Conservation of trees and wildlife at the Chestnut Hill Reservation

[Eva Webster]

Just FYI, pasted below is a message to the Chestnut Hill Reservoir Forum.  (Anyone who cares about A-B parks and open space, please consider subscribing to the CHR Forum by sending a message to chestnut-hill-...@googlegroups.com ).


------ Forwarded Message
From: Aberdeen-Brighton Residents Association <aberdeen....@comcast.net>
Reply-To: <chestnut-hill-...@googlegroups.com>
Date: Mon, 18 May 2009 17:11:27 -0400
To: Chestnut Hill Reservoir Forum <Chestnut-Hill-...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: [C.H.Reservoir] Impact of vegetation removal on wildlife at the Chestnut  Hill Reservation

I have taken the liberty of forwarding Paul Mueller’s and David Romps’ messages from the Aberdeen discussion group to this Forum (please see below) -- because DCR's Kevin Hollenbeck and Erica Aubin are subscribed to this Forum, but not to the Aberdeen group.

Several people have recently expressed concern about the impact of vegetation removal on wildlife around the Reservoir.  Also, last week I got a letter, in regular mail, from three senior citizens who use the Reservoir -- all upset about vegetation removal because it now allows the passing car traffic on More Drive near BC to be visible -- changing the Reservoir's peaceful, secluded atmosphere in that area.  (I wish I could post that letter to this forum, but my scanner is temporarily out of order.)

Members of the Aberdeen-Brighton Resident Association agreed in the last meeting on May 11 that it would be best if we have a Reservoir-oriented community meeting with DCR to have a conversation about this issue as soon as possible.  I keep hearing from local residents who love the Reservoir that they would like to better understand what Kevin's/DCR's maintenance objectives are -- and also to help DCR better understand what makes the Reservation so special to us (the feeling of having a natural oasis in an urban setting).

Some people tend to complain when the area is too much like a jungle, but in my experience many more do not want an excessively manicured look, because they value robust natural vegetation (including wildflowers that attract butterflies).

Clearly, we need to strike a proper balance between necessary vegetative management and thoughtful wildlife habitat preservation.  So we need to agree what the overall objective is: do we want nearly everything (except healthy mature trees) to be cut to the ground, or do we recognize the value of having multiple layers of vegetation that attract birds and other animals?

But we also need to hear what DCR’s Kevin Hollenbeck has to say on this subject -- especially since he is in charge of organizing volunteer clean-ups (lots of young, inexperienced people equipped with saws and other sharp tools descending on the park).  If Kevin is not on board with our vision, those volunteers can potentially do a lot of damage.

We all know that the Chestnut Hill Reservation is a very tough habitat for animals because of the very close proximity of the city, including busy roads.  Needless to say, the animals (and apparently human users too) might appreciate a lighter touch -- except when it comes to the invasive plants.

Kevin & Erica, when can you meet with us?  Please provide some dates, and we will book a meeting room in the Cleveland Circle area.

Thank you,

Eva Webster
617-277-4708
 
------ Forwarded Message

From: "David M. Romps" <david...@gmail.com>
Reply-To: <aberdeen-brig...@googlegroups.com>
Date: Mon, 18 May 2009 14:31:14 -0400
To: <aberdeen-brig...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: [Aberdeen] Re: Conservation of trees and wildlife at the Chestnut  Hill Reservation


This morning, as I waited for my bus, I watched as they hacked their
way through the vegetation along the path that leads to Chestnut Hill
Ave.  This very spot is one of the best places in Brighton to watch
birds.  It was within a few yards of there that I found the rare
Townsend's warbler last month.  And, this morning, before my run, I
ran into an acquaintance of mine who was birding that very spot, just
as I was on Saturday.  To watch that habitat destroyed is heart
breaking, especially at a time when birds are trying to nest.

Could anyone tell me more about this "Rehabilitation" plan?

Thanks,
David


On Mon, May 18, 2009 at 2:16 PM, paul mueller <paul...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> I found Kevin Hollenbeck's email address if anyone wants to contact him and
> express concern for how the Chestnut Hill Reservation - Pathways
> Rehabilitation Project is shaping up. It's  Kevin.Ho...@state.ma.us .

> Paul Mueller

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