The type of project presented to the Commission varies widely: we have been asked to 'condition' moving a fully constructed house, the design for a snow tubing slide area, the erection of 'state of the art' greenhouses and several commercial buildings. These include the Electric Light & Water Department office building on Ayer Rd. and a septic system for the nursing home on Foster St. The Town has recently purchased 87 acres of Hartwell property and a conservation restriction on 85 acres of Prouty Woods. The Commission is pleased to tell you of a program proposed by Art Lazarus of Shaker Lane. Art has put together a 'Stewardship Program' for the care and maintenance of all the conservation and trust properties in Littleton and then he has gathered volunteers to be responsible for overseeing the needed work. Art and his crew have sprayed poison ivy on Long Lake Park, arranged for mowing the Whitcomb meadow (Jim Clyde of the Highway Dept. did the actual work), marked trails on Oak Hill, and designed, bought and erected signs for conservation and trust lands. Art Lazarus is one of our most valuable natural resources. For information about volunteering for these projects contact the Open Space Implementation Committee through the Selectmen's Office at 978-952-2311. The Commission is involved in matters away from the hearing meetings. They have co-sponsored the wetland by-law. They have met with the Planning Board to participate in the development of the Master Plan. They certified a vernal pool off Hazard Way and have learned more about the new Riverfront Protection Act, Stormwater Management and beaver control. The Boy Scouts continue to offer their skills in the care of our public lands. We have approved the construction of trails and a footbridge at Long Lake Park. We appreciate the continuing awareness the Scouts show for our open spaces. The Commission wishes to thank all those residents who have walked our public lands. It is for you and your families that we do our work here in the office and at the hearings. We hope to preserve the lovely habitats and vistas that make Littleton a beautiful place to live and to raise a family. |