The shoreline of North Pond is part of the 146 acre property that the Franklin Land Trust is planning on purchasing. (WNG File Photo)
SOUTHWICK – An discussion regarding the fate of North Pond took place at this week’s Select Board meeting. Along with the Select Board and town counsel, the Conservation Commission, Community Preservation Committee, and the Franklin Land Trust were all present for the meeting.
Alain Peteroy and Rich Hubbard of the Franklin Land Trust stated that the company is planning on purchasing the 146-acre parcel on North Pond.
But, before that can occur, all of the parties at the table had to discuss who would own certain parts of the property, if the right amount of money is raised to purchase it.
Peteroy pointed out that the town of Southwick would own the western part of the North Pond property and the Fish and Wildlife would own the eastern portion, which abuts the Southwick wildlife management area.
The Franklin Land Trust created a map that laid out the various options of the property that the town and the Fish and Wildlife could own. Peteroy explained why it was a benefit for the town to work with someone else on owning the land.
“I think Fish and Game would be a really great partner because they’re right next door, they have a vested interest,” said Peteroy.
The Franklin Land Trust prepared a map that shows the boundaries of the different town fee proposals for the North Pond property. (Photo from Dennis Clark)
It was suggested by Peteroy and Hubbard that the town should look at owning the largest piece of land on the map at 60 acres. An important asset to this is the fact that there is a boundary between this acreage and the water easement, which allows the town to control a good portion of the North Pond area.
Representing the Conservation Commission at the Select Board meeting were Chairman Christopher Pratt and Coordinator Dennis Clark who agreed that this portion of the property was the best option for the town to own.
Pratt believes that the 60 acres would have area left for hiking trails.
“It would give a nice upland area that wouldn’t be touched,” said Pratt. “We feel that would be a great use of land for the townspeople.”
The eastern portion that the Fish and Wildlife would own will return mainly as grassland and for invasive species.
The Franklin Land Trust mentioned to the rest of the people at the table that there was talk that Fish and Wildlife would like to own a portion that measures 50 acres. Owning this land would allow Fish and Wildlife to manage the vernal pools that would be inside that area.
After continued discussion, Select Board members Russ Fox, Doug Moglin, and Joe Deedy all agreed with the Conservation Commission and the Community Preservation Committee that the land along the water easement would be best.
In order to close the meeting, a motion was made for the town to accept the recommendation made by the Franklin Land Trust, for the town to own the property along the water easement.
