INDEX
Development Opposition || Tribute
to Stan Nichols || Commerce Drive
Leaf Grant || Protecting Beavers
|| Trails Day || Land Trust Convocation
Newsletter Index || Home
Trust Opposes Development Plan
The Trust has voiced strong opposition to the proposed
construction of 16 condominium units on 2 acres of land in the Commerce
Drive area.
In March, Members of the Board of Directors voted affirmatively to
oppose the Commerce Drive development. Land Trust representatives
also appeared before the Shelton Planning & Zoning Commission
in April, and again, in May to speak in strong opposition to the planned
construction.
The building site fronts directly on the Far Mill River (Commerce
Drive side of river across from Mill Street) and is bracketed on both
sides by river front open space owned by the Trust.
Proposing to utilize Shelton's questionable PDD floating zone process,
the developer even asked to reduce the required set back from Land
Trust property from 25 feet to 20 feet. Paved access and parking areas
would abut directly up to the Trust's open space.
Ideally the Trust would like to see the City buy this water-front
parcel for open space. If not feasible, the Trust is urging the members
of P&Z to provide at least a 75-foot buffer along the open space
boundary. The proposal was still before the P&Z when this issue
went to press.
Trust Pays Tribute to Stanley Nichols (index)
The Trust was deeply
saddened to learn of the death of Stanley Nichols. Stan, a friend
of conservation and the environment, died earlier this year in
a boating accident, while on vacation in the Galapagos Islands.
Nichols was instrumental in seeing that Nicholdale Farm was purchased
for open
space instead of development. He gave the Trust the time it needed
to raise funds to purchase the Nicholdale parcel in 1991.
In appreciation for his many contributions, and support, the Trust
planted several trees on Earth Day weekend, in a tribute area,
dedicated in his memory. A picnic table is also planned for the
area as well. |
Marybeth Banks and Bruce Nichols share the
planting chores at the new memorial site. |
Bruce Nichols, Stan's son carries a new tree. |
Over 30 trees were planted in the memorial near
Route 110.
|
Commerce Drive Improvements (index)
Along Trust Property
President Joe Welsh has been busy this spring monitoring
the construction and improvements to Commerce Drive. The Trust agreed
to deed a 10-wide strip of its land to the City in order to allow
the road improvements to go forward.
In return, the City has promised to repair and improve the outflow
from drainage pipes discharging storm water from the corporate towers
onto Trust property along the Far Mill River.
Tremendous water outflow from these pipes has seriously eroded portions
of the Trust property, and caused siltation of the Far Mill River.
Joe has been visiting with the contractor on site and has met with
the City engineer to make sure the drainage is improved, and that
the City follows through with some promised tree plantings.
Joe is also actively seeking to have a strip of land, created by the
road realignment, deeded to the Trust.
Trust Receives Iroquois Leaf
Grant (index)
The Trust is, once again, the proud recipient of another
LEAF Grant from the Iroquois Gas Company. The latest announcement
came just as the Trust was completing its first LEAF grant and WHIP
funding project. That project included field restoration and clearing
of invasive plants at Nicholdale.
This latest funding will be used to improve a portion of the Shelton
Rec Path that passes through the Trust's Lane Street parcel. That
project was part of a proposal developed last fall in conjunction
with the folks of the Shelton Trails Committee.
The existing rec path runs alongside the edge a hay field on the Lane
Street parcel, and does impact some of the lots hay yield. The Trust
has been very lucky to have a local farmer annually hay our Lane Street
parcel (Haying helps to maintain desirable habitat for certain wildlife
species, and control growth of invasive plants.)
Under the new project proposal, the path will be moved closer to the
woods edge. That will result in improved hay production, and improved
control of an area that has become overgrown with invasive plant species.
This proposal also includes the installation of a wider handicap accessible
boardwalk, which will be constructed (after wetland approval) by dedicated
Shelton Trails Volunteers. Stay tuned for other progress reports on
this site. Better yet, why not come join us on trails day for a first-hand
look at the area.
Trust Acts to Protect Beaver Family
(index)
The Trust was excited to learn this spring that a
family of beavers has set up housekeeping on the Mean's Brook. Both
the City, and the Land Trust own open space property adjacent to
the Mean's Brook River.
The beavers have been erecting a dam and have built a lodge.
"It's just amazing to see them gnawing through 14-inch diameter
trees," said Marybeth Banks, former Trust President. Humorously,
they (the beavers) apparently do not see the benefit of leaving
alone those trees marked with Land Trust wildlife habitat protection
zone signs. "We must have posted our signs on some pretty tasty
trees," said President Joe Welsh.
The beaver dam however has been blamed for water backing up into
some yards, leading the City to look into possible eradication of
the beavers. Apprised of this development, the Board of Directors
voted to formally oppose any disturbance of the Beaver family. The
Board further approved an offer to pay 1/2 of the costs of a "Beaver-
Dam, Pond-Leveling Device," with the other 1/2 paid by the
City Conservation Commission. That device would help prevent the
water level from get ting too high.
The Trust will keep you informed as this issue progresses. |
Beaver swims in Means Brook.
Trees felled by beavers.
|
Trails Day (index)
Celebrate trails day on June 3 with folks from the Shelton
Trails Committee and the Shelton Land Conservation Trust. Join us
for the Bridge-to-Bridge Hike. This 4.9-mile hike, through the Shelton
Lakes Greenway, starts at Pine Lake on Shelton Ave, and ends in Huntington
Center. The hike starts at 10:30 AM (rain date Sunday June 4 at 1
PM). This hike follows the Shelton Recreation Path through a diverse
landscape featuring old reservoirs, vernal pools, unique rock outcroppings,
and old stonewalls. For more info visit www.sheltontrails.org.
Visit us at the Huntington
Green (index)
Stop by and meet some or the Land Trust folks at our
booth on the Huntington Green on June 4th. We will have info on invasive
plants, and other Trust news. We hope to have a couple fund raising
raffles as well. Hope to see you there.
Land Trust Convocation
(index)
A few of our members attended the 23rd Annual Convocation
of Connecticut Land Trusts this past March. It was an intense day
with several workshops where we were able to learn about the latest
land trust topics ranging from land protection and stewardship, organizational
structure, financial responsibility, new computer and satellite technology,
and many other interesting topics.
There were over 200 people attending and we were able to talk with
other attendees dealing with similar issues and concerns. The healthy
exchange of comments, suggestions, and ideas helps to promote successful
resolution to many of these issues.
SHELTON
LAND CONSERVATION TRUST, INC.
PO Box 2276 - Huntington Station
Shelton, CT 06484 |
