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City advances watershed conservation deals for Gray and Wingate parcels near drinking‑water reservoirs
Summary
Public Works staff described two conservation efforts — a three‑party agreement for the Gray property that secures land under a major transmission main and a proposed Wingate acquisition near the Berry River — and said most project costs will be covered by state drinking water protection grants with limited city contribution.
Public Works Director Norris updated the committee on ongoing watershed conservation work that aims to protect raw water quality. The two items discussed were the Gray property (near the city reservoir off Dry Hill Road) and the Wingate property (about 62 acres off Meaderborough Road that fronts the Berry River).
Gray property: The proposal is a three‑party trade among the city, the Southeast Land Trust (SELT) and the landowner (Gray) that would place about 27 acres of Gray’s land into a SELT conservation easement (excluding a 3‑acre homestead area) while the city would transfer several lots (Lots 17 and 19 adjacent to the reservoir) into a conservation easement and acquire fee title to a parcel that hosts a 30‑inch transmission main. Norris said the overall project cost is about $700,000 with most funding expected from the Drinking Water Trust Fund and surface water protection grants; the city’s maximum contribution is estimated near $80,000 but likely closer to $50,000. The agreements are interdependent and contingent on funding decisions by the Governor and Executive Council.
Wingate property: Staff described a potential easement acquisition for a 62‑acre parcel with about 4,500 feet of frontage on both sides of the Berry River that drains roughly 360 acres upstream of the city’s water supply. The project estimate was about $700,000 with an approximate $45,000 funding gap; staff said grants (drinking water trust, LCHIP and others) are the anticipated revenue sources and the city’s watershed conservation account could cover the gap.
Why it matters: The Gray property acquisition would give the city fee control over the land under a transmission main that moves up to 10,000 gallons per minute between reservoirs and reduce friction with abutters when maintenance or replacements are required. Conserving the Wingate property would protect upstream forested habitat and reduce development or septic risks to the Berry River watershed.
Next steps: Staff are awaiting governor and council approval of grant funds and will return to the committee with updates once funding is confirmed.
