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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-02-28® Minutes Town (if Dryden Conservation Board Tuesday, 28 February 2012 Dryden Town Hall 93 East Main Street, Dryden, NY 13053 I 1. Call to order by Chair, C. Smith, at 7:32 p.m. 2 2. Completion of Record of Attendance by Members 3 Members Present: Beck, Bissen, Munkenbeck, Richmond, Schutt, Ryan, Smith 4 (Chair): ex officio: Kwasnotvski, Nicholson; liaison: Anderson (Planning Board), 5 Lavine (Town Board) 6 Members Absent: Prentiss 7 3. Additions to agenda? None noted, 8 4. Review and approval of minutes from 31 January 2012 Meeting - Jane Nicholson 9 5. Old business 10 a. Peruville Road Gravel Mine Expansion and von Engeln Preserve - Bob Beck 11 A draft of a letter from the Conservation Board (CB) to NYSDEC was 12 reviewed and discussed. A map of the area, enhanced using I_1DAR 13 imagery, and prepared by Josh Bogdan (GIS 'Technician, Town Planning 14 Department) was viewed by the group to assist in visualizing the 1s relationships of various parts of the site. 16 A field meeting, held on 8 February 2012, to the von Engeln Preserve, led by 17 Beck, included Board Members Munkenbeck, Prentiss, and Smith; Planning 18 Department Staff Kwasnowski and Nicholson, and hydrogeologist, Dr. Dan 19 Karig (retired Cornell Professor). Munkenbeck and Prentiss were not able to 20 participate in the field trip, which followed a briefing session led by Beck. 21 The meeting lasted from 1 p.m. until about 4:00 p.m. 22 Beck commented that more study is needed, and we need to provide more 23 information to show what is necessary. It is important that we show how the 24 DEC wetland (GR -10), UNA -45, and the von Engeln Preserve are 25 downslope from the proposed gravel mine expansion. Additionally, these are 26 pristine.wetlands that arc among the rarest of local wetlands and the majority 27 of the wetland is a rich hemlock, hardwood, peat swamp. In addition to the 28 alkaline fen and rare globeflowcr, there are other rare and unusual plants, 29 including native orchids. The fens and the swamp, and the plants they 30 support, are the most threatened. 31 Bissen - Do we know if the existing operations have had negative impacts on 1'hrge l of 5 Q O 9.1 O 32 the wetlands? 33 Bcck responded that we don't know. The wetlands are unique in that they 34 depend on water that percolates through glacial deposits. How much of the 35 upslope gravel can be taken away without affecting the downslope wetlands? 36 Other professionals have been invited to comment on the proposed gravel 37 mine expansion, including Barbara Bedford (Cornell wetlands ecologist), 38 Robert Wesley (Cornell botanist), and Donald Leopold (SUNY -ESF 39 botanist) 40 The Chair invited a motion, which was made and seconded, to send the letter, as 41 amended and edited, to NYSDEC. Without further discussion, the motion 42 passed unanimously. The letter is appended to these minutes. 43 b. Proposal to Town Board for an "Agricultural Advisory Committee" - Nanev 44 Munkcnbeck, Dan Kwasnowski 45 Smith provided some background: At the CB meeting of 31 January 2012, 46 there was discussion of the need for an independent Town Board Advisory 47 Committee for Agriculture, as described in the Comprehensive flan for the 48 Town of Dryden (2005, p. 33). A proposal to form an agricultural advisory 49 committee was sent to the Town board by Munkcnbeck via e-mail on 15 50 February 2012, but has not yet been acted upon. In reviewing the minutes 51 from the CB Meeting of 29 June 2010, it was reported that an "Ag 52 Committee" was formed, including Peter Davies, Nancy Munkenbeck, and 53 Craig Schutt as members, but formation of the committee was not voted 54 upon by the C.B. At this time, there could be a need to form an "official" 55 committee, that would have real standing, by vote of the CB. 56 Schutt reminded us that the results of interviews of farmers, done by an 57 intern under his supervision, was provided to the CB, but there is a need to 58 finish interviewing farmers, because the intern did not get to all of them. 59 The report, entitled "Local Agriculture :Survey for Town of Dryden 60 Conservation Board," was prepared by Katie Wratten, through the Tompkins 61 County Soil and Water Conservation District, and dated Summer 2011. 62 Smith suggested that it might be timely to form an official ad hoc 63 Agriculture Committee of the CB. 64 65 Munkenbeck commented that the CB created committees on agriculture, 66 recreation, and conservation in 2010 as a way to provide input to the Open 67 Space .Plan. 68 Smith asked if the Conservation Board wants to take the initiative and 69 officially vote to form an ad hoc Agriculture Committee? Since 2010, the Page 2 of 5 70 approach to formulating the Open Space Plan has changed. Some kind of 71 agricultural advisory group, in the context of the Open Space Plan, could be 72 beneficial. 73 Kwasnowski commented that he supports formation of such a committee in 74 the context of open space planning and emphasized emphatically that 75 Planning Department Staff (Kwasnowski, Nicholson, and others) need to be 76 included in CB activities. Planning Department Staff have to keep track of 77 coordinating and reporting the results of meetings and Town boards, 78 committees, and commissions have to comply with state regulations 79 regarding announcing meetings, providing advance agendas, and providing 80 minutes of such meetings. 81 82 To facilitate discussion, Smith provided draft guidelines for operation of an 83 ad hoc Agriculture Committee, as a advisory committee of the Conservation 84 Board, 85 The Chair invited a motion, which was made and seconded, to form an ad hoc 86 Agriculture Committee, advisory to the Conservation Board, and adherinf; to 87 the proposed Guidelines for such a committee (appended to these minutes). The 88 motion passed unanimously. 89 Munkenbeck and Schutt agreed to serve on the ad hoc Agriculture 90 Committee and to find a third member for the Committee. Richmond and 91 Ryan expressed interest in serving on the Committee. A Chair for the 92 Committee, from among its members, needs to be identified by the 93 Committee. 94 Munkenbeck reported that there was to be an informal meeting of farmers 95 from the Town of Dryden, scheduled for the evening of 29 February 2012, at 96 the Dryden Town Hall, and that CB members were welcome to attend. 97 C. Proposal to Town Board for rc- examination of CFAs `•at the pleasure" of the 98 'town Board - Nancy Munkenbeck 99 Smith reported that the CB will be moving forward on this topic and too that no response has yet been received from the Town Board, 101 6. New Business 102 a. Vote on appointment of First and Second Vice- chairs - C. Smith 103 Smith reported that CB Rules and Procedures provide that the Char 104 shall appoint, subject to CB approval, First and Second Vice- chairs. 105 Beck has agreed to be First Vice-chair and Prentiss has agreed to be 106 Second Vice - chair, Page 3 of 5 i07 Paper ballots were distributed, received, and counted by Jane 108 Nicholson. 109 Unanimous vote by group to approve proposed appointments. 110 b. Advertisement to fill vacancy (unexpired Marcus term) on Conservation Ill Board - C. Smith 112 Smith reported that he has worked with Town Clerk Avery to 113 advertise the vacancy, with a closing date of 23 March 2012, to 14 solicit applications to fill the unexpired term of Stan Marcus. The 115 appointment would be for less than 2 years, ending 31 December 116 2013. Announcements have been sent to local newspapers, radio 117 stations, and community centers, describing the availability of the 118 vacancy and soliciting applications. It is hoped that applications can 119 be reviewed and a decision made at the 28 March meeting. 120 C. Outreach to Town Planning Board and Recreation Commission - C. Smith 121 Smith reported that he had contacted both Town Planning Board 122 Chair Joe Lalley and Town Recreation Commission Chair Jeff 123 Humphrey to request that a member from each group serve as liaison 124 to the CB. The Planning Board has appointed Craig Anderson and 125 the Recreation Commission will make a decision at its meeting on 28 126 March 2012. 127 d. Report on Dryden Republican Informational Meeting, 13 February 2012 - 128 Bob Beck, Nancy Munkenbeck, Rick. Ryan, and C. Smith 129 Members of the CB were invited to the 13 February meeting. 'Those 130 attending (Beck, Munkenbeck, Ryan, and Smith) felt that the meeting 131 was a reasonable exchange of thoughts and ideas. Beck thanked the 132 Dryden Republicans for the invitation to speak to the group regarding 133 the CGAs. Smith felt that many of the concerns voiced at the 134 meeting already have been addressed in responses to comments from 135 public hearings and received by e-mail that have been posted on the 136 Town web site, 137 Comments from Visitors and Ensuing Discussion: 138 Mr. Bruno Schickcl: Read and delivered a letter to the CB (appended to these 139 minutes) asking that a number of questions be addressed by the CB. Mr. Schickel's 140 letter will be discussed at the 27 March 2012 Meeting of the CB. 141 In response to a question of why State lands and Cornell lands are included in CEAs, 142 Smith noted that State lands and Cornell lands otlen have publicly reviewed, written Page 4 of 5 143 management plans (e.g. Twin Sheds Management Plan, including both Hammond 144 Hill and Yellow Barn State Forests), or committees of land management 145 professionals who oversee management activities. That typically is not true of 146 private lands (Finger Lakes Land Trust properties are an exception). With a formal 147 management plan, there is clear accountability for how lands are managed, which is 148 not true of private. lands. 149 Mr. David Bravo - Cullen: Asked why various gravel pits and town dumps are not 15o included in CEAs. The 2003 Open Space Inventory had a nice introduction, 151 resources and references - did not see the same thing with the current CEA proposal. 152 Need definitions of terms and other ideas that you would expect in a document that 153 may be important for someone planning to develop property. 154 Mr. Tim Woods: Present at this meeting as a land owner, former CB member, and 155 ad hoc representative of farmers. When you designate the CEA boundaries, what 156 makes that specific area critical? How did you define how big and how small? 157 Kwasnowski commented that CEAs were developed from multiple resources, using 158 the Town's geographic information system, and including consideration of UNAs, 159 input from the CB, and other scientific resources. 160 Beck observed that an alternative to CEAs could be piecemeal development of more 161 regulations and more stringent regulations that many would prefer not to have. What 162 CFAs do is to communicate to NYSDEC that the Town is reviewing criteria for 163 development projects. Designation of a CEA tells NYSDEC to take a closer look at 164 the proposed project. 165 Motion made by Munkenbeck and seconded by Schutt that Smith communicate 166 to members of the Town Board that the CB would like to review the CEA 167 document further. Passed unanimously. 168 There will be continued discussion of CEAs at the next meeting of the Conservation 169 Board, 27 March 2012, 170 7. Meeting adjourned at 9:16 p.m, 171 Minutes recorded by Jane. Nicholson, Senior Town Planner. 172 Minutes reviewed and approved by Conservation Board on 27 March 2012, Page 5 of 5 Ms. Teresa A. Phelps NYSDEC 1255 Fisher Avenue Cortland, NY 13045 -1090 Dear Ms. Phelps, Conservation Board Robert Beck Steven Bisscn Nancy M unkenbeck Bard Prentiss Mile Richmond Craig Schutt Richard Ryan Charles Smith, Chair 28 February 2012 93 East Main Street Dryden, NY 13053 T 607 844 -8888 ext. 216 F 607 844 -8008 planning@dryden.ny.us wtivwAryden.ny.us I am writing in my capacity as Chair of the Town of Dryden Conservation Board. The Conservation Board has been asked by the Dryden Town Board to review and comment on the proposed "Peruville Road Mine" (Application 1.13 No. 7- 5024 - 00256100001). This letter was reviewed and discussed at our meeting on 28 February 2012, and its substance unanimously approved by the Conservation Board. Members of the Dryden Conservation Board are concerned about a recent Negative Declaration by NYSDEC, regarding a proposed gravel mining operation on the Norte property, South of Peruville Road, in the Town of Dryden. We believe that there is additional information relative to the proposed action that was not considered fully by DEC Staff in arriving at the Negative Declaration, The Negative Declaration does not address adequately the potential adverse environmental effects of gravel mining on the adjacent groundwater- dependent, alkaline, rnineral -rich swamp and fen and the rare and sensitive plants it contains, including the rare and state- threatened globeflower, Trolllus laxtt8. Further, the Negative [declaration did not consider the close proximity of the proposed mining activity to The Nature Conservancy's O.D. von Engeln Preserve at Malloryville and a designated Tompkins County Unique Natural Area (UNA -45). A five -page description of Tompkins County UNA -45, including a map of the area, is included with this letter. Note that UNAs 43, 46, and 75 are contiguous to or near UNA451 Our general concern primarily is with the very real potential for the gravel mining operation to affect both the quantity and quality of water flowing into the von Engeln Preserve through the rich hemlock - hardwood peat swamp and a rich alkaline fen, together identified as state- regulated wetland GR -10. The fen is fed, in part, by a stream which flows just west and downslope of the proposed raining activity, and is crossed by a proposed haul road to the gravel mine, before entering the fen. During our visit on 5 February 2012, there also appeared to be water flowing into the fen from the base of the slope below the proposed mining operation. The base of the • existing gravel pit is at an elevation of about 1180' and the fen is at an elevation of about 1110% downslope from the gravel pit. Members of the Dryden Conservation Board and I visited the von Engeln Preserve on 8 February 2012. After visiting the site, our specific concerns are these: 1. Is there likely to be a change in the pH of the fen as a result of run -off (either surface or through ground - water) which could adversely affect the plants associated with the rich, calcareous wetlands, including the globally rare and state - threatened globeflower, Trolllus la rus? 2. is there likely to be a change in the amount of water flowing into the fen as a result of removal of trees and shrubs from the area to be mined, and will an associated increase in water levels over time adversely affect the vegetation if the water level is raised? The proposal, "Peruville Road Mine," submitted to DEC and dated July 2011, contends that gravel mining does not affect groundwater quality, but does not address possible changes to groundwater pH, which Could be critical in this case, nor does it address possible changes to water levels in the wetlands as a result of potentially increased water flow into the wetlands associated with the mining operation. In addition, the proposal does not address whether or not "wetting" of the haul road to reduce dust will introduce run -off into a tributary feeding into the stream which flows into the rich, alkaline wetland (GR -10), along with pollutants from possible fuel or oil leakage from excavating equipment and trucks entering and leaving the gravel pit. The proposal also does not state whether or not gasoline or diesel fuel will be stored on the site for ® the equipment operating there, and does not comment on the amount of truck and equipment traffic which will travel over the haul road. In consideration of our concerns, we are writing to request that the Negative Declaration, related to Application ID No. 7- 5024 - 00256/00001, dated 21 December 2011 (`'Peruville Road Mine "), be rescinded by NYSDEC. We further request that a detailed environmental impact statement be prepared, with a thorough review of the proposed action and its effects on the O.D. von Engeln Preserve and its associated wetlands, as provided for under the State Environmental Quality Review Act, Sincerely, Charles R. Smith, Chair Town of Dryden Conservation Board enc: UNA45 Description and Map Produced by Tompkins County EMC cc (via e- mail): Conservation Board Members Town Supervisor, Vary Ann Sumner Town Clerk, Bambi Avery Town of Dryden Plarming Department North ]ytallaryvitte & Town of Dryden UNA 45 ?.g7Ft '� ? 1. �,. .. i. /�. T•i ')1r:., .. T SITE NAIMEe North Mail* OYYV ille _ SITE CODE. iJNA=4, DATA LAST UPDATED: 113100 OLD SITE CODE DR4 LOCATION Municipality: 'Town of Dryden Latitude: 42 33 31 N USGSQuad: Groton Longltude: 761947 W Tax Parcel Numbers Included In this Site Tax parcel do to is cccuroia as of July 1, 1949. For up-to -dote information on. tax parcel descriptions and on ner Chip. cop rcct the Tompkins County Asseaslmenr Department. When a UNA covered less than 0.025 ac. ofa parcel. the parcel xms exchrded from this list. : DR 241,143 DR 24:I -1732 DR 24 -1 -14.2 DR 24. -1 -17.4 AR 24:1 -14.3 DR 241,147.5 DR 24: 1.14.5 DR 24:1 -181 OR 24: 1-16.2 DR 24: 1 -17.1 DR 24141191 DR 24:1 -20.11 DR 24: 1 -17.31 DR 24.,1 w20,12 DR 24.-1-26 DR 24:1 -30.23 DR 24.•1 -30.24 DR 24.-1-30.62 DR 24.- 1.30.63 DR 24.•1 -30.61 DR 24.-1-9 DR 25. -1 -31 DR 25:1 -361 SITE AND VEGETATION DESCUPTION This site is extremely diverse topographically, with eskers and many small kettles There are excellent examples of forest on eskers. This fbresl has a very variable canopy composition, and while sugar maple, basswood, and white ash are dominants in much of the site, sugar maple and beech, or red oats, whit: oaks, end hickories share dominarxe in other areas: These very dense forest stands have a rich herb layer and arc known for the it rich mushroom flora and abundant spring wildflowers. The herb layer in some areas is as dcnsa and striking in spring as that of Six Mile Crcck Preserve. Two areas of rich fen occur in kettle hole depressions that have filled to a considerable depth with organic material. One of these supports Trollius laxus. Swamp forest and shrub swamp occur in Other wet depressions. There are also excellent examples of hemlock, red maple, and yellow birch swamp forest. The area as a whole is remarkably species -rich. Parts of the site lie quite disturbed but the central area is very pristine. REASONS FOR SELECTION • Area of geologic importance • Quality example of plant community • Rare or scarce plants • Diverse flora • Seenic/Aesthaie value ' State- deslgnated wetland • Rare or scarce community types • Designmted natural arca/preserve • Old- growth forest SPECI L LAND. USE wi+ORAIATION Special l and- UseDesianations and f alures • The Tompkins County Green%tay Coalition has identified a biological corridor which includes this sit& • Some or all of this site lies in, an agricultural district, certified pursuant to NYS Agriculture and Markets flaw. The Tompkins County Greenway Coalition has identified a possible multi -use trail on this site. • This site is wholly or partially located within a preserve Owned and operated by The Nature Conservancy. • A mature forest stand with trees over 150 years old is found on this site. Water Resources . • Wetlands identified on the National Wetlands inventory ale found on this site. • A stream runs through this site. • All or some of Ois site lies within Flood Zone A (!00•year flood) as identified by FEMA. • All or some of a Class 2 NYS Freshttaier Wetland lies on this site. • A NYS protected stream tuns through this site, CONSERVATION OF THE SITE Adjacent Land -Use: Agriculture and gravel mining. Sensitivity of Site to Visitors: The fens are very fragile and vulnerable to ttarupling by visitors. All of the uplands are quite mbttst in this regard. Evidence of Disturbance and Tbreats to Site: Threats to the site are agricultural production, gravel mining, logging, and beaver activity. Some of the forests are quite disturbed, however the cons, or central area, is very pristine with tittle past logging activity. The recovery potential is excellent if disturbed parts are left alone. Special Conservation/Management needs: The best parts of this site (forts, esker, Oral woods) need to be protected item Jogging, cattle grazing, and expansion of the gravel training operation located immediately to the north of the site. The site does not have an adequate prptociivc buffer. Other Comments: This is a very special site with many unusual plants and an unusually rich flora. This site has long been known by naturalists fog its rich mushroom •flora. • Page 117 North Malioville Town of Dryden UNA S ry PHYSICAL CHARACTEl21STICS OF THE SITE Slo ° Toonoran is Posi M Stu (acres): 310.012 Elevation (ft.): 1060 to 1239 Aspect: diverse ® Flat Q Crest Topographic Features 2131015 Q Upper Slope Complex topography. Slopes, eskers, kettle and kame landscape. Eskcr along Fall Creek is a continuation 21151025 Q Mid Slope of the esker in site UNA,46. Geological Features I d❑ Over Is Q Lower Slope Kamc- moraine deposits over shales and eskers. The cold, calcareous groundwater discharge (seepage) supports interesting Q Bottom plant species. Valley Heads moraine. Extremely variable iapography with many small kettle holes. part of Malloryvi0e esker flanking Fall Creek. Glacial ermtics. Soils Present on the Site Soil eharactertsdes of the site were detetenlaed manually and are approximare. in the future, digiral soil data will provide more comrare information. Soil Name Hvdric ON'et) Erodibility Drninaee Howard and Palmyra soils, 25 to 35 percent slopes Nan -hydric Highly erodible Well drained Wayland and Sloan silt loans Hydric Non - highly erodible Somewhat poorly drained to very poorly drained Howard gravelly loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes Non- hydrie Highly erodible Well drained Howard gravelly trim, 5 to Is percent simple slopes Non hydrie Highly erodible Well drained Phelps gravelly si t loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes Eon- hydric Non - highly erodible Moderately well drained BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SITE General Cover Types Wictland forest Wetland shrub thicket Wet meadow Old -field forest Upland forest Ecological Communities Detailed Llformatlon regarding each eommunlry rype's rareners may tae found in Appendix F. For up- todaie information on ecological communities. comer the NYA'aturol Heritage Program (518 - 783.3932). Rarity: ( Key: No eheckmarks indicate that no communities fall within those categories.) Q Global - At least one community designated as rare or scarce at the global level by The Nature Conservancy is found on this site. State - At least one community designated as rare or scarce at the slate level by The Nature Conservancy and the New York 14atural Heritage Program is found on this site. Q Local - At least one community designated as 'ran or scarce at the local level by the Tompkins County EMC and the Cornell Plantations is found on this site, Ecological Communities Inventoried on this Site: Community Nance Deserintiort Globall$tateli oral Rarity Hemlock - hardwood A swamp on mineral soils overlain with peat that occurs in depressions which may receive G405 S4 L4 Swamp ground water discharge. The swamp may be flooded in spring and dry by tole summer. The forest commonly occurs on very acid (pHc4.5) woody peat at margins of small rain fed basins. The canopy is usually fairly closed and there is a sparse shrub and ground layer. Characteristic trees arc hemlock, yellow birch, and red maple, black ash, and, fo..merly, American elm Locally, white pine may be one of the dominant trees. Pali shrubs of acid wcttands such as. highbusb blueberry, black ehokeberry and Vrbumum cassinoides are present. The herb layer may be sparse and species -poor. Characteristic herbs are Canada mayflower, cinnamon fern, adgoidthreod. Rich hemlock - hardwood A swamp that occurs in depressions or concave slopes which typically receive groundwater G3G4 SM L213 peat swamp discharge through calcareous gravels of glacial deposits. Peat deposits are present. Thesc Shrub swamp swamps usually have a fairly open canopy (50 to 70% cover) with scattered shrubs. The herb layer may be dtase and diverse, especially herbs with northern distributions. Characteristic canopy tines are hemlock (> 200A ooverX red maple, yellow birch, black- ash, white pine, smooth shadbush, balsam fir, and white cedar. Locally, the type includes "fir -trees" swamps. Characteristic shrubs and vines arc swamp buckeom, highbush blrrberry, red -osier dogwood, swamp gooseberry, nannyberry, white clematis, and dwarf raspberry. This ecological _ community type is associnmed with rich fens. A shrub dominated wetland that occurs along a lake or river, in a wet depression, or as a transition between wetland and upland communities. The substrate is usually mineral soil or muck. Alder, willows, or red -osier and silly dogwoods are common dominant species. Other characteristic shrub species include gray dogwoods, tncadowtweey highbush blueberry, wintuberry, spicebush, viburnums, and bultonbush. A few red maple trees may be present. The herb coyer is lush and diverse, and typically includes species found in sedge -grass meadows. Pate I I a G5 ^S5 L4 North Malloryville Tour► of Dryden WAA5 Rich graminoid fen Here the substrate is a gramfnoid peat which may be underiain by rmrL The dominant species .03 S I S2 L2 are sedges (Came flava, C. hystericiga, C. sterilis), with grasses and rushes: Sphagnum is restricted to a few species, but other mosses may be abundant. Other species are cattails, sundew, pltchei plant, cranberry, and grass- of- pnmassus. Trees and shrubs have less than 50% cover, but include red -osier and gray dogwoods, shrubby cinquefoil, and swamp buckthorm Ricb fins are fed by water from highly calcareous springs or seepage rich'in rnirscm(s with high pit, (6.5 to 8). They are underlain by glacial gravels with peat deposits. This community is oflen found with other fen communities which may form a mosaic on one site. Rich shrub fen Here the substrate is woody peat which may be underlain by marl or other cakamaus 03G4 Sl S2 L2 materials. Shrubs are dominant, either low with 8098 to 901A cover, or tall with 50 to 70% cover. Grtuninoids dominate openings. Sphagnum is restricted to a few specie, but other mosses may be abundant. Characteristic shrubs include red -osier and gray dogwood, shrubby cinquefoil, alder - leaved buckthorn, shackled alder, and poison sumac. Characteristic herbs include sedges (Carer aquatalis, C. larustris, C. lasiocarpa), hard - gemmed` bulrush. marsh fcm, royal fem, wild iris, and pitcher plant. Rich fens are fed by water from highly calcareous springs or seepage rich in minerals with high pH, (6.5 to 7.8). They are underlain by glacial gravels with pent deposits. This community is often found with other fen communities which may form a mosaic on one site. htrxtd oak forest A forest dominated by oaks found on steep south artd west facing slopes. Soils may have G4G5 S4 1,4 calcareous materials at depth. Dominants are red, black, and white oak, and white pine. [clack oak is an indicator of this ecological community type. Pignut hickory and red maple are us iql present. Flowering dogwood and choke cherry are often abundant in the underst2j. — Maple- basswood rich A hardwvod forest that typically occurs on fertile, moist, well drained soils, it is often G4 mesic forest associated with limestone or deep glacial gravels. Dominant trees are sugar tttaple, basswood, and white ash. Common associates are bittemut hickory, tulip tree, musclewood, altemate- leaved dogwood, and witch haul. The shrub layer is sparse. Spring wildflowers are usually abundant. Characteristic species are trillium, white baneberry, spring beau . toothwort, trout lily, and bloodroot, Beech -maple mesic fong A hudwood forest with sugar maple and beech co- dominant. Found on moist, well -drained G4 soils, on north and east facing slopes. and on gently sloping hilltops of any aspect, this ecological community type•rarely occurs in ravines. Common associates arc basswood, American elm, white ash, yellow birckhop bombeam, and red maple. Characteristic species in the sub- canopy arc musclewood, striped maple, witch hazel, hobblebush and alternate- leave! dogwood. Therc typically are few hubs bad ihntbs, but tree seedlings may be 1 S2S3 L3 S4 IA There arc many sTrtng ephemera s.— Successional northern A forest with more than 60% canopy cover of trees that occurs on sites that have been cleated GS S5 L4 hardwoods or otherwise disturbed. Dominant trees are usually two or more of the following: rod maple, white pine, white ash, gray birch, qualing aspen, big -tooth aspen, and, less frcqucmly, sugar maple and white ash. Trec seedlings and saplings may be of more shade tolerant species. Shrubs and ground cover species may be those of old- fields. In abandoned pasturelands apples and hawthom''s_may be Ertmcnt in the undustory. Suecessl01131 old field A meadow on sites cleared, plowed, and than abandoned. The ragweed type occurs on fields I G4 S4 IA to 3 years after last cultivation; ragweed, daisy, Queen Acme's lace, crab grass, golden fbxtail, and chickweed arc common. The goldenrod subtype occurs 3 - IS years after last cultivation. Dominant species are perennial composites: goldenrods and asters. Other herbs include, timothy, orchard grass, smooth brmne, bluegrasses, quackgrass, sweet vernal grass, evening primrose, old -field cinquefoil, wild strawberry. and hawkweeds. Shrubs and trees represent less than 50% cover but include gray dogwood, arrowwood, raspberries, blackberries, sumac, red Mule end whitgine. Wetland headwater The aquatic community ofn small, swampy brook with a low gradient, slow flow rate, and cool G4 S4 L4 stream to cold water that flows through a fen, swamp or marsh ncar the stream origin. Springs may be prey m. The submit is clay, gravel or sand, with silt, muck, peat, or marl deposits along the shore. Characteristic plants itichrde watercress, Chain. Persistent emergent vegetation is laek!u. - Wilmaeh stream The aquatic community of a atrwm that has a well-defined pattern ofalteriking pool, rifile, G4 S4 iA and run sections. Waterfalls and springs may be present. Typical aquatic •miterophytes include — — — — — swerweed and pondweeLs. Persistent emergent vegatio► is lacking_ Plant Species Although substantial effort KVS made to idV1IOY signrfrcan plant species on this stye, U is possible niter additional rare a scarce spa efts exist that do not show up In this report Afield check is always recommended prior to modl6irg the landscape. Detailed! fnformation regarding each species' rareness and stetru may befound fn Appendix D. For tyro date information on Species, contact the A'YNatural Heritage Program (518-783 - Rarity: ( Key: No checkmarks indicate that no species fall within those categories) ❑ Global - At least one plant species designated as rare or scarce at the global level by The Nature Conservancy is found on this site. d State - At least one plant species designated as rare or scarce at the state level by The Nature Conservancy and the New York Natural Heritage Program is fotrttd on this site. © Local - At least cr.-no plant species designated as rare or scarce at the local level by the Tompkins County EMC and the Cornell Plantations is found on this site. Legal Status: Q Federal - At least one olant species designated as threatened or endangered by the U.S. D6oaruncnt oithe Interior is found on this site. 0 State - At least one plant species designated in New York State as indangered, threatened, rate or exploitably vulnerable is found on this site. Page 119 + 4+ e> i E4 .. North Mal Tory oltt Tawa Url) rydc Sion IfTtbntPlant 5pfetes fnventorEcd nil this 5fie: sq . .` ':. 5rrimlf7Chame C4�nm�nhamC labs t iell ml AP 1463lComFriell.t.1 Do lib kdarcpcns � N, T Iles laxu5 ssp. laxus P.+Renrin globetT4w+x G4T3Q S3 : +::F I-3 $eai, c S1311Cap u19g�p bog goldrnrock, Ian goldrmpd f J Serscc Lirium ahrod nsc'' Canada lily 13 5cai�e Floer'Eia prostrp>y7wCgodCB �' false rncmLtid -weed ; ra E3 SCOrce DTyopteris gWdiada G4ldie's fm r B Scalia 13 Srse Cj�pripcdium pubtsrens large y'cllpw ladyslippd` Trio ium undulaludn painti`d irilli'M L4 Rhos vCrnix poison Sumus, s WET hp Eu=C 13 $aarcc CH rdvgimr daugtmsii pulplc.eress GS S3 L3 SC:L= Colex vonirs neh fort sedgo L2 RiiYC Ribul glnrGdStlw^ttm skunk tort nl y L3 Ssarct 4 ' L Rdamnw )knifol his swamp h 4thom +1 Rihes hlrteLl m sw[5mp'goo�ebcn} ; "Y: L3 Scarte i L3 S Skttit: [.eesl 5fRkt1$ .None Tlux?tcnrd �TI4ne EtplDikably vulnerable' :z Nan; x Exooiitabty vutnet W "? ' Fxploitably wahernbl 9 E;plohably %rulncrable Ty °OYIC +x... Nona.: Voile `J a Cuslum rft4wIri swamp MAW, Ten Ihlyl c Curt# None N,xnfnta! 5pccies -7fie {{NA MPPe,nrog eurrvitf does hot eunri w InuCII spat! }ie dpra rP,�*ardirrg thr`RrG� apreiei (cruf s ery lirrle regurdin� rar�.�ur, fCwrtt �peC�esJ orr UNA sim-r nerefpre, Mis xfafa skould fi'e v1noed'bs prelim rr&y cl�d Incomptrie_ A flakf ckeCA Cf always Ptc6 mmemdcd j7r i A3 Mddi yr`ng die OndseepL. DelzWed fq&- ma lion raga Fdr`ng taoh species' �areiecas ursd rt #EWS may 6e falrAd 711.i1pP01�+9 FS FaT V�Ylo- daro,rJi�# 'td1�07J Un 1. tonrc�2 Me NYNakrtv�l,Yerfrgg,: Frogram {S f $ Md3 3931}. `` >,.'.. ;Y A 11116A Desti'I p tlon: The animal speCrds found 1311 tdis slie are eansideled n4rrr1el f {,r �ht ores. Raney: ( Kqy: No ch"Ia"Flc : indical a Isar no sprcies lill u 11hin thoao calegWEM.} Q ;Global • At lest ome animal sirrlcra designated as talc or sCamc at the global rtryel. by rMe N acurc GonserYWMY' s found on thls Ste d 5r.'4C --Al 1e�sl one rntnml species designated as rase orscOca it the store level by 77ro.T ahFrC Cgmscrvltncy Aiid the New Fork iJasur91 Ventage `iF[vgTeln 1 i fwnd on Lhis siie_ ' °.:. i,.*1 Status: Q .Fb&ml - At lea 9r We animal S�+CCI ea Cf0jXi cd M ilu'eolcned or cndar9Reycd by ft U.S- E�eQariraenl.of the lntEriQr is found on ihi; site, Icy , a.+'L# =Srnie - rl l It 5t Inc animal spcclsdcsignated by T#YS as thretse7itd qQ endangered Is found on thin sits a y y k' , �'f Animal Species iovrnra kd bn khts Site: �' a: Rederall5t ' a tc acionlins Nr%ine CDnlmon K.0 Me tr Me It111 'twolki Q1 CS hjnI .Y.l..t<.I.w„n DaA ... "MA i.i.,.A 1 t In Ct l.. UAFs ��.. ,. +: t + 4+ e> i E4 .. North Mal Tory oltt Tawa Url) rydc Sion IfTtbntPlant 5pfetes fnventorEcd nil this 5fie: sq . .` ':. 5rrimlf7Chame C4�nm�nhamC labs t iell ml AP 1463lComFriell.t.1 Do lib kdarcpcns � N, T Iles laxu5 ssp. laxus P.+Renrin globetT4w+x G4T3Q S3 : +::F I-3 $eai, c S1311Cap u19g�p bog goldrnrock, Ian goldrmpd f J Serscc Lirium ahrod nsc'' Canada lily 13 5cai�e Floer'Eia prostrp>y7wCgodCB �' false rncmLtid -weed ; ra E3 SCOrce DTyopteris gWdiada G4ldie's fm r B Scalia 13 Srse Cj�pripcdium pubtsrens large y'cllpw ladyslippd` Trio ium undulaludn painti`d irilli'M L4 Rhos vCrnix poison Sumus, s WET hp Eu=C 13 $aarcc CH rdvgimr daugtmsii pulplc.eress GS S3 L3 SC:L= Colex vonirs neh fort sedgo L2 RiiYC Ribul glnrGdStlw^ttm skunk tort nl y L3 Ssarct 4 ' L Rdamnw )knifol his swamp h 4thom +1 Rihes hlrteLl m sw[5mp'goo�ebcn} ; "Y: L3 Scarte i L3 S Skttit: [.eesl 5fRkt1$ .None Tlux?tcnrd �TI4ne EtplDikably vulnerable' :z Nan; x Exooiitabty vutnet W "? ' Fxploitably wahernbl 9 E;plohably %rulncrable Ty °OYIC +x... Nona.: Voile `J a Cuslum rft4wIri swamp MAW, Ten Ihlyl c Curt# None N,xnfnta! 5pccies -7fie {{NA MPPe,nrog eurrvitf does hot eunri w InuCII spat! }ie dpra rP,�*ardirrg thr`RrG� apreiei (cruf s ery lirrle regurdin� rar�.�ur, fCwrtt �peC�esJ orr UNA sim-r nerefpre, Mis xfafa skould fi'e v1noed'bs prelim rr&y cl�d Incomptrie_ A flakf ckeCA Cf always Ptc6 mmemdcd j7r i A3 Mddi yr`ng die OndseepL. DelzWed fq&- ma lion raga Fdr`ng taoh species' �areiecas ursd rt #EWS may 6e falrAd 711.i1pP01�+9 FS FaT V�Ylo- daro,rJi�# 'td1�07J Un 1. tonrc�2 Me NYNakrtv�l,Yerfrgg,: Frogram {S f $ Md3 3931}. `` >,.'.. ;Y A 11116A Desti'I p tlon: The animal speCrds found 1311 tdis slie are eansideled n4rrr1el f {,r �ht ores. Raney: ( Kqy: No ch"Ia"Flc : indical a Isar no sprcies lill u 11hin thoao calegWEM.} Q ;Global • At lest ome animal sirrlcra designated as talc or sCamc at the global rtryel. by rMe N acurc GonserYWMY' s found on thls Ste d 5r.'4C --Al 1e�sl one rntnml species designated as rase orscOca it the store level by 77ro.T ahFrC Cgmscrvltncy Aiid the New Fork iJasur91 Ventage `iF[vgTeln 1 i fwnd on Lhis siie_ ' °.:. i,.*1 Status: Q .Fb&ml - At lea 9r We animal S�+CCI ea Cf0jXi cd M ilu'eolcned or cndar9Reycd by ft U.S- E�eQariraenl.of the lntEriQr is found on ihi; site, Icy , a.+'L# =Srnie - rl l It 5t Inc animal spcclsdcsignated by T#YS as thretse7itd qQ endangered Is found on thin sits a y y k' , �'f Animal Species iovrnra kd bn khts Site: �' a: Rederall5t ' a tc acionlins Nr%ine CDnlmon K.0 Me tr Me It111 'twolki Q1 CS hjnI .Y.l..t<.I.w„n DaA ... "MA i.i.,.A 1 t In Ct l.. UAFs F N ? }Y�.. + <a a q U` Pxga 120 iC `. +.. h ��.. ,. +: L <'# �3 3 f • h 4i -. F N ? }Y�.. + <a a q U` Pxga 120 iC `. +.. h x', +: L <'# �3 3 • h F N ? }Y�.. + <a a q U` Pxga 120 iC `. +.. h 4Y': . t z; L i L 1i s` hl;, 1' ^', IF l <. YC ,I tjt, 4 s �t i pan w': Y tN Z,V , x', +: L <'# 4Y': . t z; L i L 1i s` hl;, 1' ^', IF l <. YC ,I tjt, 4 s �t i pan w': Y tN Z,V , i r � ps ai" I� i -- ,1 w h. LINA- 6 Town of Dryden °a N �, � . ®Lhvquo Arahual Area UNA45 FompkiiisCountynviroii3nenlallvar�sgemelitCocil €O� .1Jnigl�eRaturalAre�(sj" ; Inveiia`„ of Uni uelxttural Areas in Coin ktris County �® F3utI[ ling Footlznt r}, q s Y .: `C.... Arr �+, k h Lasi Updntc�d; SEpleinbET 1999 % 20 Foot pr3 #our t A x L►NA bpwidartt# wee delir=cd by 6e]d bU hated on a ia6w ar ea ` # Road 't p60109 phm4&9 d OS1A$t rnapdve (Foods, b♦iildung fpglpnnLi 26 Coot 14��Li]Cl ry� Bnun r. amFanrkFmdsutarns }endfxldvis3lf. IjNAtouicdaris9ore app!oxueatcend p rt shw7d he usad For.awxJ plamde3 Purpose:, aily.# b pracdeel mulls` 1kq y cminlydxs notv rr" tihtem&Kyorcon�lemLmnrmc"6wcion I?A40'r poroayed ThtitndusQafalnsinbD grc�FuaxspliGedole' is " wish ]I Iopp Rio ]amv+Erylga rhos errors and err ssFame may exu+t �Rd Fo hold harnd=s Fhe ]L04 ' LL% Cou,iy fbr DRY dsinars Mid irsy result froc+� eri ineppropnalo We gf�his rnep y ... xy Guidelines for an Ad Floc Agriculture Committee of the Town of Dryden Conservation Board 28 February 2(112 Approved by unanimous vote of the Conservation Board, 28 February 2012. l . Subject to approval by a majority vote of the Conservation Board (CB), an ad hoc Agriculture Committee, consisting of three voting members, all drawn from the membership of the Conservation Board, shall be formed. The Chair of the Conservation Board shall be an ar o fcio member of the Agriculture Committee. 21 The ad hoc Agriculture Committee shall notify, in a timely manner, all members of the Conservation Board and appropriate Town of Dryden officials (Supervisor, Planning Department Staff. Town Clerk, and Deputy Town Clerk) of any proposed meetings and provide advance copies of an agenda and any printed materials relevant to those meetings. 3. The ad hoc Agriculture Committee will be expected to identify its three members, appoint a Chair, and conduct meetings open to the public, in compliance with New York State law, including provision of handicapped accessibility to meetings. 4. The ad hoc Agriculture Committee shall adhere to current State guidelines regarding announcement of meetings and keeping of minutes, including providing a written agenda for the CB web page at least 2 business days in advance of any scheduled meeting of the Agriculture Committee; submitting written minutes of any meeting it holds to the CB before the next regularly scheduled CB meeting after any meeting, or meetings, of the Agriculture Committee; including, along with written minutes, a written record of attendance of membe►s, and visitors at Agriculture Committee meetings, with all written documentation suitable to be appended to the minutes of regularly scheduled meetings of the CB, and subject to review, amendment, and approval by the CB. 5. The charge to the ad hoc Agriculture Committee is to review documents related to the proposed Dryden Open Space Plan, in consultation with Town Plaruling Department Staff and members of the Conservation Board and other relevant Town boards and commissions. The ad hoc Agriculture Committee will submit a written report, with specific recommendations and clearly measurable goals and objectives related to agriculture and the Open Space Plan, to the Conservation Board no later than its meeting of 26 June 2012, with discussion of the report to be conducted by the Conservation Board no later than its meeting of 31 July 2012. 6. The term of service of the ad hoc Agriculture Committee will expire no later than 31 December 2012. 02128112 a Charles Smith chair Dryden Conservation Board Re: CEA's Dear Conservation Board As you know I have many concerns regarding the CEA plan as proposed. I respectfully ask that you address the following questions and concerns. What are the criteria for land to be incorporated into a CEA? Who created the criteria? Is the criteria in writing? Did any Board approved the criteria and when? How is ownership of land a criteria for incorporation In to a CEA? As in Cornell and New York State lands? Is all Cornell land included? 41 Is all New York State land included? Why is any Agriculture Land in the CEA? Why is limiting Development needed in every CEA? If closeness to the UNA is a criteria for incorporating lands into a CEA. What is the distance? If water runoff is an issue for the UNA's, why include land sloping way from a UNA in a CEA? We have a lot of regulations for storm water management and wetlands already. Are they not adequate to take care of the issues surrounding water? What is it about steep slopes that require them to be included into a CEA? Why was a careful process similar to what was used with the creation of the UNA's not done for the creation of the CEA's? Did this Board formally approve the proposed CEA Map and related materials? This is a quick list of the main questions I have at this time. I look forward to your response. Sincerely Bruno Schickel '