith College, Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, Smith Agricultural School, Look Park, Northampton Reservoir watershed lands and the Veterand Ad- ministration Hospital have also contributed to the confinement of the urban development pattern. The potential surplusing of the State Hospital tract is currently an important land -use issue in Northampton. A comparison of land use types and their respective acreages is shown below, which indicates land use changes between 1952 and 1972, as interpreted from aerial photographs by William P. MacConnell of the University of Massa- chusetts, Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management. One of the major factors which has produced relative stability in Northampton's land use situ- ation over the past two and a half decades has been its slow population growth (see following Table). This slow growth trend for Northampton is expected to continue. 1840 1850 1860 1870 1880 1890 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 *1980 Source: U.S. Census LAND USE CHANCES IN NORTHAMPTON 1952 -1972 Acres Land Use 1952 1972 Forest Land 12,552 12,271 Agriculture or open land 6,595 4,742 Wetland 1,121 990 Mining, waste disposal* 226 Urban land 2,381 4,044 Outdoor recreation* 376 Grand Total 22,649 22,649 Differences in tabulation are due to the fact that these types were classed as open land in the 1952 aerial photo interpretation. Source: MacConnell (1973) POPULATION AND PERCENT C[NG FOR .NORTHAMpTON, 1840 -1970 Year Population Percent Change 3,750 5,278 6,788 10,160 12,172 14,990 18,643 19,431 21,956 24,381 24,794 29,063 30,058 29,664 33,075 +40.7 +28.6 +49.7 +19.8 +23.2 +24.4 4.2 +13.0 +11.0 1.7 +17.2 3.4 1.3 +11.5* 1, Water Simply Northampton's water supply comes from the Mountain Street Reservoir in Williamsburg and the West Whately Reservoir in Williamsburg, as well as the Roberts Meadow Reservoir (in Northampton). The Roberts Meadow area in the northwestern section of the City includes City -owned watersheds and the Roberts Meadow Reservoir (Leeds Reservoir). This reservoir serves as a stand -by or backup supply for the existing system. There are two wells in the system, one located on Clark Avenue and the other on Ice House Road. Sewage Disposal Northampton's waste water treatment plant, 16 ated on Hockanum Road, is a City -owned facility managed by the Board of Public Works. Constructed in 1957- 8, it provides only primary treatment of waste wat r at this time. However, through State and federal funding, this facility i presently being upgraded to provide secondary treatment and it is estimated thht at the time of completion, 85 -90% of all Northampton households will be City sewered, and a population of approximately 25,000 residents will be served. The City's sewer system is in the midst of a major (26 million dollar), renovation and expansion. The facility will provide secondary treatment and therefore, improve water quality in the Connecticut River. The installation of community sewers in Williamsburg has resulted in the dramatic improvement of water quality in the Mill River. k or the most part, the replacement of existing sewer lines and the slight expansion of sewered areas is not expected to induce additional urbanization. Unfortunately, the 201 facility planning behind the present expansion did not incorporate open space and recreation planning objectives. The easements taken for sewer line construction did not incorporate provisions for open space use by the public. It is hoped, however, that the de -facto open space corridors created by the well-graded paths of the sewer easements will provide informal opportunities for open space enjoyment. Transportation Networks Local Street System Travel Patterns. An analysis of origin and destination data collected in the 1965 Springfield Urbanized Area Comprehensive Transportation Study indicates that there are four major traffic generators in the City. As major generators in the City, a high proportion of trips taken within the City, either begin or end'in these areas. They are: 1. The Central Business District, including adjacent residential areas. 2. The King Street and North King Street area. 3. The Florence -Bay State area. 4. The Route 1 -91 interchanges, particularly those providing access to and from the south. 5. The Ryan Road area. In the future the above areas are expected to continue as major traffic gen- erators. Because of the industrial park development and more intensive commercial development, the King Street and North King Street area should increase in impor- tance as a generator. In some cases where significantly high frequency of travel occurs between these major generators and other areas within and outside the City, there is an inability of the existing street system to adequately serve travel desires. De- ficiencies in the pattern and location of existing streets cause undue losses in travel time, congestion, and safety hazards. The travel patterns in the City which are not adequately served by the existing street systems are: 1 Between the Ryan Road area and a. the CBD b. King Street -North King Street c. Route I -91 south d. Hadley and Amherst 2. Between the Bay State Florence area and a. King Street North King Street b. Hadley and Amherst 3. Between the CBD and a. Williamsburg b. Leeds c. Bay State Florence area 4. Between King Street and North King Street and northbound traffic exiting from Route 1 -91 Reference: Comprehensive Plan Summary, 1972 Major transportation routes servicing the Northampton area include: ROUTE IMMEDIATE CONNECTING'TOWNS/ROUTES 1 91 Greenfield Holyoke Route 9 Hadley Williamsburg Route 5 Greenfield- Holyoke Route 10 Greenfield- Easthamptonn Route 66 Northampton -Route 112 Mass Transportation The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority services the City of Northampton with bus stops along Route 9 from.Northamp g e rence and Leeds. Service between Easthampton and Northampton exists along the of PVTA service to the King Street Rt. 10 and Rt. 5 corridors. Future expansion o 1 and Ryan Road areas are currently being contemplated. PVTA service to Springfield and other points exists, and serves a consider able number of passengers *in addition to the Five College Student passengers in the Northampton /Amherst area *L The Boston and Maine railroad corridor is the route of the AMTRAK "Montrealer and a daily stop exists in Northampton. The creation of a "Park and Ride" facility on Damon Road, next to the Rt. 9 Calvin Coolidge Bridge is in the planning states. It is hoped that such fac- ility, if built, would enhance the use of...Elwell Island...by providing off-peak opportunities for parking. Although no bikeway system currently exists in the City, the Look Park Bikeway Connector is awaiting award of construction monies from MDPW under possible*). UniquePi Bikeways Program. Linkage with the Five College Bikeway system (*may refer to the "Five College Bikeway Master Plan" by LPVRPC, issued in August, 1980.* PUBLIC LAND USAGE NEEDS ASSESSMENT *Formal needs assessment has been completed regarding the recreational use of the conservation lands.* The methodology and results are presented in full. A general narrative of how some of these needs are being addressed today is also included. Next, is a review of the usage and needs involved with silviculture. Finally there will be a short section on other uses and needs such as scholorship and wildlife sanctuaries. By Northampton Open Space Conservation and Recreation plan creators. RECREATION The following sections (recreation, methodology, and questionnaire) are abstracted verbatum from the Northampton Open Space Conservation and Recrea- tion Plan of 1980. Recreation Survey Objective: To ascertain public attitudes and use patterns of recreation facilities and conservation lands in the City in order to set planning prior- ities. Methodology (1) Develop survey with input from the Steering Committee and UMass professors. (2) Compile statistically accurate random sample group utilizing plus one method in City Directory. (3) Training meeting with volunteer interviewer group. (4) Telephone calls. (5) Compile results. (6) Distribute results widely for input and comment. Questionnaire These are the results of a telephone survey administered by volunteers from the League of Warren Voters and the University of Massachusetts to 100 randomly selected Northampton households. 1. Would you begin by naming any recreational programs that you feel need better or additional facilities in Northampton? Frequency of Response Suggestions 40% 20% 11% 8% 0 6% 0 5% 0 3% 0 3% 0 Additional Suggestions No ideas Skating rink Swimming facilities Bike paths Tennis facilities Raquetball courts Jogging /running paths Indoor basketball courts X- country ski trails Warren's leagues basketball and volleyball More use of Smith College theater and tennis facilities Public transportation or carpools to recreation or team sports Tours of historical areas Hockey and soccer programs Additional swings and benches in parks More indoor recreation such as squash and gymnastics Downtown common Public beach 2. What improvements or maintenance suggestions would you recommend for any of Northampton's existing parks or recreation facilities? Existing Facility Childs Park Bridge Street Jackson Street School Academy of Music Farmers' Market Pulaski Park Kearny Field Look Park Ballfield General Problems Litter Loose dogs Public transportation to sites Better accessibility for handicapped Better security 62% no response Improvement better lighting bleachers, parking fix basketball nets less concrete better facilities better security and more trees need fences 3A. What neighborhood of Northampton, in particular, do you think lacks recreation facilities? Specify by street location, if possible. Neighborhood Leeds School Riverside Drive Bridge Road St. Michaels School Leeds Reservoir Forbes Avenue Damon Road Route 66 area Downtown Monotuch Drive Mill River bed 4. Many communities sponsor special community events. Which of the following events would you like to see Northampton sponsor? I'll read brief list and you can respond YES, NO or I DON'T KNOW to any or all of these activities. 1. tournament sports 2. arts crafts festivals 3. concerts 4. road races 5. holiday events 6. drama productithns 7. nature outings 8. historical programs 9. any others bike races folk dances snow festival picnics block parties international dinners 1. toddlers (under 5 years old) 2. children 5 -12 years old 3. teenagers 4. 19 -24 year olds 5. 25 -40 year olds 6. 40 -65 year olds 7. senior citizens 8. handicapped people 9. families Area recreation suggests summer recreation area ballfield recreation area schoolyard; recreation facility larger beach area; more picnic tables additional playfields additional playfields additional playfields a "common better parking; tennis courts tennis courts expand and develop YES NO I DON'T KNOW (56)% (72) (73) (42) (60) (65) `(71) (69) need expanded recreation facilities? 5A. Which of the following groups do you feel I'll read a list and you can respond YES, NO, or I DON'T KNOW to any or all of these groups. YES NO 'I DON'T KNOW '(35)% (39) (63) (28) (29) (28) (50) (64) (43) (29)% (21) (09) (37) (35) (25) •(16) (04) (15) (31) (34) (20) (30) (33) (44) (34) (25) (33) 5B. What activities would you suggest for those groups you mentioned? Age Group toddlers 6% tot lots 5% day care group activities arts crafts programs YMCA programs Children 8% organized sports 5 -12 years 2% dances 2% summer programs arts crafts gymnastics biking teenagers 19 -24 year old 25 -40 year old 40-65 year old Frequency of Response Suggestions 8% dances 4% ice roller skating 4% youth center 3% outings 2% ballfields 2% concerts 2% organized sports 2% biking 2% summer job programs 2% information education programs: energy projects, gardening, theater, com- munity services 2% group gatherings 2% dances 2% tennis programs crafts theater energy projects swimming biking co-ed sports 3% dances 2% bawling league 2% crafts 2% jogging 2% fitness programs single parent programs group activities tournament sports jogging co-ed teams cultural events fitness programs 5B. (continued) Age Group senior citizens handicapped people families Activity #of Backpacking 'Badminton Baseball Basketball Boating Bicycling Camping Fishing Golf Handball Hiking Hockey Horseback Riding Hunting Ice Skating Frequency of Response 4) 8) (10) 6) (30) (16) 5) 2) (19) 3) 3) 1) (37) 5% a 3% 3% 3% 3% 0 12% better access to buildings and facilities 5% better transportation 3% special olympics 3% better handicapped athletic programs 2% road races 7% 4% 2% 0 6. Now that it/s cold out what kinds of recreational activities do you enjoy in the winter? 7. What recreational activities do you enjoy in Responses Activity the summer? Jogging Nature Walks Picknicking Roller Skating Skiing Sledding Soccer Softball Spectator Sports Swimming Tennis Volleyball X- Country Skiing Any Others Suggestions better transportation dances pool time crafts group outings; bus tours recreation hall golf music coffeehouse picnics group outings skating swimming x- country ski area field days concerts theater child care #of Responses (11) (10) (19) 6) (21) (19) 1) (14) 4) (49) (18) 5) (29) 8. How often have you visited the following conversation areas in Northampton? Robert's Hill Dimock Water Streets, Leeds 86 11 1 Fitzgerald's Lake -North Farms Road 72 19 9 Rainbow Beach -off Rainbow Road 86 12 1 Barrett Street Swamp behind Stop Shop off Barrett Street 86 9 4 9. Which of the following are important reasons to keep land undeveloped. I'll read a brief list and you respond YES, NO, or I DON'T KNOW. 'YES NO I DON'T KNOW 1. Areas to protect flood plains, watershed, wetlands. (81) 2) (16) 2. Natural scenic areas. (88) 4) 7) 3. Wildlife habitats. (90) 2) 7) 4. Areas to be used for informal recreation. (77) (12) (10) 10. Do you think Northampton should acquire more land to be protected as green space? Y S NO 1 DON'T KNOW (66) (1,21 (21) 11. How old are you? under 18 L3) 18 -25 (24) 26 -34 (28) 35 -50 (19) 5Q -65 9) 65+ (15) 12. How long have you lived in Northampton? 1 -5 yPrs 36 5 -10 years 8 10 -20 years 18 20 -30 years 14 30 -45 years 10 45+ years 11 13. How many people live in your household? 14. (Indicate sex of responden of Responses Male Female (36) (64) 1 person 15. 2 25 3 21 4 16 5 ,6 6 4 -1 q. Not Never Often Often n Interpretation of Survey Results Twenty percent of the 100 respondents felt a skating rink:would con- tribute and /or enhance the city. Recently, the state awarded recreational funds to Northampton so that a rink could be constructed. A site has been chosen and construction is expected to begin shortly. This will surely decrease if not eliminate skating in conservation lands. Eleven percent of the respondents felt swimming facilities would be of value. Although no recent attention has been given to the designation of a specific swimming area, several active assessment activities have created some potential sites, uch as at Roberts Hill and in the Connec- ticut River. These suggestions are individually addressed in the sub -plans. With two exceptions, the remaining responses did not subtantially per- tain to the Conservation lands. First, cross country skiing was mentioned by 29% of the respondents. Trails which are in existance will be shown and discussed on the maps in the sub reports. The second exception was in question four, where 71% of the respondents said "yes they would like to see community sponsored nature outings. This could fall under the charge of the Conservation Commission due to their vast holdings of nature areas. Finally, it's interesting to note that in the conservation and recrea- tion land attitudinal survey, only one out of one hundred actively hunted (question 7). This supports current policy regarding the exclusion of hunt- ing on Conservation lands. Yet, other not so optimistic evidence will be mentioned in the recommendation section and sub -plans. This section begins my own review of information. Silviculture Since Roberts Hill, Fitzgerald Lake, and Rainbow Beach are all forested, they present an interesting array of opportunities for a variety of forest management techniques. When proper silvicultural practices are carried out, many benefits can result. These include: higher quality woodlands, increased water yield, and better fire protection. However, questions regarding the need for forest management generally crane to mind, such as, "Why not let nature take care of the forested land itself The trees will grow, but not at their optimum rate. The following section addresses such questions involving silvicultural values, uses and needs. Quality Increasing the quality of the forest also increases the quantity of tree growth by giving the remaining trees more roam to grow. Consequently, this specific silvicultural (tree cultivation) practice has monetary benefits, too. Investing timber sale returns or keeping certain trees because tree growth can be a better monetary investment, would be cost benefit decisions for the forester. Yet, in order to begin achieving any benefits, a forester must make an in depth inventory and appraisal of the woods. This would provide: 1. a reasonable estimate of current volume of saleable wood resources, 2, guidelines for annual growth increments and thus annual income without volume depletion, 3. an indication of the relative health of the forest (including identifi- cation of problem areas such as diseases, insects, tree blow downs, stagnant stands, erosion prone spots), 4. a review of scenic vistas and vegetation to support and promote wildlife, 5. a sound technical data base for countless future forest management deci- sions, 6. a better definition of conservation property boundaries to reduce chance of accidental, loss of timber. From the technical data on existing wood volume she/he will be able to determine future forest productivity by means of complex computer simulations. Forest site productivity is determined on a unit (hectares, acres...) per year basis for the next twenty yers. Factors that she/he would take into account during the inventory and appraisal are summarized by the following chart; Environmental Factors Influencing Forest Productivity: Availability of Water The factors influencing the availability of water are: 1) Precipitation 2) The number of plants on a given piece of land. 3) Degree and direction of the slope. 4) Soil type. 5) The geologic character. Availability of nutrients by The availability of nutrients is influenced4two factors: 1) The number of plants. 2) The fertility of the soil. Light The amount of light a plant gets depends on three things: 1) The amount of competition it gets from other plants. 2) The slope of the ground. 3) How often the sun shines. Disease Wind Structure of the trees The inventory, appraisal, and growth simulations would provide a basis upon which the forest land could be managed to provide a continuous forest inventory and, through regular cutting, an annual source of revenue. Pre- liminary estimates from Roberts Hill Fitzgerald Lake indicate a minimum gross return of eight to nine thousand dollars (less $750 for the initial planning). Another value acquired from increasing the quality of forest land, is the option to diversify tree species and age classes. This jn turn stre- ngthens the genetic pool of a stand. A stronger pool is also a stronger spe- cies with a greater ability to withstand storms, although blow downs are pri- marily a result of overcrowding. In addition, once site quality index values have been determined and stronger trees have begun to emerge, the trees will also be able to resist fire, and droughts, more readily. Futhermore, diver- sification aids insect and disease control. Insect and disease control is vital for Northampton because the New England region is being faced with severe infestations of gypsy caterpillars in Oak trees, tip moths in pines, dutch elm disease in Elm trees, and several others. By creating a mixture of tree types in the conservation areas, those stands are much less apt to attract and contract insects and diseases. Water Yield Additional values gained by managing the forests include increased water yield. This is because fewer trees intercept less snow and rainfall, absorb less ground water, and consequently, evapotranspiration is less, thereby leav- ing significantly greater amounts of water in the ground or in surface ponds. An increased amount of water would be realized in Fitzgerald Lake, but would not abate pathogenic bacteria and colophorm found in the eutrophication process there. Dilution would not help because the additional, nutrients in the run -off would also be greater. This problem will be more fully addressed in the Fitz- gerald Lake sub plan. Fire Protection Another major value provided by managing a forest is improved fire protec- tion by means of logging roads. Logging roads are fire breaks where a fire can- not cross since there is nothing to burn... Also, in event of fire, apparatus has access to the area without having to create their own roads with brush breaker fire tracks. In sum, values, uses and needs for silviculture are numerous, and if done properly, silviculture can yield a harmonious, aesthetic environment for recre- ation, forestry and wildlife. *Foresters and cutters are obligated by law to carry out sound practices according to the following Massachusetts General Laws: Chapter 132 sections 40 -46, Chapter 131 section 40, Chapter 132A section 2B -3, Chapter 45 section 19, Chapter 40 section 8 -8C, Chapter 242 section 7, and Chapter 266 sections 113 -117. *For more information see: Reginald D. Forbes, 'Woodlands for Profit and Pleasure (Wash. D.C.; Amer. Forestry Assoc., 1976). Wildlife and Nature Study Within each of the four areas there exist many different types and amounts of wildlife. The two upland forest areas, Roberts Hill and Fitzgerald Lake, are more apt to support larger plant and animal eating species then the bottom- land riverine areas. To flourish, wildlife species require a mix of habitat types so that some areas are available for food and water, others for nesting and mating and still others for protection from predators. Not all species have the same cover type requirements. Thus, diversification of tree species is also valuable in order to provide for a mixture of wildlife species.* A mature dense forest provides only one habitat, and not a very good one. The American Indians understood this when they would burn thousands and thous- ands of acres to pranote fruit and nut bearing trees and shrubs. The Indians would also set large fires. :for the purpose of "fire hunts". In so doing, they would locate a certain type of game and ignite a circle of fire around it to drive the animals out. This game would fall early prey to the hunting parties bow and arrows. These fires often burned for weeks on end. Favorable wildlife habitats were provided as those areas slowly progressed back to mature forests. Naturally, such a method would be unacceptable today. Although combinations of desirable environmental elements (food, water, nesting, mating protection) are unique for each species, habitats can be planned that offer sufficient com- binations to attract an optimal variety of wildlife. In achieving this objective, vegetation should be carefully selected that would provide a maximum overlap of flowering and fruiting times. Trees are 'a highly significant part,,because they provide food, cover, and nesting sites for many birds as well as squirrels and racoons. This topic is discussed below. Advice as to soil, moisture, light, and other habitat dynamics will be addressed in the four sub plans regarding wildlife in the up and bottom forest lands. Again, these characteristics should optimally be addressed for shrubs, small flowering trees, etc., too. Arrangement of trees and shrubs is another important need for wildlife. Wildlife researchers have found that different growth forms i.e. trees, shrubs, and grasses planted around open areas create "edge effects Such edge effects, or blending, attract the largest variety and numbers of wildlife to the smallest pieces of land.** Finally, I would like to point out that forestry practices are not always good wildlife management practices. Compromise in forest management is generally necessary to create good wildlife habitats. Such compromises would include: creating openings in solid forest stands, encouraging openings for hardwoods in coniferous stands, leaving some old dead hardwood trees for dens, leaving small stands of poplar, grey birch, alders or laurels, all of which have little value to a cutter, but are important to wildlife.*** U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Making Land Produce Useful Wildlife (Washington, D.C.:Gov.. printing Office, 1975), pgs. 3 Brush, Thomas et al., "Invite Wildlife To Your Backyard," National Wildlife Magazine "(May 1973). ibid. Z 1-3 1- PJ rt. 0 H, bi 0 I—. in I-h (D(D (D 0) ai P- rt 0 1.-I 0 -5 ru pi I—I H. H 1 .1 I 0 H" (D H 01 92 co �m m m —25-- ii g c 3rIan b7 .9 F5 g- 4 oq q FI4 97E,T3 '27 5' jI I Scholarship Although no formal needs or use assessment has been made regarding studies on the conservation lands, due to the region's high student pop- ulation this type of land use deserves consideration. Prior to the City's acquisition of Rainbow Beach at least fifteen separate environmental studies were done in this location. These range from Bachelors of Arts and Sciences honors thesOis to Doctoral diserta- tions and publicly funded studies. Unfortunately, many of the maps and thesits that were done are fragmented throughout the FiVQ College area and some have disappeared altogether. Nevertheless, a good portion do exist in the Amherst College Biological Sciences Library, Frost Library, and Morrill Science Library at the University of Massachusetts, all loc- ated in Amherst. Others can be found in the Biology Geology Departments at Smith College and in Forbes Library, located in Northampton. The fol- lowing pages are a partial bibliography of some of these reports. T. Anderson, biology thesis for Rainbow Beach (B.A., Amherst College, 1973) copy located: Amherst College Biology Library Carlozzi, Sinton, and Vilkins, Inc, Attitudes Toward Flood Management in Northampton, Massachusetts: A Case'Study. New England Division U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers, Waltham, Massachusetts, November 1978 copy located: Northampton Office of Planning and Development J. Dean, geology thesis about Oxbow cut off in 1840 (B.A., Amherst College, 1971) copy located: Amherst College Geology B. Dougherty, geology thesis about the Rainbow Beach Point Bar (B.A. Amherst College, 1974) copy located: Amherst College Geology Library K. Gerety, geologic analysis of Rainbow Beach Point Bar (Masters, Smith College, 1977) copy located: Arcadia Sanctuary, Easthampton, Mass. M. Preynall, "Degredation of Oil over Arcadia Marsh" (B.A. Amherst College, 1978) copy located: Frost Library, Amherst College R. Pseiffer, report on endocronology done at Rainbow Beach, Neds Distch, Huluct Pond, side of Northampton Oxbow (B.A., Amherst College, 1978) copy located: Amherst College Biology Library M. Sackett, vegetation study on Rainbow Beach, Hatfield, and Whately Oxbows (Masters and Ph.D 1974 and 1977 respectively) copies located: Forbes Library, Northampton (Ph.D) Frost Library, Amherst, Mass. M. Shepard, vegetation study on Rainbow Beach (B.A., Smith College n.d.) copy located: Smith College Main Library Zeitler, seedling establishment on Rainbow Beach and Neds Ditch (B.A., Amherst College, 1978) copy located: Biology Library, Amherst College Other studies exist in: the "Water Resources Publications, "Northeastern Geology Forest and Vegetation" and may be located through Smith College Geology Department. Since Rainbow Beach seems to be a highly popular location for scholarship, consideration of forestry must be done with the utmost of concern for this land use even though Elwell Island would be a more easily protected location, due to its remote nature, than Rainbow Beach, which is accessible from both land and water. Further, the Rainbow Beach property is covered with a very dense forest. This fact means that the root systems necessary for strong trees and protection from storms and floods are in jeopardy. Should a silviculture program be insti- tuted on Rainbow Beach, it would not necessarily preclude scholarship from the area. Implications for the future By the year 2000, 100 million additional United States inhabitants will require physical placement. In light of this projection the following questions come to bear. First, where will we build 100 odd cities each averaging a population of one million and all unknown and unnamed today to accomodate them? Second, where will we find the resources to feed, clothe, house, and educate these citizens, much less the three billion additional international neighbors they will acquire within the next thirty years? Where will the levels of pollution and human attrition become most serious? Why does the mortality rate from this civil- ization's most common killers, heart disease and cancer, demonstrate a stronger correlation with geographic factors than with genetic factors The Environmental Protection Agency states: "All that has been built in the history of this nation will have to be duplicated... to accomodate population and market demands projected for the year 2000. Recently, the Boston Sunday Globe printed an article regarding the develop- ment of small New England cities. They cite Portland and Portsmouth, Maine, as well as Burlington, Vermont, as having "reversed a trend of urban decay and trans- formed themselves into revitalized and surprisingly cosmopolitan communities that suddenly seem to offer the best of city living in the middle of the county." In addition, these revitalized cities, ranging in population from 26,000 39,000, have all recently completed a major public- private renovation of a part of their downtowns, capitalizing on the old architecture and reshaping it into a "Qni ncy Market style district, featuring trendy...boutiques." Although, in each city's case, the poor would be pushed out due to a housing shortage and above average rental costs. According to the article, the low income people don't patronize the new shops or facilities, because the prices are too high. Rather, they shop at local discount stores (which in the case of Burlington, Vt. also serve the Burl- ington University).* Geography as a Discipline Robert Huke et al. Dept. of Geology Middlebury College, Assoc. of Amer, Geogr4phers (Wash. D,C. 1973) Hr?d Pokorpy, Sw New TAgland Cities Lure Big City Folks 10/1/81 Ass o0, Sunday Globe p. 56 Each of the Globe's four model cities' "new populous" claimed that they find all the things that they enjoyed in the Boston and New York city area the music, the social life, the culture and none of the things they abhored about a big city the congestion, the bustle, the crime and the pollution. They continued by saying that "...each is small enough to engender a sense of community; and each is surrounded by scenic countryside and offers easy access to skiing, boating, hiking, and camping... Thus, a trend has begun to emerge towards new cities. More industries in New England are producing services as opposed to goods. Though the Boston Globe did not mention Northampton, the parallels between this city and the model cities that they did mention were extensive. Consequently, the trends mentioned in the article appear to be the growth trend for many small New England cities. Therefore, it is practical to theorize that the new Northampton citizens would be attracted to the area on the basis of its urban and natural characteristics. Thus, since growth is inevitable here, continued special attention ought to be paid to North- ampton's development of natural areas as well as to its urban revitalization. The natural environment is equally (if not more) as important to Northampton's future well being as the urban environment is; Northampton will heavily rely on natural areas to offer the aesthetic, solitude, recreation places which have attracted and will continue to attract citizens. As is suggested in several Office of Planning and Development documents such as: "Northampton, Massachusetts Policies and Plans for Open Space Conservation and Recreation of 1975" and the "Open Space Conservation and Recreation Plan of 1980" there exists a strong need for a land manager who could fully devote his time to land acquisition and management. Generally, the "Comprehensive Plan" states "there is a need for preservation of open space to enhance the urban environment. Such spaces should be developed to provide hiking, bicycling, (horseback riiding, cross country skiing), and other trails Also, preservation of dwindling arable lands in another rationale for land aquistion. Should Northampton ever be faced with food and other agricultural short- ages, as projected by the E.P.A rich soils would still be available. Maintenance Improvement Assistance The following pages are a compilation of organizations and how they might be able to aid the Conservation Commission in managing conservation lands free of charge. 1) The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Northampton Chapter. Recently, the Conservation Commission agreed to dedicate Fitzgerald Lake to "Sandy Bevin," former head of their chapter. In return, the Veterans offered to aid the Commission with any labor necessary for that area. This could include: posting, litter clean up, plantings, road and trail maintenance, and picnic table consEuction. Thirty nine square miles of farmland is lost in the United State per day to erosion and development." CBS Evening News 11/17/81 2) Department of Public Works Although this agency has faced severe budget cut -backs during the fiscal year 1980 -81, they have been some help in the past. For instance, they kept the entrance road to Fitzgerald Lake Parking lot usable. In the future, they may be able to offer aid with trash pickup, provided there are recepticals. Also, in the future, they may have helpful suggestions as to a good for- ester if Karl Davies' forest services are not available. Presently, the Depart- ment of Public Worsk and its Board use Karl Davies to manage three thousand acres of City watershed lands. 3) Connecticut River Watershed Council in Easthampton, Massachusetts In the past the C.R.W.C. was exceedingly helpful in the acquisition of Rainbow Beach and Elwell Island. This organization is familiar with all of the conservation areas and has an almost limitless supply of resource management information and assistance. They may also be helpful by supplying student interns. 4) Department of Forestry and Wildlife, University of Massachusetts, Amherst This department has also been a useful source of student interns, resource mat- erials and information and assistance with photgrammetry and land use mapping. Assistance from this department is best attained during the summer and be- fore the beginning of the spring and fall:.semesters. Generally, when hiring in- terns it is important to have .a specific project(s) and project deadline(s) in mind. This will minimize misunderstandings and incomplete work. Due to the fact that most of the students_. -are a transient part of the population, this type of assistance could be more trouble than it is worth. Such a problem could mani- fest itself, eg. by a lack of continuity in forest management. Someone else's raw data is basically meaningless unless its been interpreted in report format. 5) County Planning, Northampton This agency is good for general information about past resource projects and the people involved with than. It is also help ful in the implementation process. 6) County Extension Service The C.F.S. is an often under utilized resource, Although this agency's progress has been impeded in the past by city personnel changes, its staff members are ready, willing and able to extensively help any- one with forest management projects. For instance, they have offered to contact several hundred Northampton forest land owners (of ten acres or more) who may wish to place their lands under a forest management plan. 7) Soil, Conservation Service The S.C.S. in Hadley and Amherst is very good about providing data about soils which are compatable with various land uses. They also have a lot of good literature that could aid in making land use decisions. 8) Plant Pathology Dept.,University of Massachusetts This department is useful if one suspects that a vegetated area is diseased or infected by insects. In the past, its staff members have discovered parts of the watersheds' white pine planta- tions to be infected. 9) Landscape Architecture Dept., University of Massachusetts This department has student interns capable of developing specific plantings for wildlife zones in the conservation areas, These zones will be delineated in the Map study and sub plans. Procedures The intent of this entire study is to create four objective and evaluative land use plans, e recreation, forestry, wildlife sanctuary, and nature study areas. This section outlines the procedures used and, the types of tech- nicians involved, in the compilation of the four sub reports which follow. Two land use planners' methods were adopted. The first and most signifi- cant planner is Ian McHarg, author of (among many) Design With Nature. McHarg has a special interest in studying earth and life processes and in presenting the viable and constraining factors in land use planning. He postu- lates that processes are expressive, for example, that landscape is a complex chain of physical and biological processes and that the links in this chain are the natural determinants of land use. He envisions the natural resource planner as one who bridges the gap between the planning development professionals and the natural scientists. McHarg's planner bridges this gap by means of a canprehensive and systematic inventory of the land's natural and artificial features. This inventory provides necessary indicators of and for natural and man processes. McHarg calls this assessment the "ecosystem inventory The inventory employs basic ecological fac- tors and concepts such as soils, water systems, plant succession and physiography. F. Fraser Darling and John P. Milton (eds.), Future Environments of North America (New York, Natural History Press, 1966), P. 527 OUTLINE OF ANALYSIS PROCEDURE: Ian L. McHarg* A. Given a Total Study Area B. An Ecological Inventory is Prepared and Interpreted 1 1. Natural and Cultural Resources are Inventoried and Mapped. Z. Inventory ]3ata is Interpreted to Reveal Dominant Prospective Land Uses for Each Discrete Area in the Total Study Area. V a. Data Relevant to Proppective Land Uses is Interpreted. b. Intrinsic Suitability Maps are Produced. 3. A Value is Attributed to Every Land Area in the Total Study Area for All Prospective Land Uses. a. A System for Rating Intrinsic Resources is Established. b. Compatible and Incompatible Land Uses are Grouped. /c. Data is Synthesized into a Combined Suitability Map. C. An Economic Inventory is Prepared and Interpreted D. Criteria for Visibility are Established E. Criteria for Form and Design are Established /F. Powers Necessary to Realize the Plan are Acquired *Ian L. McHarg, A Memorandum on a Method for Undertaking a Corn prehensive Plan for the Hudson River Valley, (interpreted from an un- published proposal from the firm of Wallace, McHarg, Roberts and Todd, Philadelphia, April, 1967. *The following pages contain McHarg's outlineand description of analysis procedure as excerpted frain R. Belknap and J. Furtado, Three Approaches to Environmental Resource Analysis (Washington, The Conservation founda- tion, 1967) pgs. 65 -67 69-73.. indicate that this procedure was followed to same extent. DESCRIPTION OF ANALYSIS PROCEDURE: Ian L. McHarg A. Given a Total Study Area The total study area may range in size from a continent to a major region or a river basin, to a single city. Within the study area, subareas are delineated primarily on the basis of physiography. McHarg feels that physiography is the most effective way to isolate internally homogeneoio areas. B. An Ecological Inventory is Prepared and Interpreted 1. Natural and Cultural Features are Inventoried and Mapped A traditional and classic method is used to obtain diverse infor- mation on the physical base of a study region. Data is collected in the following eight categories, which McHarg considers of primary import- ance for planning. (1) Climate (2) Historical Geology (3) Physiography (4) Hydrology (5) Pedology (Soils) (6) Plant associations (7) Animals (8) Land use (tree types in these studies) McHarg stresses the importance of collecting data in the above sequence, because it suggests the concept of causality. For example, by understanding the climate and historical geology of an area, its physiography can be interpreted. An understanding of physiography allows an understanding of the river and stream patterns, aquifers and the aquifer recharge areas. Physiography becomes the most effective basis for describing smaller areas within the total study area; know- ledge of the history of the listed categories is a background for the comprehension of further information. By using a sequential procedure, McHarg feels that analysis can be based on the historical reasons for an area's' identity and the pattern and occurrence of its resources. ibid. i This inventory reveals the supply of resources, which can later be matched with the demand for them. Thus, McHarg places great importance on reliable information gathered during the inventory stage, because it will have the greatest persuasiveness for public bodies, especially those without explicit powers. Z. Inventory Data is Interpreted to Reveal Dominant Prospective Land Uses for Each Discrete Area in the Total Study Area a. Data Relevant to Prospective Land Uses i-s Interpreted After the data is collected, the next step is to interpret its rele- vance to a broad range of prospective land uses. To do this, the eight categories discussed in the previous section are examined for their positive, negative or neutral effects on each prospective land use for example, agriculture or recreation, where high precipitation has a positive effect on forestry but a negative effect on recreation. This procedure is continued for all eight categories, keeping in mind that the same data may be positive, negative, or neutral factors for differ- ent use considerations. In addition to the above, the following are also considered for their relevance to prospective land use activities: eco- nomic minerals, scarce or unique features, water resources, slope and accessibility. Within each of these categories a range of factors may be noted. For example, for agriculture the climatic resources to be con- sidered would include length of growing season, precipitation and frost free days. In an urban area advantageous microclimates with protection from winter winds and access to prevailing summer breezes would be noted. b. Intrinsic Suitability Maps are Produced The result of the step would be a series of maps locating econo- mic minerals, unique sites, location of water resources, sloe and exposure, and also intrinsic suitability maps for agriculture, forestry, recreation, and urbanization. These intrinsic suitability maps would indicate the best individual uses for each area within the total study area thus identifying a single dominant prospective land use for every area of the total study area. -34- 3. A Value is Attributed to Every Land Area in the Total Study Area for All Prospective Land Uses. Phase (2) ascribed a single dominant land use to every area in the total study area. However, it is clear that a single area of land can be managed to achieve several distinct objectives simultaneously. There- fore, the next step is to ascribe all possible compatible uses to every area within the total study area. a. A System for Rating Intrinsic Resources is Established A system is established to rate the values of each intrinsic re- source. All the intrinsic resources are then mapped in a scale of values on transparencies and superimposed, resulting in a composite map show- ing areas of least social value in the lightest tone and areas of highest social value in the darkest tone. (Zip this study, protection, Sings multiple use areas are shown, i.e. environmental values are combined with social ones on the maps). b. Compatible and Incompatible Land Uses are Grouped Next, compatible and incompatible land uses are separated by constructing a matrix that shows all prospective land uses on each coordinate. Using this matrix, existing and prospective single land uses can be measured for their degree of compatibility with all other land uses. It is then possible to group compatible and co- existent land uses for each area of the total study area, thereby identifying the most compatible land uses. The map produced would show present and pro- spective land uses in associations of compatibilities with dominants and co- dominants. c. Data is Synthesized into a Combined Suitability Map The final step is the synthesis and interpretation of the previous data. The objective of the synthesis is to reveal the maximum con- junction of coexisting, compatible land uses that can be sustained by every area in the total study area. The procedure begins at a broad scale of each physiographic area, with prospective land uses grouped into four major divisions: agriculture, forestry, recreation and urbanism, and their subdom- inants. The result is a broad categorization, a combined land use suitability map After work on this coarse scale is complete, a map at a finer scale can be produced by examin- ing the unique characteristics of specific sites with the same data and evaluation. This constitutes the physical supply aspect of the total inventory and analysis for planning. C. An Economic Inventory is Prepared and Interpreted This work, McHarg feels, should be in the domain of the regional scientist and the economic planner. It is included here to illustrate his view of demand. He sees supply and demand as separate issues, and is primarily concerned with the problem of supply. Essential data for the planning process are, first, information on locational values, and second, the nature, locational and spatial require- ments of 3xind. These two components are then matched with the supply of resources from the ecological inventory and interpretation. D. Criteria for Visibility are Established In addition to treating ecologic and economic consequences of land -use practices, McHarg also attempts to deal with visual values in terms of the consequences of proposed land uses. In a recent recom- mendation for a study of the Hudson River Valley, he included criteria for the development of visual principles for guiding future development, based on visibility and intervisibility.* The considerations are as follows: *Ibid. 1. The path of the viewer (e. g., water, rail, highway) 2. The fact that the area visible from these locations will vary with the physiographic regions. 3. The degree to which vegetation provides a visual barrier independent of physiography. —36— ''2 o 4. The degree to which forest cover can absorb development while preserving its forest aspect. This consideration helps in the determination of recommendations for density control based on visual values. Thus, rational and consistent regu- lations are recommended to protect the visual resources of the total study area. When unsightly land uses inevitably occur within the cone of vision from the path of the viewer, McHarg believes this is a design problem to be approached by investigating satisfactory vernacular solutions. From this examination, new building types, forms, mate- rials and colors can be suggested to blend with the existing architec- tural and natural environment. E. Criteria for Form and Design are Established At this stage of the planning process, the supply and demand for the total resource base are brought together. Also, the considerations of visibility and intervisibility are included to set constraints on the location of land uses. All these factors begin to determine the form of various land uses and spaces. It is from these factors that positive guidelines for the form of prospective land uses are established. In some cases, the result might be the preparation of prototypi- cal or sample development plans for certain prospective land uses. These would respond to the previous ecological inventory and inter- pretations and use certain physiographic regions as case study areas. These plans would also demonstrate the consequences of the ecological method to the forms of buildings, spaces and their spatial distribution within the total study area. These sample plans would be valuable tools for analysing existing communities and land uses and also for demonstrating principles of development. F. Powers Necessary to Realize the Plan are Acquired With the foregoing collection and interpretation of ecological and economic data, there is no guarantee that planning objectives could be accomplished. The acquisition of regulatory powers is indispensible to the realization of any plan, so the means for implementation must be recommended. Effectuation may require both positive and negative powers or other forme of regulations, but a plan is usually implemen- ted more effectively through the use of positive powers such as the distribution of funds and capital improvements. Public and private bodies concerned with realizing a plan for public interest must be provided with powers to undertake revenue producing activities, such as power generation, bridge or tunnel construction, and other capital improvements. These positive powers for the provision of'facilitiea and development incentives would tend to offset public opposition to the necessary regulatory and zoning powers. The second planner whose methods were also influencial (although rather abstractly) was Melville Branch. Branch outlines four phases in the compre- hensive planning process: (1) realization and definition objectives (2) dev- elopment of alternative plans (3) integration and decision (4) implementation. These steps facilitate a rational orchestration of activities toward an est- ablished goal. Fundamentally, Branch contends that planners should' integrate the technical, theoretical, and subjective parts (or nte&values as McHarg would call them) and project into the future. Although Branch is not specifically a natural resource planner, he depicts a theoretical analysis of the multiple camponents found in the present and fut- ure which require integration in the dynamic planning process. As in Branch's theory every element of this project requires "integration However, the end product will be comprehensive, and flexible enough to accomodate any changes that appear in the process or the future.* The primary distinction between Branch's and McHarg's work. is that McHarg's analysis procedure would provide too complex an end product, given the task at hand. This is the reason for eliminating and amending some of McHarg:'_s components. (see non checked its on the Outline of Analysis Procedure: Ian McHarg). While this isirue, most of the procedures used can be attributed to McHarg. Except, the outcome is expected to be comprehensive and simultaneously less com- plea. The technicians and funds that -were used are as follows: A forester was hired by means of a Northampton City Council appropriation. His procedures are outlined in this report under the Silviculture section. Four students trained in earth and life sciences were obtained to study the geology and vegetation on Elwell Island by means of a grant from. the Connecticut River Watershed Council. Their data and methods will be shown in the Elwell Island Sub Plan. One cartographer was hired for geologic deposition mapping on Rainbow Beach through a contribution from Hampshire College. Melville, C. Branch, Plannixig Aspects and Applications (New York: John Wiley Sons, Inc.), Recommendations The following section lists some general alternative solutions that deserve serious consideration in regard to recreation, wildlife nature study, and future growth. Although only one out of the one hundred respondents in the recreation sur- vey actively hunted, projecting this figure over the entire city population would mean that approximately twenty nine people were involved with hunting. On the basis of my observations, and complaints that have been received in the Office of Plan- ning and Development, illicit hunting does take place on the conservation lands. Allowing this to continue will overburden wildlife. Also, such activity is dir- ectly incompatable with nature observers, scholars, hikers, cross country skiers and local residents, who abut the areas. One alternative would be for the Conservation Commission to supply local residents with posting materials so that the areas remain off limits to such act- ivity. Often signs are removed by the offender, at which point there is no le- gal recourse for the city. Mr. Albert Voisin, a resident near Fitzgerald!s Lake and also a member of the V.F.W., offered to keep that area posted. Residents near the other areas could be asked about doing the same thing. Abutting residents property is increased in value as a result of the conservation areas, and they clearly have more opportunity to use that area. Therefor* they may be glad to assist with this project. Another problem associated with recreation on the conservation areas is waste buildup. Currently, there are no formal trash removal procedures. This issue is not so critical on Elwell Island and Rainbow Beach because these river ine areas annually clean themselves by means of seasonal flooding. That is to say that most of the litter is washed down_river to another town. But, it is still a problem. Other waste, found at Rainbow Beach and. Elwell Island, is human fecal matter. This contaminant is unpleasant and unhealthy. During the summer months when camp- ing on those areas is a major land use, the contaminant is particularly evident. Remediation would be to install portable toilets on those areas for the summer. Finally in regards to recreation, ten respondents (question 7) suggested that guided nature walks would be an enjoyable activity. Due to the Conservation Can mission's preoccupation with private property problems and permit requests, there is an insufficient amount of man -power or funding to carry out guided nature walks. However, publicity as to where and what the nature areas are plus some on -site explanatory signs may eliminate the need for outing guides. Cross country ski trails and other recreation areas could also be publicized. The Boy Scouts may be able to assist with creating and, posting trail signs. In respect to wildlife design, a plan shown in the section entitled "Wildlife and Nature Study may be applicable to all four areas. However, due to monetary constraints it may not be possible to purchase and plant sane of the species listed. In the future, however, there may be students of landscape architecture (or other interested people skilled in natural resource design) who would carry out at least SOW part of a shrub, small flowering tree, berry type of planting and maintenance scheme. Finally, in regards to future city growth, and in the interest of implem- enting conservation land plans, I strongly endorse the creation of a position for a full time land manager. On the basis of projected population growth, existing needs and the trends of the new cities and citizens (mentioned under "Implications for the Future such a position seems vital. Not only would it be his or her duty to oversee existing conservation areas, but also to aid in the acquisition of new lands. Conclusion In summation, since every area has different geologic, hydrologic, flaural and faunal characteristics, intrinsic suitability Maps that locate areas for an optimal mix of land uses will follow this report. In addition to the ccposite maps, there will, be explanatory sub -plans that address each area specifically. Bibliography Belknap Furtado, Three Approaches to Enviroxuriental'Resource Analysis. Washington: The Conservation Foundation, 1967 Branch, Melville, Planning: Aspects and Applications. New York: John Wiley Sons, Inc., 1967 Brush, Thomas, DeGraff, "Invite Wildlife to your Backyard" National Wildlife Magazine (1973:3) Comprehensive Plan Surrury, 1972 Northampton Planning Department, "Northampton, Mass. Open Space Conservation and Recreation Plan" 1980. Northampton, MA: Office of Planning and Development 1980 Forbes, Reginald D., Woodlands for Profit and Pleasure. Washington, D.C.: American forestry Assoc,, 1967 Fraser, Milton, Ed, Future Environments of North America. New York: National History Press, 1966 Huke et al "Geography as a Discipline Dept. of "Geography as a Discipline Washington, D.C.: 1973 Ives, P.T. "The Changing Climate of The Connecticut River Valley." B.A. thesis Amherst College, 1979 Pokorny, Brad "Small New England Cities Lure Big City Folks Boston Sunday Globe 1 October 1981 U.S. Department of Agriculture, Making Land Produce Useful Wildlife, (Washington, D.C.: Govexxrnent Printing Office, 1975) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EnvirorT zta1'News, Washington, D.C.: Government .Printing Office, 1974