HomeMy WebLinkAboutDraft letter of support.Smiths Creek CR
November __, 2024
Felicia Penn, President
Town of Barnstable Town Council
367 Main Street
Hyannis, MA 02601
RE: LETTER OF SUPPORT - SMITHS CREEK LAND PROTECTION PROJECT
Dear Town Council President Penn,
On November 4, 2024, the Open Space Committee voted unanimously, authorizing me to prepare
and submit this letter of support for the Orenda Wildlife Land Trust, Inc. application to the
Community Preservation Committee (CPC) for the purchase of a Conservation Restriction on 5.5
acres of important conservation land at 564 and 0 Main Street in West Barnstable.
The property is significant for both wildlife habitat and water protection. All of the property’s land lies
within 300 feet of freshwater and tidal wetlands, including 900 feet of streambank on Smiths Creek.
The property is also significant on a statewide basis for its ability to help support rare and exemplary
habitats, including foraging habitat for common, least and arctic terns. This land acquisition would
satisfy many Town planning and CPC goals related to scenic and natural resource protection.
The Open Space Committee has reviewed the proposed Conservation Restriction granted to the
Town of Barnstable and recommends Town Council acceptance and approval of the document,
subject to approval by the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, who may make minor
revisions thereto.
Please let me know if you have further questions.
Sincerely,
Lev Malakoff, Chair
Open Space Committee
CC: Lindsey Counsell, Chair, Community Preservation Committee
Kathleen Connolly, Assistant Town Attorney