fall events posted

go to:

http://www.friendsofthebluehills.org/PDFs/eventsFall07.pdf

Help needed: Lantana Land Grab

News from the Friends of the Blue Hills

Businessman Paul Hart of Cohasset wants to acquire over three acres of undisturbed wooded parkland in the Blue Hills Reservation in Randolph so that he can bulldoze it for a 400-space parking lot for the adjacent Lantana function hall, which he owns.

Ever since he persuaded friendly legislators to pass a bill in 2002 authorizing the state to sell him the parkland, Hart has claimed that paving it over will somehow benefit the Reservation.

Get a grip, Mr. Hart. The Reservation exists to protect land in a natural condition. It is not helped when large chunks are sold and developed.

Massachusetts has had a policy regarding parkland since 1978. That policy requires it "to protect, preserve, and enhance all open space areas" and forbids it to "sell, transfer, lease, relinquish, release, or alienate" such areas.

Earlier this month Mr. Hart asked the state Environmental Secretary to evaluate his scheme for conformance with the policy--a process known as MEPA review. The Massachusetts Dept. of Conservation and Recreation, which manages the Reservation on our behalf, will be asked to declare whether losing the parkland benefits the park. It will be under considerable pressure to say yes.

In return for the land he will purchase and destroy, Mr. Hart proposes to deed to the Reservation a remote and landlocked inholding he acquired in 2001, when it cost about as much as a used car. This land, which fronts on a Rt. 24 off-ramp, has no potential for development. Adding it to the park will not affect its fate. And yet Mr. Hart claims that this transaction compensates the park for the surrender of the much more valuable land near his business, which has been protected by the Reservation since 1936.

This is a scam any child could see through. Buy something shiny and worthless, offer it to your victim, and pretend no one is harmed by the loss of whatever you demand in exchange.

The land Mr. Hart seeks to clear, grade, and pave for 400 cars was acquired for the Reservation with public money from the estate of Olive James of Milton over 70 years ago. It has deep woods, ancient stone walls, ledgy knolls topped with giant brick-colored boulders, and includes the first 250 feet of the Smith Trail. Wildlife that breed in an adjacent vernal pool inhabit it year-round. Undisturbed for generations, it has exactly those qualities that the park was made to preserve.

Therefore we ask that you, our members, help us let the Secretary know that we do not want the Reservation parceled out to abutting business owners. The more of us he hears from, the louder we will be. Please write or email the Secretary as soon as possible at the address below and pass this message on to anyone who you think might do likewise. Let's protect the Blue Hills Reservation for ourselves and future generations.

Sample letter (or email):


Secretary Ian A. Bowles
EOEA, Attn: MEPA Office
Ann Canaday, EOEA No. 14115
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston MA 02114
ian.bowles@state.ma.us


Dear Secretary Bowles,

I strongly object to the Proposed Article 97 Land Swap, as outlined in the ENF for EOEA no. 14115. I ask you to tell The Hart Family Limited Partnership that they must submit an alternative that is less damaging to parklands and protected open space.

The proposed sale is for private profit, not public benefit. It allows a commercial abutter to convert over three acres of undisturbed and highly conspicuous wooded parkland in the Blue Hills Reservation in Randolph to a 400-space parking lot. We urge you to protect our historic parklands for ourselves and future generations.

Sincerely,

(name and address)


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photo contest winners

News from the Friends of the Blue Hills

The winners of our 2007 Preserve the Beauty photo contest were announced at our annual meeting on Saturday and in the coming weeks they will be displayed at Trailside Museum and the Houghton's Pond Visitor's Center.

We received many splendid entries and there weren't nearly enough prizes to go around.  We thank everyone who submitted photos and we are grateful to Middlesex Savings Bank for funding the awards.

The winners are posted at the link below. Enjoy!

http://www.friendsofthebluehills.org/photocontest/main.htm

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annual meeting and job opening

Join us this Saturday for

The FBH Annual Meeting and Dinner
Saturday, October 20, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church

1508 Washington Street, Canton

Join us for great food, live music, friends and the latest news.  Enjoy an evening socializing with others who care about the Blue Hills.

Costs: $20/person; $35/family.

RSVP: 781-828-1805 or info@FriendsoftheBlueHills.org

 

 

Trail Surveyor

Friends of the Blue Hills

The Friends of the Blue Hills is a volunteer-led organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the Blue Hills Reservation in its natural state and serve as a watchdog of activities that might adversely affect it.  To accomplish this we: 1) Advocate for actions that will enhance the Reservation; 2) Encourage involvement in the protection and preservation of the Reservation by all users; 3) Guide enthusiasts in exploring the nearby remoteness of the BHR through educational, historical, and nature hikes; and 4) Work with the Massachusetts DCR to maintain the quality of the Reservation and provide public input for its management.

Position: Trail Surveyor

Responsibilities:

·         Participate in training on trail evaluation and trail maintenance techniques.

• Walk all trails in the Blue Hills Reservation with GPS surveying unit, recording and assessing trail maintenance needs, including work and resources required to improve trails.
• Keep meticulous records on FBH forms.
• Provide regular reports to FBH Trail Committee Chair.

Qualifications:

• Detail oriented.
• Self motivated.
• Ability to follow instruction without close supervision.
• Desire and ability to walk several miles a day on varied terrain.
• Hiking experience preferred
• Knowledge of trail work, preferred.
• Commitment to natural resource protection.
• Some familiarity of needs of trail users.
• Knowledge of the Blue Hills Reservation, desirable.

Compensation:            $10/hour

Hours:             Flexible, 10 – 40 hours per week

To Reply:       Send cover letter and resume to: Friends of the Blue Hills, PO Box 416, Milton, MA 02186 or info@FriendsoftheBlueHills.org or call 781-828-1805 for more information.

The Friends of the Blue Hills is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sec, age, race, national origin, ethnic background, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.

 

Friends of the Blue Hills Volunteer Opportunities

 You, our members, are our greatest resource. A variety of opportunities are available to fit your interests, talents and schedule.  Contact us to let us know how you’d like to get involved!  Call 781-828-1805 or email: info@FriendsoftheBlueHills.org

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