HomeMy WebLinkAboutAnn Canedy Conservation Commission March 10 2023 -Bowles Field
Planning and Development Department ∙ Elizabeth Jenkins – Director ∙ 367 Main Street, Hyannis, MA 02601
Phone: 508-862-4785 Fax: 508-862-4784
Committee Members
Ann Canedy – Chair Farley Lewis – Vice Chair
Elissa Crowley Steve Gould Elizabeth Lewis Phyllis Miller Tracey Pratt Douglas Payson Anne Rowland
Kristine Clark – Town Council Liaison
Staff Support
Rachael Toolas – Administrative Assistant – rachael.toolas@town.barnstable.ma.us
March 13, 2023
Mr. Tom Lee
Chair, Conservation Commission
Re: Conservation Restrictions-Bowles Field, Barnstable Village (Conservation Commission Agenda March 14)
Dear Mr. Lee and Members of the Conservation Commission:
I am writing as Chair of the Land Acquisition and Preservation Committee (LAPC). One of the most important charges of
LAPC is the review and potential recommendation of approval to the Conservation Commission, Community Preservation
Committee and the Town Council of proposed conservation restrictions.
One of the most crucial reasons to establish a conservation restriction is for water protection purposes.
On June 13, 2022, Janet Milkman, Director of Barnstable Land Trust, presented to LAPC the particulars of the conservation
of a large parcel along Commerce Road in Barnstable Village, known as Bowles Field or Brazelton property.
Known primarily for its iconic view, it is also an important parcel for preservation and conservation reasons. It is part of a
larger watershed that essentially begins at the Cummaquid Golf Course and proceeds towards Barnstable Harbor. Linked by
conservation land at Long Pasture Audubon, and land owned by the Town of Barnstable and Barnstable Land Trust along
Stoney Point Road, and Indian Trail, this watershed is an important water protection parcel as well as an essential link in a
vast wildlife corridor.
On June 13, 2022, LAPC voted unanimously to recommend that the Conservation Commission approve a conservation
restriction over Lot 13 (CR17198). It is our understanding that Lot 13 is the only parcel within the larger area to be
protected that will utilize Community Preservation/Town of Barnstable funds. On March 13, 2023, while there was no
quorum present, it was the consensus of the Committee to recommend approval of Lot 14 (CR17214) and Lot 15
(CR17213) as well.
The proposed conservation restrictions (Lots 14 & 15) are to be acquired under the Conservation Land Tax Credit Program.
These lots are entirely within Massachusetts Natural Heritage Endangered Species Program BioMap 2. The acquisition
checks off many of LAPC’s important requisites: It will protect water resources and supply; protect wildlife and plant
habitat; protect and extend existing trails; preserve scenic view; and protect wetlands.
The LAPC supports protection of these parcels through Conservation Commission approval on March 14.
Respectfully,
Ann Canedy,
Chair, Land Acquisition and Preservation Committee
Town of Barnstable
LLaanndd AAccqquuiissiittiioonn aanndd PPrreesseerrvvaattiioonn CCoommmmiitttteeee
www.town.barnstable.ma.us/LandAcquisitionandPreservation