The Pascommuck Conservation Trust
Preserving our past. Protecting our future.
Updated signage was installed this week along East Street and the bike path. The sign includes new acquired property The Old Bed- Fish & Wildlife area which abuts the Old Pascommuck property and is still in development for access trails.
| To our PCT members and friends: You may know that a proposed multi-use development, “Sierra Vista Commons,” is under consideration by Easthampton’s Planning Board and Conservation Commission. This 30+ acre development starts at Route 10 and spreads back over farmland, wetlands and forest, down to the critical habitat of the Manhan River, a focus of our work for decades. Your PCT board is looking closely at the plans presented by the developer and offering alternative visions for how this land could be developed. We have some serious concerns about the impacts this commercial/residential project would have on our community at large and our precious natural resources. Our Dwyer Conservation Area and its trails are situated 400’ across the Manhan from the proposed development. Sierra Vista plans to construct dense housing coming downhill and ending in proximity to the river. Our mission is to protect Easthampton’s natural resources, and we worry about a loss of habitat along this unique corridor, used by wildlife to travel through the very heart of our city. The river, the rich fields, and the old trees that currently exist here are critical habitat for creatures large and small. Current plans would destroy or impact much of this land. Two and a half acres of trees plus many more acres of grade A farmland will be buried under pavement and imported topsoil. The two following links are maps of the proposed project and the environmental impact. Link to before and after maps of proposed project Link to map of environmental context |
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Bridges were recently replaced at both the Dwyer Conservation area as well as at Pomeroy Meadows Conservation area. The bridge at Dwyer consisted of mainly replacing the wooden bridge across the first major wetland are with another wooden bridge. However the bridge at Pomeroy Meadows consisted of switching out the wooden bridge with one consisting of aluminum girders as well as aluminum railings. Some of the rotted steps were also replaced on the stairs located after the bridge. Thanks to the work parties who managed the demolishing of the old bridges and the reconstruction of the new and improved ones.
On Friday, September 9th, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held to officially announce the opening of the Mount Tom North Trailhead Park. The ceremony was held at the very top of the park giving attendees a panoramic view of the pioneer valley. Speeches were give by Jeff Bagg Easthampton City planner, Mark Wamsley from Kestrel Land Trust, State Representative Daniel Carey, and Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle. For a video of the days event click here.
If you are enjoying the lovely trails the Pascommuck Conservation Trust preserves and maintains in Easthampton, think about joining us for our fall membership drive! If you have friends that also enjoy the outdoors and love hiking and conserving open space talk to them about joining. We would love to add 50 new members! You can join for as little as $15. We are also looking for volunteers to help with the plant sale, trail maintenance, and to join Board committees and serve on the Board. We have some open spots on the Board/committees, and are especially looking for folks from diverse backgrounds, those who are new to the outdoors, as well as experienced outdoor enthusiasts. We are a small local organization established since 1982 and have been fulfilling our mission of preserving, protecting, and making accessible Easthampton’s natural resources.
