The URL can be used to link to this page

FOREST STEWARDSHIP-Mineral Hills GreenwayPrepared by Michael Mauri, MA Licensed Forester (M.S. Forest Ecology and Management) 20 West Street, South Deerfield, MA, 01373 (413) 665-6829 --OR--mikemaur@crocker.com I 16-55 ·17 ~I~ ~1 ~ 'CJ p: l 2.4-16 oul \ ,..,---, \ \ I I ~ 1'... . ,' \11 I I /I I __.--/ / I 1+-014 20-008 - --• • --CENTER OF SRC FZZZZ77ZZ2J CONSERVATION LOCUS MAP LAND OF: City of Northampton Farmer Sarafin Parcel ACRES: 90 TOWN: Northampton TOPO SHEET: Easthamoton 20-012 Key Stream;~ seasonal stream .-...... .. --. culvert ·Illll Wetland; ..lJ.L stone wall; CO<:J<> barbed wire ~ ~ skid trail ---- landing © . stand boundary ~ stand number ..±::... iron pin ~V • 0 P\ lllJa. 1. THE INTENT OF THIS PLAN IS TO ACT AS AN INDEX OF NUMEROUS FEE CONSERVATION RESTRICTIONS, AS WELL AS OTHER Ef\SEMENTS OF THE Cir NORTHAMPTON AND TO CONSOLIDATE VARIOUS PLANS ON A SINGLE MERIDI 2. THIS PLAN IS A COMPILATION OF PLANS OF RECORD. NO FIELD V.OOK 0 RECONNAISSANCE WAS PERFORMED IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS PLAN. 3. THIS PLAN WAS PREPARED WITHOUT THE BENEFIT OF A TITLE REPORT } --.... "",.. u•"r'TC'o~ ,,, nn ~ on>noT wn1 u n nrc::f\1 na:-n.11:· 1 6'1n nC"PlCTED ( ,.-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.al[Ts THA ······················· ~I ~\·· /C--_=-1; , ;_,,,-I /__,--- LOCUS MAP 2s-1 LAND OF: City of Northampton EN< ON ............ ········ ... ~ ,.-·--~ 27-001 :1. ·--. ./ ;p Mineral Hills Conservation Area ACRES: 294 +/- TOWN: Northampton : "' j 0 ~--/) : :·//~-~: --~·,r,, .. ·, : I' 11 .. '', . . / I ' , ·. ~34-032 • TOPO SHEET: Easthampton ._ ~ ~ /· cv.i1 1 : '---__/./ 1· .-·- ···.---"' .. 1\ -ott '2. 0 \~-. !. : o/~, ( \, ' /. ( !!>S /f'-J . . . '\ , ' I)) \ . [f!J, ' : I '' ; 0'l.-:\ •I ;~ -&('-_ ~ ... ... ,, .... :§~-~~\ '\~-,~ : / '' 1 1,~:1-::; \I ~I/ \ 'I ,.!K ' ~ '' -...- *other City land not under Forest stewardship Plan I HERESY CERTIFY TO THE BEST OF MY PROFESSIC INFORMATION ANO BELIEF THAT: THE PROPERTY LINES SHOWN ON THIS PLAN ARE . DIVIDING EXISTING OWNERSHIPS, ANO THE LINES Of WAYS SHOWN ARE THOSE OF PUBLIC OR PR1VATE WAYS ALREADY ESTABLISHED, ANO lHAT NO NEW Ol'vlSION OF EXISTING Ov.t.IERSHIP OR FOR NEW WA THIS PLAN HAS BEEN PREPARED IN CONFORMITY ~ AND REGULATIONS OF THE REGISTERS OF DEEDS ( '°'"''"'""IUrAI "n,I ~ 1..1//1.lf':o<e-Ari.l.lllC"~T'Tc.'" dcr 0 CH61 cert. D recert. D amend D Plan Change: FOREI ~MANAGEMENT >LAN Submitted to: Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation For enrollment in CH61/61N61B and/or Forest Stewardship Program CHECK-OFFS Administrative Box CH61A CH61B STWSHP C-S Case No. Orig. Case No. cert. D cert. D new ~ EEA ~ Owner ID Add. Case No. recert. D recert. D renew D Other D Date Rec'd Eco region amend D amend D Green Cert D Plan Period Topo Name Conservation Rest. D Rare Spp. Hab. River Basin to CR Holder OWNER, PROPERTY, and PREPARER INFORMATION Property Owner(s) City ofNorthampton (c/o Conservation Commission)* Mailing Address 210 Main Street, Room 11, Noho, MA 01060 Phone (413) 587-1265 Property Location: Town(s) Northampton Road(s) Sylvester/Turkey Hill Mass. Forester License# 161 - Ehamp CT Plan Preparer Michael Maori, Forester -----Mailing Address 20 West Street. South Deerfield. MA 01373 Phone ( 413) 665-6829 RECORDS CH 61/61A Ch 61/61A Stwdshp Assessor's Lot/ Deed Deed Total Excluded Certified Excluded Stwdshp Map Parcel Book Page Acres Acres Acres Acres Acres 4570 97 85.0 NIA NIA 7.7 77.3 7616 103 2.2 NIA NIA 0.0 2.2 9009 36 120.0 NIA NIA 0.0 120.0 9700 64 15.0 NIA NIA 0.0 15.0 9503 293 57.0 NIA NIA 0.0 57.0 9547 40 15.l NIA NIA 0.0 15 .I Totals 294.3 0.0 0.0 7.7 286.6 Excluded area description: a 7.7-acre hayfield next to Sylvester Road HISTORY Year acquired '94-'09 Year management began 2010 Are boundaries blazed/painted? Yes D No D Partially IZI What treatments have been prescribed, but not carried out (last 10 years if plan is a recert.)? stand no. NI A treatment reason -------------- (if additional space needed, continue on separate page) Previous Management Practices (last 10 years) Stand # Cutting Plan # Treatment Yield Value Acres Date Remarks: (if additional space needed, continue on separate page) *Attention Wayne Feiden, Director of Planning and Development Note: cost-sharing through Working Forest Initiative. Note: Northampton is party to a CR protecting 30 abutting acres in W-hamp, but this land is not addressed in this plan. (Form revised February 2008) of Page --- Property Overview: Mineral Hills Conservation Area Land of City of Northampton Northampton, MA Landscape/Regional Context The local pattern of land use is mainly rural/forested with ever-increasing (though currently stagnating) single and multi-unit residential development. A former important use was rock quarrying. Major rural land uses are forestry/logging, hunting, snowmobiling, hiking and cross-country skiing, as well as off-road vehicle use. Distinguishing or special features include: This is a large tract of land that is and close to and accessible to a population center with an interest in nature conservation and outdoor recreation. An abandoned rock quarry (see map) is fascinating to see. The land is part of the Mineral Hills, and includes a bit of hilltop. The western section of Turkey Hill Road (which is no longer maintained-see dashed lines on map) is a nice hiking trail. There is also a main trail going up between peaks of the Mineral Hills. Property Overview Listed as 294 acres, in Northampton, MA. 286.6 acres are to be enrolled in the Forest Stewardship Program. The parcel boundaries making up this property date in some cases to an earlier time as evidenced by barbed-wire fence and in some cases stone walls that bound them (see map). Topography: most of the acreage is on hillside, sometimes quite steep, but mostly gradual and steady. Ledge outcrops occur in steeper areas and at hilltops. In some areas, toes of slopes give way to swales with various wetland types. Dominant forest types are: mature and maturing hardwoods, sometimes dominated by red oak, and sometimes with a mix of red oak and affiliated hardwoods, especially black birch, but also red maple and hickories. Red oak size and quality varies greatly with soil moisture: at hilltops there are dwarf trees (with chestnut oak); at slope-toes there are impressive, large red oaks. White pine occurs mostly as scattered relics, some quite large. Hemlock occurs mainly in scattered midstory patches on lower slopes. Sugar maple occurs at the toes of slopes where soil is richer. . Main tree ages: probably date back to 1880-1920. Overall forest health is mixed -there are no apparent health problems compromising the main hardwoods at this time, but invasive insects such as the Asian long-horned beetle (affecting maples) and winter moth (affecting oaks) are present in Massachusetts and could spread. (Chestnut has been eliminated by Chestnut blight ever since the l 920's; white ash is in a general decline throughout Massachusetts but is not a major component here; beech is greatly curtailed by beech-bark disease, but beech is not a major component here). Concerning softwoods, the long-term health, and presence, of hemlock is at risk to the hemlock woolly adelgid and the affiliated hemlock elongate scale, both of which have heavily infested some trees. A major additional caveat to the determination of good health is the prevalence of non- native invasive plant species in the heavily disturbed parts of the property around the quarrying operations except where moisture is very limited (e.g. on sand & gravel), and in the richer/wetter areas of soil in any lower landscape position. The most abundant non-native invasive plant is Oriental bittersweet. Invasive species are present and threaten to pose a long-term problem: Oriental bittersweet is abundant in concentrated areas (see paragraph above). Also present, though much less abundant, is multiflora rose, Japanese barberry, and bush- honeysuckle. Any attempt to reverse the take-over by invasive species would most likely be considerable in terms of cost and on-going attention, but would prevent the more serious problem of a property-wide infestation some day. Main habitat types are either mature oak-hardwood forest, sometimes with ledge exposures, or variable open-water/beaverpond and wet-meadow/stream/shrub- swamp/beaver-pond/red-maple-swamp. Heavily man-made habitats include a deep rock quarry with steep faces of exposed bedrock and a small pond as well as leftover areas of sand & gravel removal. Unique cultural and physical features: ( 1) assembling this large conservation area reflects a sustained commitment by both the City and by a number of landowners; (2) the land includes a part of the Mineral Hills and an old road that constitute an excellent hiking resource; (3) the abandoned rock quarry is an interesting and scenic attraction though also a hazard. Water resources concerns are normal: avoiding surface runoff into waterways. The land is not within a surface-water drinking-water supply. Property-wide stewardship concerns include restoring natural habitat and Fostering a safe environment for passive outdoor recreation such as hiking. Role/Impact wrt. nearby Protected Lands Water supply There is no threat to water supplies anticipated from any expected human use of this land. Wildlife habitat The anticipated are expected to sustain or improve the current habitats. 3 Recreation There is no change expected to current recreation (mainly hiking, but, unofficially, toleration of off-road-vehicles entering from both the Northampton and also the Westhampton sides). The between-property impact of any management is expected to be essentially non-existent. Summary of Management Recommendations The landowner's main goals include (1) completing this plan as a way of taking stock of the property and identifying major concerns and opportunities; (2) "manage for conservation with the goal of restoring natural habitat"; (3) coordinate with local trail users to establish and maintain hiking trails. The property's potential to achieve the landowner's goals is outstanding, with notable challenges including (1) the presence of non-native invasive plants, (2) the safety risks posed by the quarry, (3) the inability to control potentially undesirable off- road vehicle use; (4) high and/or increasing deer and moose populations that will make restoration of some native trees (especially sugar maple and oaks) difficult. Working towards these goals, the main recommendations include 1. Complete this plan 2. Clearly mark all property boundaries, using permanent or temporary markings depending on opportunities to expand the conservation area in the future 3. Develop an awareness of non-native invasive plant species and a plan to control these 4. coordinate with local trail users to establish and maintain hiking trails. In selected areas, upgrade existing roads/trails to reduce erosion/sedimentation (possibly requiring excavating equipment and importation of gravel or rock) and possibly to reduce the risk from deer ticks. 5. Also, coordinate with local trail users and residents to increase awareness of the deer tick problem and practical steps for reducing risks (which may include special methods of trail design & maintenance) 6. Develop a plan/policy to increase safety around the abandoned quarry (this plan may include signage, fencing, clearing of vegetation, etc.) 7. Maintain an awareness of non-native pests (e.g. Asian long-horned beetle and winter moth) that may infest the forest at various times 8. Maintain and promote an awareness of the importance of vernal pools and other wetland habitats, and protect these in any activity on the property 9. Consider the pros and cons of installing a gate at the end of the maintained part of Turkey Hill Road 10. Develop a policy toward off-road vehicle use which restricts it or brings in into alignment with conservation goals 11. Consider sources of income that may be helpful in accomplishing the above goals (e.g. timber, gravel, rock, etc.). Revised May 2009 Landowner Goals Please check the column that best reflects the importance of the following goals: Importance to Me Goal Don't High Medium Low Know Enhance the Quality/Quantity of Timber Products* xx Generate Immediate Income xx Generate Long Term Income xx Produce Firewood xx Defer or Defray Taxes xx Promote Biological Diversity xx Enhance Habitat for Birds xx Enhance Habitat for Small Animals xx Enhance Habitat for Large Animals xx Improve Access for Walking/Skiing/Recreation xx Maintain or Enhance Privacy xx Improve Hunting or Fishing xx Preserve or Improve Scenic Beauty xx Protect Water Quality xx Protect Unique/Special/ Cultural Areas xx Attain Green Certification xx Other: *This goal must be checked "HIGH" if you are interested in classifying your land under Chapter 61/61A. In your own words, describe your goals for the property: Manage as conservation with a goal of restoring natural habitat. Timber cutting is acceptable if it enhances habitat goals, but is not an end to itself. Stewardship Purpose By enrolling in the Forest Stewardship Program and following a Stewardship Plan, I understand that I will be joining with many other landowners across the state in a program that promotes ecologically responsible resource management through the following actions and values: 1. Managing sustainably for long-term forest health, productivity, diversity, and quality. 2. Conserving or enhancing water quality, wetlands, soil productivity, carbon sequestration, biodiversity, cultural, historical and aesthetic resources. 3. Following a strategy guided by well-founded silvicultural principles to improve timber quality and quantity when wood products are a goal. 4. Setting high standards for foresters, loggers and other operators as practices are implemented; and minimizing negative impacts. 5. Learning how woodlands benefit and affect surrounding communities, and cooperation with neighboring owners to accomplish mutual goals when practical. Signature(s):Wayne Feiden, Conservation Agent Date: 3/31/10 Owner: City of Northampton, through its Conservation Commission Page of __ _ Revised May 2009 Stewardship Issues Massachusetts is a small state, but it contains a tremendous variety of ecosystems, plant and animal species, management challenges, and opportunities. This section of your plan will provide background information about the Massachusetts forest landscape as well as issues that might affect your land. The Stand Descriptions and IVianagement Practices sections of your plan will give more detailed property specific information on these subjects tailored to your management goals. Biodiversity: Biological diversity is, in part, a measure of the variety of plants and animals, the communities they form, and the ecological processes (such as water and nutrient cycling) that sustain them. With the recognition that each species has value, individually and as part of its natural community, maintaining biodiversity has become an important resource management goal. While the biggest threat to biodiversity in Massachusetts is the loss of habitat to development, another threat is the introduction and spread of invasive non-native plants. Non-native invasives like European Buckthorn, Asiatic Bittersweet, and Japanese Honeysuckle spread quickly, crowding out or smothering native species and upsetting and dramatically altering ecosystem structure and function. Once established, invasives are difficult to control and even harder to eradicate. Therefore, vigilance and early intervention are paramount. Another factor influencing biodiversity in Massachusetts concerns the amount and distribution of forest growth stages. Wildlife biologists have recommended that, for optimal wildlife habitat on a landscape scale, 5-15% of the forest should be in the seedling stage (Jess than l" in diameter). Yet we currently have no more than 2-3% early successional stage seedling forest across the state. There is also a shortage of forest with large diameter trees (greater than 20"). See more about how you can manage your land with biodiversity in mind in the "Wildlife" section below. (Also refer to Managing Forests to Enhance Wildlife Diversity in Massachusetts and A Guide to Invasive Plants in Massachusetts in the binder pockets.) Rare Species: Rare species include those that are threatened (abundant in parts of its range but declining in total numbers, those of special concern (any species that has suffered a decline that could threaten the species if left unchecked), and endangered (at immediate risk of extinction and probably cannot survive without direct human intervention). Some species are threatened or endangered globally, while others are common globally but rare in Massachusetts. Of the 2,040 plant and animal species (not including insects) in Massachusetts, 424 are considered rare. About 100 of these rare species are known to occur in woodlands. Most of these are found in wooded wetlands, especially vernal pools. These temporary shallow pools dry up by late summer, but provide cructa.I breeding habitat for rare salamanders and a host of other unusual forest dwelling invertebrates. Although many species in Massachusetts are adapted to and thrive in recently disturbed forests, rare species are often very sensitive to any changes in their habitat Indispensable to rare species protection is a set of maps maintained by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife's Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (NHESP) that show current and historic locations of rare species and their habitats. The maps of your property will be compared to these rare species maps and the result indicated on the upper right comer of the front page of the plan. Prior to any Page __ of __ Revised May 2009 regulated timber harvest, if an occurrence does show on the map, the NHESP will recommend protective measures. Possible measures include restricting logging operations to frozen periods of the year, or keeping logging equipment out of sensitive areas. You might also use information from NHESP to consider implementing management activities to improve the habitat for these special species. Riparian and Wetlands Areas: Riparian and wetland areas are transition areas between open water features (lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers) and the drier terrestrial ecosystems. More specifically, a wetland is an area that has hydric (wet) soils and a unique community of plants that are adapted to live in these wet soils. Wetlands may be adjacent to streams or ponds, or a wetland may be found isolated in an otherwise drier landscape. A riparian area is the transition zone between an open water feature and the uplands (see Figure 1). A riparian zone may contain wetlands, but also includes areas with somewhat better drained soils. It is easiest to think of riparian areas as the places where land and water meet. Deciduous trees------+-- I Ecosystem Riparian -L """~ ----- Ecosystem Ecosystem Figure I: Example of a riparian zone. The presence of water in riparian and wetland areas make these special places very important. Some of the functions and values that these areas provide are described below: Filtration: Riparian zones capture and filter out sediment, chemicals and debris before they reach streams, rivers, lakes and drinking water supplies. This helps to keeps our drinking water cleaner, and saves communities money by making the need for costly filtration much less likely. Flood control: By storing water after rainstorms, these areas reduce downstream flooding. Like a sponge, wetland and riparian areas absorb stormwater, then release it slowly over time instead of in one flush. Critical wildlife habitat: Many birds and mammals need riparian and wetland areas for all or part of their life cycles. These areas provide food and water, cover, and travel corridors. They are often the most important habitat feature in Massachusetts' forests. Page __ of __ Revised May 2009 Recreational opportunities: Our lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds are often focal points for recreation. We enjoy them when we boat, fish, swim, or just sit and enjoy the view. In order to protect wetlands and riparian areas and to prevent soil erosion during timber harvesting activities, Massachusetts promotes the use of"Best Management Practices" or BMPs. Maintaining or reestablishing the protective vegetative layer and protecting critical areas are the two rules that underlie these common sense measures. DCR's Massachusetts Forestry Best Practices Manual (included with this plan) details both the legally required and voluntary specifications for log landings, skid trails, water· bars, buff er strips, filter strips, harvest timing, and much more. The two Massachusetts laws that regulate timber harvesting in and around wetlands and riparian areas are the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (CH 131), and the Forest Cutting Practices Act (CH132). Among other things, CH 132 requires the filing of a cutting plan and on-site inspection of a harvest operation by a DCR Service Forester to ensure that required BMPs are being followed when a commercial harvest exceeds 25,000 board feet or 50 cords (or combination thereof). Soil and Water Quality: Forests provide a very effective natural buffer that holds soil in place and protects the purity of our water. The trees, understory vegetation, and the organic material on the forest floor reduce the impact of falling rain, and help to insure that soil will not be carried into our streams and waterways. To maintain a supply of clean water, forests must be kept as healthy as possible. Forests with a diverse mixture of vigorous trees of different ages and species can better cope with periodic and unpredictable stress such as insect attacks or windstorms. Timber harvesting must be conducted with the utmost care to ensure that erosion is minimized and that sediment does not enter streams or wetlands. Sediment causes turbidity which degrades water quality and can harm fish and other aquatic life. As long as Best Management Practices (BMPs) are implemented correctly, it is possible to undertake active forest management without harming water quality. Forest Health: Like individual organisms, forests vary in their overall health. The health of a forest is affected by many factors including weather, soil, insects, diseases, air quality, and human activity. Forest owners do not usually focus on the health of a single tree, but are concerned about catastrophic events such as insect or disease outbreaks that affect so many individual trees that the whole forest community is impacted. Like our own health, it is easier to prevent forest health problems then to cure them. This preventative approach usually involves two steps. First, it is desirable to maintain or encourage a wide diversity of tree species and age classes within the forest. This diversity makes a forest less susceptible to a single devastating health threat. Second, by thinning out weaker and less desirable trees, well-spaced healthy individual trees are assured enough water and light to thrive. These two steps will result in a forest of vigorously growing trees that is more resistant to environmental stress. Page __ of __ 8 Revised May 2009 Fire: Most forests in Massachusetts are relatively resistant to catastrophic fire. Historically, Native Americans commonly burned certain forests to improve hunting grounds. In modern times, fires most often result from careless human actions. The risk of an unintentional and damaging fire in your woods could increase as a result of logging activity if the slash (tree tops, branches, and debris) is not treated correctly. Adherence to the Massachusetts slash law minimizes this risk. Under the law, slash is to be removed from buffer areas near roads, boundaries, and critical areas and lopped close to the ground to speed decay. Well-maintained woods roads are always desirable to provide access should a fire occur. Depending on the type of fire and the goals of the landowner, fire can also be considered as a management tool to favor certain species of plants and animals. Today the use of prescribed burning is largely restricted to the coast and islands, where it is used to maintain unique natural communities such as sandplain grasslands and pitch pine/scrub oak barrens. However, state land managers are also attempting to bring fire back to many of the fire-adapted communities found elsewhere around the state. Wildlife Management: Enhancing the wildlife potential of a forested property is a common and important goal for many woodland owners. Sometimes actions can be taken to benefit a particular species of interest (e.g., put up Wood Duck nest boxes). In most cases, recommended management practices can benefit many species, and fall into one of three broad strategies. These are managing for diversity, protecting existing habitat, and enhancing existing habitat. Managing for Diversity-Many species of wildlife need a variety of plant communities to meet their lifecycle requirements. In general, a property that contains a diversity of habitats will support a more varied wildlife population. A thick area of brush and young trees might provide food and cover for grouse and cedar waxwing; a mature stand of oaks provides acorns for foraging deer and turkey; while an open field provides the right food and cover for cottontail rabbits and red fox. It is often possible to create these different habitats on your property through active management. The appropriate mix of habitat types will primarily-depend on the composition of the surrounding landscape and your objectives. It may be a good idea to create a brushy area where early successional habitats are rare, but the same practice may be inappropriate in the area's last block of mature forest. Protecting Existing Habitat -This strategy is commonly associated with managing for rare species or those species that require unique habitat features. These habitat features include vernal pools, springs and seeps, forested wetlands, rock outcrops, snags, den trees, and large blocks of unbroken forest. Some of these features are rare, and they provide the right mix of food, water, and shelter for a particular species or specialized community of wildlife. It is important to recognize their value and protect their function. This usually means not altering the feature and buffering the resource area from potential impacts. Enhancing Existing Habitat -This strategy falls somewhere between the previous two. One way the wildlife value of a forest can be enhanced is by modifying its structure (number of canopy layers, average tree size, density). Thinning out undesirable trees from around large crowned mast (nut and fruit) trees will allow these trees to grow faster and produce more food. The faster growth will also accelerate the development of a more mature forest structure, which is important for some species. Creating small gaps or forest openings generates groups of seedlings and saplings that provide an additional layer of cover, food, and perch sites. Page __ of __ Revised May 2009 Each of these three strategies can be applied on a single property. For example, a landowner might want to increase the habitat diversity by reclaiming an old abandoned field. Elsewhere on the property, a stand of young hardwoods might be thinned to reduce competition, while a "no cut" buffer is set up around a vernal pool or other habitat feature. The overview, stand description and management practice sections of this plan wiII help you understand your woodland within the context of the surrounding landscape and the potential to diversify, protect or enhance wildlife habitat. Wood Products: If managed wisely, forests can produce a periodic flow of wood products on a sustained basis. Stewardship encompasses finding ways to meet your current needs while protecting the forest's ecological integrity. In this way, you can harvest timber and generate income without compromising the opportunities of future generations. Massachusetts forests grow many highly valued species (white pine, red oak, sugar maple, white ash, and black cherry) whose lumber is sold throughout the world. Other lower valued species (hemlock, birch, beech, red maple) are marketed locally or regionally, and become products like pallets, pulpwood, firewood, and lumber. These products and their associated value-added industries contribute between 200 and 300 million dollars annually to the Massachusetts economy. By growing and selling wood products in a responsible way you are helping to our society's demand for these goods. Harvesting from sustainably managed woodlands -rather than from unmanaged or poorly managed forest -benefits the public in a multitude of ways. The sale of timber, pulpwood, and firewood also provides periodic income that you can reinvest in the property, increasing its value and helping you meet your long-term goals. Producing wood products helps defray the costs of owning woodland, and helps private landowners keep their forestland undeveloped. Cultural Resources: Cultural resources are the places containing evidence of people who once lived in the area. Whether a Native American village from 1,700 years ago, or the remains of a farmstead from the 1800's, these features all tell important and interesting stories about the landscape, and should be protected from damage or loss. Massachusetts has a long and diverse history of human habitation and use. Native American tribes first took advantage of the natural bounty of this area over 10,000 years ago. Many of these villages were located along the coasts and rivers of the state. The interior woodlands were also used for hunting, traveling, and temporary camps. Signs of these activities are difficult to find in today's forests. They were obscured by the dramatic landscape impacts brought by European settlers as they swept over the area in the 1 ih and l 81h centuries. By the middle 1800's, more than 70% of the forests of Massachusetts had been cleared for crops and pastureland. Houses, barns, wells, fences, mills, and roads were all constructed as woodlands were converted for agricultural production. But when the Erie Canal connected the Midwest with the eastern cities, New England farms were abandoned for the more productive land in the Ohio River valley, and the landscape began to revert to forest. Many of the abandoned buildings were disassembled and moved, but the supporting stonework and other changes to the landscape can be easily seen today. Page __ of __ 10 Revised May 2009 One particularly ubiquitous legacy of this period is stone walls. Most were constructed between 1810 and 1840 as stone fences (wooden fence rails had become scarce) to enclose sheep within pastures, or to exclude them from croplands and hayfields. Clues to their purpose are found in their construction. Walls that surrounded pasture areas were comprised mostly oflarge stones, while walls abutting f01mer cropland accumulated many small stones as farmers cleared rocks turned up by their plows .. Other cultural features to look for include cellar holes, wells, old roads and even old trash dumps. JI Recreation and Aesthetic Considerations: Recreational opportunities and aesthetic quality are the most important values for many forest landowners, and represent valid goals in and of themselves. Removing interfering vegetation can open a vista or highlight a beautiful tree, for example. When a landowner's goals include timber, thoughtful forest management can be used to accomplish silvicultural objectives while also reaching recreational and/or aesthetic objectives. For example, logging trails might be designed to provide a network of cross-country ski trails that lead through a variety of habitats and reveal points of interest. If aesthetics is a concern and you are planning a timber harvest, obtain a copy of this excellent booklet: A Guide to Logging Aesthetics: Practical Tips for Loggers, Foresters & Landowners, by Geoffrey T. Jones, 1993. (Available from the Northeast Regional Agricultural Engineering Service, (607) 255-7654, for $7). Work closely with your consultant to make sure the aesthetic standards you want are included in the contract and that the logger selected to do the job executes it properly. The time you take to plan ahead of the job will reward you and your family many times over with a fuller enjoyment of your forest, now and well into the future. Invasive Species Management: Invasive species pose immediate and long-term threats to the woodlands of MA. Defined as a non-native species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human, anim<:tl, or plant health, invasives are well-adapted to a variety of environmental conditions, out-compete more desirable native species, and often create monocultures devoid of biological diversity. The websites of the Invasive Plant Atlas of New England, www.nbii-nin.ciesin.columbia.edu/ipane, and the New England Wildflower Society, www.newfs.org are excellent sources of information regarding the identification and management of invasive plants. Some of the common invasive plants found in MA are listed below. • • • • • • Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculata) Glossy Buckthom (Frangula alnus) Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora) Japanese Barberry (Berbis thunbergii) Japanese Knotweed (Fallopiajaponica) Autumn Olive (Eleaeagnus umbellata) Early detection and the initiation of control methods soon after detection are critical to suppressing the spread of invasive species. Selective application of the proper herbicide is often the most effective control method. See the next section for information on the use of chemicals in forest management / ··-······ /.·.· '·.. y" f " . \ activities. Page __ of __ Revised May 2009 Pesticide Use Pesticides such as herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and rodenticides are used to control "pests". A pest is any mammal, bird, invertebrate, plant, fungi, bacteria or virus deemed injurious to humans and/or other mammals, birds, plants, etc. The most common forest management use of a pesticide by woodland owners is the application of herbicide to combat invasive species. MA DCR suggests using a management system(s) that promotes the development and adoption of environmentally friendly no- chemical methods of pest management that strives to avoid the use of chemical pesticides. If chemicals are used, proper equipment and training should be utilized to minimize health and environmental risks. In Massachusetts, the application of pesticides is regulated by the MA Pesticide Control Board. For more information, contact MA Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), Pesticide Bureau at (617) 626-1776 On MA Private Lands Group Certification member properties, no chemicals listed in CHEMICAL PESTICIDES IN CERTIFIED FORESTS: INTERPRETATION OF THE FSC PRINCIPLES AND CRITERIA, Forest Stewardship Council, Revised and Approved, July 2002, may be used. This is your Stewardship Plan. It is based on the goals that you have identified. The final success of your Stewardship Plan will be determined first, by how well you are able to identify and define your goals, and second, by the support you find and the resources you commit to implement ea~h step. It can be helpful and enjoyable to visit other properties to sample the range of management activities and see the accomplishments of others. This may help you visualize the outcome of alternative management decisions and can either stimulate new ideas or confirm your own personal philosophies. Don't hesitate to express your thoughts, concerns, and ideas. Keep asking questions! Please be involved and enjoy the fact that you are the steward of a very special place. Page __ of __ I 2. STAND DESCRIPTIONS Overview of Stands Mbf Cords per per Site OBJ Stand Type Acres Size BA acre acre Index Stew 1 OH3-4a 51.4 9.7 90 3.0 5.0 50 OR Stew 2 BB3-5a 58.0 10.3 110 5.5 7.0 65 OR Stew 3 OH4-5a 28.4 11.9 100 6.0 8.0 65 OR Stew 4 OH3a 40.5 10.1 110 3.0 8.0 50 OR Stew 5 OH4-5b 47.0 9.7 93 5.0 10.0 70 OR Stew 6 RM4a 14.8 8.0 80 1.0 8.0 65 RM Stew 7 SS 14.2 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Stew 8 BR 29.5 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Stew 9 BR 2.7 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 10 HAY 7.7 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Total 294.3 Mbf per Cords OBJ Stand Tyoe Acres Size BA acre per acre Site Index Stew 1 OH3-4a 51.4 9.7 90 3.0 5.0 50 OR Valley Aggregate West Comment: Continuous run of mature, mixed-oak-dominated forest running across a continuum of landscape positions from Turkey Hill Road up, from the foot of a hill, a long, south-facing slope toward, and just east of, the western-most Mineral Hills peak, then back down to the toe of a long western slope. Type and Overstory (species and condition): The species-mix of oaks and also their heights depends heavily on where they fall on the above-mentioned continuum. Many oaks are from sprouts, indicating past cutting of these same oaks. The age is approx. 80-100 years. Following the same chronology, the forest starts with with mature black oak (and less scarlet, red and white) 12"-18'', 80'- 90' tall (with a mid-story of hemlock) on a well-drained, probably gravelly soil, the rises abruptly and steeply on much shallower soil, a mixture of black, red, white and scarlet oak, with pignut hickory and sugar maple (apparently moisture is available in some of the lower-and mid-slope positions). Then, approaching the top of the land, the forest mix gives way increasingly to black, scarlet and chestnut oak and becomes noticeably shorter, ultimately, at the top of the land, shrinking to heights of 20'-25'. Following the boundary toward the north, there are a number of very large old red oaks right on the line, on richer soil sloping to the east. Then there is a second area of dwarf forest, mainly chestnut and black oak, though not as short. From there the land drops steadily toward the west, *Onteroret the site index and the site's suitability for growing timber) OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 =stands classified under CH 61/61A; STEW= stands not classified under CH 61/61A; STD= stand; AC= acre; Mbf =thousand board feet; BA= basal area; VOL= volume; eds= cords Town(s) __ _..;._;Nu.o'"""r...,th,...,a..,m~p'""'to..,.n...__ __ Owner(s)_City of Northampton ___ Page of STAND DESCRIPTIONS often times across exposed ledge or surface stones, getting gradually taller. At about mid-slope there are "breaking points'', where moisture seems to be more readily available and the forest mix becomes a "hidden valley" dominated by red oaks of large size, 18"-26", 80'-100' tall, with the biggest trees being closest to a number of seasonal streams. Where the slope flattens out into a sort of shelf, the forest mix is greatly diversified, with scattered large red oaks but also large old hemlocks (greatly impacted by hemlock woolly adelgid and presumably elongate hemlock scale) and large-pole-sized individuals of black birch, paper birch, poplar (Populus grandidentata), sugar maple, beech, and even bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis), which was not seen anywhere else on the property, as well as both ironwood (Ostrya virginiana) and musclewood (Carpinus caroliniana) (which are small trees). In wetter areas there is ash and yellow birch, with sugar maple on the edges of these areas. Regeneration (species and distribution): Never abundant, but always present in a scattered way, including tall, spindly black birch, or abundant black, white and chestnut oak seedlings (on drier soil). Rarely, there are groups of stout mixed-oak saplings. Understory: Throughout there is, variably, the common mix of mountain laurel, maple-leaved viburnum, and beaked hazel, with Canada mayflower and lowbush blueberry. Striped maple and witch hazel are absent on the south-facing slope but abundant on the west-facing. Huckleberry is abundant on the upper, drier parts, which take on the appearance of "sedge glades". At the bottom of the western slope, in moister areas, there is maidenhair fern, and in wetter areas there is spicebush. There is a thicket of mountain laurel just north of the bottleneck. Non-native invasive plants (species, distribution, potential threat): Essentially absent. Soils (type, moisture, drainage and productivity*): under the heading of "Charlton-Rock outcrop Hollis Complex'', and "Paxton-Charlton steep/extremely stony" this is a well-drained stony glacial till of various depths, sometimes very shallow (with bedrock at the surface), and punctuated in areas by numerous small surface boulders and exposed ledge faces. The best moisture and fertility is at the bottom of the western slope. Site index is highly variable, ranging, for oaks, from 70 at the bottom of the western slope to 25 at the top. From a moisture/drainage perspective, most areas would be suitable for logging (I.e. not too wet), but from a practical perspective, many areas are very steep and thus difficult/ costly I dangerous to access for logging. Main (and Special) Habitat: large area with abundant mixed oaks (5 species) plus hickory (pignut) producing hard mast. Management history: based on the abundance of oaks from sprouts, it is safe to say this forest was "cut off' (in what would have resembled clearcutting), sometime between about 1910 and 1930. At that time, or later, someone cut out *(interpret the site index and the site's suitabi1itv for growing timber) OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 =stands classified under CH 61/61A; STEW= stands not classified under CH 61/61A; STD= stand; AC= acre; Mbf =thousand board feet; BA= basal area; VOL= volume; eds= cords Town(s) __ ~N~o~r=th=a=m....._..p~to~n~--Owner(s)_City of Northampton ___ Page of Ci) STAND DESCRIPTIONS a good number of red cedar (probably for fence posts): due to their rot-resistance, the stumps persist. Desired future condition: maintain this type, but try to introduce/develop small patches of younger-generation forest. Management options: small-scale harvest that would create a small number of small openings to diversify habitat and create a small component of a younger age class while also opening up a new trail connector through "the bottle neck" and, possibly opening up a west-facing and a south-east-facing view (by coordinating locations of small openings with ideal view spots). Unique features: small patch of stout, dead oaks just north of the bottleneck. Cultural features: remnants of barbed wire fence indicating past grazing activity; red cedar stumps. Anything else noteworthy /relevant: *(intervret the site index and the site's suitability for growing timber) OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 =stands classified under CH 61/61A; STEW= stands not classified under CH 61/61A; STD= stand; AC= acre; Mbf =thousand board feet; BA= basal area; VOL= volume; eds= cords Town(s) __ ___.,,;N,,,.o""'"r_,.,th....,a ... m~p'"""to"'"'n...__ __ Owner(s)_City of Northampton. ___ Page of STAND DESCRIPTIONS Mbf per Cords OBJ Stand Type Acres Size BA acre per acre Site Index Stew 2 BB3-5a 58.0 10.3 110 5.5 7.0 65 OR Valley Aggregate East Comment: Type and Overstory (species and condition): A northern-hardwood mix defined by abundant black birch in two, if not three, distinct size/age classes: tall poles and large, very tall poles on super-fertile soil, and small/medium-sized sawtimber. The black-birch poles occur mainly along the stream and on its west side; the sawtimber-sized black birch are mainly east of the stream. Not nearly as abundant as the black birch sugar maple occurs on about 7 5% of the area, where moisture is greater; black and scarlet oak are more prominent where the soil is drier. Mixed in with black birch and sugar maple are red maple, paper birch, ash, and pignut hickory. Hemlock occurs in thick mid-stories in a few locations; by the stream there are several very large, old hemlocks (which are very much in decline (due, presumably, to hemlock woolly adelgid and elongate scale). There are just a handful of white pine, occurring as very tall, twisted, old-field trees. Regeneration (species and distribution): Not well developed but includes oak seedlings, especially black oak. Understory: As in Stand 1, there is the common mix of mountain laurel, maple- leaved viburnum, and beaked hazel, with Canada mayflower and lowbush blueberry, and also striped maple and witch hazel. There are no sedge glades, but there are areas of dense hay-scented and/or New York fern. Notably, there are areas heavily overgrown with wild grapes; typically on richer soil, these grape thickets have led to "pull-downs", giving rise to a flush of vigorous forest-floor growth, including, unfortunately, invasives (see below). Whether in pull-downs or not, on moister soil, there is spice bush and cinnamon fern. Non-native invasive plants (species, distribution, potential threat): Though not widespread, non-native invasive plants, in particular Japanese barberry and Oriental bittersweet, certainly do have a foothold in some -not yet all -of the moistest soil, and are only likely to persist and spread. Bittersweet seems to help spread itself by eventually pulling down trees, thus letting in more light. Soils (type, moisture, drainage and productivity*): (Woodbridge fine- sandy loam, moderately well-drained): stony glacial till of various depths, though never as shallow as Stand l, and sometimes (apparently) deeper and richer. In particular, the main streamside area has excellent fertility -as evidenced by the *(interpret the site index and the site's suitability for growing timber) OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 =stands classified under CH 61/61A; STEW= stands not classified under CH 61/61A; STD= stand; AC= acre; Mbf =thousand board feet; BA= basal area; VOL= volume; eds= cords Town(s) __ ~N..,,,o""'"r .... th....,a.,..mA>· ¥p_,,.to .... n...___ __ Owner(s)_City of Northampton ___ Page of STAND DESCRIPTIONS tall, straight black birch poles. Much of the stand has fertility good enough to sustain sugar maple, though some drier knolls are more favorable to black oak. Bottom line: timber growth is good here. Logging access is possible and could be improved over the past tendency to have a road go straight up the hill, because erosion is occurring on that road and will continue to do so. There should be enough natural rise and fall in the topography to lay out a new skid trail/hiking trail that will better handle water. Main (and Special) Habitat: streamside/riparian; tall mature and maturing hardwoods. Management history: apparently "cut off' at two or three times, maybe around 1930 and 1950 in the western half, and around 1910 in the eastern half. Old- field pine relics indicate a history of pasturing, and relic sugar maples indicate possibly a former sugar bush along the main stream. Desired future condition: maintain this type, free of invasive plant hotspots featuring a road that is not eroding. Management options: (1) join with a small-scale harvest in adjacent stands to re-route/modify the existing trail to avoid/reduce erosion problems and create a new trail connector toward "the bottle neck detour" (given the problem of invasive plants on this richer soil, any cutting/disturbance should be limited to the bare minimum; no openings should be made for the purpose ofhabitat/age- class diversification); (2) conduct a focused effort, using herbicides~ to curtail invasive plants in several key hotspots. Unique features: a large white oak next to the trail; huge old sugar maples along the eastern edge of the quarry area, a huge black cherry in the barbed-wire fenceline on the northern boundary (west of the vernal pool). Cultural features: remnants of barbed wire fence indicating past grazing activity. Anything else noteworthy/relevant: *(interoret the site index and the site's suitability for growing timber) OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 =stands classified under CH 61/61A; STEW= stands not classified under CH 61/61A; STD= stand; AC= acre; Mbf =thousand board feet; BA= basal area; VOL= volume; eds= cords Town(s) __ __._N,,.,.o"""r_,,,th...,a""'m~p_..to~n......_ __ Owner(s)_City of Northampton ___ Page of 17- STAND DESCRIPTIONS Mbf per Cords OBJ Stand Type Acres Size BA acre per acre Site Index Stew 3 OH4-5a 28.4 11.9 100 6.0 8.0 65 OR Valley Aggregate South of Turkey Hill Road/30'-ROW Comment: this stand does not include heavily disturbed areas in the eastern and western end. The 30'-ROW to WD Cowls land crosses a vernal pool, and is used by ATV's, creating an active "mud hole" Type and Overstory (species and condition): An eclectic mix of mature red- oak/black-oak and hardwood mix, with a central wetland area on a saddle with seasonal streams emanating toward the east and west, vernal pools, and tall black gum trees and, apparently, black ash, along with yellow birch, white ash, red maple and elm. South of this wetland area the forest is a mature mix of tall red oak, 14"-18", with good moisture to grow, mixed with red maple, black birch, poplar, ash, hickory, and a smattering of black cherry and yellow birch, and an occasional large hemlock or pine. This forest probably dates back to heavy cutting around 1920. West of the 30'-ROW the forest is a younger mix of large poles of red maple, black birch and paper birch, reflecting cutting at a more recent time (perhaps the 1960's). North of the wetland, there is a thick hemlock mid-story in places, and tall, sometimes huge pines are more common, mixed with black oak, red maple, black birch, and hickory. Also, in the westernmost section, next to the grave bank, there is a dense stand of 3"-6" poles of black birch, red maple, paper birch (and hickory and oak), approximately 30'-40' tall, and maybe 2 5 years old. Regeneration (species and distribution): Not well developed. Understory: In upland areas lacking hemlock, mountain laurel is abundant, with witch hazel, striped maple and beaked hazel, with Christmas fern, Indian cucumber and wild sassparilla. Under hemlock, an understory is mostly lacking. In the wetland, tall winterberry shrubs are common, along with sphagnum moss and cinnamon fern. Non-native invasive plants (species, distribution, potential threat): None detected. Certainly, the wetland area, including the edges, is an area that could become infested with invasives. Soils (type, moisture, drainage and productivity*): (Woodbridge fine- sandy loam, moderately well-drained) in upland areas, stony glacial till of various depths, with good moisture able to grow good-quality red oak, and able to support logging equipment at dry or frozen times of year. Soil in the wetland is muck, which is well-suited to the type of tree-mix currently present, including black gum. This type of soil is more important for habitat and diversity than for *(interoret the site index and the site's suitability for growing timber) OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 =stands classified under CH 61/61A; STEW= stands not classified under CH 61/61A; STD= stand; AC= acre; Mbf =thousand board feet; BA= basal area; VOL= volume; eds= cords Town(s) __ __,_,N""o""-rt,,...h .... a .... m~p_,,,to"'"'n..___ __ Owner(s)_City of Northampton. ___ Page of STAND DESCRIPTIONS timber-growing properties (Note: in the "old days", these areas were cut off for timber/firewood, too, but the contemporary situation points toward leaving these areas alone. One challenge, though, is that black gum relies on heavy disturbance/full sun on the forest floor, and minimal deer-browsing pressure, to regenerate). The black gum here seem to be about the same age and probably date back to heavy cutting). Main (and Special) Habitat: red oak mast; wetland/vernal pool/riparian; several very tall white pine. Management history: not cut in the recent past, but certainly "cut off' 50-100 years ago. Desired future condition: maintain this type, free of invasive plants; featuring a road that does not create a "mud hole" by crossing a vernal pool. Management options: (1) join with a small-scale harvest in adjacent stands to re-route/modify the existing trail to avoid/reduce erosion problems and create a new trail connector toward "the bottle neck detour" (given the problem of invasive plants on this richer soil, any cutting/disturbance should be limited to the bare minimum; no openings should be made for the purpose of habitat/age- class diversification); (2) conduct a focused effort, using herbicides, to curtail invasive plants in several key hotspots. Unique features: a large white oak next to the trail; huge old sugar maples along the eastern edge of the quarry area, a huge black cherry in the barbed-wire fenceline on the northern boundary (west of the vernal pool). Cultural features: remnants of barbed wire fence indicating past grazing activity. Anything else noteworthy/relevant: *(interoret the site index and the site's suitability for growing timber) OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 =stands classified under CH 61/61A; STEW= stands not classified under CH 61/61A; STD= stand; AC= acre; Mbf =thousand board feet; BA= basal area; VOL= volume; eds= cords Town(s) __ ---"-'N""o"""r""'th.._.a ... m~p_,,,,to..,,n....._ __ Owner(s)_City of Northampton ___ Page of STAND DESCRIPTIONS, Mbf per Cords OBJ Stand Type Acres Size BA acre oer acre Site Index Stew 4 OH3a 40.5 10.1 110 3.0 8.0 50 OR Kohl upland Comment: Type and Overstory (species and condition): maturing mixed-oak forest, primarily black and scarlet oak, with red and white oak, dating roughly to about 1930. Pignut hickory, red maple and black birch are scattered throughout. The land rises steadily and steeply from south to north; tree height decreases along this gradient (as, presumably, the soil becomes droughtier). Many trees are from sprout origin, indicating that this stand was heavily cut at its origin. Mixed in with the oaks is a mid-story of hemlock, in declining health, from the bottom to about mid-slope; above mid-slope, the hemlock is quite limited. White pine is scattered minimally throughout. An important exception to this type is on a small shelf, and knoll, at the bottom of the slope, bordering a wetland area (described in a separate stand). Here there are much larger, presumably older, trees, including mixed oaks, hemlock, black birch, and, most notably, several huge, tall white pines. There is also a small, dense area of mixed overstory with a midstory hemlock providing a shady grove. With appropriate design and clearing, the knoll could be an interesting observation point over the large wetland/beaver meadow to the south. Regeneration (species and distribution): Where hemlock shade is lacking, and especially where small openings were made to do soil testing, there are thick black oak and hickory seedlings, with red and white oak. Given the general shortage of moisture, this regeneration would be viable if more cutting occurred (thus letting in more light). Understory: includes chestnut sprouts. Lots of huckleberry and lowbush blueberry abd sedge; witch hazel and shadbush .. Non-native invasive plants (species, distribution, potential threat): None detected. This area is not likely to become infested due to its general paucity of moisture .. Soils (type, moisture, drainage and productivity*): ("Charlton-Rock outcrop Hollis Complex") stony glacial till with droughty, southern exposure, and possibly a hard-pari, contributed to reduced moisture availability and, thus, relatively low fertility. By the same token, the soil is stable and conducive to the *(interoret the site index and the site's suitability for growing timber) OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 =stands classified under CH 61/61A; STEW= stands not classified under CH 61/61A; STD= stand; AC= acre; Mbf =thousand board feet; BA= basal area; VOL= volume; eds= cords Town(s) __ ---"-'N,....o"""r .... th=a .... m""'4"p"""to=n=----Owner(s)_City of Northampton ___ Page of 20 STAND DESCRIPTIONS I operations of logging equipment. That is part of the reason why the steep up & down skid trail in this stand shows no signs of erosion. Main (and Special) Habitat: mixed-acorn mast; huckleberries and blueberries. Management history: not cut in the recent past, but certainly "cut off' about 80 years ago. Desired future condition: maintain this type. Management options: (1) join with a small-scale harvest in adjacent stands to improve the existing trail where it crosses the stream (it approaches from down hill on the eastern side) to avoid/reduce erosion problems and connect to other trails to the west; (2) also, connect, possibly at both the higher and lower level, to the abutting trails on the LaPalme piece.; (3) open a view to the south of the mapped knoll to create a view over the wetland; ( 4) create a hint of scenic overlook below the mapped ledge outcrop near the corner with the LaPalme piece. Unique features: several huge white pines Cultural features: log landing with fire pit and debris; test-pits dug here and there in preparation (abandoned) to develop housesites on this parcel. Anything else noteworthy/relevant: Mbf per Cords OBJ Stand Type Acres Size BA acre oer acre Site Index Stew 5 OH4-Sb 47.0 9.7 93 5.0 10.0 70 OR LaPalme upland Comment: nice, well-maintained road system and a history of careful, selective cutting Type and Overstory (species and condition): mature, mixed oak-hardwood forest, with the oak component being primarily large, tall, vigorous red oak, 20'- 24" diameter, rarely 26", on the lower-and mid-slope, and tending toward increasing black oak and scarlet oak on the upper slope, with white oak scattered minimally throughout. Main co-occurring hardwoods are black birch and pignut hickory (typically as large, tall poles or small sawtimber; rarely as medium sawtimber). Less common are red maple, ash and to a lesser extent paper birch and sugar maple; bigtooth aspen seems to occur in pockets; tulip poplar, beech, and shagbark hickory are present, but just barely. Hemlock occurs here and there as a midstory and rarely as a large, individual overstory tree. Hemlock wooly adelgid (and presumably hemlock elongate scale) are causing noticeable death and dieback of hemlocks) . . *(interoret th~ site index and the site's sui.tability for growing timber) OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 =stands classified under CH 61/61A; STEW= stands not classified under CH 61/61A; STD= stand; AC= acre; Mbf =thousand board feet; BA= basal area; VOL= volume; eds= cords Town(s) __ --"-'N.,..o'""'-r""'th...,a .... m ........ p...,to"'"'n...___ __ Owner(s)_City of Northampton. ___ Page of STAND DESCRIPTIONS At the toe of the slope, in the boundary area, there are a number of large, impressive white pines (most of these fall into the area mapped as a separate wetland stand, though the spots they occupy are upland pockets therewithin). Regeneration (species and distribution): Absent under hemlock shade; where hemlock shade is lacking, and especially where small openings were made in past selective logging, there is, in moister areas, tall, but stringy, black birch, red maple and other hardwoods, but there saplings are typically not viable. In drier (upper slope) areas there is a mix of short oak and hickory seedlings that would be viable if there was overstory cutting. Understory: No surprises here: a mix of mountain laurel, witch hazel and beaked hazel with maple-leaved viburnum and striped maple that is variable in distribution and density. Spice-bush near the central stream, where soil is moist- wet; lowbush blueberry and huckleberry and sedges are found on the upper slope. Ferns found in this stand include Christmas fern, hayscented fern, cinnamon fern, and bracken fern. Pink lady slippers occur near the SW corner, and probably elsewhere. Non-native invasive plants (species, distribution, potential threat): None detected. Soils (type, moisture, drainage and productivity*): (Woodbridge deep, loamy glacial till) stony glacial till with fertile, well-watered, eastern exposure, becoming less fertile with increasing elevation from east to west. As evidenced by the quality and abundance of red oak, this soil/site is well suited to growing hardwood timber. By the same token, the soil would be stable and conducive to the operations of logging equipment only during dry or frozen times of year. The long up & down skid trail in this stand shows no signs of erosion, which becomes very wet at the bottom (in its traditional route to the LaPalme homestead) would require very dry or very frozen conditions (but presumably any future logging would take logs out uphill and to the west, thus the wet toe of the slope could be avoided). Main (and Special) Habitat: mixed-acorn mast; huckleberries and blueberries; exposed ledge (see map); small boulder field (see map). Management history: not cut in the recent past, but was managed and periodically/selectively cut over 51 years of ownership by the LaPalmes (1953- 1994). The roads were kept in good condition. Desired future condition: (1) maintain this forest typewith, possibly, the addition of a younger age-class in small groups here and there; (2) improve accessibility through this land by joining the road network to nearby trails. Management options: (1) join with a small-scale harvest in adjacent stands to improve connect the existing roads to nearby trails; and (2) use the opportunity *(intervret the site index and the site's suitability for growing timber) OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 =stands classified under CH 61/61A; STEW= stands not classified under CH 61/61A; STD= stand; AC= acre; Mbf =thousand board feet; BA= basal area; VOL= volume; eds= cords Town(s) __ _..._N""""o,....r_,.th...,a=m~p=to"""n....._ __ Owner(s)_City of Northampton, ___ Page of 22- STAND DESCRIPTIONS to create small openings that can begin to form a new age-class component; and (3) open a partial view to the east by locating a group-opening cut just below the large exposure of ledge Unique features: area of exposed ledge Cultural features: well-maintained road system. Anything else noteworthy/relevant: Mbf per Cords OBJ Stand Type Acres Size BA acre per acre Site Index Stew 6 RM4a 14.8 8.0 80 1.0 8.0 65 RM LaPalme mostly-forested wetland Comment: difficult and not necessarily enjoyable to traverse when the ground is wet and the bugs are out; includes small areas of upland along Sylvester Road (parking area and cellar hole) and in the middle of the stand (where old road cuts across E-W). Type and Overstory (species and condition): highly variable area of tall forest with red maple, white ash, elm, and yellow birch, often on hummocks, and scattered tall white pine and hemlock, often on upland inclusions, and tulip poplar and sugar maple in intermediate areas. Black gum, though not observed, is probably here. Interwoven throughout the stand are areas too flooded to support trees (and difficult to walk through). Regeneration (species and distribution): not present .. Understory: Varies with degrees of soil saturation, with abundant sphagnum moss in low-flow areas and thick sedge-beds in areas of flow; thick cinnamon fern or horsetails in places; lots of poison ivy and perhaps poison sumac (though none was observed). Winterberry is tall and abundant in places. Non-native invasive plants (species, distribution,.potential threat): Some Japanese barberry. The wettest areas are probably safe from the regular set of invasive vines and shrubs found in places in the Mineral Hills, but keeping as much shade as possible is important in restricting the spread of these to the fringes of these wetter areas .. Soils (type, moisture, drainage and productivity*): muck ("Scarboro muck) (which is an extremely-poorly drained soil derivi~g from decayed organic matter) and areas of poorly-drained Ridgebury fine, sandy loam). This soil is well-suited to the growth of the trees established here, but poorly suited to timber management. (in the old days, cutting of firewood with light equipment or horses, working during a deep freeze, to supply immediate fuel needs was a valid practice here, but does not make any sense in our current economy). *(interpret the site index and the site's suitability for growing timber) OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 =stands classified under CH 61/61A; STEW= stands not classified under CH 61/61A; STD= stand; AC= acre; Mbf =thousand board feet; BA= basal area; VOL= volume; eds= cords Town(s) __ ~N~o~r=th=a=m==-Fp~to~n~--Owner(s)_City of N9rthampton. ___ Page of Z3 STAND DESCRIPTIONS Main (and Special) Habitat: variable forested wetland Management history: none apparent. Desired future condition: (1) maintain this forest type (2) potentially improve accessibility by building a boardwalk to connect the parking lot to the other trails (for the record, building and maintaining a boardwalk is a big deal, not to be taken lightly). Management options: (1) no harvesting (2) review possible routes of access from the parking lot to the remaining land to see if there is a better option than building a boardwalk Unique features: Cultural features: cellar hole next to Sylvester Road; stone with a plaque honoring Armand LaPalme, who donated this land to the City in 1994. Anything else noteworthy/relevant: beavers could move into this stand and begin to cause dramatic changes. Mbf per Cords OBJ Stand Tvoe Acres Size BA acre oer acre Site Index Stew 7 SS 14.2 N/A N/A N/A N/A Kohl & Valley Aggregate mostly-non-forested wetland Comment: highly variable wetland area with the confluence of various streams. As is the case with the LaPalme wetland, this wetland is difficult to traverse. N/A Type and Overstory (species and condition): Though extremely variable, this wetland is united by a tendency toward fewer trees and more shrubs and herbaceous vegetation, as well as non-native invasive plants. The tendency toward fewer trees is driven mainly by beavers, which, though apparently not active now, have cut trees and flooded areas (killing trees). This tendency will be supported by the spread of non-native invasive plants, especially Oriental bittersweet, a vine which can overtake areas and prevent tree growth. This wetland is fed by a number of streams, mostly seasonal, including at least 3 that flow out of pools that may fundion as vernal pools (see map), all of which flow into a man-made pond in two parts (one of which is certainly off the property. A substantial stone wall that might well have been a dam (if not for water power then perhaps at least for ice) provides the take off point for a beaver dam (now abandoned). Beginning in the western part of the stand, the vegetation-type is wet-meadow/ fern-meadow, sedge-meadow, with shrubs, including a viburnum thicket, and bordering upland trees representative of the adjacent uplands. *(interpret the site index and the site's suitability for growing timber) OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 =stands classified under CH 61/61A; STEW= stands not classified under CH 61/61A; STD= stand; AC= acre; Mbf =thousand board feet; BA= basal area; VOL= volume; eds= cords Town(s) __ -""-'N..,.o ..... r....,th=a=m,.._p=to=n~--Owner(s)_City of Northampton ___ Page of STAND DESCRIPTIONS The central part of the stand is a drained, re-vegetated beaver pond, with sedges and ferns, cattails, wild flag, horsetails, spirea, winterberry, speckled alder, black elder, Virginia creeper, abundant jewelweed, and willow, with bordering trees including tulip poplar, red maple and white pine. A northern extension of this stand is a mature hardwood-hemlock forest area with black gum and what appears to be a sizeable vernal pool. As mentioned, the stand drains into a manmade pond that is off the property. Regeneration (species and distribution): N/A. Understory: See overstory description. Non-native invasive plants (species, distribution, potential threat): These have begun to infest the stand, especially Oriental bittersweet and multiflora rose, both of which can be seen along the northern half of the stone wall. In theory, the return of beavers (with more flooding) could help control these, but areas not affected by flooding, but exposed due to tree mortality could become very infested (see parts of the quarry for an indication of what a bad infestation looks like). Soils (type, moisture, drainage and productivity*): transitional, descending from the stony till of surrounding uplands to "Ridgebury" poorly- drained glacial till, quickly toward heavier, poorly drained soil becoming muck due to beaver activity. Though excellent for habitat diversity and water storage functions, this soil is not really suited for modern timber management. Main (and Special) Habitat: variable forested wetland, including seasonal standing surface water; abundant snags and coarse woody debris (due to beaver cutting and flooding) Management history: none apparent in the recent past. Long ago there was probably pasturing or hay cutting here. Desired future condition: (1) "maintain" this forest type with minimal invasives ("maintain" here means simply allowing the uncontrollable dynamic processes associated with beavers to continue) Management options: (1) no harvesting (2) possibly re-route portions of the hiking trail that are frequently saturated to make hiking more enjoyable Unique features: Cultural features: stone wall/dam Anything else noteworthy/relevant: *fintervret the site index and the site's suitability for growing timber) OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 =stands classified under CH 61/61A; STEW= stands not classified under CH 61/61A; STD= stand; AC= acre; Mbf =thousand board feet; BA= basal area; VOL= volume; eds= cords Town(s) __ _.....N,_,.o .... r_..th.....,a....,m"""'""'p ..... to"'"'n=---Owner(s)_City of Northampton. ___ Page of STAND DESCRIPTIONS Mbf per Cords OBJ Stand Type Acres Size BA acre oer acre Site Index Stew 8 BR 29.5 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Valley Aggregate quarry Comment: "BR"= upland brush; highly altered/disturbed area with good habitat and recreational value but a serious invasive plant problem and safety risks due to cliffs. Type and Overstory (species and condition): Includes an actual stone quarry (see map) about 40' deep, with bare rock faces, a deep marsh with cattails and a vernal pool in the bottom of the quarry, surrounding, highly-altered land growing back into grasses, prickly dewberry, sweet-fern, sumac, and gray birch, an outer belt of forest that was cut over and grew back into black birch and affiliated hardwoods with heavy grape vines and serious Oriental bittersweet, perimeter areas to that forest type with large but heavily infested hemlocks (hemlock wooly adelgid and elongate scale), a minimal area of pole-sized white pine on gravelly soil, and an area (south of Turkey Hill Road) of very gravelly soil with young pines and gray birches. Regeneration (species and distribution): N/ A. Understory: See overstory description. Non-native invasive plants (species, distribution, potential threat): Serious infestation of Oriental bittersweet and multiflora rose, especially along and beyond the outer-perimeter trail around the quarry. Combining with native grapes, these thickets have pulled down trees and will effectively prevent the re- establishment of forest, while acting as a significant and continuous seed source for invasives to be spread to the rest of the property, wherever soil and light are suitable, by birds. South of Turkey Hill Road, due presumably to restrictive soil moisture, invasives are minimal. Also, in and next to Turkey Hill Road, at the easternmost access point, there is a small amount of Japanese knotweed. This small amount can, and should, be controlled before it becomes as widespread as the bittersweet. Soils (type, moisture, drainage and productivity*): (soil-survey type is "pits, gravel") The native forest soil, around the edges of the quarry, is fertile and productive for the growth of sugar maple (and hence favorable to invasives and grapes). The quarry area itself is a blend of bare rock and quarry tailings or residual gravel. Not currently functioning as a "forest". Main (and Special) Habitat: rock cliff-faces, exposed gravel, seasonal standing surface water, Management history: no vegetation management. *(intervret the site index and the site's suitability for growing timber) OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 =stands classified under CH 61/61A; STEW= stands not classified under CH 61/61A; STD= stand; AC= acre; Mbf =thousand board feet; BA= basal area; VOL= volume; eds= cords Town(s) __ _,N'""'"'o""""r'-"t~h""'am........,.p""'to=n""----Owner(s)_City of Northampton ___ Page of 2.b STAND DESCRIPTIONS Desired future condition: (1) safe, walkable trail with views of quarry; (2) absence of non-native invasive plants Management options: (1) clarify trail routes and increase safety with signs and filling in of sink-hole in outer-trail; (2) control non-native invasive plants with the least-intrusive method (presumably in this case a low-volume foliar herbicide with monitoring and repeat treatments over several years). In particular, eradicate the Japanese knotweed on Turkey Hill Road; (3) fix erosion on Turkey Hill Road caused by easternmost access point. Unique features: stone quarry giving a glimpse of what lies right beneath our feet Cultural features: Anything else noteworthy/relevant: the two main access points are blocked off so no vehicle can drive near the quarry. The easternmost access point was left in a condition that is causing the road to wash out to the east. Mbf per Cords OBJ Stand Type Acres Size BA acre oer acre Site Index Stew 9 BR 2.7 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Valley Aggregate gravel bank Comment: "BR" =upland brush; highly altered/disturbed area with good habitat and recreational value, including, at times, being back-woods party spot. Type and Overstory (species and condition): an overgrown gravel bank with areas, essentially, of bare gravel (kept open by ORV use) and areas with sweet fern or growing back into a mix of white pine, gray birch and poplar, 10'- 30' tall. Regeneration (species and distribution): see overstory. Understory: see overstory. Non-native invasive plants (species, distribution, potential threat): One non-native, invasive bush-honeysuckle found near to the campfire pit. This could be pulled up (making sure to get all the roots) Soils (type, moisture, drainage and productivity*): (Merrimac outwash) Residual gravel from a natural gravel deposit, either scraped flat or piled in tall banks. Suitable for the growth of pine timber or lower-quality oaks. Excellent ground for logging. Main (and Special) Habitat: thicket; exposed gravel *{intervret the site index and the site's suitability for growing timber) OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 =stands classified under CH 61/61A; STEW= stands not classified under CH 61/61A; STD= stand; AC= acre; Mbf =thousand board feet; BA= basal area; VOL= volume; eds= cords Town(s) __ _....,N ...... o=r_,,,th=a=m~p=to=n=---Owner(s)_City of Northampton ___ Page of STAND DESCRIPTIONS Management history: no vegetation management. Desired future condition: ( 1) maintain this type Management options: (1) pull up honeysuckle; (2) allow forest to grow. Unique features: a major trail (from Turkey Hill Road) goes off the property here into Westhampton (initially on land under a CR to which the City is a party). Cultural features: heaps of shotgun shells apparently from heavily-armed parties Anything else noteworthy /relevant. Mbf per Cords OBJ Stand Type Acres Size BA acre per acre Site Index N/A 10 HAY 7.7 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A LaPalme hayfield Comment: This is an active hayfield. Therefore it is not eligible for enrollment in the Forest Stewardship Program. Soils (type, moisture, drainage and productivity*): (Walpole fine sandy loam, which is poorly drained, and is found on low outwash plains and stream terraces, with better-drained Gloucester along Sylvester Road) *(interoret the site index and the site's suitability for growing timber) OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 =stands classified under CH 61/61A; STEW= stands not classified under CH 61/61A; STD= stand; AC= acre; Mbf =thousand board feet; BA= basal area; VOL= volume; eds= cords Town(s) __ --'-'N'""'o,.....r_,..th..,a .... m~p_...,to.,...n"""---Owner(s)_City of Northampton ___ Page of MANAGEMENT PRACTICE~ to be done within next 10 years Explanation of Silvicultural Methods These are referred to in Stand-level management practices on subsequent pages and are drawn from the following list, which is based on (proposed) Chapter 132 (Forest Cutting Practices Act) regulations. Silvicultural methods are broadly divided into two groups, intermediate cuts and regeneration cuts. Intermediate cuts focus on improving growth in an existing overstory. Regeneration cuts focus on establishing and promoting new stands of trees. Intermediate Cuts Thinnings & Improvement Cuts: reduce the density of trees to enhance the vigor of residual trees. An improvement cut is usually an initial treatment that removes trees of low quality or undesirable species. Thinnings are subsequent adjustments to continue focusing growth on selected trees. Intermediate cuts that are overly "heavy" are classified as regeneration cuts: basal area thresholds are as follows: BA= 100 for conifer stands, BA= 60 for hardwood stands, BA= 80 for conifer-hardwood stands. Regeneration Cuts Regeneration cuts use existing stands of trees to create future stands of trees. The future stands of trees can be of one age·(even-aged), two ages (two-aged) or of three or more ages (uneven-aged, i.e. selection). In regeneration cuts, particular attention is paid to seed and seedling sources for the future stand, light conditions in the understory, and interfering factors (e.g. competitor plants in the understory). A regeneration cut can be sudden and decisive (clearcutting, single- cut shelterwood), staggered (rhost methods), or ongoing (uneven-aged, i.e. selection). Even-aged Methods Clearcut: All established trees are removed to allow new trees to grow from seed in full sun. Clearcutting is especially appropriate for early-successional species (e.g. paper birch, poplar and black cherry plus gray birch and pin cherry) and may grow with mixes of hemlock, red maple and other birches. Seeding is assumed to occur from edge trees or from seed stored in the soil (cherry). Clearcuts may be up to 5 acres, or, if artificial seeding or planting is used, up to 10 acres. Larger clearcuts require special permission. Clearcuts separated by more than 100 feet are considered separate. Seed-tree: Similar to a clearcut except that seed trees are retained to provide seed (and cut later) and except that any species may be grown. No size limitation. At least 4 seed trees (20-inch diameter or greater) or 12 seed trees (14-20 inches diameter) must be retained per acre. OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 =Forest Products (for CH 61/61A); STEW= Non-harvest Stewardship Practices; STD = stand; Type = Forest Type; Mbf = 1000 board feet; eds = cords; BA = basal area; VOL = volume Town(s} __ _.N'-'-'o"'"'r.._.t~h-am~p'-"to"'"'n....___ __ · Owner(s)_City of Northampton. ___ Page of MANAGEMENT PRACTICE~ to be done within next 10 years Shelterwood: usually a multi-step approach to establish desirable trees in the understory in medium-light conditions before the overstory is eventually removed to release the seedlings. Used especially for oak, sugar maple (giving these species years to establish well-developed root systems) white pine and hemlock (giving these species years to establish competitive height). Black birch typically becomes abundant as well. Regeneration that is adequate for release must typically be 2 feet tall, well-distributed and abundant. Interfering vegetation must be identified and (ideally) controlled. Coppice: a complete "cutting off' of small or medium-sized hardwoods to cause these to resprout and form a new stand from the same root systems. Two-aged Methods Clearcut, Seed-tree, Shelterwood with "reserves": Same as methods described above but with retention of trees ( 12 inches diameter or larger) (possibly for timber, habitat or aesthetic reasons). Uneven-aged Methods (Selection) In an uneven-aged stand there will always be trees in a range of size and age classes that are free to grow. Often current conditions will be an approximation of this but over time a true 3+-aged stand can be created and maintained. A selection cut is a mix of thinning and creating/enlarging openings. Openings are defined as groups or patches; new openings generally do not cover more than 50% of the stand area. Group Selection: openings may range from single-tree up to 1/4 acre (e.g. equivalent to a circle about 120 feet in diameter) in size, which is about 1.5 times the mature height of many trees (80'-100'). No special provisions are needed in the understory for this" conservative" opening size. Patch Selection: openings may range up to 2 acres (e.g. equivalent to a circle about 333 feet in diameter). Interfering vegetation (if present) should be identified and ideally controlled so that seedlings can be established/released. OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 =Forest Products (for CH 61/61A); STEW= Non-harvest Stewardship Practices; STD = stand; Type = Forest Type; Mbf = 1000 board feet; eds = cords; BA = basal area; VOL = volume Town(s) __ __._,N""'o..._r.,..th .... a~m..._p"""'to"""'n=-----Owner(s)_City of Northampton ___ Page of 'MANAGEMENT PRACTICE:::, to be done within next 10 years Required Management 2010-2020: None. Suggested Management 2010-2020: (Note: any future acquisitions of abutting land are not expected to change the rationale for the management recommendations discussed below). Trails An overarching goal is to have a safe, enjoyable, sustainable hiking trail system. There are good pieces of a trail system in place. These pieces can be connected. And in some cases these pieces can be upgraded or re-routed to better deal with water problems. A particular trouble spot (regarding water) is the lower section of the trail through Stand 2 and in the northwest area of Stand 7. See Trail Work Map for location-specific suggestions. (1) Ticks: make sure trails can be maintained so that hikers do no brush against vegetation (from the sides or above) or need to walk in tall vegetation so that the chances of hikers picking up ticks are reduced. Place signs at major trailheads/parking areas identifying the danger of tick-borne disease and indicating precautions as well as responses to take should a hiker be bitten by a tick. (2) Water/erosion: fix trails (see Trail Work Map) so that water does not run down them. In two cases, a trail crosses a stream from an elevation that is below the stream bed, making water-flow onto and down the stream inevitable. In these spots, the trail could be set in a different location so that the stream is below the trail at any crossing point. (3) Create connector trails and re-route a main trail (currently heading north out of Stand 2 onto the abutting property) so that it stays on the property (by going through Stand 1) (See Trail Work Map) The implementation of major trail-work could be done two ways, either as a stand-alone project (e.g. bringing in small excavating equipment) or in conjunction with a small-scale logging operation. ( 4) Off-road vehicles: wheeled off-road vehicles should not be used on trails, since these tend to dig up the trail and cause erosion (5) Boardwalk: constructing a boardwalk (as a last resort-option), though costly and difficult to maintain, may be the best way to get from the Sylvester Road parking area to the rest of the property. OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 =Forest Products (for CH 61/61A); STEW= Non-harvest Stewardship Practices; STD = stand; Type = Forest Type; Mbf = 1000 board feet; eds = cords; BA = basal area; VOL = volume Town(s} __ ~N._,_o"""r.__,t,..h~am..._p:..,,;to~n~--Owner(s}_City of Northampton ___ Page of MANAGEMENT PRACTICE~ to be done within next 10 years Boundaries Though the property does not have its own survey, some of its constituent parcels and/or abutting land have been surveyed, providing a good starting point. Many, but not all, corners are monumented (iron pines, etc.), but the boundaries are rarely clear on the ground (an exception is the northern, western and southern boundary of the LaPalme parcel, which is painted yellow). In some cases, the City may someday contemplate further acquisitions; in other cases the property has probably expanded to its maximum extent. These latter boundaries should be permanently marked (using signs and/or blazing and painting). Where expansion may occur, boundaries could be heavily flagged or, alternatively, painted with a different color and not blazed. Access Points ( 1) Parking area on Sylvester Road: This functions well as a parking area, except that it does not allow good access to the property. Consider ways to connect through the wetland (perhaps by boardwalk) or to go around the wetland (by crossing the hayfield). ( 2) Parking area on Turkey Hill Road: currently there is no designated parking area. This area would need a sign. Both areas would benefit from some type of trash receptacle. Additionally, place a "no-parking" sign near the dam next to Turkey Hill Road, since this appears to be a parking area, but is not. Logging for forest-habitat, timber, & trails management Silviculture Acres to BA to Mbf to Cords to Stand Type (harvesting) Cut Cut Cut Cut Timinq 1 OH3-4a Selection 3 20 4 10 2010/11 2 BB3-Sa Selection 3 20 4 10 2010/11 3 OH4-Sa None 0 0 0 0 N/A 4 OH3a Selection 3 20 4 10 2010/11 5 OH4-Sb Selection 3 20 4 10 2010/11 6 RM4a None 0 0 0 0 N/A 7 SS None 0 0 0 0 N/A OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 =Forest Products (for CH 61/61A); STEW= Non-harvest Stewardship Practices; STD = stand; Type = Forest Type; Mbf = 1000 board feet; eds = cords; BA = basal area; VOL = volume Town(s) __ -""-'N..,,.o,.....r_,.,th=a=m~p'""'to~n~--Owner(s)_City of Northampton ___ Page of 3 z_ MANAGEMENT PRACTICE~ to be done within next 10 years 8 BR None 0 0 0 0 N/A 9 BR None 0 0 0 0 N/A 10 HAY None 0 0 0 0 N/A Totals 12 16 40 Silviculture Acres to BA to Mbf to Cords to Stand Tvoe (harvestina) Cut Cut Cut Cut Timinq 1,2,3,4 OH Selection 12 20 16 40 2010/11 Harvesting in 4 stands is grouped together here because the type and purpose of cutting is connected. Practice purpose (how it helps create desired future condition) The purpose is two-fold: (1) develop/expand the hiking trail system and re- route/upgrade parts of the existing trail system, and (2) develop a number of small openings to be filled in by younger-generation forest in selected areas that do not have a problem with invasive plants. In some cases, these openings may help coincide with the creation of partial views from good vantage points along the trail system. Opening size would be typically 1/ 4 to 1/2 acre. Trees to be removed & retained (types, conditions, sizes): The first step would be to lay out the skid trails and plan the water diversion features and any stream or wetland crossings. Trail layout will incorporate the natural roll of the land to assist with drainage and sustainability. The trail will go around, rather than through, any notable trees. Next, locations for openings would be chosen based on the trail layout. Remove: all trees in trails and most trees in openings (any size, quality or species). Retain all other trees. Special considerations (erosion, habitat, access, timing, cultural, etc.): Small equipment and the ability to do some road cutting would be essential. In order to "clean out" trails, there will need to be a place or places) to drag brush and tops to (the small openings might be ideal for this purpose). OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 =Forest Products (for CH 61/61A); STEW= Non-harvest Stewardship Practices; STD = stand; Type = Forest Type; Mbf = 1000 board feet; eds = cords; BA = basal area; VOL = volume Town(s) __ _..._,N~o""-r""'th .... a""'m~p....,to~n~--Owner(s)_City of Northampton. ___ Page of MANAGEMENT PRACTICE~ to be done within next 10 years tion-native invasive plant species control: Stands 8 (ca. 14 acres) and parts of 7 (ca. 1 acre: 15 acres total Two separate but possibly related practices: Control non-native invasive plant-species: eradicate Japanese knotweed (in Turkey Hill Road) and eradicate/curtail bittersweet and mutliflora rose so that native plants could have a better chance of becoming established (mainly around and to the north of the quarry in Stand Sand along the stone wall in Stand 7) This would probably require the selective use of foliar-application herbicides by a licensed applicator (following a chemical treatment program to be devised in conjunction with that licensed applicator). Confirm presence/absence of vernal pools Ideally during spring breeding season, consider having a qualified person survey the property for vernal pools (including the pool on the southern boundary just east of the Erosion Control Facility). Map any vernal pools and add the map to this plan. It would be up to the City to decide to certify any vernal pools (with the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program of MA Fish and Wildlife). OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 =Forest Products (for CH 61/61A); STEW= Non-harvest Stewardship Practices; STD = stand; Type = Forest Type; Mbf = 1000 board feet; eds = cords; BA = basal area; VOL = volume Town(s) __ _,N~o~r~t=h=am="¥p~to~n~ __ Owner(s)_City of Northampton. ___ Page of I I ~·~· N 81 E l<P2.'3' \ 7. ..-.._ \ ··-....<" ·,_ "'- -:t-?· ~' 845/C. Forest Map \ /"' I // -~ Land of City of Northampton Mineral Hills Conservation Area Northampton, MA 294 +/-acres ' ' / - . I r "' \ 'r·f':. : ·r 1 Jw-I .,'s "'""' ~1;1 : • ' "' ii \ • ~ . • -.. . . 9 '-" " . " 0 \.0 "'° \" .... // " r--1 ~ h Map by Michael Mauri 20 West Street __ South Deerfield, MA 01373 (413) 665-6829 based on tax maps, topo map 2009 composite survey by Huntley (PB 220, Pgs 47 & 48) aerial photo and fieldwork by M.M., 412010 ~~ Bo A~ .. Mineral 7 <I) .a 9 (( ) ' 0 'y__ . {) -/ -0: '~---~ ) /' • ~Hills.,.,!:::. 4 0 DMFT 5-23-3010 ~ SA Cil s ~ Cil .... £ l.f.) ;.., r( H ~ :2 \ \ -' , ,,,- ~ r-! 1 ____./' s QI> ~ _ ___,.-- , , r;",..~,;i ~ .J.Q"-c., (,OJ --.......... . -,/ _____ , f ' f1;'I ,.t;·· . . ;)\ .......... ---' 11 I> 'O S '?.ow 1-'\'1' \II ~ \II ' I \ I. "):-\> T-~· \ \ (1,;' ' 1: (:" t-J ~\ E. i,_"l-lfo' .... : \ /:·;· . . '\ - " -~ I ---I _,,,,,. --- \ , ... #. -..... ·-y.--. -. -~ ~ ,, C/) ~ ~ ·---l...- ~ Road our ... ~. .. ~ 'dOW i.~y~· fu t""cd l ---- (/) H (!) 1-1 ~ 0 ~ p. Stream; seasonal stream~ ,· -•. ~ Wetland; possible vernal pool ~ ,; *' beaver dam; ledge~ ; ~ stone wall; barbed wire ~ ; ~ house; cellar hole; stones o · rl50\ • o: -;. • • ./ \.£9J J ...... grass; stone quarry ::. i ;::::::::: parcel lines; knoll .... ·. , · _ · --~ dwarf trees; stand boundary; d w. J. -. • stand number & stand type l. iron pin I: ·r· OH T " (Y) -s:.?· I ~"?" N 81 E \CoZ.'3' ··-....< ·, 'y.... :' 1. :of-i/ (/ -~ I r-'---. .: :{ / Jw - \ ~. ______.I \ l ' ' Forest Stand Map Land of City of Northampton Mineral Hills Conservation Area Northampton, MA 294 +/-acres ' 0 \ N'ilE \Uo4' \ 9 ,!.._" q ( ( ) . rJ ' •• " 0 \.0 \.0 '"II '"" r-i ~ ..j...J f-i ~ Map by Michael Mauri 20 West Street .. South Deerfield, MA 01373 (413) 665-6829 based on tax maps, topo map 2009 composite survey by Huntley (PB 220, Pgs 47 & 48) aerial photo and fieldwork by M.M., 4/2010 DRAFT 5-23-3010 Ci Ci 0 0 .j..J .j..J Ao. Ss C"J C"J 13 ti .• Mineral ".,, 4 Q f { d 2 ·9 ,_v . ('. -O· \ c_~ 1212 : ~ ., ,· . i Op J,, ~._.. .• QI\ BS/i·.· J l , w. Q.?}1 r 0 ' :(;7,/ ; • ~Hills!}.,/:::,. 4 fr c 1'-1&\E i..~1 fo' 4\, /1 ft\ 10 q, I ......., Cl'.)~ ~~ \\ ~ ..!* c-1 g R. I j -".;: __,£1 ~ 'bf)' " ~o.., \Q ~ .....r ;"~ c.,.o ) .. !K. . 2 s tt a w 1-<Hi' - -Iv• ' .,.. -' .... _ ,... f 0 I I I\•' •. -----1 1"1~ -·-·. 1 5 H~y '•--t._ ,; - ~-/ C/) '< ,_. ~ ... ~-\---' ...... lJ ~· J -'7-~ OH ~ Road \1J .;:) ll .... w ~~;?.' ).ii. \ '. ~ i-W"-cdl ---- our · ... .. ... . . .. , en it '""I ~ 0 s:i:i 0. Stream; seasonal stream ~ ,· -· · ~ Wetland; possible vernal pool ~ ; --*' beaver dam; ledge~ i ~ stone wall; barbed wire ~ j ~ house; cellar hole; stones o · n?o'I • o ~ ~ • • / \£9J J .... grass; stone quarry::, ; :::::::.::: parcel lines; knoll . . . . . . , · _ · --~ dwarf trees; stand boundary; d w · • ,, J • stand number & stand type 1. iron pin t ·r· OH r r+- M I -s:-!f N SI t5 \(92..3' \ ~. DRAFT Trail Work Map ~-'?· ~ ~ 0 0 -1-' -!-' AA SE rd rd £13 Cl) $-.( Cl) 0 ~z \\ "" I , ,,J:C' ··-·--~ \ ?" I I . I Qi \ !/ ~ ,OJ'4.. Land of City of Northampton Mineral Hills Conservation Area Northampton, MA 294 +/-acres " 0 \..0 l,,O ~·~ II Map by Michael Mauri 20 West Street . South Deerfield, MA 01373 (413) 665-6829 based on tax maps, topo map 2009 composite survey by Huntley (PB 220, Pgs 47 & 48) / . .;) /.. 0 ... ' : :( I Jw .l I.. o \ ·, ' --...i~\e \\to~· • ' '-... ~~ .. Mineral ".., A , <ff' ...9 {'l ... s r;p ~ n,.O ,_; ._, 'o ~ _}.Q..._r,, 0) c; . o'> 1? ~ :>O ft, ...... (o\J~ SY.ow ':t'\b' .\-o o..vo\ J ~- ~ , .... _____ _ ' r-/ aerial photo and fieldwork by M.M., 4/2010 ~ ,µ DRAFT 5-23-3010 ... Hills /j .,bi. 4 c H 0 z r. -~-11 n· ):~\ E z.~1<..' \ -\. ~ \ c..o"f\2c...r j:J: ~ ' I ' : : ,\ ;:) . i-·-\,,,, "'e, -,,.,... . • --/ r iv',_,,----\ \ , ... '~ (/) '-< < ~;e-~1·--·-·-·. ,, . . . ,,. ---L.-/ : , -· - (D \/J r-t ro ""1 Ro3.G I I s~ow s ~ Kex i" ... a, ; l ---- Stream; seasonal stream~ ; -·. ~ Wetland; possible vernal pool ~ ; ~ beaver dam; ledge ~ ; -:-:--;-: stone wall; barbed wire Cl..Ooo ; 'lo ~ house; cellar hole; stones o · ~ · o _: ~ •• / \,£91J .... grass; s~one quarry ;:. i ;::::::::: parcel lines; knoll .... ·· / _ · ·--~ dwarf trees; stand boundary; d w · ,, J .. • stand number & stand type 1.. iron pin r ·r · OH 00 (V) ' Revised May 2009 Si2nature Pa2e. A tease check each box that applies. D CH. 61/61A Management Plan I attest that I am familiar with and will be bound by all applicable Federal, State, and Local environmental laws and /or rules and regulations of the Department of Conservation and Recreation. I further understand that in the event that I convey all or any portion of this land during the period of classification, I am under obligation to notify the grantee(s) of all obligations of this plan which become his/hers to perform and will notify the Department of Conservation and Recreation of said change of ownership. [;gj Forest Stewardship Plan. When undertaking management activities, I pledge to abide by the management provisions of this Stewardship Management Plan during the ten year period following approval. I understand that in the event that I convey all or a portion of the land described in this plan during the period of the plan, I will notify the Department of Conservation and Recreation of this change in ownership. D Green Certification. I pledge to abide by the FSC Northeast Regional Standards and MA private lands group certification for a period of five years. To be eligible for Green Certification you must also check the box below. D Tax considerations. I attest that I am the registered owner of this property and have paid any and all applicable taxes, including outstanding balances, on this · property. Signed under the pains of perjury: Owner(s) ______________________ Date _______ _ Owner(s) ______________________ Date _______ _ I attest that I have prepared this plan in good faith to reflect the landowner's interest. Plan Preparer ____________________ .Date _______ _ I attest that the plan satisfactorily meets the requirements of CH61/61A and/or the Forest Stewardship Program. Approved, Service Forester _______________ Date _______ _ Approved, Regional Supervisor _____________ Date _______ _ In the event of a change of ownership of all or part of the property, the new owner must file an amended Ch. 61/61A plan within 90 days from the transfer of title to insure continuation of Ch. 61/61 A classification. Owner(s). ___ C=ity""""-'o;..;f""'N"'"'o=r;..;;t=h=a=m'"'"p;..;t--..on=----Town(s) __ __...N __ o __ r ..... t .... h_am__..p_t_on_ Page..=._of