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Northfield commission weighs $6,000–$10,000 cost to place donated parcel near Hobo Falls into conservation restriction
Summary
Mt. Grace Land Trust told the Conservation Commission that surveys, title searches and preliminary steps to place the newly donated parcel next to Hobo Falls into a conservation restriction would cost an estimated $6,000–$10,000; commissioners discussed volunteer stewardship, mapping tools and National Register nomination as alternatives to a CR.
Seth Kelly, representing Mt. Grace Land Trust, told the Northfield Conservation Commission on Feb. 18 that placing the parcel adjacent to Hobo Falls into a conservation restriction (CR) would likely cost Mt. Grace and the Town of Northfield between $6,000 and $10,000 for surveys, title searches and other preliminary steps. "He estimates it will cost Mt. Grace and Town of Northfield between $6,000-10,000 for surveys, title searches, and other preliminary steps," Kelly said.
Commissioners discussed ways to reduce monitoring and stewardship costs. Tori Luksha suggested activating the Northfield Stewardship Committee and using new mapping software so volunteer monitors could eliminate outsourced monitoring expenses. "Upstream is by satellite, which is needed when land is not accessible," Luksha said, and she noted the occasional use of professional aerial photography for site assessments.
Sarah Kerns raised fundraising as one option and commissioners discussed non-CR protections as well, including applying for National Register status for the parcel’s Hobo Cave and pursuing town bylaw changes to clarify the Conservation Commission’s stewardship role.
Annie Chappell, identified as an Open Space Committee member, and Kira Orton were described as considering joining the Stewardship Committee to learn monitoring techniques using the mapping tools being discussed. Robin Conley encouraged use of the Massachusetts Society of Municipal Conservation Professionals (MSMCP) as a resource for technical guidance.
The commission agreed a spring site visit is needed for the EMS land purchase; participants said on-site assessment will inform decisions about protections and monitoring needs.
No formal motion or vote was recorded on the CR or stewardship proposals during the meeting. The commission asked Mt. Grace to explore alternatives other towns use to protect public land without a conservation restriction and to return with options and cost estimates.
