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Home My WebLink About2. BLT Woodland Bogs CPA Full ApplicationCPC Application Submission Date: June 12, 2025 Project Title: Woodland Bogs Land Protection Project Project Map/Parcel Number: 176/019 Estimated Start Date: October 2024 Estimated Completion Date: February, 2026 Purpose (please circle all that apply): Open Space Public Community Housing Private Historic Non-Profit Recreation Partnership (Describe below #3) Town Affiliation** (**Applications must be approved by the Town Manager prior to submission) Applicant Contact: Name: Janet Milkman, Executive Director Organization (if applicable): Barnstable Land Trust, Inc. Address: 1540 Main Street, West Barnstable, MA 02668 Mailing Address: Same Daytime Phone #: 508 771 2585 x 105 E-mail Address: janet@blt.org Primary Contact (if different from applicant contact): Name: Same Address: Mailing Address: Daytime Phone #: E-mail Address: Appropriated CPA funds require one or more deed restrictions (conservation / historic preservation / housing). Sample restrictions are available at the Official Website of the Town of Barnstable www.town.barnstable.ma.us. Applicants must provide the first draft of their restriction to the CPC Project Coordinator. The Town of Barnstable Legal Department and Legal Consultant shall review and approve the restriction prior to the final commitment of the CPA funds to the project. CPC Application Budget Summary: Total budget for project: $ 667,950 CPA funding request: $ 307,500 Matching funds (committed/under consideration): $ 360,450 1. Project summary (description and goals): The Woodland Bog Land Protection Project will permanently protect 25.74 acres of retired cranberry bog and surrounding upland at 301 Parker Road in historic West Barnstable. The Jenkins family has owned and farmed the property since the 1970’s as part of a larger 77-acre cranberry bog complex. The family has decided to sell the property to Barnstable Land Trust (BLT) for conservation purposes. The ecological restoration and passive recreation opportunities of this important property within the Great Marsh and Barnstable Harbor watersheds make this project a priority for Barnstable Land Trust. The Woodland Bog property includes the following important conservation values: • The 25.74-acre property is a key parcel connecting two extensive protected open space areas, Spruce Pond Conservation Area to the southeast and Bridge Creek Conservation Area to the northwest. Existing bog paths provide excellent opportunities for passive recreation with elevated upland areas providing panoramic scenic overlooks. • Groundwater flows into the bog system from the southwest and the east and flows out of the bogs into Bridge Creek within the Barnstable Great Marsh, one of the most ecologically important ecosystems on the Cape. The opportunity to restore or naturalize 13 acres of cranberry bog and 12 acres of upland buffer provides an opportunity to protect and enhance water quality within this important watershed. • The property includes state designated BioMap Wetland Core Habitat and Buffer, providing essential habitat for plant and animal species as well as the ability to capture heavy rains and help prevent flooding downstream, absorb greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, and store and purify water. The property includes a state certified vernal pool and connects to BioMap Vernal Pool Core Habitat, protecting important habitat for a variety of species, including amphibians and invertebrates, that use them to breed. 2. How does this project help preserve Barnstable’s character? The Woodland Bogs property lies northward of the glacial moraine, within the lowlands bordering the Barnstable marshes. In this area, the natural environment and historic features create one of the most distinctive landscapes in the town. Small streams flow from the edge of the moraine and from kettle ponds northwards to the marshes of Barnstable Harbor. Protection of this property will preserve this scenic and cultural landscape in perpetuity for the enjoyment of residents and visitors. 3. Partnership(s) Description: Barnstable Land Trust, Inc. (BLT) has an agreement with the current owner for the fee simple acquisition of the 25.74- acre property with a closing scheduled for January 2026. BLT will apply for a state Conservation Partnership Grant in June Appropriated CPA funds require one or more deed restrictions (conservation / historic preservation/ housing). Sample restrictions are available at the Official Website of the Town of Barnstable www.town.barnstable.ma.us. Applicants must provide the first draft of their restriction to the CPC Project Coordinator. The Town of Barnstable Legal Department and Legal Consultant shall review and approve the restriction prior to the final commitment of the CPA funds to the project. 2025 and has launched a private fundraising campaign to support the acquisition of the property. BLT is seeking local Community Preservation Act funding in support of the acquisition and will grant a conservation restriction to the Town of Barnstable, ensuring the land is preserved in perpetuity. 4. Provide a detailed project timeline: Date Action 25-Oct-24 Offer accepted by property owner Dec-24 Preliminary Appraisal Dec-24 21E assessment Dec-24 Executed Purchase and Sales Agreement Mar-25 Conservation Partnership (CP) Grant RFP Released May-25 Narrative Appraisal May-25 Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding LOI submitted May-25 Draft CR for review May-25 Draft Baseline Report Jun-25 CPA funding full app submitted Jun-25 Submit application to CP Grant Jul-25 CPA & CR to Conservation Commission and Open Space Committee for review August/Sept 2025 Town Council review and vote on CPA funding and CR Oct/Nov 2025 CP Grant notification and contract Nov-25 CR approved for local signatures Dec-25 Collect CR signatures for recording at closing 16-Jan-26 Closing with property owner, CPA funds released Feb-26 CP Grant Reimbursement Mar-26 Convene working group to consider restoration and use options. 5. How does this project meet the General Criteria and Category Specific Criteria for CPC projects? • Consistency with the Local Comprehensive Plan and other planning documents that have received wide scrutiny and input and have been adopted by the town; o Consistent with Final Vision Plan of LCPC, including to “Protect, restore and enhance priority natural habitats, salt and fresh water resources, and open spaces” and “Build on our outstanding recreational opportunities and enhance access to open spaces while also ensuring no environmental harm as recommended by the open space and recreation plan.” o Consistent with Goal 1 of Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) to protect and maintain a maximum amount of open space to enhance environmental protection, recreational opportunities, and community character. o Consistent with Goal 2 of OSRP: Plan, coordinate and execute open space protection measures that complement community efforts to protect water supply, protect fresh and marine surface waters, preserve historic, scenic and cultural resources, and provide opportunities for farming and agriculture. Consistent with following sub-goals:  2.2 Coordinate open space protection measures with efforts to protect wildlife habitat and augment the Town’s green corridors and spaces and  2.3 Coordinate open space protection measures with efforts to protect fresh and marine wetlands and surface waters. o Consistent with Goal 3 of OSRP: Provide diverse recreational opportunities and access throughout Barnstable and ensure that the current and future needs of all user groups are met appropriately, and the following subgoals:  3.5 Provide adequate passive recreation facilities and programs;  3.6 Coordinate planning for the Town’s greenway network to maximize opportunities for trailways, bikeways, Cape Cod Pathways, and connections between open spaces. • Preservation of the essential character of the town; Protection of Woodland Bogs property will preserve the scenic and cultural value of the property in perpetuity for the enjoyment of residents and visitors. • Save resources that would otherwise be threatened and/or serve a currently underserved population; Conservation of the property will protect land threatened by development. Without conservation, the property could be developed into at least one building lot. • Demonstrate practicality and feasibility and demonstrate that they can be implemented expeditiously and within budget; based on decades of expertise, experience, and flexibility at BLT this project can be completed within a year. • Produce an advantageous cost/benefit value; CPA funding would leverage a state Conservation Partnership grant, and BLT private fundraising, so that CPA funds would only need to cover less than 50% of the total project cost. • Leverage additional public and/or private funds; applications that identify commitment from other funding sources will receive a higher priority; see above, MA Conservation Partnership Grant, and private funding. • Serves more than one CPA purpose: property provides conservation, passive recreation, and historic preservation opportunities. Open Space Criteria • Protecting land bordering on wetlands in order to assist in minimizing or eliminating eutrophication of habitat; protection of the property. The property includes fresh water wetlands to be protected in perpetuity and provides a buffer for wildlife habitat and the protection of water quality. • Permanently protect important wildlife habitat, including areas that are of local significance for biodiversity. The property includes BioMap Wetland Core Habitat and Wetland Core Buffer providing essential habitat for plant and animal species, as well as a state certified vernal pool providing important habitat for a variety of species, including amphibians and invertebrates, that use them to breed. • Contain a variety of habitats, with diversity of geologic features and types of vegetation; the property includes both wetland and upland, with varied topography. The property lies within mapped BioMap Local Landscape, which consist of large, unfragmented areas of land and water that provide habitat for wide-ranging species, support dynamic natural processes, and enhance ecosystem resilience. • Preserve scenic, agricultural, historic, archeological or wooded character; Protection of the Woodland Bogs property will help preserve the scenic and historic character of West Barnstable Village and the Town of Barnstable. • Provide opportunities for passive recreation and environmental education; the property abuts existing Town- owned open space. A trail connection will provide new passive recreation opportunities. • Protect or enhance wildlife corridors, promote connectivity of habitat or prevent fragmentation of habitats; the property abuts existing protected open space, providing an important habitat connection. • Provide public access; Woodland Bog property is a key parcel connecting two extensive existing protected open space areas: Spruce Pond Conservation Area to the southeast and Bridge Creek Conservation Area to the northwest. Existing bog paths provide excellent opportunities for passive recreation with elevated upland areas providing panoramic scenic overlooks. Protection of this property may provide the potential to extend to the existing Cape Cod Pathways trail leading to Spruce Pond and Plum Street. Historic Preservation Criteria • Protecting, preserving, enhancing, restoring and/or rehabilitating historic, cultural, architectural or archaeological resources of significance, especially those that are threatened. The Woodland Bogs property is located within the Old Kings Highway Regional Historic District. The protection of the property will help protect the rural and scenic character of the historic district • Demonstrating a public benefit; Protection of the property will provide multiple public benefits including protecting water quality, protecting wildlife habitat and providing new open space and recreation opportunities for the public. • Demonstrating the ability to provide permanent protection for maintaining the historic resource. The property will be restricted from development via a Conservation Restriction granted to the Town, and Barnstable Land Trust will maintain the property in perpetuity. Recreation Criteria • Jointly benefit Conservation Commission and Recreation Commission initiatives by promoting passive recreation such as hiking, biking and cross-country skiing on town-owned property; provides public access to a new walking trail. Provide a detailed budget, including the following information, as applicable: (Fiscal Year, Total Cost, CPC Funds Requested, Other Sources of Funding sought and received, and cost estimates/quotes received): Project Costs Negotiated Purchase Price $ 615,000 Additional project costs $ 52,950 TOTAL costs $ 667,950 Funding Sources Community Preservation Act Funding $ 307,500 Conservation Partnership Grant (pending) $ 310,500 Land Conservation Assistance Grant $ 5,850 BLT Fundraising $ 44,100 TOTAL $ 667,950 6. Assessor’s office identification map and map and parcel number: Map 176 Parcel 019 6/12/2025 Signature of Applicant Date Signature of Applicant Partnership Date **Additional information may be provided as well as requested. LOCUS ~ 2025-2026 WBCA Officers ~ Ed Jay, President; Maria DeMayo, Vice President; Deb Morgan, Secretary; Bob Stolte, Treasurer Nancy Meagher, Director of Membership; Andy Lee, Immediate Past President Directors: Jim Butler, Dan Dewey, Dave Kern, Dan Philos-Jensen, Dolores Schermer, Mark Wirtanen The West Barnstable Civic Association is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization West Barnstable Civic Association P.O. Box 243 West Barnstable, MA 02668 www.westbarnstable.org westbarnstablecivic@gmail.com June 12, 2025 Community Preservation Committee Town Hall 367 Main Street Hyannis MA 02601 Subject: Letter of Support - Woodland Bogs Land Protection Project 301 Parker Road, West Barnstable Barnstable Land Trust CPA Funding Request Dear Members of the Community Preservation Committee, We are writing to inform you of our strong support of the Community Preservation Act funding request by Barnstable Land Trust (BLT) toward the acquisition of the 25.74-acre Woodland Bogs property at 301 Parker Road in West Barnstable. Protection of this property will ensure the quality of the ground and surface water that flows through the retired cranberry bogs into Bridge Creek and the Barnstable Great Marsh, one of the most ecologically important ecosystems on Cape Cod. The Woodland Bogs property is key to connecting the Spruce Pond Conservation Area to the southeast and Bridge Creek Conservation Area to the northwest and the existing bog paths provide the community with excellent opportunities for passive recreation. This project represents a significant opportunity for BLT and the Town to continue their successful, cooperative working relationship on land protection projects that meet Town of Barnstable open space planning goals and objectives. We hope the Community Preservation Committee will vote to invest funding in this important conservation acquisition to protect land, water, and wildlife. Sincerely, Ed Jay, President West Barnstable Civic Association cc: Janet Milkman, BLT Kris Clark, Town Councilor, Precinct 11 Gordon Starr, Town Councilor, Precinct 1 WOODLAND BOGS, 25.74 Acres 301 Parker Road, West Barnstable Town Assessors Map Bridge Creek Conservation Area 246 acres Spruce Pond/Sand Hill Pond Conservation Area 140 acres WOODLAND BOGS, 25.74 Acres 301 Parker Road, West Barnstable Surrounding Protected Open Space Project Locus 25.74 acres WOODLAND BOGS, 25.74 Acres 301 Parker Road, West Barnstable BioMap Wetland Core Habitat and Buffer Project Locus 25.74 acres BioMap Wetland Core Habitat (2.6 acres±) and Wetland Core Buffer (5.5 acres±), provides essential habitat for plant and animal species as well as the ability to capture heavy rains and help prevent flooding downstream, absorb greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, and store and purify water. WOODLAND BOGS, 25.74 Acres 301 Parker Road, West Barnstable BioMap Vernal Pool Core Habitat Project Locus 25.74 acres Certified Vernal Pool Potential Vernal Pool Potential Vernal Pool BioMap Vernal Pool Core Habitat Includes high quality vernal pools—small seasonal wetlands that typically fill with water in the autumn or winter and dry up by the end of summer—along with surrounding upland habitat for connectivity.. These temporary wetlands provide important habitat for a variety of species, including amphibians and invertebrates, that use them to breed. WOODLAND BOGS, 25.74 Acres 301 Parker Road, West Barnstable BioMap Local Landscapes Project Locus 25.74 acres BioMap Local Landscapes comprise large areas of intact, unfragmented lands and waters that provide habitat for wide- ranging species and support dynamic natural processes and resilient ecosystems. These landscapes consist of the largest remaining contiguous forests, wetlands, rivers, lakes, and ponds, as well as coastal habitats such as barrier beaches and salt marshes. WOODLAND BOGS, 25.74 Acres 301 Parker Road, West Barnstable Sandy Neck Barrier Beach System Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) Project Locus 25.74 acres WOODLAND BOGS, 25.74 Acres 301 Parker Road, West Barnstable Wetlands Project Locus 25.74 acres DEP WETLANDS WOODLAND BOGS, 25.74 Acres 301 Parker Road, West Barnstable Aerial Image 2023 WOODLAND BOGS, 25.74 Acres 301 Parker Road, West Barnstable Cape Cod Pathways Context Project Locus WOODLAND BOGS, 25.74 Acres 301 Parker Road, West Barnstable Potential Trail Connections Potential Trail Connections Potential Trail Connections WOODLAND BOGS, 25.74 Acres 301 Parker Road, West Barnstable Potential North Trail Connections Woodland Bog Pathways North Loop (Jenkins Trail) Potential Trail Connection WOODLAND BOGS, 25.74 Acres 301 Parker Road, West Barnstable Potential South Trail Connection Northern trail connection to Bridge Creek Conservation Area trails. Woodland Bog Woodland Bog Pathways Main Spruce Pond Sandy Hill Pond Existing Side trail from Falcon Road Potential Trail Connection Woodland Bog