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Synopsis of Clark family requests for updates regarding management plan renewal_10-13-2021.pdfTo: Northampton Conservation Commission Northampton Office of Planning & Sustainability Sarah LaValley From: Marcy Clark, 84 Williams St Date: 10/13/2021 Re: Synopsis (with email excerpts) of Clark family communications requesting updates regarding management plan renewal and community opportunities for input and responses (when they were received): Background June 16, 2016 email from S LaValley: Montview management [excerpt] As part of the Commission's landowner hat, the CR held by MCCC on Montview requires that MCCC will help provide the structure and process for discussing land management decisions with abutters, the immediate neighborhood, and the public based on any Management Plan and MOU between MCCC and the City approved by the ConsCom. An ecological plan for the entire area could certainly be a part of that larger discussion. 2019 06-05, to W Feiden: Joint boundary work …We are coming to the end of a 3-year management plan for the Area. When the process of evaluating and creating the next management plan begins, I sincerely hope that all abutting property owners, their feedback and their input will receive the fullest courtesy and consideration…We look forward to cooperating with all groups to further restore this place that should be welcoming to people of all ages and physical abilities for passive recreation and safe enjoyment of the Mountain View. 06-06, from W Feiden: Joint boundary work We are going to figure out when the current management plan expires. We are going to suggest to the Conservation Commission that as part of the revision to the plan, Planning or Conservation Commission or some combination of the two will facilitate a public workshop with MCCC, neighborhood, and the Agriculture Commission. Sarah LaValley is going to coordinate that effort. 2020 05-15, to S LaValley: How to email MCCC? I’m trying to find an official way to email the Meadow City Conservation Coalition (MCCC) to inquire about update/status on renewing the management plan for the Montview Conservation Area. If I recall correctly, the 3-yr plan has expired, and a new one should be in development. I see that all of the other Planning & Sustainability community partners listed on the city website provide organizational websites &/or info email addresses. In contrast, MCCC does not provide any information at all. Probably not your bailiwick, but it sure doesn’t foster transparency or encourage community relationships. Any info you can share would be helpful! Please also feel free to forward this email to MCCC on my behalf, if that would be easier for you. 05-18, from S LaValley: How to email MCCC? Jane Potter can be contacted at janepotter@comcast.net. 2021 03-25, to J Potter (MCCC): MCCC & Montview Conservation Area I’m wondering — does MCCC have a new management plan for the Montview Conservation Area starting this year? I haven’t seen anything about it, but seem to recall that the last 3-year plan would’ve ended after last summer... I’m not aware of any review or vetting with abutters & other neighbors, and I’d love to know the status. 03-26, from J Potter (MCCC): MCCC & Montview Conservation Area Thanks for your email query about the Montview Management Plan and about the peepers. The Plan was updated and then COVID arrived so let me check with Sarah to see where that stands. 04-04, to J Potter (MCCC): MCCC & Montview Conservation Area Thank you for your speedy reply. I do look forward to seeing the plan- hopefully pre-final city approval for neighborhood review & input. I’m trusting that it wasn’t shared selectively with neighbors previously, but I can’t say I’d fully trust that to be the case... I would ask that MCCC engage the neighborhood in more formal & official manner than relying heavily upon the communication networks of one neighbor— especially in official & city-related matters. Thank you for listening… As you know, I don’t really know anything about conservation and vegetation specifics- I just know what I see out there every single day. People are using the area more this year than ever before — walking their dogs in the paths, sitting out there singly or in pairs, picnicking, playing- and it’s really nice to see! All the folks I’ve observed situate themselves so that they can see the mountains & Summit House — which (as you also know!)I think is the most precious & unique benefits of the land. Not just for my perceived selfish interest (which Rick& I have felt accused of in the past), but because it actually IS a really wonderful view for everyone in Montview to enjoy. Our tenant used to walk her very elderly cat on a leash out there daily for hours. Rick noticed that she would sit on the wet winter ground for hours at a time. So we put a park bench we have out there up against our back fence, to give her a comfortable drier place to sit. Sadly, her cat passed right after that, but we’ve left the bench out there hoping that other visitors might enjoy a spot to sit & contemplate. At any rate, I thoroughly enjoy the blessings of that preserved land every single day, around the clock. I’d hate the magic of that spot to fade away or disappear, and in full support of inclusive, transparent efforts to keep the space beautiful, charming & wet, and the vista open. 04-05, from J Potter: MCCC & Montview Conservation Area Thanks for your email. I am happy to listen and know that Montview is a very special place. Since I don't live as close as you do your observations and thoughts are always welcome. MCCC has not met given COVID protocols but we hope to do so as soon as possible. I can give you and update after we meet. 05-20, to all MCCC Board members (J Potter, M Everett, M Tymoczko, F Zimnoch): Montview abutting neighbors/Management plan As allergy, tick and mosquito seasons expand, I am asking that MCCC please update the abutting neighbors regularly on the management of the property. I have not seen any updates or reviews of your progress in years despite requests and assurances that this would occur. Please send the link to the current (updated?) plan, in your reply. I can provide Miriam Graham with this information if you don’t have her email. I would like to work together to improve the field…I ask for periodic, relevant communications from any other remaining members of MCCC from now on via this email, in hopes of better relations with the direct neighbors and stewards. 06-22, to S LaValley: Montview Conservation Area- western side Can you please tell me if there is an updated, current management plan for the Montview Conservation Area on file with the Conservation Commission? If so, please forward a copy to me, including the date it was approved & the years it covers. I have returned from approx one month away from home (attending & tending to multiple family deaths in the Midwest), and I am appalled at the current condition of the western portion of the land. Thank you in advance for your attention & help 06-25, from S LaValley: Montview Conservation Area- western side The previous plan, and a draft plan are available at http://archive.northamptonma.gov/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=716488&dbid=0&repo=CityOfNor thampton MCCC is planning to hold a meeting onsite about the Plan sometime this summer but a date has not yet been scheduled, you could get in touch with them directly about that. 06-30, to S LaValley: Montview I cannot get a response from MCCC. Can you ask them to post a notice of this meeting on the field? 08-12, to S LaValley: Montview …Also I know you mentioned that some on-field meeting was to happen this summer with representatives of MCCC. Can you please let us know what date that is scheduled, if any, so we can attend and have input to the next draft maintenance plan discussion? And finally, the following listserv email is particularly alarming to me, as it appears to be a follow-up to a previous email or meeting (or some other form of communication) which wasn’t shared with my household. Not only is it concerning to have been possibly excluded from some key neighbor communication and/or collaboration, but it frames the 2016 proposal in an fyi, finalized manner that does not imply or invite neighbor feedback or input. 09-02, from M Everett via Montview Neighborhood listserv: aforementioned MCCC cover letter As I mentioned, this cover letter accompanies MCCC's proposed management plan, which ConsCom will consider sometime in the coming weeks. We don't know exactly when yet. In the meantime, thanks to all the volunteers who have helped to care for the land planting native species, pulling invasive plants, helping keep trails open, mowing the play field, removing fallen limbs, and more.