SECTION 5: Inventory of Lands034F9CAE-5196-4551-90C2... · Broadly defined, open space is public...

2014 Palmer Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 73

SECTION 5: Inventory of Lands

This section inventories protected land in Palmer, and lists the degree of protection for each parcel. This inventory is important in order to identify additional efforts that may be needed to implement the Town’s vision for its open space and recreational lands.

There are 3,752 acres (18%) permanently protected from development in Palmer, which will allow the Town to retain its character and opportunities for recreation for generations to come. An additional 3,023 acres are protected on a limited basis.

A. Introduction

An intrinsic part of Palmer’s character is its natural areas and open space. These areas provide residents with scenic vistas, agricultural and forestry products, and opportunities for outdoor activity and enjoyment. They also serve as “infrastructure” that host natural processes such as flooding, stormwater filtration, and wildlife habitat, among many others, which are important to the health of the Town’s manmade infrastructure, such as water supply and farms.

The Town of Palmer has long been enriched by the quality of its open environment. This environment is enjoyed by the residents of the town in a variety of ways ranging from active participation in organized recreational activities to reflective enjoyment of the landscape’s scenic qualities. It is important to remember that this recreational enjoyment is not limited to areas specifically dedicated and developed for recreation and/or conservation uses but is tied to the overall character of the town’s landscape - a landscape which includes “resource” and “sensitive” areas as well as specifically designated recreational areas.

Palmer’s open space is a diverse combination of historical, environmental and recreational areas. The Town has received ownership of properties in different ways: through purchase for open space, gifts from property owners, development agreements, and back taxes. This section discusses the larger or more significant publicly and privately owned open space parcels that currently exist in town and provides a table of the majority of Palmer’s open space parcels.

Since the Great Recession that began in 2008, construction in Palmer has slowed, leaving many opportunities for land protection for conservation. As the economy returns, however, development pressures will likely return as well.

Broadly defined, open space is public and privately owned undeveloped lands which are important resources for a variety of reasons including conservation, recreation, agriculture, or simply because of their scenic qualities and their contribution to the overall character of the town. In general terms, ‘open space’ is defined as undeveloped land. In an Open Space and Recreation Plan, the focus is on undeveloped land, which is valued by residents because of what it provides: actively managed farm and forestland; wildlife habitat; protection and recharge of groundwater; public access to recreational lands and trail systems; important plant communities; structures and landscapes that represent the


community’s heritage; flood control; and scenery. These areas are invaluable and irreplaceable resources which bring environmental, social, and economic benefits to the community. As such, it is critical to protect and sustainably manage what open space remains for current and future generations. Recreational facilities can include open space, parks, and developed areas like tennis courts and swimming pools.

Open space can be protected from development in several ways that differ in the level of legal protection they provide, the method by which they are protected, and by the type of landowner. When land is considered to be “protected,” it is intended to remain undeveloped in perpetuity. This level of protection is ensured in one of two ways: (1) ownership by a state conservation agency, a not-for-profit conservation land trust, or the local Conservation Commission; or (2) attachment of a conservation restriction or similar legal mechanism to the deed.

B. Permanently Protected Open Space

Permanently protected open space is land set aside for conservation, agriculture or active and passive recreation purposes. Land is considered to be protected from development when it is owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and managed by a state conservation agency, including the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) or the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Land is also considered protected when it is owned by a town and is under the authority of the Conservation Commission, or when it is owned by a land trust for conservation purposes.

Publicly-Owned Open Space and Conservation Lands (Protected Lands Map)

The major conservation and recreation areas in Palmer are presented in Table 5.1 (Conservation Lands), Table 5.2 (State Owned) and Table 5.3 (Recreation Lands/Parks/Other Municipal Lands). These lists were derived primarily from the Palmer Assessor's records. As shown in the tables, Palmer has approximately 3,147 acres of protected open space owned in fee by governmental agencies and private, non-profit groups whose mission is primarily the acquisition and holding of conservation lands. This represents over 18% of the Town's total area of 32 square miles (20,481 acres). The Commonwealth of Massachusetts controls the largest portion (1908 acres), followed by the Palmer Conservation Commission (848 acres), Palmer’s Parks Departments (624 acres).

The Town also owns approximately 300 acres of open space and 150 acres of public recreation facilities that are not permanently protected, including schools (See table 5.4).

Private landowners can also protect their properties through the attachment of a conservation restriction (CR). A CR is a legally binding agreement between a landowner (grantor) and a holder (grantee)—usually a public agency or a private land trust—whereby the grantor agrees to limit the use of his/her property by forfeiting interests in the land (development being one type of interest) for the purpose of protecting certain conservation values. The conservation restriction may run for a period of years or in


perpetuity and is recorded at the Registry of Deeds. Certain income, estate or real estate tax benefits may be available to the grantor of a conservation restriction.

Conservation Restriction (CR) is the term used in the Massachusetts Conservation Restriction Act (G.L. Ch. 184, S31-33). CRs are designed to limit development of private land, usually permanently, through a voluntary, contractual agreement with the landowner. Typical provisions include prohibiting structures, excavating, paving, clear cutting and similar activities. Farming, forestry and public access may or may not be allowed. CRs differ widely in what they allow and what they prohibit, being hand tailored to the needs of the parties to the contract. CRs may be donated and result in an income tax deduction and a real estate tax reduction due to the reduced value of the remaining ownership rights to the property. The land may be bought and sold, but the CR remains with the land in perpetuity.

CRs benefit the Town and the landowner in several ways: • A restriction should cost less money than outright acquisition; in fact, many

restrictions are freely given because of the federal income and estate-taxadvantages to the owner.

• The landowner retains the benefits of ownership and privacy.• The land will be available to the owner for recreation, farming or other use as

specified in the CR.• The owner will maintain the land without on-going maintenance cost to the

community.• The owner is likely to pay less in real estate taxes.

Over 200 acres of privately owned lands are protected from future development by three seperate CR’s, with another 230 acres in the works. With a CR, some or all of thedevelopment rights that are inherent to a parcel of land are separated from the ownership of the land itself and held by a governmental entity or an organization dedicated to protection of open space. The CR's in town include the Pendrak property, the Mullins property and the Cascades property (See Table 5.7).

Currently the Conservation Commission is working to secure three separate CR in town:

1. Palmer Motorsports/Quarry Hill: The first is a 100 acre CR, located in thePattaquatic district and belongs to the Palmer Motorsports Park. As part of thePMP development, project proponents have been working with the town and theNHESP to establish a Conservation Easement./Conservation Restriction tomitigate against a take of endangered species. When finalized the CR willpermanently protect the area while providing a parking lot and trail access toQuarry Road and Colonels Mountain.

2. Crystal Lake: A part of a residential subdivision development the ConservationCommission has been working with Southbridge Savings Bank to establish a CRon 6.7 acres of the 14.6 acre site that would protect the undeveloped shore lineof Crystal Lake while allowing and facilitating non-motorized beach access andparking to the public. As part of the Order of Conditions, issued by Palmer


Conservation and Mass DEP, a requirement to preserve the beach, uplands and bordering vegetated wetlands was conditioned in lieu of requiring a 401 water quality certification.

3. Donaldson Family Trust: This 117-acre parcel is in the final stages of beingaccepted as a CR by the town of Palmer. The land will be permanentlyprotected as part of the settlement agreement surrounding the contamination atthe former Water Street Oils Refinery. The property is off Summer Street, andabuts the Ware River for 1,800-feet. Currently, a vast trail system runs throughthe parcel and once the CR is accepted the easement will allow for passivepublic recreation.

The Agricultural Preservation Restriction (See Table 5.6) program offers a voluntary alternative to development for farmland owners. Those wishing to preserve their land’s agricultural use in perpetuity may sell the difference between the “fair market value” and the “fair market agricultural value” of their farmland. The program, which is run by the state, preserves the land’s agricultural status through a deed restriction that prevents any use of the property that will negatively impact its agricultural value. (MA DAR, 2013). Palmer currently has one APR land, protecting a 60 acres farm know as Strzemienski’s Farm.

Table 5.1: Conservation Lands

Property Name Location Tax Map/Lot Lot Area (Acres) Owner/ Manager Current Use Condition Recreation Potential Special Features Public Access Zoning Grants Protection

Midura Family Conservation Area

Old Warren Road

27//3, 27//8, 27//21, 27//22, 27//27, 27//31

219.00 Palmer Conservation Commission

Hiking, Biking, Photography, Nature Study/Observation,

Trail Maint., Wildlife & Forest Mgt.

GoodFormal trail system;

Formal wildlife/Forest Management

Wetlands, Formal Trail System

Yes RR Self Help Permanently Protected

Swift River Greenbelt River Road

70//57, 70//78, 70//77, 70//84,

71//9815.01 Palmer Conservation

CommissionHikiing, Swimming,

Fishing Good Boat Access, Formalized River Access

River access, Fishing holes

Yes RR NA Permanently Protected

Green Belt Industrial Park

Second Street, Third

Street

28//32, 28//33, 28//33-1, 34//1-1,

34//3, 34//12, 34//13


Hikiing, Swimming, Fishing Fair Boat Access, Formalized

River AccessRiver access, Fishing holes

Yes TR NA Permanently Protected

Mountain Roads System

Onley Road/Mt.

Road/McMasters Road

27//24, 27//3, 37//57, 37//59


Hikiing, Nature Study, Wildlife

Habitat Preservation, Watershed Protection

FairFormal trail system;


Historical, Open Space


Shaw District

Tavern Road, Brown Road, West Ware Road, Bacon Road

43//3, 43//4, 43//5, 43//9,

44//35, 44//42, 44//43, 49//1


Hiking, Biking, Photography, Nature Study/Observation,

Trail Maint., Wildlife & Forest Mgt.

GoodFormal trail system;




Old B&A Railroad Bed

Lot 44 Barker Street 16/44 6.50 Palmer Conservation

Commission Hiking, Biking PoorFormal trail system;


Trail Connectivity Yes RR NA Permanently Protected

Rail Road Bed/Grand Trunk

Lot 4-1 River Road 30//4-1 2.40 Palmer Conservation

Commission Hiking, Biking FairFormal trail system;


Trail Connectivity Yes TR NA Permanently Protected

TOTAL ACRES =

636.96

Table 5.2: State Owned Open Space Lands


Reed Fish Hatchery Ware Road/Rt 32 26//31 320.65 Department of Fish &

GameWildlife habitat,

Aquaculture Excellent NA Wildlife Management

No RR NA Permanently Protected

Rest Area 1 Boston Post Road/Rt 67 39//5 12.50 Mass DOT Closed Poor Canoe Launch,

Swimming, Fishing River Access Limited RR NA Permanently Protected

Rest Area 2 (Northern)

Boston Post Road/Rt 67 22//10 32.10 Mass DOT Closed Poor Canoe Launch,

Swimming, Fishing River Access Limited RR NA Permanently Protected

Monson State Hospital

Monson Road/Rt 32 20//115 36.00 Commonwealth of

Mass Closed/Abandoned Poor NA NA No TR NA Permanently Protected

Red Bridge State Park East Street 4A//47 74.07

Department of Conservation &

Recreation

Hikiing, Biking, Swimming, Kayaking,

Nature Study, Watershed Protection

Excellent Expansion River Access Yes RR NA Permanently Protected

Palmer Wildlife Management Area

(WMA)

Ware Rd/West

Ware Rd/Old Warren Rd

32//5, 38//2, 39//1, 39//6, 44//2, 44//15, 50//4, 50//5

1433.35 Department of Fish & Game

Hikiing, Nature Study, Wildlife

Habitat Preservation, Watershed Protection

Excellent Formalized Trail System Wildlife Management


TOTAL ACRES =

1908.67

Table 5.3: Recreation Lands/Parks/Other Municipal Lands


Endelson Playground Main Street 88//12, 88//13 1.60 Parks Department Basketball Court,

Playgrounds Poor Upgrade/improve playground Centrally Located Yes RR

Community Block

Grant

Permanently Protected

Bondsville Minipark Main Street 86//95 1.07 Parks Department Playground Poor Upgrade/improve

playground Centrally Located Yes RR NA Permanently Protected

Burleigh Park Old Warren Road 26//7, 26//8, 26//9 144.44 Parks Department

Playing Fields, Sliding Hill, Picnic

Tables, Tennis Courts/Practice Wall,

Playground

Poor

Upgrade/improve playground; Fix

Pavallion, Re-open facilities, possible

swimming area

Community Events, Horseshoe Pit,


Burleigh Brook Recreation Area

Old Warren Road 18//48, 16//44 12.37 Parks Department Wildlife viewing Fair Trails System Connects to

Conservation LandsYes RR NA Permanently

Protected

Quaboag Field Water Street 6//3 7.23 DPW Soccer Field Fair Land Remideation Centrally Located Yes TR NA Permanently Protected

Eager PlaygroundWalnut Street & French Street

13//43 7.00 Parks Department Playground Poor Upgrade/improve playground Centrally Located Yes TR

Common Back Yards


Legion Field Rathbone Street 7//4, 7//5 16.00 Parks Department Playing Fields Fair Upgrade/improve

playing fields Centrally Located Yes TR Federal WPA


Walter “Beebe” Chase Memorial

ParkShaw Street 61//35, 61//48,

61//58, 61//2924.02 Parks Department Open Fields Fair Possible Dog Park or

Community GardensIn Environmental

Justice AreaYes TR NA Permanently

Protected

Town Land Emery Street 41//38 23.13 Town of Palmer Open Space Fair NA NA No RR NA Permanently Protected

Vetrans Monument Church Street 80//80 0.19 Town of Palmer Grassy Area Good NA NA Yes RR NA Permanently

Protected

Town Land Ware Street 47//6 13.14 Town of Palmer Open Space Fair NA NA No TR NA Permanently Protected

Ware River Waterfront Main Street 82//71, 30//4 13.61 Town of Palmer Fishing, Swimming,

Boating Fair River Access Urban Trail No TR NA Permanently Protected

Three Rivers Well Field Oak Street 23//24, 24//2,

24//3, 24//644.42 Town of Palmer Grassy Area Fair NA NA Yes RR NA Permanently

Protected Thorndkie Reservoir Flynt Street 20//47, 19//66 30.94 Three Rivers Fire

District Grassy Area Good NA NA No RR NA Permanently Protected

Palmer Reserviore Breckenridge Street 13//63 255.28 Palmer Fire District Open Space Good NA NA No RR NA Permanently

Protected Memorial Park

WWI (Church St. and River Rd)

Park Street & Converse Street

58//24 0.28 Parks Department Grassy Area Good NA NA Yes TR Urban Self-Help


Red Bridge Connection

Springfield Street 16/44, 70//14 8.08 Parks Department Fishing, Swimming,

Boating Good Walking, Swimming Fishing

Connect to Redbridge


Lavoilette Field 2015 Main Street

71//90, 71//98, 71//95

15.81 Parks Department Fishing, Swimming, Boating Fair Playing Fields Centrally Located Yes TR NA Permanently

Protected

Quaboag River Bourne Street

71//24, 71//74, 71//99, 18//17

12.37 Parks Department Fishing, Swimming, Boating Fair River Access Centrally Located Yes TR NA Permanently

Protected TOTAL ACRES = 630.98

Table 5.4: Private and Semi-Public Recreational Facilities


New England Beagle Club Boston Road 3//3 67.22 New England Beagle

Club Open Space Fair NA NA No TR NA None

Mass Electric Company

Springfield Street 16//24 19.00 Mass Electric Company Open Space Good River Access Riverfront No RR NA None

St. Joseph Park 4080 Pine Street 24//29 12.00 St. Josephs Active Recreation Good NA NA Limited RR NA None

Forest Lake Beach River Road 37//6 20.00 Kerrigans Fishing, Swimming Fair Formal Beach Access NA No RR NA NoneNenameseck Rod

and Gun Club Bacon Road 44//29, 44/30, 44//28, 44//32

236.49 Nenameseck Rod and Gun Club Hunting, Hiking Excellent NA NA Limited RR NA None

Camp Stanica Fuller Street 29//3, 29//5 45.18 Polish Youth Alliance Active Recreation Good NA NA Limited RR NA None

Camp Ramah Bennet Street

36//69, 37//17, 36//70, 42//5

134.80 Camp Ramah of New England Active Recreation Excellent NA NA Limited RR NA None

River Walk Springfield Street 16//45 65.00 River Walk Associares Fishing, Swimming Good River Access River Access Yes RR NA Protected

Pulaski ParkEast

Street/Baker Street

78//196 20.00 Non-Profit Active Recreation Good NA NA Limited RR NA None

TOTAL ACRES = 619.69

Table 5.5: School Playgrounds & Fields


Pathfinder School Route 181 24//1 32.00 Town of Palmer Open Playing, Open Fields Good General field

maintenance Undeveloped Fields Yes TR NA None

Laviolette School Main Street 71//90, 71//98, 71//95

15.81 Town of Palmer Playing Fields, Open Playing, Playgroungs Good Upgrade/improve

playgroundNear Center of

TownYes TR NA None

Palmer Grammar and High School Route 181 24//57 21.87 Town of Palmer

Playing Fields-Football, Softball, Baseball, Soccer, Basketball Court,

Open Playing

GoodUpgrade/improve

Basketball & Tennis Courts

Centrally Located Yes TR NA None

Old Mill Pond North Main Street 24//55 18.84 Town of Palmer Playing Fields, Open

Playing, Playgroungs Fair Upgrade/improve playground NA Yes TR NA None

TOTAL ACRES = 88.52

Table 5.6: Agricultral Preservation Restrictions (APR Lands)


Strzemienski's Farm

19 Skyes Street 18//19 60.00 Michael & Diane

Strzemienski Hay, pasture, produce Excellent High Borders Swift River, Floodplain Farm

Yes RR Pepsi Grant


TOTAL ACRES = 60.00

Table 5.7: Conservation Restrictions (CR Lands)


Pendrak Property Brown Road 43//9, 49//1, 43//3, 43//4

205.00 Palmer Conservation Commission Hiking, Biking Fair

Formal trail system; Formal wildlife/Forest

Management



Mullins Property Lot 65 Main Street 24//65 0.50 Palmer Conservation

Commission Land Locked Fair NA NA No TR NA Permanently Protected

Cascades PropertyLot 18 & 19 Off Main

Street24//18, 24//19 5.64 Palmer Conservation

CommissionHiking, Biking,

swimming, Fishing Fair River Access River access, Fishing holes




C. Partially Protected Open Space

Partially protected open space can be property with types of deed restrictions limiting development to certain areas; open space that cannot be developed for a specific term or time period (i.e. conservation restrictions may apply for only 30 years); and land that may be currently protected but does not have regulations ensuring its permanent protection, such as institutional land holdings. Palmer has 38 properties that are partially protected, totaling 1068 acres.

MGL Chapter 61, 61A and 61B - These land classification programs are designed to encourage the preservation and enhancement of open space, including agriculture, recreation and forest lands. They offer significant local tax benefits to property owners who are willing to make a long term commitment to land preservation. In exchange for these benefits, the Town is given the right to recover some of the land owner’s tax benefits if the land is going to be removed from Ch. 61 by giving them the option to purchase the property (right of first refusal) within 120 days after a bona fide offer to purchase has been received by the owner.

A “right of first refusal” is an agreement by an owner to offer a property to a specified individual or organization at the same price and terms as those in a bona fide offer to purchase received by the owner. To insure that land under Chapter 61 is actually managed in a long-term sustainable fashion, there is a penalty for withdrawal from the program and changing it to residential, industrial or commercial use. This penalty consists of payment for the difference between taxes paid and taxes deferred plus interest. The penalty is computed for the previous five years under certification.

Details about the three different Chapter 61 classifications follow:

Chapter 61 – Private ownership (See Table 5.8 and Chapter 61 Lands Map)

The Forest Assessment Act provides reduced real estate taxes to participants who devote land (10 or more adjacent acres) to the production of forest products. Forestland Tax Law, Chapter 61 helps maintain open land by providing tax benefits to maintain forests. This program is for properties of contiguous forestland of ten acres or more and is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Chapter 61 classifications run for ten-year periods. An owner who wishes to sell land classified under Chapter 61 for a different use during the first ten years of certification must repay all back taxes to the town plus interest (minus payments made for the 8% yield tax.) The assessment of land classified under Chapter 61 is reduced by 95%.

The Town of Palmer currently has approximately 1,432 acres of land designated as Chapter 61 land.


Chapter 61A – Private ownership (See Table 5.9 and Chapter 61 Lands Map)

The Farmland Assessment Act provides for assessing and taxing of actively farmed land on its farm use value rather than its potential development value. Chapter 61A is most commonly applied to agricultural or horticultural land but can be used for the forested portions of a farm, provided a management plan is approved by the Mass. Department of Environmental Management. Land in agricultural use is defined as land primarily used in raising animals, which includes everything from cattle to bees to fur-bearing animals. Land in horticultural use is land used for growing anything from fruit to vegetables to ornamental shrubs.

To qualify for Chapter 61A, a farm owner must have five or more contiguous acres being used for agricultural or horticultural purposes. This land must produce annual gross sales of not less than $500. For each additional acre over five, the minimum produce value is $5. There is no product value for woodlands and wetlands, for which the added value is $.50 per acre. Property under Chapter 61A is assessed at rates which vary for different agricultural uses. Generally, classification will result in a reduction of 80% in assessed value.

The Town of Palmer currently has approximately 1553 acres of land designated as Chapter 61A land.

Chapter 61 B – Private ownership (See Table 5.10 and Chapter 61 Lands Map)

The Open Space/Recreation Land Act 61B is designed to promote conservation of open space and recreational lands and provides reduced real estate taxes assesses to participants who devote land (over 5 acres) to the protection of wildlife habitat, resource preservation or passive recreation. Chapter 61B is intended for land designated for recreational use.

To qualify for Chapter 61B, a landowner must own five or more contiguous acres. The land must be retained in a natural state to preserve wildlife and natural resources, must be devoted primarily to recreational use, and must provide a public benefit. Recreational uses include hiking, camping, observing and studying nature, golfing, hunting and skiing. The assessed valuation of Chapter 61B land is reduced by 75%. A written management plan is not required, but approval by local assessors is required.

The Town of Palmer currently has approximately 38 acres of land designated as Chapter 61B land.

Table 5.8: Chapter 61 Lands

Location Tax Map//Lot Lot Area (Acres)

Owner/ Manager Current Use Condition Recreation

PotentialPublic Access Zoning Degree of

Protection

L 3 Wilbrham Street 4//3 46.22 David Skelton Forestry Good NA No RR Partially Protected

L 6 High Street 7//6 90.14 Kenneth

Sherman Forestry Good NA No TR Partially Protected

37 Juniper Drive 10//46 46.22 David Skelton Forestry Good NA No RR Partially Protected

247-249 Burlingame

Street10//80 90.14 William Roy Forestry Good NA No RR Partially Protected

L 5 Breckenridge

Street13//5 0.09 Kenneth


77 Breckenridge

Street13//12 0.75 Kenneth


L 7 Peterson Road 15//7 97.32 David & James

Siegel Forestry Good NA No RR Partially Protected

L 7-1 Mason Street 15//7/1 5.5 David & James

Siegel Forestry Good NA No RR Partially Protected

215 Mason Street 15//8 55 Robert Dymon Forestry Good NA No RR Partially Protected

127 Three Rivers Road 16//2 32.8

Amelia Jaworek &

William Burgess

Forestry Good NA No RR Partially Protected

67 Mt. Dumplin

Street18//32 10.91 Donald Duffy Forestry Good NA No RR Partially Protected

63 Mt Dumplin

Street18//34 14.16 James &

Sandra Godin Forestry Good NA No RR Partially Protected

62 Beech Street 20//6 21.46 Cole Scott Forestry Good NA No RR Partially Protected

80 Stimpson Street 25//9/1 29.32 Gaston LaFleur Forestry Good NA No RR Partially Protected

344 Old Warren Road 26//36 6.12

Fredrick & Cynthia

CienciwaForestry Good Connect to

State WMA No RR Partially Protected

L 37 Old Warren Road 26//37 12.62

Fredrick & Cynthia



L 41 Old Warren Road 26//41 36.07

Fredrick & Cynthia



L 23 Old Warren Road 27//23 10 John & Terri

Gola Forestry Good Connect to State WMA No RR Partially Protected

912 Ware Street 31//3 12.64 Joseph Bird Forestry Good Connect to


965 Ware Street 31//27 85 Stanley

Martowski Forestry Excellent Connect to State WMA Limited RR Partially Protected

273 St Johns Street 38//8 18.76 Nicholas Zeo Forestry Good NA No RR Partially Protected

Jim Ash Street 40//2 43.99 Steve & Ann

Cormier Forestry Good NA No RR Partially Protected

1451 Ware Street 42//17/1 118.95 James

Hamilton Forestry Good NA No RR Partially Protected

Brown Road 43//6 23 Mary Desantis Forestry Good NA No RR Partially Protected

West Ware Street 44/27 1.1

Nenameseck Sportsman

ClubForestry Excellent Formal Trail

System Limited RR Partially Protected

West Ware Street 44/28 27.25




West Ware Street 44//28/3 19.42




Bacon Road 44//32 25.82Nenameseck Sportsman


System No RR Partially Protected

16 West Ware Street 44//39 73 Henry Ritzer Forestry Good NA No RR Partially Protected

Ware Street 47//7 181.23 Raymond Gagon Forestry Good NA No RR Partially Protected

Bacon Road 48//1 102.3 Gladys Boss Forestry GoodConnect to Town Trail

NetworkNo RR Partially Protected

73 Bacon Road 48//4 1.06

Matthew & Lisa

DomnarskiForestry Good

Connect to Town Trail


77 Bacon Road 48//12 38.6

Matthew & Lisa




79 Bacon Road 48//12/1 10.21

Matthew & Lisa




99 Bacon Road 48//13 35.2 Mary Desantis Forestry Good



Tavern Road 48//19 9.8 Mary Desantis Forestry GoodConnect to Town Trail



Table 5.9: Chapter 61A Lands




Protection

64 Boston Road 3//11 40.3 Sandra Nichols Agriculture Good NA No RR Partially Protected

Boston Road 3//18/1 24.7 Sue Draper Agriculture Good NA No RR Partially Protected

Burlingame Street 10//56 90

Sandra, Diane & Francis Rudnik

Agriculture Good NA No RR Partially Protected

155 Burlingame

Street 10//84 8.87

Sandra, Diane & Francis Rudnik

Agriculture Good NA No RR Partially Protected

L 22 Sykes Street 18//22 154 Michael

Strzemienski Agriculture Good NA No RR Partially Protected

L 63 Main Street 24//63 0.47 Michael &

Diane Pajak Agriculture Good NA No RR Partially Protected

4215 Main Street 24//64 12.23 Michael &

Diane Pajak Agriculture Good NA No RR Partially Protected

L10-8 Church Street 25//10/8 85.89 Donaldson

Family Trust Agriculture Excellent Formal Trail System No RR Partially Protected

3090 Palmer Street 29//1 120 Thomas

Roberts Agriculture Good NA No RR Partially Protected

4168 Pleasant Street 29//26 25.8 John Vdovak Agriculture Good NA No RR Partially Protected

166 Summer Street 29//37 57.6 William Ward Agriculture Good NA No RR Partially Protected

4125 Pleasant Street 29//49 2.5 James Johnson Agriculture Good NA No RR Partially Protected

203 State Street 30//5/1 36.62 Dean Brown Agriculture Good NA No RR Partially Protected

209 Summer Street 30//8 31.12 Donaldson

Family Trust Agriculture Excellent Formal Trail System No RR Partially Protected

160 Stimson Street 30//43 6.3 Stanley &

Eldora Parda Agriculture Good NA No RR Partially Protected

River Road 30//74 39.78 Stanley & Eldora Parda Agriculture Good NA No RR Partially Protected

L 14 St. John Street 32//14 23 Arthur

Bechard Agriculture GoodConnect to Town Trail


216 St. John Street 32//16 137 Arthur



L 17 St. John Street 32//17 108.61 Arthur



L 10 State Street 36//10 8 Russel & Irene

Webb Agriculture Good NA No RR Partially Protected

L 12 State Street 36//12 17.7 Russel & Irene


L 14 State Street 36//14 19.6 Russel & Barry


L 25 Jim Ash Road 36//25 24 Russel & Irene


L 38 State Street 36//38 1.9 Stanley &


236 State Street 36//39 20.15 Stanley &


L 45 Emery Street 36//45 172 Stanley &


L 57 Emery Street 36//57 8.5 Stanley &






134 Rondeau Road 37//23 142 Stephen Fijal Agriculture Good



159 Rondeau Road 37//24 90.2 Stephen Fijal Agriculture Good



Rondeau Road 38//1 7 Arthur



3168 Foster Sreet 41//2/1 37.68 John

Kokoszyna Agriculture Good NA No RR Partially Protected

3166 Foster Sreet 41//2/3 2.22 John

Kokoszyna Agriculture Good NA No RR Partially Protected

77 Bacon Road 48//12 48.68 Matthew

Domnarski Agriculture GoodConnect to Town Trail


29 Griffen Street 88//47 3.76 Stanley Mega Agriculture Good NA No TR Partially Protected

Griffen Street 89//38 1.5 Stanley Mega Agriculture Good NA No TR Partially Protected

Griffen Street 89//37 1.5 Stanley Mega Agriculture Good NA No TR Partially Protected


Table 5.10: Chapter 61B Lands




Protection

Ware Street 42//8 0.65 David & Jaye Cotter

Open Space & Recreation Excellent Formal Trail


Ware Street 42//10 5.85 David & Jaye Cotter



Shaw District 49//3 19 Stanley Martowski



Summer Street 82//37 0.44 St. Josephs

Polish ClubOpen Space &

Recreation Excellent Formal Trail System Yes RR Partially Protected

4080 Pine Street 24//29 12 St. Josephs

Polish ClubOpen Space &

Recreation Excellent Formal Trail System Yes RR Partially Protected

TOTAL ACRES 37.94


D. Inventory of Lands: Publicly Owned Open Space & Conservation Lands

Pattaquatic District: Pattaquatic Mountain, Colonels Mountain, Quarry Road and Mountain Roads Trail System (including Mountain, Tavern, Brown, Onley, Saint John, Bacon and Rondeau Roads)

The northeastern portion of Palmer, called the Pattaquatic District, is relatively undeveloped and contains beautiful areas of rocky uplands like Pattaquatic Mountain (elevation 1094’), Colonels Mountain, Quarry Road, Tavern Road and the state managed Wildlife Management Area. The area consists of large forests, wetlands, ponds, discontinued roads, and cold, clear streams like Kings Brook. This area has many signs of colonial settlement. This is an excellent area for hiking, horseback riding, hunting, picnicking and nature study. The mountain affords views for many miles in all directions.

The Mountain Road Trails System are eight miles of unimproved town roadways on the former Brown’s Road, Mountain Road, Onley Road and portions of Saint John Street, Bacon Road and Rondeau Road which are under the stewardship of the Conservation Commission. These discontinued and abandoned roadways are a part of the inter-town wildlife corridor between Palmer and Ware. One 150-acre parcel of land owned by the Conservation Commission, straddles Browns Road. This property contains remains of a home-site from the 1730’s and stone animal pens. An abutting 28 acres was purchased afterwards by the Conservation Commission. Parking here is on the side of the road on a small parking area. The trails are wide roadways but the surface is uneven and there are barriers such as tire rutting, rocks, and logs.

The Tavern Road property is a rugged 74-acre parcel of timberland and wildlife corridor under the stewardship of the Conservation Commission. Ongoing forest management is intended to improve the timber and wildlife habitat. There is no public or accessible parking, no hard surfaces or hard surfaced trails, no signs, and trails on this land are rugged and not accessible.

Also in this area, about 150 feet northwest of the Tavern site on the east side of Bacon Road, there the remains of a foundation of a nineteenth century district schoolhouse can be found. The property is under the stewardship of the Conservation Commission. There are no facilities on this site. There is no public or accessible parking, no hard surfaces and no signs.

The 20-acre Quarry Road parcels owned by the Conservation Commission contain a marsh, a brook and an old quarry road that leads to a network of paths and old wood roads. Several historical sites just off the trail are of interest, namely the remnants of the old Munroe Woolen Mill (1836), Saw Mill (1736), Grist Mill (1736) and a nineteenth century Soapstone Factory. The properties historically provided excellent wildlife habitat as well as access into an extensive trail system used for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Currently, Quarry Road is closed to recreational activities and is being used as a construction access road for the development of the Palmer Motorsports Park.


Parking here is on the side of the road on a small parking area. The trails are wide roadways but the surface is uneven and there are barriers such as tire rutting, rocks, and logs. The current trail system connects to Colonels Mountain and the State Wildlife Management Area there. This 258 acre parcel on both sides of Rondeau Road West (the Lazy Acres) was bought by the DFW in 1997 and is now permanently protected and is used for both open space and active/passive recreation.

Kings Brook Watershed

This small stream flows south and east to its junction with the Quaboag River. The watershed contains wetlands, abundant wildlife, and numerous protected parcels. This area includes protions of the Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) manages the Palmer Wildlife Management Area and the Town of Palmer’s Midura Conservation Area.

Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) manages the Palmer Wildlife Management Area

The Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) manages the Palmer Wildlife Management Area of 1433 total acres (542 of which are in the Kings Brook Watershed). This includes much of the headwaters, wetlands, and associated uplands. The Natural Heritage Program has documented the presence of the Spotted Salamander (an endangered species) in the wetlands. DFW recently purchased another 250-acre parcel of land for conservation and recreation. There are the remains of several old cellar holes on this land.

Midura Family Conservation Area

The Conservation Commission owns and manages the Midura Family Conservation Area and an additional parcel obtained through a state Self-Help Grant in 2003. This 186-acre group of connected parcels contain open meadows, marshland, and mature mixed hardwood forests. Recent work projects by the Student Conservation Association/Americorps and local boy scouts have included a boardwalk over a wet trail section and an information kiosk at the upgraded parking area. Parking here is on the side of the road on a small parking area. There is a kiosk with signs. The trails are wide but the surface is uneven and not hard enough to support wheelchair access and there are barriers such as rocks and logs.

The Conservation Commission has also been trying to acquire a 92-arce parcel to the North of Midura, know as the Turnpike Property. The Commission has been in negotiations with Mass DOT over acquiring this parcel.

Ware River Habitats

The Ware River runs South and West through Palmer and has beautiful riparian forests, floodplains and historic mills and homes. At the Palmer Airport, approximately seventy acres of open space plus twenty acres of wetlands border the Ware River. It is a refuge for many migratory birds and an important wildlife area. Much of the area is being threatened by encroachment from development nearby.

Emery and Summer St. floodplain/ wetlands: A corridor along the Ware river extends north and south of the bridge at Summer St. consisting of upland ponds and wetlands,


river edge wetlands and riparian forest. These are privately owned and not protected at this time. A nine-acre river-edge parcel by the powerline corridor to the south of Summer St. was donated to the Conservation Commission in 1998. There is no public or accessible parking, no hard surfaces and no signs.

Swift River Greenbelt and Dam

The Swift River flows from Belchertown and the Quabbin Reservoir to the north. The River is considered among the cleanest in the state. A 50 foot buffer strip for two miles along the Swift River is owned by the Palmer Redevelopment Authority The Conservation Commission has an access easement to this land. The pathway has been established over time by local hikers and fishermen. There is no public or accessible parking, no hard surfaces and no signs.

Quaboag River

Two roadside parks along the banks of the Quaboag River (off Boston Road, Route 67) offer opportunities for fishing, boating, picknicking, and enjoyment of this river resource. These parks are maintained by the state D.P.W. Quaboag Field on Water Street is a 7.5 acre Town owned recreation area located in the flood plain of the Quaboag River. The field is maintained by the Park Department. Parking here is on the side of the road. There are no other facilities.

Chicopee River Greenway and Red Bridge Park

The former D.E.M (now called Department of Conservation and Recreation) bought land in 1965 that has been the initial seed for the development of a regional greenway corridor along the Chicopee River. The riverside from Red Bridge to Three Rivers in Palmer is envisioned to be a part of the future Red Bridge Park. In addition the Palmer Conservation Commission owns a portion of the old B & A Railroad Bed, which parallels the north side of the Chicopee River for about 2.5 miles. In an effort to help establish the trail system, the Commission has obtained an amicable lease agreement with the two abutting landowners in Three Rivers for access and parking privileges. Parking here is on the side of the road. There are no facilities or signs, The trails are wide but the surface is uneven and not hard enough to support wheelchair access and there are barriers such as rocks and logs.

This area has both active and passive recreation opportunities such as bird watching, picnicking, nature study and fishing. The corridor presently gets much use by town residents. There is strong interest in expanding this corridor and connecting with additional open space in the area.

Burleigh Park

Burleigh Park is a one-hundred and thirty-five acre park owned by the Town of Palmer located off Old Warren Road. Recreational amenities include: six ball fields, a tennis court, horseshoe area, picnic grove, pavilion and a network of hiking and nature trails that cover approximately one-hundred acres. Parking here is on the side of the road and


in a small parking area. The trails are wide but the surface is uneven and there are barriers such as rocks and logs. Currently, the Palmer Trails Association has been working wth the Conservation Commission and the Recreation Department to clean up the trails and make them more accessible to people of all ages and abilities. The Recreation Department is also pursuing options to re-establish a swimming area within the Park, as well as modernize picnic areas and the Pavillion.

A second recreational area south of the central park, Burleigh Park II, consists of a marsh along Cedar Swamp Brook which runs north from Lake Thompson, then on through Burleigh Park to the fish hatchery. There is no public or accessible parking, no hard surfaces and no signs.

Old Mill Pond Grammar and Palmer High School Sites

This is a thirty-four acre multiple school site located off Main Street in Thorndike Village. The campus includes three athletic fields, six tennis courts, a vernal pool, and two streams and the Old Mill pond and marsh. Spotted Turtles have been observed in both the vernal pool and brook areas. Old Mill pond and marsh is habitat for migratory birds. The old Thorndike water cistern is located to the southeast of the school site on a half acre property. All of these areas could be used as an outdoor nature study classroom. In winter, the Mill Pond is used for ice skating by local youths. The buildings here have been renovated to meet ADA requirements. The grounds have paved paths, some areas with inclines.

Mass. Fish and Wildlife Fish Hatchery

The State Fish Hatchery, purchased in 1997 by the division of Fish and Wildlife, consists of 316 acres located on both sides of Ware Road (Route 32). This once busy trout hatchery station with its many holding ponds has now reduced its operations to a small area that is used mainly for the breeding of Atlantic Salmon and is no longer open to the public. The hatchery property is a rich water resource area with running brooks, holding ponds, wetlands and white pine groves. It is located within the Aquifer Protection District and in the Town’s Primary Recharge area. This facility is publicly owned but not open to the public.

E. Inventory of Lands: Non-Profit Conservation and Recreation Land (See Table 5.5)

Nenameseck Sportsmen's Club

The club is located on Bacon Road in Palmer, Massachusetts. It offer a wide variety of ranges and sporting teams for both the Archer and Shooter alike. Located on over 125 acres the club provides access to both indoor and outdoor facilities. The club is supported entirely by membership and event funds, and maintained through volunteer work by members.


Camp Ramah of New England

Camp Ramah in New England is an overnight Jewish summer camp located off Bennett Road, in Palmer, Massachusetts. The camp extends over 76 acres and is situated on prime lakefront land.

Camp Stanica

Camp Stanica is a private polish camp located on Crystal Lake, in Palmer, Massachusetts. The Camp hold yearly events ranging from concerts and picnic, to fishing derbies.

Blue Star Equiculture /Burgandy Brook Farm

Blue Star Equiculture currently leases the historic 129-acre farm, known locally for decades as "Burgundy Brook." Burgundy Brook Farm is located at the intersection of the Ware and Swift Rivers. It is bounded on the south by the Ware, the west by the Swift, the north by the abandoned Hampden Railroad ("The Railroad That Never Was"), and on the east by Rt. 181.

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