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Volunteers to repair Negri Napodi bird blind after Open Space committee declines engineering study; pond vegetation raises access and permitting questions
Summary
A volunteer carpenter offered to repair the bird blind at Negri Napodi after the Open Space Advisory Committee declined a feasibility study; the Trails Advisory Committee recommended Open Space authorize up to $1,800 for materials (with contingency to $2,500) and to require a liability release from the volunteer.
Members of the Trails Advisory Committee discussed repairs to the bird blind at the Negri Napodi natural area and concerns about a vernal pond that volunteers say is filling with vegetation.
Background and OSAC response: The committee reported taking a feasibility study and recommendation to the Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC). According to committee members who attended OSAC's meeting, OSAC was not interested in funding or pursuing an engineering assessment; several OSAC members and public commenters said the vernal pond appeared to be functioning and did not require an expensive study.
Volunteer repair proposal: Chris Williams, a volunteer and retired carpenter with prior experience maintaining the site, offered to perform the work. Williams inspected the blind and provided a materials list and an estimate of about $1,800 for supplies; the committee noted DPW (Department of Public Works) might be able to supply some materials at lower cost. Williams said he would sign a liability release and could begin work in March. Committee members discussed using scouts or volunteer groups for labor assistance.
Scope of repair and monitoring: Williams proposed to re-sheath the exterior, replace rotted flooring, install new roofing (pressure-treated plywood and asphalt shingles), replace exterior fencing, repair the ramp, and re-finish and seal the structure; the footprint and footings would not change. If the volunteer work is completed and holds up, the committee said it would consider additional educational improvements later (display signage and bird silhouettes), but OSAC's immediate answer was that an in-depth study was not justified at present.
Vernal pond vegetation and permitting limits: Committee members raised a separate concern that vegetation is filling the vernal pond and obstructing bird viewing. Staff and members clarified that work inside the pond and wetland area requires prior approval from the appropriate permitting authority (referred to in the meeting as "DP"/wetlands permitting) and that only perimeter trimming (outside the wetland) might be done without permits. The committee agreed to monitor the pond, continue to consult state/local resource staff regarding wetlands permits, and to consider whether targeted interventions are appropriate if the pond continues to fill in.
Committee action: Trails members said they would recommend to the Open Space Advisory Committee that OSAC authorize Williams to proceed, approving up to $1,800 for materials with authorization to increase the amount (the committee discussed an upper contingency of $2,500) if Williams encounters additional rot or necessary trim pieces. The Trails Committee also asked staff to require a signed liability release from Williams and to ensure DPW will help seal/finish the repaired blind.
Ending: The committee supported a low-cost, volunteer-led repair as a near-term fix while agreeing to continue monitoring the vernal pond's vegetation and to revisit broader engineering or restoration studies only if monitoring shows deterioration that volunteer repairs cannot address.
