Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan Barre, Massachusetts September 2010
With Assistance from 2 2 Washington Square Union Station Worcester, MA 01604 www.cmrpc.org Approval granted through October 2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1 ‐ PLAN SUMMARY ........................................................................................................ 1 SECTION 2 – INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 3 A ‐ Statement of Purpose ............................................................................................................ 3 B ‐ Planning Process and Public Participation ............................................................................. 4 SECTION 3 ‐ COMMUNITY SETTING ............................................................................................... 7 A ‐ Regional Context .................................................................................................................... 7 B ‐ History of Community ............................................................................................................ 8 C ‐ Population Characteristics .................................................................................................... 11 D ‐ Growth and Development Patterns ..................................................................................... 15 SECTION 4 ‐ ENVIRONMENTAL INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS ...................................................... 23 A ‐ Geology, Soils, and Topography ........................................................................................... 23 B ‐ Landscape Character ........................................................................................................... 26 C ‐ Water Resources .................................................................................................................. 26 D ‐ Vegetation ............................................................................................................................ 30 E ‐ Fish And Wildlife ................................................................................................................... 32 F ‐ Scenic Resources And Unique Environments ....................................................................... 34 G ‐ Environmental Challenges ................................................................................................... 46 SECTION 5 – INVENTORY OF LANDS OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION INTEREST ............ 53 SECTION 6 ‐ COMMUNITY VISION ............................................................................................. 103 A ‐ Description of Process .................................................................................................................. 103 B ‐ Statement of Open Space and Recreation Goals ..................................................................... 104 SECTION 7 ‐ ANALYSIS OF NEEDS ............................................................................................... 107 A ‐ Summary of Resource Protection Needs................................................................................... 107 B ‐ Summary of Community’s Needs ............................................................................................... 109 C ‐ Management Needs, Potential Change of Use ......................................................................... 115 SECTION 8 ‐ GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ........................................................................................ 117 SECTION 9 ‐ SEVEN YEAR ACTION PLAN .................................................................................... 119 SECTION 10 ‐ PUBLIC COMMENTS ............................................................................................. 133 SECTION 11 – REFERENCES ......................................................................................................... 135
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APPENDICES ................................................................................................................................ 139 Appendix A – The Massachusetts Heritage Landscape Inventory Program – Upper Quaboag Watershed and North Quabbin Region Landscape Inventory – Barre Reconnaissance Report ............................................................................................................................................................... 141
Appendix B ‐ MACRIS Search Results .............................................................................................. 143 Appendix C – Resident Survey Summary ........................................................................................ 151 Appendix D – Community Forum Summary ................................................................................... 165 Appendix E – Additional Action Steps for Implementation Committee Consideration ........... 169 Appendix F ‐ Funding Resources ...................................................................................................... 175 Appendix G ‐ ADA Access Self Evaluation and Grievance Procedure ......................................... 185 MAPS ........................................................................................................................................... 187 1. Regional Context Map .................................................................................................... 187 2. Zoning Map ..................................................................................................................... 187 3. Infrastructure Map ......................................................................................................... 187 4. Soils and Geologic Features Map ................................................................................... 187 5. Water Resources Map 1 ................................................................................................. 187 6. Water Resources Map 2 ................................................................................................. 187 7. Habitat Features Map ..................................................................................................... 187 8. Scenic Features Map ....................................................................................................... 187 9. Open Space Inventory Map ............................................................................................ 187 10. Action Plan Map ........................................................................................................... 187 Acknowledgements The following individuals and organizations have contributed to this and/or earlier drafts Open Space and Recreation Plan for the Town of Barre: (The authors apologize for any unintended omissions.) Paul Dumanoski, Conservation Commission Lucy Allen, East Quabbin Land Trust Jason Benoit, Resident Dave Carlson, Business Association Al Clark, Historic Society Sue Coles, Cultural Council Margo Petracone, Felton Field Commission Virginia Rich, Recreation Commission Donald Rich, Upper Ware River Watershed Association Earl Sample, Barre Department of Public Works Martha Varnot, Barre Council on Aging Tom Spiro and Ed Himlan, Massachusetts Watershed Coalition Various Staff at Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission Wendy Roberts, Central Quabbin Tourism Center Jennifer Soper, Division of Conservation Services
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SECTION 1 ‐ PLAN SUMMARY Located in central Massachusetts, the Town of Barre has been shaped by its rich cultural and natural histories. The beauty and the bounty of the Town’s natural landscape is what originally brought settlement here. It is what today’s residents adore. Community members want it to continue to be an integral part of the Town’s future. This plan identifies those special places and spaces that Townspeople enjoy and lays out a strategy for improving open space and recreation opportunities for future generations. In August 2009, the Town of Barre Board of Selectman appointed an Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) Committee. The Town contracted with the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) to assist in the development and submittal of an OSRP that would meet the requirements of the Commonwealth. An earlier plan, “The Town of Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan 2003 ‐ 2008”, was produced by the Massachusetts Watershed Coalition in partnership with the Worcester County Conservation District and was submitted to the Massachusetts Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) Division of Conservation Services (DCS) in 2006, but there is no indication of the plan’s acceptance. Strong community involvement has been an integral part of creating this plan. Through regular meetings and surveys, the Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee identified many opportunities to improve and enhance the Town’s open space and recreation resources. This 2010 Town of Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan was completed with guidance from the DCS Open Space and Recreation Planner’s Workbook in such a way as to satisfy the DCS 2008 Open Space and Recreation Plan Requirements. Once accepted the Town will qualify for variety of open space and recreation project funding programs. This OSRP builds on an understanding of Barre’s current place in the region, its history and sense of self, its demographics, and its growth and development patterns. A thorough review of the geology, landscape, water resources, vegetation, wildlife and fisheries, unique and scenic resources, as well as, environmental challenges was necessary to develop a clear picture of the area’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Working with the town’s assessor and others, an inventory of both public and private lands of conservation and recreation interest was compiled. Along the way, the community developed a vision and goals to accomplish that vision. In order to achieve the vision, goals, and stated objectives, an analysis of resource protection and community recreation needs was prepared. Finally a seven‐year action plan with detailed action steps, time frames, and responsible parties is laid out so Barre can move forward. The overall goals of the Town include preserving the community’s character and enhancing open space and recreation resources. This plan provides the plentiful background information about Barre, building a foundation and agenda for future action that includes protection of
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natural resources, improvements to the Town Center and to the Town Recreation field, trail system development, and community outreach and education. The action plan developed through this process includes many progressive steps to increase community information and involvement, steps to manage community growth with regulatory and non‐regulatory mechanisms, steps to improve recreational opportunities for Barre’s residents and visitors, and steps to foster economic growth through the responsible promotion of its open space and recreation opportunities (eco‐tourism) among others.
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SECTION 2 – INTRODUCTION A ‐ Statement of Purpose Prior to the completion of this 2009 Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP), the Town of Barre did not have an OSRP that had been accepted by the Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services (DCS). This plan will assist the residents and officials of the Town of Barre with future planning, both short and long term, for all matters related to Open Space and Recreation. Groundwork is laid to set priorities for natural resource conservation, planning for future preservation, assessment and improvement of recreation opportunities, and possibly open space acquisition efforts. The purpose of this plan is: 1) To provide an accurate assessment of open space and recreational opportunities and needs for Barre residents, and 2) To create an action plan that optimizes those opportunities and satisfies those needs. The Town of Barre has rich cultural and natural histories that have shaped this wonderful community. Fertile soils and their agricultural opportunities brought people to settle Barre. Numerous streams and ponds brought industrial prosperity to the community during the 19th century. Today, Barre’s rural character and natural beauty attract families to live here and passers‐by to stop and enjoy the quiet, reminiscent comfort offered by the rolling hills, country lanes, and pace of life. Open space and recreation are key components of this character. Building upon efforts conducted in 1988, 1995, and 2003, this plan identifies the needs of the Town’s ecology and economy such that the land and water resources will continue to enhance the quality of life in Barre through the scenic and recreational benefits they offer. The OSRP will help assure that development is orderly and predictable to allow the Town to better protect its history and natural heritage. It will also guide efficient capital spending, help the Town’s bond rating, and increase opportunities to receive state grant money.
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B ‐ Planning Process and Public Participation Open Space and Recreation Plans have been drafted previously for the Town of Barre. The first was drafted by a subcommittee of the Conservation Commission and is dated November 1988. A later plan was drafted by the Massachusetts Watershed Coalition in partnership with the Worcester County Conservation District and is dated 2003 to 2008 (Massachusetts Watershed Coalition and Worcester County Conservation District, 2003). A committee of twelve members including at‐large residents, business representatives, appointed board and commission members, and elected officials provided oversight and guidance to the authors of that draft plan. Neither the 1988 plan nor the 2003 plan received approval from the Division of Conservation Services, but each contains important information on Town history, geology, wildlife and vegetation, land use patterns, as well as open space and recreational resources. Three reports provided significant information to this plan. The findings from them were incorporated in this OSRP planning process. 1. The “Massachusetts Heritage Landscape Inventory Program – Upper Quaboag Watershed and North Quabbin Region Landscape Inventory – Barre Reconnaissance Report” was released in Spring 2008 by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC), and the North Quabbin Regional Landscape Partnership. Each community participating in the inventory organized a meeting to identify and prioritize the landscapes that embody the community’s character and history. Interested community members and conservation, preservation and planning professionals formed a field team to investigate and review the areas identified at the community meeting. The final report, included in part as an appendix, laid significant ground work for this OSRP. The report outlined the community’s landscape history; discussed the broader land planning issues; described the priority heritage landscapes and the issues associated with them; and finally made recommendations for a series of preservation actions and implementation strategies. (Massachusetts Heritage Landscape Inventory Program, 2008) 2. The Prince River Shoreline Survey of July 1999 – Despite its central location and the vital role the Prince River played in the development of Barre, it was felt that many residents were either unaware of, or at least underappreciated, the rich history and present value of the river as a significant natural resource in the town. Thus, the idea of conducting a shoreline survey ‐ both to gather additional information on the river and to bring more attention to it ‐ was spawned by the Upper Ware River Watershed Association and the Massachusetts Watershed Initiative. This report documented the process and major results of that survey. (Massachusetts Riverways Program, 1999) 2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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3. The Lost Villages Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan –Completed in 2009 after an extensive survey of the resources that bless the Route 122 Corridor from Paxton to Petersham. The plan explored several intrinsic characteristics of the byway including historic, cultural, scenic, open space, natural, recreation resources, as well as land use, zoning and transportation. (Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission, 2009) Strong community involvement has been an integral part of creating this plan. The Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee was established to steward the preparation of this plan. The OSRP Committee includes the following: Charles Miller, Recreation Commission; Cynthia Henshaw, East Quabbin Land Trust; David Battistoni, Town Administrator; David Petrovick, Barre Agricultural Commission; Edward Yaglou, Resident; George Ricker, Building Inspector; Howard Hastings; resident Judy Schmitz, Conservation Commission; Philip Hubbard, Barre Planning Board; and Virginia and Donald Rich, Barre Plains residents. The Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee guided the development of a survey to gauge resident sentiments regarding open space and recreation resources within the Town. The survey was distributed in hard copy at the Special Town Meeting in November 2009, made available in hard copy at various locations around town including the Municipal Offices and Town Library, and was linked electronically on the front page of the Town’s website. An announcement of the survey was included in the January 2010 Property Tax Bills. A summary of the results of the survey is presented in the appendices of this plan. Several articles were written by committee members and published in the Barre Gazette to build awareness of the committee efforts, the need for open space planning, to encourage residents to take the survey and to invite their participation at a community forum to help define the action plan. Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee asks people to respond to survey, Barre Gazette, February 4, 2010. Barre’s Rural Character: The importance of Open Space and Recreation Planning, Howard Hastings, Barre Gazette, February 11, 2010. Barre Open Space and Recreation Committee seeks survey response, Barre Gazette, February 18, 2010. The importance of open space and recreation planning to the town of Barre, Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee, Barre Gazette, February 18, 2010.
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Forum to discuss smart growth with open space and recreation, Philip Hubbard, Barre Gazette, March 11, 2010 The value and cost of open space, Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee, Barre Gazette, March 18, 2010. Financial Considerations of Open Space, Cynthia Henshaw, Barre Gazette, April 1, 2010
The Committee publicized and organized a public forum at the Barre Senior Center on the evening of April 7, 2010 to discuss the draft plan, the draft survey results, draft goals, objectives, and action plan. The participant’s comments were reviewed and incorporated into this plan. Twenty four (24) people attended the forum. Committee members met almost monthly and provided substantial information including Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) facility inventory, reviewed and provided constructive feedback on plan drafts, gained support and stewarded the document through its acceptance and the plan’s ultimate submittal and approval from the state. Barre does not have an Environmental Justice Population. There are no populations or areas that meet the Department of Conservation and Recreation criteria for income, race or ethnicity, or language proficiency that create Environmental Justice Population concerns or that require special outreach. Outreach to solicit community involvement was done broadly through a variety of methods throughout the entire Town. The committee, armed with the energy and momentum built during the plan’s development, felt strongly that an Open Space and Recreation Implementation Committee should be formed to steward the recommendations of this plan.
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SECTION 3 ‐ COMMUNITY SETTING A ‐ Regional Context The Town of Barre is located in the hill country of north‐central Worcester County, Massachusetts, almost exactly in the center of the State. Barre is bordered to the northwest by Petersham, Phillipston to the north, Hubbardston to the northeast, Rutland to the east, Oakham to the southeast, New Braintree to the south, and Hardwick to the southwest. Barre is 22 miles northwest of Worcester and 56 miles west of Boston, with the urban areas of Athol, Gardner, Leominster, and Fitchburg nearby. This location, convenient to urban centers of employment, has contributed to the changing demographics of the Town. The past twenty years have witnessed the rural, agriculturally based community transform and grow into an increasingly suburban, commuter community. Figure 3.1 locates Barre in Massachusetts and Map 1 provides a regional context. Hydrologically remote from major water courses, the Town of Barre is located near the geographic middle of the State. Of the twenty‐seven major watershed basins that make up Massachusetts, Barre is situated completely within the Chicopee River basin and drained by the Ware River. The hilly terrain and numerous streams found here powered many of the small mills and industries of the 19th century. This location (and the related geology of Barre) also means that the Town produces some of the best drinking water in the State. The communities of Metropolitan Boston derive a substantial amount of their drinking water from water sources located in Barre. The Town’s rich biological diversity is also attributable to its location. The boundary of two ecoregions—the Worcester Plateau and the Lower Worcester Plateau—divides Barre in half. Ecoregions are defined by the geology, hydrology, climate, and biological diversity. Where two ecoregions co‐mingle, habitats and associated wildlife are more diverse. Major cross‐state highways service Barre as part of the Greater Worcester Region including the Worcester Turnpike (MA Route 9). US Route 20 and the Massachusetts Turnpike US 90 are about 30 miles to the south. MA Route 2 is about 15 miles to the north. US Highway I‐495 is located roughly 35 miles to the east, and US Highway I‐190 is 20 miles to the east. Principal highways servicing Barre itself are Massachusetts State Routes 32, 62, and 122. The region is also well connected by rail and highway to the ports, airports, and intermodal facilities of Boston, Providence (RI) and Springfield/Hartford (CT). The Worcester Regional Airport, conveniently located in the heart of Central Massachusetts, is owned and operated by the Massachusetts Port Authority. The Worcester Regional Airport (ORH) offers a $15.7 million passenger terminal, which provides state‐of‐the‐art passenger comfort and accessibility and features four jetway gates, two ramp level gates, two baggage carousels and a TSA installed passenger and baggage screening system. In addition, Boston’s Logan International, Providence’s TF Green Regional Airport, Hartford’s Bradley International Airport, and the
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Manchester Boston Regional Airport located in New Hampshire provide air travelers with many options for connections to points far and wide. The Massachusetts Central Railroad operates a 26‐mile short line from Palmer through Ware, Hardwick, and New Braintree to its terminus in the village of South Barre. Mass Central interchanges with both CSX and New England Central Railroad. In the fall foliage season and early winter, Mass Central also permits scenic passenger excursion service on the Ware River Limited. Barre has been a member of the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) since 1985. While there is no fixed route service, SCM Elderbus provides weekday service on behalf of the WRTA to seniors and people with disabilities. Barre is home to the Quabbin Regional Middle and High School and the Ruggles Lane Elementary School. The total area of the town is 44.6 square miles with 44.3 square miles of land area and 0.3 square miles of water area. (Massachusetts Department of Community Development , 2000) Figure 3.1 - Regional Context
B ‐ History of Community Barre was part of the Naquag Grant purchased from Native Americans in 1686 that included the towns of Rutland, Paxton, Hubbardston, Oakham and a portion of Princeton. The area was likely part of the original twelve‐mile square grant that included native sites associated with seasonal hunting and fishing along the Prince and Burnshirt Rivers. Originally incorporated as a part of Rutland in 1714, the land that is now Barre was not permanently settled until the 1730s. This 2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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land was first owned by thirty‐three proprietors. Rutland was planned and populated first and in 1715; and the group decided to set off a tract of six square miles in lots and great farms. In 1753, Barre was established as a district within the Town of Rutland, but in 1774 was incorporated as the Town of Hutchinson. In 1776, at the request of the town’s people, the legislature changed its name to Barre. A two‐acre town common was first established in 1740, which became the civic center of the community throughout the 18th century with the building of the Town House, several churches, inns and the stagecoach stop. The early survey not only assigned acreage to the proprietors, it also reserved land for a church, a minister’s lot and a school. After the first settlers arrived in 1730, the Town’s population increased and by 1748, their numbers included “thirty families consisting of above one hundred souls”. Many of these early arrivals participated in the Revolutionary war. By 1810 the community of Barre had grown to include 1,971 people. This increase made Barre the seventh most populous town in Worcester County. Barre’s development follows the pattern of other towns in the region beginning with dispersed agricultural development; the rolling hills and stream valleys were well‐suited to an early agrarian way of life. The beginning of the 1800s saw the expansion of the Town's educational and road systems that were started in the previous century. A total of seven school districts were established, each having its own one room school. Barre’s road system expanded toward the neighboring towns to accommodate the great amount of travel through Town. The residents extensively used the numerous local streams and ponds for powering mills and manufacturing sites. In the mid to late 18th century, minor saw and grist mills were developing along the river corridors and by 1794 there were eleven mills in town, including one fulling mill, five grist mills, a flax and linseed oil mill, several mechanics shops, and brickyards. The industrial wealth brought in regional architects to design a number of prominent private and public buildings in town, most notably in the center around the commons. The village of Barre Plains saw the coming of two railroads and the center villages hosted a library, factories and businesses that were protected by the new fire company. Products manufactured in Barre included chairs, tinware, boxes, lumber, footwear, wagons, carriages and several mechanized farm implements such as butter churns, plows, hay rakes and tedders. Tourism was another active industry in Barre. Several hotels, including the famous Hotel Barre built in 1888, helped the Town become a destination for summer vacationers. Paul and Hiram Wadsworth established a woolen mill in the area now known as South Barre in 1834 and started the Wadsworth Woolen Company. In 1844, Arthur Denny acquired the mill and the village became known as Dennyville. Several incarnations of a woolen mill have existed on the same site and one, built in 1857 after the original burned, remains there today. The mill changed hands again in 1882 when James E. Crossley purchased it, and the village became known as Crossleyville. In the mid‐19th century, a reservoir was constructed in the northern part of Barre to provide a controlled flow of water for water‐powered manufacturing along the Prince River. Several 2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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minor mill ponds with canals to provide water to the mill turbines developed along the Prince River at this time, many of which were destroyed by a flood in 1868 when the reservoir dam gave way. Only a few factories were re‐built after the flood and several of these were lost again in the 1938 hurricane, but one canal remains at the Heald Foundry. Although Barre is historically known as a cultural center, early citizens included farmers, laborers, artisans and professionals in various occupations. During the Civil War, over 200 men from Barre participated as soldiers and 53 of these men died in service. As the industrial age took hold, Barre’s population declined to 1,400. Many of the Town’s new generation moved away to work for burgeoning large industries in urban areas that offered higher wages. During this time, the labor force worked nearly exclusively for a local foundry and machine shop, or the local wool combing company. Finally the rate of decline slowed with the influx of immigrants from 1910 to 1930. These people purchased abandoned farms and worked in agricultural and industrial businesses. Although industry in Barre during the late‐19th and early‐20th centuries turned largely to wood and metal working, industry and development in South Barre centered on textiles. Francis Willey, an English wool broker, purchased the former Denny/Crossley woolen mill complex in 1900. Willey reopened the mill as the Barre Wool Combing Company in 1903. The village of South Barre grew to include the Blythe Hotel, homes for the mill managers on Vernon Avenue, and worker housing in three distinct ethnic neighborhoods developed between 1910 and 1916. In 1926, the state legislature passed the Ware River Act by which the Ware River was impounded and considerable watershed acreage taken by eminent domain. The Metropolitan District Commission (MDC, now called the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Water Supply Protection) began buying the land and the existing structures upon it in 1928 and continued for the next 10 to 15 years. Systematically, all structures were removed as some 20,250 acres were taken by the MDC in the towns of Barre, Hubbardston, Oakham, and Rutland. Coinciding with the Great Depression, the thousands of acres taken by the State had a great impact on Barre’s economy and population. The Great Depression contributed to declines in both population and the viability of Barre’s industrial economy during the early decades of the 20th century. Following World War II and the increasing popularity of the automobile, Barre became primarily a residential town for commuters to Worcester and Boston. At the time Barre also reinvented itself as one of the cultural centers of the region and hosted popular band concerts in the historic bandstand on the Common. As the 20th century progressed, Barre returned to its small town roots, becoming once again a relatively quiet, rural town with some active farmland and local businesses and industry. The Common remains the civic and cultural center of the community while South Barre retains its industrial mill village charm and character. (Massachusetts Heritage Landscape Inventory Program, 2008) As it did in the 1700s, Barre still attracts new families with the promise of new opportunities. Since 1980, the Town of Barre has grown steadily but the number of businesses and services that were available in the 19th century did not accompany this growth. In the last two decades,
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economic development has taken the form of several small industries, retail and service businesses, along with enterprises operated from residents’ homes. C ‐ Population Characteristics Total Population In 2008 the population of Barre was 5,431. In 2000 the population was 5,113. The population numbers of the Town of Barre from 1920 through 2000 are displayed in the chart below. For comparison purposes, the neighboring towns of Oakham, Rutland, and Hardwick are also shown. Figure 3.2 – Population of Barre and surrounding towns
Fluctuations in Barre’s population in any given 10 year period have been between 3.5% and 12.5% as shown in the table below. The population of nearby Hardwick saw an initial decline in the mid 1900s, Rutland’s population, starting at almost half of that of the Town of Barre, now exceeds Barre by greater than 1,000 residents. Over a total land area of 44.6 miles and with a population of 5,431 in 2008, the population density of Barre was 121.77 people per square mile.
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Table 3.1‐ Population changes of Barre and surrounding towns % change Barre Rutland Oakham Hardwick Region
1920‐ 1930
1930‐ 1940
4.6 40.1 5.2 ‐20.3 9.3
0.5 ‐10.7 ‐15.7 ‐12.4 2.0
1940‐ 1950‐ 1960‐ 1970‐ 1980‐ 1990‐ 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 ‐3.5 2.1 9.9 7.2 10.8 12.5 40.1 6.4 ‐1.7 35.5 13.9 28.7 7.6 15.2 39.3 36.2 51.2 11.3 9.0 ‐0.3 1.7 ‐4.5 5.0 9.9 9.4 6.9 6.1 1.1 9.8 7.5
Age The median age of the Barre population rose by almost 10 years between 1970 and 2000. This may be in part because of the growth of the 35 to 44, 45 to 54, 75 to 84 and 85 and older age categories. In 2000 the median age in Barre was 37.1, greater than Massachusetts and Worcester County. Table 3.2 – Median Age of Population of Barre and surrounding towns, 1970‐2000 Municipality
1970
1980
1990
2000
Barre
28.2
31.1
33.9
37.1
Rutland
27.7
29.9
32.1
34.6
Oakham
35.1
30.8
32.9
38.1
Hardwick
31.6
31.8
33.9
37.5
Massachusetts
29.0
31.1
33.6
36.5
Worcester County
29.6
30.9
33.1
36.3
Worcester MSA
30.5
31.3
33.2
36.1
The largest segment of the population is between the ages of 35 and 44 years as demonstrated in the chart below. .
Figure 3.3 ‐ Age Distribution 1990 and 2000
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Based on an earlier survey, the majority of residents who returned their survey questionnaires have moved to Barre within the last 20 years. Over 16% of survey respondents moved to Town during the past ten years; over 13% of respondents arrived during the past five years. (Massachusetts Watershed Coalition and Worcester County Conservation District, 2003) Economic Characteristics In 2000, over two thirds of Barre residents over the age of 16 were active in the labor force. In November 2009, the unemployment rate reported by the Massachusetts Department of Labor and Workforce Development was 9.0%. This represents a dramatic shift that resulted from the down turn in the economy. The unemployment rate from 2004 to 2008 ranged between 5.4% and 6.5%. The average commute to work was 33.7 minutes. The chart below shows the types of occupations held by Barre residents. Figure 3.4 – Barre Occupations
According to the 1990 US Census, the median household income was $36,846 with a per capita income of $14,012. Nearly 6% of Barre residents were considered to be living in poverty. Considerable improvement was demonstrated by the 2000 US Census, where the median household income was $50,533, the per capita income was $20,476, and 3.4% percent of Barre residents were considered to be living in poverty. Housing is predominantly rural or suburban consisting of single family dwellings or 2 to 4 unit properties. The median value of a single family home in 2000 was $124,400. In 2009, it was $175,000, down from a market high of $227,000 in 2006.
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Table 3.3 ‐ US Census Housing Distribution Unit Type
1990
2000
Single Units
1,151
1,413
2-4 Units
388
324
5 or More Units
64
112
Other
144
145
Totals
1,747
1,988
In 2000, of the occupied housing units 77.1% were owner occupied, while 22.9% were renter occupied. The Barre Housing Authority administers 66 units of elderly/disabled and family housing units. Social (Diversity) Characteristics In 2000, in Barre for residents 25 years and older, 85.3 % have a high school degree or greater, and 20.4% have a college degree or higher. Enrolled in school in 2000 were 1,472 students over the age of 3 – 172 in preschool, nursery school, or kindergarten, 706 in elementary school, 333 in high school, and 261 in college. Of the 5,113 residents, 97.6% stated they were white. Of the remaining 2.4%, 0.5% were Black, 0.3% were Asian, 0.1 % were Native American, and 1.4% were some other race or two or more races. Only 0.8% identified as Hispanic. Of the 4,787 residents over the age of 5, 97.0% spoke English only. Only 48 individuals spoke English less than “very well”. Residents were primarily born in the United States (98.2%), and in the State of Massachusetts (83.8%). Greater than 5% of the residents claimed ancestry from England, France, Ireland, Italy, Canada, Germany, Poland, Scotland, or the United States. The U.S. Census provides information by race, which can be used to identify groups, which may, by tradition, have different recreation needs. The 2000 Census indicated that the non‐white population of the Town was less than 3%. While this percentage is low, consideration of this population should be made in the planning process. According to the MassGIS Environmental Justice Population Map of the Central Region, there are no significant Environmental Justice populations located within Barre. According to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA), the Town of Barre is not an “Environmental Justice Community” and is not currently a community with clusters of minority, low income, foreign born, and/ or low English proficiency populations. Seven hundred fifty (750) non‐institutionalized persons over the age of five indicated that they lived with a disability, almost a third of those (259) were over the age of 65.
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D ‐ Growth and Development Patterns Patterns and Trends As European settlement of the “frontier” pressed westward during the 17th and 18th centuries, it tended to follow the valleys and water sources. In central Massachusetts, where forests were dense and terrain was rough, this meant using the established paths of Native Americans. These paths often followed streams and ridges that were favorable for hunting and gathering from the wild landscape. Areas that Native Americans had cleared for agriculture were readily available for the settlers’ needs once the Native Americans were displaced. As settlement became permanent, these original footpaths became cartpaths, and cartpaths became roads. Much of Barre’s current infrastructure still follows these same paths. (Massachusetts Watershed Coalition and Worcester County Conservation District, 2003) The economic framework that drove this settlement—agriculture and cottage industries—also influenced the original patterns of development. A vibrant hub developed in the center village and other residential villages sprung up around mills. Farmhouses were also built throughout the fields and pastures of Barre’s open land. The Town went through a period of abandonment during the 19th and early 20th centuries, as the economic tides of the region shifted to centralized industries and wars took men from farms and factories. When people again began looking to Barre as a favorable place to settle, the times and needs had changed significantly. Automobiles were prevalent, and most employment was to be found in urban areas. Newcomers to Barre commuted to nearby cities for work and accordingly dispersed around Town. According to Massachusetts Audubon’s “Losing Ground”, the Town of Barre had between 3.1 and 5.4 acres of new development per square mile between 1999 and 2005. It ranks as one of the top 20 towns and cities in the Commonwealth with the most acres of agricultural land converted to development between 1999 and 2005. (Corcoran, 2009) Table 3.4 – Land Use Changes Land Use Type
% Acreage in Town (1971)
% Acreage in Town (2005)
Change in Town (acres)
Agricultural Forest1 Residential / Municipal / Cultural
12.44% 77.01% 3.11%
8.99% 76.58% (5%*) 5.90%
‐984 acres ‐113 acres 796 acres
Commercial / Industrial / Infrastructure
0.69%
1.17%
137 acres
Greenspace / Recreation
3.04%
2.45%
‐168 acres
Water / Wetland Other
3.62% 0.10%
4.68% 0.23%
303 acres 39 acres
1
Forest percentage includes forested wetland, which is shown in the parentheses.
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Infrastructure Streets: Another indication of growth is traffic flow. Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) conducted traffic counts along several Routes in Barre. In 1998, 4,235 vehicles per day were counted on Route 122, west of the Oakham town line. On Route 32, south of the Town Farm, 3,004 vehicles were counted. On South Street, north of the Quabbin Regional High School, there were 2,669 vehicles per day, and on Vernon Avenue south of Route 122, 2,050 vehicles passed by. These figures vary each year, but when compared to other figures from recent traffic counts it seems that there has been little change. The only aberration in these figures is along South Street, north of Wauwinet Road where 10, 272 vehicles were counted in 1996. The Lost Villages Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan contains specific information regarding the condition and traffic on Route 122 as it passes through Barre. The Roadway Level of Service for 6 segments of Route 122 as reported by CMRPC in 2006 was described as “A” or “B”, indicating a high quality of service. Water and Sewer Systems: Barre’s water needs are met by the South Barre Road and Barre Wool wells, which supply more than half of the Town’s population with their drinking water. Other residents depend on their own private wells. Barre has 1 emergency surface water supply, 6 community ground water wells, 1 non‐transient non community water supply, 1 community surface water source and 0 transient non‐community drinking water supplies. In 2008 Well #1 on South Barre Road was updated. Due to ongoing water conservation measures, pumping was reduce by 10,000,000 gallons from 2005 and 2006. Water is typically treated to increase pH and to reduce lead, copper, iron and manganese concentrations. An Infrastructure Map is attached. In 2003, Barre had 850 Households connected to the Town Sewer System. Phosphorus testing of the treated sewage continued in 2008 and the town continues to meet its National Pollution Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES) permit requirements. Table 3.5 – Water and Sewer System Summary 2006 2007 2008 Sewage processed (gallons) 88,462,980 71,430,180 77,520,740 (70.7% capacity) (70.7% capacity) Septage from non‐sewered 210,000 217,500 328,800 homes (gallons) (137,000 from neighboring towns) Treated water pumped gallons 107,208,600 112,613,600 114,533,100 2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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Long Term Development Patterns Zoning: Barre adopted zoning regulations to begin managing its growth. Barre has 6 zoning Districts, as described below. The last amendment to the Zoning Map was approved at Special Town meeting in June 2009. The latest Zoning Map is attached. Table 3.6 - Zoning District Descriptions
Zone Code
District
Frontage (feet) 200
Percentage
Raw Acres
Rural Residence
Area (square feet) 80,000
R‐80
94.80
13,519
R‐20
Open Residence
20,000
120
2.80
322
R‐15
General Residence
15,000
1110
1.00
56
B‐L
Limited Business
30,000
130
0.10
1
B‐C
Business & Commercial
No minimum
100
0.20
10
IND
Industrial
40,000
130
0.90
138
Barre has a Wellhead Protection Overlay District (Section 140‐13 of the Town Zoning Bylaw). The purposes of the Wellhead Protection District are: To promote the health, safety and general welfare of the Town by ensuring an adequate quality and quantity of drinking water for the residents, institutions, and businesses of Barre. To preserve and protect existing and potential sources of drinking water supplies; To conserve the natural resources of the Town; and To prevent temporary and permanent contamination of the environment. In addition Barre has a Floodplain Overlay District (Section 140‐12 of the Town Zoning Bylaw). The purpose of the Floodplain District is to protect human life and property from the hazards of periodic flooding. At the Annual Town meeting in 2006, the town voted to establish an Agricultural Commission to represent the Town’s farming and forestry community internally and externally; to encourage, promote, and support the pursuit of farming and forestry in the Town, both as a business and as a community resource; and to promote the protection, preservation and economic use of farmland and forest land within the Town. It is also important to note that in 2008, the Town of Barre passed a Right‐To‐Farm Bylaw. This general bylaw/ordinance (Chapter 44 article 1) encourages the pursuit of agriculture, promotes agriculture‐based economic opportunities, and protects farmlands within the Town of Barre by allowing agricultural uses and related activities to function with minimal conflict with abutters and local agencies. The commission’s initial efforts involved educating Barre residents and farmers about the changes and opportunities presented by Massachusetts Chapter 61, drafting a Right to Farm Bylaw and discussions about bringing back the Barre Agricultural Fair. As the population of the town grows, diversifies and is
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increasingly unaware of agriculture, it is especially important that residents and farmers alike work to maintain a harmonious and understanding relationship.” (The Town of Barre, 2007) At its June 11, 2007 Annual Town Meeting, the Town voted to adopt a Rate of Growth Bylaw to temporarily limit residential growth and allow the Town to develop a long range plan for the long term preservation of the character of the Town. Affordable housing is the notable exception. A building cap was approved for the period 2007 to 2011 at 35 per year. Build Out Analysis: CMRPC has taken the developable land and provided the following analysis of complete build out potential. Wetland areas and excessive slopes place serious limits on development. The Town of Barre has 288.98 acres deemed to have slopes that constrain development. If all land is built out to its full capacity given current zoning and preexisting development constraints and soil conditions, the Town might expect the following: Table 3.7 ‐ Summary Build out Statistics ‐ New Development and Associated Impacts Developable Land (square feet) Developable Land (acres) Total Residential Lots Commercial/Industrial Buildable Floor Area (square feet) Residential Water Use (gallons per day)2 Commercial/Industrial Water Use (gallons per day) 3 Municipal Solid Waste (tons) 4 Non‐Recycled Solid Waste (tons) 5 New Residents 6 New Students 7 New Residential Subdivision Roads (miles) 8
611,843,760 14,046 5,227 614,967 1,019,291 46,122 8,195 4,961 13,591 3,763 76.6
Massachusetts Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Economic Data For Barre as viewed on January 21, 2010, http://lmi2.detma.org/Lmi/lmi_town.asp
The figure below shows the single family building permits issued in the Town of Barre from 1989 to 2009. The peak was in 1998 when 60 single family residential building permits were issued. 2
"Residential Water Use" is based on 75 gallons per day per person. "Commercial/Industrial Water Use" is based on 75 gallons per 1,000 square feet of floor space. 4 "Municipal Solid Waste" is based on 1,206 lbs per person per year. All waste estimates are for residential uses only. 5 "Non‐Recycled Solid Waste" is a subset of Municipal Solid Waste and is based on 730 lbs per person per year ending up in a landfill or incinerator. 6 The number of "Residents" at build out is based on the persons per household figure derived from the 1990 US Census. 7 The number of "Students" at build out is based on a student per household ratio taken from 1990 US Census data. 8 "New Residential Subdivision Roads" are based on the assumption that 60% of the new residential lots will have required frontage on new subdivision roads. 3
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Figure 3.5 – Barre Building Permits Issued, 1989‐2009
The Barre Building Department issued 26 construction permits for single family homes, duplex homes and mobile home replacements in 2000. The table below was compiled from Annual Town Reports 2006 through 2009 and shows a decline of residential building permits and a fairly steady rate of new commercial development. The decline is likely due in part to the passage of the Rate of Growth bylaw followed by the economic down turn of 2008‐2010. Table 3.8 ‐ Building Department Activity Permit Type 2006 2007 New residential 29 20 construction permits New construction 1 4 commercial/industrial Planning Board 22 ANR, 11 ANR Plans, 27 Bldg pkgs 15 Bldg pkgs
Comments
Rate of Growth Bylaw
2008 6 4
2009 5 1
9 ANR; 9 Res, No 1 Commercial information and 2 Industrial Bldg pkgs Concern about alleged abuses of earth removal special permits
ANR is Approval Not Required. (Annual Town Reports)
Local Industry and Employment: In 2008, 132 establishments in Barre employed 1,251 workers. This represents a generally healthy economy.
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Table 3.9 ‐ 2008 Average Employment and Wages by Industry Industry Total, All Industries Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting Construction Manufacturing Wholesale Trade Retail Trade Transportation and Warehousing Information Finance and Insurance Professional and Technical Services Administrative and Waste Services Educational Services Health Care and Social Assistance Accommodation and Food Services Other Services, Ex. Public Admin
Establishments
Total Wages $46,533,070 $511,109
Average Employment 1,251 21
Average Weekly Wage $715 $468
132 5 17 3 3 16 9
$1,948,372 $1,246,557 $1,374,219 $4,230,411 $1,070,711
54 29 20 148 32
$694 $827 $1,321 $550 $643
3 7 10
$591,844 $2,046,504 $1,418,205
18 49 50
$632 $803 $545
7
$1,726,069
33
$1,006
5 3
$24,009,941 $1,195,639
528 33
$874 $697
12
$1,087,987
93
$225
18
$964,839
61
$304
The table below summarizes Barre employers and the number of their employees. The Stetson School and the Quabbin High School are the town’s largest employers. Table 3.10 ‐ Largest 25 Employers in Barre Company Name Address Number of employees Stetson School Inc South St 250‐499 Quabbin Regional High School South St 100‐249 Coldbrook Rv Resort Old Coldbrook Rd 50‐99 Ruggles Lane Elementary Ruggles Ln 50‐99 Barre Family Health Ctr Worcester Rd 20‐49 Barre Fire Dept School St 20‐49 Barre Foods Summer St 20‐49 Barre Police Dept West St 20‐49 Barre Town Station 1 School St 20‐49 Bielawski John Marsh Rd 20‐49 Charles G Allen Co Williamsville Rd 20‐49 E J Prescott Inc Town Farm Rd 20‐49 Harding Allen Estate West St. 20‐49 2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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Company Name Higgins Powersports Quabbin Middle School Quality Water Products Turbo Finish White Turf Trenching Inc Barre Mill Restaurant Dunkin' Donuts Leader Home Ctr Quabbin Regional School Dist R J Mc Donald Inc Rockwerx Mobile Climbing Walls
Address Worcester Rd South St Town Farm Rd Williamsville Rd West St Main St Summer St S Barre Rd South St Worcester Rd Dana Rd
Number of employees 20‐49 20‐49 20‐49 20‐49 20‐49 10‐19 10‐19 10‐19 10‐19 10‐19 10‐19
(Employer Information below is provided by Info USA of Omaha, NE, Copyright 2010, All Rights Reserved.)
The Town’s prosperity, true to its history, rises and falls with the national and regional economy, but is buoyed by its land and people, demonstrating a resilience and steadiness of character that make the Town an attractive one for residents and visitors alike.
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SECTION 4 ‐ ENVIRONMENTAL INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS A ‐ Geology, Soils, and Topography (Massachusetts Watershed Coalition and Worcester County Conservation District, 2003) The underlying geology of Barre has been one of the primary influences on the natural and man‐made landscape seen in Town today. Geology affects topography by creating the varying elevations seen in Town. It affects soils by providing some of the parent materials with their different fertility and drainage characteristics. By the same count, soils affect the type of vegetation supported and the type of development that can occur. Geology, topography and soils all affect surface and groundwater hydrology, which are important to both the natural and created environments. Bedrock Geology Formations: The bedrock geology of Barre was formed approximately 350 to 400 million years ago, during the Devonian and the slightly older Silurian epochs, within the Paleozoic era. This bedrock was originally sedimentary, having been deposited when ancient seas covered the area, but later tectonic events to the west and east folded and heated the bedrock, which then became metamorphic. This bedrock occurs in two distinct formations running north to south through Barre, and consists of metamorphic and igneous bedrock units of the Connecticut Valley Belt lithotectonic subdivision. These units are generally large, impermeable and resistant to weathering. Therefore, rates of groundwater recharge into the bedrock are limited and thus, rates of surface runoff are comparatively high. Well Yields: Most private water supplies in the Town are bedrock artesian wells. Clays in the bedrock can make well yields in Barre less than adequate for new residential development on the minimum required lot size of 15,000 square feet. The average residential well depth is around 250 to 400 feet deep; although well depths can range up to 650 feet deep when low yields (1 to 1.5 gallons per minute) require some storage capacity. However, well yields in the southeastern section of Town are higher, with 20‐30 gallons per minute capacity. Thus, well yields in the Town are quite variable, but on the average, wells in the Town need to be deeper than in other surrounding towns. Well Water Quality: Because of the iron sulfide in the bedrock formations, sulfuric acid forms when the bedrock decomposes, causing a low pH in ground water of approximately 5.5. The iron and manganese in the bedrock affect secondary standards of taste and odor, causing a rusty appearance in well water. The iron sulfide can also cause a sulfur smell in water from about one out of every six wells in the Town. The Paxton formation also contains arsenic, although this is not known to be a problem.
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Surficial Geology The surficial geology of the Town is more variable than the bedrock geology. In many ways, the topography, soils and hydrology of the Town have been more influenced by the surficial geology, created by the most recent geologic event: the great glaciers of the Pleistocene Epoch (10,000‐15,000 years ago). These glaciers churned over the landscape and left behind remnants that can still be seen today. River courses follow distinct northwest to southeast routes (the same direction as glacial movement), large deposits of sand and gravel are prevalent (from outwash from glacial melt‐water), and huge boulder erratics carried from northerly mountaintops are strewn across Town. Most of Barre is covered by unsorted rocks, stones, and soils called “till”. Till is eroded geologic materials deposited as glaciers retreat. Where glaciers scoured over bedrock, bedrock outcrops remained. Where they rode over loose material on top of bedrock, rounded hills, called “drumlins”, were formed. Depressions carved out by the glaciers created today’s ponds, bogs, wetlands, and stream valleys. Since the glaciers, wind and water erosion have left numerous alluvium deposits along flood plains. Soils Due to glacial deposits of soil materials from distant origins, soils in Barre are partially non‐ indigenous. However, the parent material of the underlying bedrock has influenced the soils acidity and rusty appearance. The soils of Barre are generally characterized by glacial till with extensive clay formation and exposed ledge outcrops. Most of these soils are Woodbridge/Paxton Associations, which are well‐drained soils considered significant for agriculture. Woodbridge/Paxton soils consist of a fine sandy loam surface and subsoil over firm sandy loam substratum (hardpan). Woodbridge/Paxton soils can pose limitations for development due to slow permeability of the hardpan at a depth of 15 to 38 inches. Broad glacial terrace and outwash deposits up to one mile in width form the valley floor along much of the Ware River throughout the town, particularly where Canesto and Burnshirt Brooks join with the Ware River at Barre Plains, and where the Prince River joins the Ware River. The Ware River watershed area includes some deposits of Merrimac and Whitman Associations. Merrimac soils are very well‐drained, very permeable sands and sandy gravels to a depth of 18 to 30 inches. In contrast, the Whitman soils are very poorly‐drained and were formed in stony glacial till. They have highly organic black loamy surface soils, and are water‐saturated most of the year. Very well‐drained and very poorly‐drained soils can pose severe limitations for development and for septic tank absorption fields.
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Only in the valley floor below South Barre are agriculturally rich bottom lands found. Upstream, the excessively droughty Hinckley gravelly sandy loam is unimportant for agriculture but valuable as a source of sand and gravel for road and other building materials. Occasional brick clay beds were also found in the valley, particularly in South Barre. The town straddles two different soil belts, separated by the Ware River Valley. West of the river, stony Gloucester Series soils predominate, while east of the river, Brookfield Series soils are more common. Both types, where cultivable, are among the most important soils for agriculture in the county. These soils both yield excellent crops of hay, grains, fruit, and vegetables; at their peak use, 70 to 80 percent of these soil type areas were under cultivation. Through much of the 19th and early 20th centuries Barre, together with neighboring Hardwick, Hubbardston, New Braintree, and Petersham, occupied the leading region in the county for dairying and cattle ‐ raising. (Massachusetts Historical Commission, 1984) The Worcester County Conservation District in cooperation with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has published an interim Soil Report for Northwestern Worcester County. The report has extensive detail of the soil composition of Barre. A Soils and Geologic Map is attached. The map provides detail on the drainage of the various soils in the Town. Moderately drained soils account for 37.17% and well drained soils account for 32.00% of all soil in Barre. B ‐ Landscape Character Topography Barre’s terrain is comprised of rolling hills with elevations from 620 feet above sea level in the southern part of Town to 1,260 feet above sea level to the north in the upper Moose Brook Valley. There are three well‐drained valleys that run north to south, each dividing Barre into thirds. A plateau is bounded by the three valleys ‐ on the east by Burnshirt Brook, on the south by the Ware River, and in the northwest by the East Branch of the Swift River. The terrain is relatively level in central‐western parts of Town at around 900 feet. Slopes range from 0%, up to 25%, with 8% ‐ 15% predominating. The steep slopes over 15% are more susceptible to erosion, and thus, are a constraint to development. Often excessive slope areas are found in river valleys along embankments and areas long ago steeply carved by water and ice. The Town of Barre has 288.98 acres deemed to have slopes that constrain development. Barre’s land use is dominated by forests, a landscape that is exactly opposite to that of a century ago. Today, forests cover over 75% of Barre’s land. A little over 15% is open land, pastures, and cropland. Nearly 1% of the Town is under water, and over 3% is developed as low‐density residential. 2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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Table 4.1 ‐ Land Use Types Land Use Type Crop Land Pasture Forest Non‐forested Wetland Mining Open Land Participation Recreation Spectator Recreation Water‐based Recreation Multi‐family Residential Medium‐density Residential Low‐density Residential Commercial Industrial Urban Open Waste Disposal Water Woody Perennial Total:
Acres 2,819 881 21,634 621 184 718 183 10 21 55 335 559 16 72 112 13 319 3 28,555
Percentage of Town 9.87 3.09 75.76 2.17 0.65 2.51 0.64 0.03 0.07 0.19 1.17 1.96 0.06 0.25 0.39 0.05 1.12 0.01 100
(Massachusetts Watershed Coalition and Worcester County Conservation District, 2003) C ‐ Water Resources The topography of Barre is an important environmental feature, which directly influences the surface drainage network of waterways and wetlands. Key to any open space plan, this drainage network includes prime wildlife habitats and migration corridors, water supplies, recreational opportunities, historic sites and other assets which are important to preserve for the future. Watersheds and Drainage: The drainage network can be divided into drainage basins. Often called watersheds, drainage basins are land areas which collect the water from precipitation and replenish waterways. Streams and brooks are, in turn, be fed by smaller sub‐watersheds that comprise a large drainage basin. Massachusetts is divided into 27 major river basins, and Barre lies entirely within the Chicopee Watershed Basin, the largest in the State. All rain and snow that falls in Town will drain to sub‐ watersheds of the Chicopee Watershed Basin, which is part of the larger Connecticut River drainage system. Water Resources Map 1 shows the location of the major Chicopee Basin watersheds, flood hazard areas, wetland, and outstanding resource waters in Barre and
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surrounding towns. The Ware and the Swift River Watershed areas lie partly in Barre. Within the Chicopee Watershed, the following six sub‐watersheds are encountered in the town of Barre. Table 4.2 ‐ Chicopee sub‐watersheds Sub‐watershed Burnshirt River East Branch Swift River (headwaters to Quabbin Reservoir) East Branch Ware River Prince River Ware River (Barre Falls Dam to Danforth Brook) West Branch Ware River
GIS Acres 3,310.44 22,372.30 14,429.11 8,300.70 20,834.01 325.57
Surface Water: Water has long played an important historic role in Barre, mostly because there are so many waterways of many sizes. The Ware River, which is Barre’s largest river, drops 210 feet in its eleven‐mile meander down the southeastern part of Town. The Prince River, Steven’s Brook, Burnshirt River, Potash Book and several other waterways intersect the Ware River in various locations until its departure southward into Hardwick. Carter Pond, Moose Brook, Rutland Brook and a short stretch of the Swift River are located in the western portion of Town. The Prince River and its tributary Pleasant Brook drain the central portion of the town, flowing in from north to south before joining the Ware River. Raccoon Hill, which is owned by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), and the Swift River Reservation in Petersham are protected lands that surround this part of Barre. Both areas and the west side of Town drain to the Quabbin Reservoir, the primary water supply for metropolitan Boston. The Ware River is 30 miles long and has two forks, the East Branch longer than the West Branch. The Ware River continues south through the middle of the state before it joins the Quaboag River. The Ware River remains as a picturesque artifact of those bygone days when the mill towns used waterpower. However, its power now starts the natural siphon at the Ware River Diversion in South Barre, Massachusetts for storage in the Quabbin Reservoir, using this same facility. The East Branch Ware River flows through the northern part of Rutland generally southwest to the Ware River. The West Branch Ware River flows through Barre southwest to the Ware River. The Prince River flows south (just east of Barre Town Center) to the Ware River.
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The Burnshirt River flows south to the West Branch of the Ware River. The Burnshirt River is a stream 8.6 miles long. The river rises about one mile southwest of Templeton, Massachusetts at an elevation of 653 feet (199 meters) above sea level. From there it flows through forest and marshes south to Williamsville, then southeast to join the Ware River about two miles east of Barre. Outstanding Resource Waters are a classification under the Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards of 2007. According to 314 CMR 4.00: "Certain waters shall be designated for protection under this provision in 314 CMR 4.06(3) including Public Water Supplies (314 CMR 4.06(1)(d)1.). These waters constitute an outstanding resource as determined by their outstanding socioeconomic, recreational, ecological and/or aesthetic values. The quality of these waters shall be protected and maintained". NHESP Certified Vernal Pools are designated as Class B Outstanding Resource Waters are indicated on Water Resources Map 2. Ponds and Reservoirs: Though Barre has abundant flowing waters, the following 10 natural or man‐made impoundments can also be found. Table 4.3 – Barre Ponds and Reservoirs Name Acreage Gaston Pond 14.9 Hemmingway Pond 2.7 Moss’ Pond 4.2 Moose Brook Pond 10.0 Barre Town Reservoir 4.2 South Barre Reservoir 21.0 Powder Mill Pond 17.4 Raccoon Hill Pond (Barre + Hardwick) 5.0 Old Town Reservoir 36.8 Osgood’s Pond 15.5 Total 131.7 Flood Plain and Wetlands: The Town of Barre has 2,562.35 acres of wetland and 1,718.48 acres in the 100 year flood plain. The 100 year flood plain9, is located in the lower lying elevations bordering the Burnshirt River, the Ware River, and the Prince River, and their tributaries. The 100‐year flood plain is a great indicator of the area potentially affected by rising flood waters. Wetland areas are shown on Water Resources Map 1 and frequently overlap with the 100 year flood plain. A wetland is an area of land whose soil is saturated with moisture either permanently or seasonally. Such areas may also be covered partially or completely by shallow pools of water. Wetlands include swamps, marshes, and bogs, among others and tend to occur in areas where, 9
A one‐hundred‐year flood is calculated to be the level of flood water expected to be equaled or exceeded every 100 years on average.
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because of underlying geology, the water table intersects with the ground surface or where slowly permeating soils prevent drainage. Numerous types of wetlands exist in Barre, comprising approximately 4% of total Town lands. Wetlands slow floodwaters, protect uplands from erosion, increase water quality, provide setting for recreation and study, support a diversity of wildlife across the landscape, moderate local climate, recharge groundwater, produce products such as timber, peat, fish, rice, cranberries, blueberries, and hay for livestock. Source Protection Areas: Barre has 1 emergency surface water supply, 6 community ground water wells, 1 non‐transient non community water supply, 1 community surface water source and 0 transient non‐community drinking water supplies. The community groundwater wells locations and wellhead protection areas are shown on Water Resources Map 2. Wellhead protection areas are important for protecting the recharge area around public water supply (PWS) groundwater sources. A Zone II is a wellhead protection area that has been determined by hydro‐geologic modeling and approved by the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Drinking Water Program (DWP). In cases where hydro‐geologic modeling studies have not been performed and there is no approved Zone II, an Interim Wellhead Protection Area (IWPA) maybe established based on DEP DWP well pumping rates or default values. Certain land uses may be either prohibited or restricted in both approved (Zone II) and interim (IWPA) wellhead protection areas. The minimum IWPA radius is 400 feet and the maximum radius is 0.5 miles. The Town has its own public drinking water supply, and nearly all of Barre’s water resources are critical to the drinking water supplies for many of Massachusetts’ residents. The Ware River Watershed Area in the eastern part of Barre includes 5,386 acres which are monitored as part of the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Drinking Water Protection Plan. This watershed area supplements the water provided from the Quabbin Reservoir for metropolitan Boston communities. All contributing sources here are classified by the Department of Environmental Protection as “Outstanding Resource Waters”, their highest classification. The DCR has granted public access to this land for various purposes. Bird watching, hiking, skiing, non‐motorized boating, hunting and fishing is allowed as part of their efforts to follow multi‐ use land management policies, and to share control with neighbors and other stakeholders. Barre’s water needs are met by the South Barre Road and Barre Wool wells, which supply more than half of the Town’s population with their drinking water. Other residents depend on their own private wells. Lands along the Prince River and the Ware River are designated as public groundwater recharge areas (Zone IIs) for Town wellfields. In addition, there are four Interim 2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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Wellhead Protection Areas ‐ three of these IWPAs are located near the Town border with Petersham, and the fourth IWPA is near the Hubbardston‐Barre town line. Also indicated on Water Resources Map 2 is the Surface Water Protection Area, the Quabbin Reservoir, and it related protection zones ‐ A, B, and C – which is largely the Ware River Watershed Reservation. D ‐ Vegetation The vegetation of Barre, like every community, is determined by land use, climate, elevation, topography, aspect, and soils/geology. As described earlier, Barre is divided by two ecoregions—the Worcester Plateau and the Lower Worcester Plateau—as defined by these factors. This means that Barre has a diverse variety of habitats, and thus supports a diverse variety of wildlife. Secondary growth forests that have grown back since the times when people cleared the land for timber and agriculture dominate Barre’s landscape. A majority of these forests are considered “upland”, or sites that are fairly dry and well drained. They represent almost 90% of all Town lands. Oak, hickory, and ash trees dominate the Town’s uplands, interspersed with black cherry, basswood, yellow and black birches, and sugar maple. Large stands of white pine are also common in Barre’s upland forests. Understory shrubs include witch hazel, striped maple, hazelnut, blueberries, and a variety of ferns and other herbaceous plants. North‐facing slopes and moister, protected areas are dominated by beech, red maple, birch, sugar maple, basswood and white ash. Groves of hemlocks fill valley bottoms, especially at the toe of a north‐facing slope. These places are also known to accommodate some balsam fir and red spruce—softwood trees common to more northerly regions, found here at the southern reaches of their range. Large, forested wetland complexes are very prevalent along Prince River, stretches of Moose Brook, and at the headwaters of the West Branch of the Ware River. These areas have important wildlife and flood control values. The Town also has numerous non‐forested wetlands and bogs. Large bogs are located around Gaston and Osgood’s Ponds, and another is just south of Raccoon Hill Pond. Bogs provide unique habitats for many species of wildlife, with deep mats of sphagnum moss (which becomes peat), Labrador Tea, common moorhens, pitcher plants and other plant species. Shrub swamps, with thickets of
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dogwood, willow, and alder, are also very common in the lower, leveler valleys in the southern part of Town. Shrub swamps often have wet meadows associated with them. Many open fields remain throughout Barre. Hayfields, pastures, other cropland and open fields are important components of the Town’s landscape character. These are also key habitats, especially for migrating and nesting songbirds and waterfowl. Species like the bobolink and the killdeer rely on open fields for nest sites. Many declining populations of songbirds use early‐ successional cropland for nesting. These areas, dominated by birch and cottonwood/aspen saplings, provide great cover and food sources for these birds. Because most of these lands are privately owned and managed, working with landowners is considered a priority in the protection of these resources into the future. Barre is home to the Trillium, Squawfoot and Nodding Pogonia, which are listed as rare or endangered plants. Several other species are documented in towns adjacent to Barre, such as Thread Rush, Dwarf Mistletoe, Bartram’s Shadbush, and Great Laurel. These and other rare plants may also exist in Barre along the Ware River and on Audubon lands, but as of yet have not been officially documented. Thorough examination of likely habitats of rare plants and animals is needed to better assess the Town’s inventory of such organisms. The following rare species were listed in the Town of Barre. These data were extracted from the database of the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program in September 2009.
Table 4.4 – Rare Plant Species in Barre Taxonomic Scientific Name Group Vascular Plant Asclepias purpurascens
Common Name Purple Milkweed
MESA Status E
Most Recent Observation 1865
Vascular Plant
Clematis occidentalis
Purple Clematis
SC
2008
Vascular Plant
Liatris scariosa var. novae‐angliae Ophioglossum pusillum
New England Blazing Star Adder's‐tongue Fern
SC
1950
T
1870
Vascular Plant
Vascular Plant Viola adunca Sand Violet SC 2006 (Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, 2009) E = Endangered; T = Threatened; SC = Special Concern Public shade trees are located in the Barre Town Common, Town right of ways, other Town parks, and in the Town cemeteries. The Department of Public Works and Cemetery Commissions typically monitor and maintain these trees. Each year, some of these trees become damaged to a point where they may represent a hazard. At that point working with the Town’s Tree Warden and following due process, the DPW may remove the “hazard tree”. The Town of Barre seeks to replace trees as soon as possible in a location nearby.
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E ‐ Fish And Wildlife The structural diversity of habitats and large expanses of protected, undisturbed land, make fish and wildlife resources one of Barre’s biggest assets. State biologists recognize this area for its impressive biodiversity. Sportsmen revere the Town for its ample fish and game opportunities. Naturalists adore Barre for its many wildlife‐viewing opportunities. Both citizens and visitors alike utilize and benefit from this amazing resource. The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) has identified three very important areas for “estimated and priority habitats” for rare and endangered wildlife. These locations are: 1. Near the town border with Hubbardston north of Gilbert Road, 2. Along the aquifer following South Barre Road (Rte.32), and 3. Surrounding the Ware River just north of the Barre State Forest. The following rare species were listed in the Town of Barre. These data were extracted from the database of the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program in September 2009.
Table 4.5 – Rare Fish and Wildlife Species in Barre Taxonomic Group Scientific Name Common Name Beetle
MESA Status SC
Most Recent Observation 2007
E
1930
Bird
Cicindela duodecimguttata Botaurus lentiginosus
Twelve‐spotted Tiger Beetle American Bittern
Bird Butterfly/Moth
Ixobrychus exilis Psectraglaea carnosa
Least Bittern Pink Sallow
E SC
2005 2007
Dragonfly/Damselfly Neurocordulia yamaskanensis Fish Notropis bifrenatus Mussel Alasmidonta undulata
Stygian Shadowdragon Bridle Shiner Triangle Floater
SC
2004
SC SC
2005 1999
Mussel
Strophitus undulatus
Creeper
SC
1999
Reptile
Glyptemys insculpta
Wood Turtle
SC
2006
Reptile
Terrapene carolina
Eastern Box Turtle
SC
2005
Other rare species known to exist in Barre and surrounding areas are the Spotted Turtle, Common Loon, Beaverpond Clubtail (a dragonfly), American Black Duck, Sharp‐shinned Hawk, Coopers Hawk, Northern Saw‐whet Owl, Olive‐sided Flycatcher, Willow Flycatcher, Cliff Swallow, Common Raven, Winter Wren and several species of salamanders. (Massachusetts Watershed Coalition and Worcester County Conservation District, 2003)
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Besides rare and endangered species, Barre is home to many common species of wildlife. With the exclusion of Town population centers Barre is prime wildlife habitat. Some more common mammals include deer, coyote, raccoon, fisher, rabbit, red and gray fox, striped skunk, opossum, otter, mink, and ermine. Also common are rodents, including gray, red and flying squirrels, beaver, muskrat, porcupine and woodchucks. Mammals such as bobcat, bear and moose are becoming more prevalent. Many bird species such as partridge, woodcock, turkey, heron and a variety of ducks and geese reside in Barre, as well as Pileated Woodpecker, Barred Owl and Great Horned Owl. Native brook trout, large and small mouth bass, perch, and a variety of other fishes live in Barre’s waters. In addition to the native species, the State Department of Fish and Wildlife routinely stocks the area with pheasant, non‐native trout and salmon. Hunters typically use the deer‐checking station, located on the Town Common, as a barometer for the status of the state’s yearly deer populations. As listed above, Barre has ten named ponds, three rivers and several small streams that offer access for fishing and recreation throughout the year. The deeper pond waters of the Ware River are heavily stocked with rainbow, brown and brook trout and recognized as the best fishing areas in Town. Moose Brook and Hemmingway ponds are both home to perch, bass, pickerel and horned pout. Other large waterways such as the Burnshirt River, the Canesto Brook and the Prince River offer easy canoe or small boat access and excellent fishing opportunities. The Ware River, Ware River (West Branch), Burnshirt River, Canesto Brook, and the Prince River in Barre are stocked with trout raised in MassWildlife's hatcheries. Rainbow, brown, brook and tiger trout are raised in state hatcheries located in Sandwich, Belchertown, Montague and Sunderland. Stocking times begin depending on snow, ice, flood levels and water chemistry conditions. All listed waters are stocked in the spring. Other species found in area ponds, lakes, streams, brooks and rivers include bass, yellow perch, pickerel, horned pout, and various sunfish. Barre offers thousands of acres of open space where the public may enjoy the wild, whether by hiking, canoeing, biking, cross country skiing or hunting. The Barre Falls Dam and Ware River Watershed Area contain approximately 23,000 acres in Barre and three adjacent towns. The area is accessible by car, foot or canoe. A carry down canoe site is located near the dam and many other canoe access areas are located on the Ware River above and below the dam. A canoe ride offers a wonderful opportunity to observe native birds and mammals. The Barre Wildlife Management Area contains approximately 600 acres that is stocked with pheasant, waterfowl and trout. Barre also contains thousands of other acres owned by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation that are open for public access and hunting. With permission, hundreds of acres of private property are 2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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also accessible for recreational use and to enjoy the scenic countryside. The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) owns over 100 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and 13 wildlife sanctuaries with care and control of over 160,000 acres of lands and waters. All WMAs are open to hunting, fishing, trapping and other outdoor recreation activities. Sanctuaries are more restrictive—i.e., camping, hunting, fishing and trapping are prohibited. Barre hosts some or all of 5 different wildlife management areas (WMAs) with a total of 2,052.25 acres. Regulations are in place for hunting, fishing and other uses of these areas. Table 4‐6 – Wildlife Management Areas by Town Towns Area Name Total Acres Barre Prince River WMA 749 Barre Moose Brook WMA 632 Barre / Hubbardston / Rutland Barre Falls WMA 10,557 Barre / Petersham Raccoon Hill WMA 416 Hardwick / Barre Ware River WMA 246
Wildlife corridors10 are apparent along the length of the Ware, Prince and Burnshirt Rivers as they pass through Town. Wildlife routinely travel the trails and paths of the protected forests to and from water bodies and feeding areas. Ample farmland and pastures also provide invaluable wildlife corridors between Wildlife Management Areas and other forested land and habitat areas. F ‐ Scenic Resources And Unique Environments Unique Environments There are two Core Habitat Biomap areas in Barre, BM504 and BM518. Barre has 4,654.79 acres of Core Habitat Area and 3,801.84 acres of Secondary Core Habitat Area. The Town has only one core habitat Living Waters area, LW 202. The Town has only 4.31 acres of Core Living 10
A wildlife corridor is an area of habitat connecting wildlife populations separated by human activities (such as roads, development, or logging). This allows an exchange of individuals between populations, which may help prevent the negative effects of inbreeding and reduced genetic diversity (via genetic drift) that often occur within isolated populations. Corridors may also help facilitate the re‐establishment of populations that have been reduced or eliminated due to random events (such as fires or disease). This may potentially moderate some of the worst effects of habitat fragmentation. (Wikipedia.)
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Waters Habitat Areas, but 8,795.92 of Secondary Living Waters Habitat Areas. These areas are shown on the Habitat Features Map. Species found in these Core Habitats are shown in the table below. Table 4.7 – Core Habitat Species Core Habitat BM504
Natural Communities
BM504 BM504 BM504 BM504 BM504 BM504 BM504 BM504 BM504
Natural Communities Natural Communities Natural Communities Natural Communities Natural Communities Natural Communities Natural Communities Natural Communities Natural Communities
Common Name Acidic Rock Cliff Community Acidic Rocky Summit/Rock Outcrop Community Acidic Talus Forest/Woodland Circumneutral Talus Forest/Woodland Kettlehole Level Bog Level Bog Oak ‐ Hemlock ‐ White Pine Forest Oak ‐ Hickory Forest Ridgetop Chestnut Oak Forest/Woodland Shallow Emergent Marsh
Secure Secure Vulnerable Imperiled Vulnerable Secure Secure Secure Secure
BM504 BM504
Plants Plants
Climbing Fumitory Muskflower
Threatened Endangered
BM504 BM504
Invertebrates Invertebrates
Special Concern Special Concern
BM504
Invertebrates
Beaver Pond Clubtail New England Bluet Sensitive Rare Invertebrate Spatterdock Darner
BM504 BM504 BM504 BM504 BM504 BM504 BM504 BM504 BM504 BM504 BM504 BM504
Vertebrates Vertebrates Vertebrates Vertebrates Vertebrates Vertebrates Vertebrates Vertebrates Vertebrates Vertebrates Vertebrates Vertebrates
Bald Eagle Blue‐spotted Salamander Common Loon Eastern Box Turtle Four‐toed Salamander Grasshopper Sparrow Marbled Salamander Southern Bog Lemming Spotted Turtle Spring Salamander Water Shrew Wood Turtle
Endangered Special Concern Special Concern Special Concern Special Concern Threatened Threatened Special Concern Special Concern Special Concern Special Concern Special Concern
BM518 BM518
Natural Communities Hemlock‐Hardwood Swamp Natural Communities High‐Energy Riverbank
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Status Secure
Special Concern
Secure Vulnerable
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Core Habitat BM518 BM518 BM518 BM518
Natural Communities Natural Communities Natural Communities Natural Communities
Common Name Northern Hardwoods ‐ Hemlock ‐ White Pine Forest Red Maple Swamp Shrub Swamp Spruce‐Tamarack Bog
Status
BM518 BM518 BM518
Plants Plants Plants
Bartram's Shadbush Dwarf Mistletoe New England Blazing Star
Threatened Special Concern Special Concern
BM518 BM518 BM518 BM518 BM518 BM518 BM518 BM518 BM518 BM518
Invertebrates Invertebrates Invertebrates Invertebrates
Blueberry Sallow Bog Elfin Coastal Swamp Metarranthis Moth Purple Tiger Beetle
‐‐‐ Threatened Special Concern Special Concern
Vertebrates Vertebrates Vertebrates Vertebrates Vertebrates Vertebrates
American Bittern Eastern Box Turtle Four‐toed Salamander Jefferson Salamander Spring Salamander Wood Turtle
Endangered Special Concern Special Concern Special Concern Special Concern Special Concern
LW202 LW202
Invertebrates Invertebrates
Creeper Triangle Floater
Special Concern Special Concern
Secure Secure Secure Imperiled
(Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, 2005) Vernal pools are unique wildlife habitats best known for the amphibians and invertebrate animals that use them to breed. Vernal pools, also known as ephemeral pools, autumnal pools, and temporary woodland ponds, typically fill with water in the autumn or winter due to rising ground water and rainfall and remain ponded through the spring and into summer. Vernal pools dry completely by the middle or end of summer each year, or at least every few years. Occasional drying prevents fish from establishing permanent populations. Many amphibian and invertebrate species rely on breeding habitat that is free of fish predators. As of January 2009, the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species reported that the Town of Barre had 10 Certified Vernal Pools, although many more would likely be identified if a thorough survey were undertaken. (Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game, 2009) Some vernal pools are protected in Massachusetts under the Wetlands Protection Act regulations, as well as several other federal and state regulations, and local bylaws. The NHESP serves the important role of officially "certifying" vernal pools that are documented by citizens.
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Aerial photos have helped in the identification of potential vernal pools. Barre has 10 certified vernal pools and 175 potential vernal pools. Teams might be dispatched to the sites of potential vernal pools to explore the possibility of certification. Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs) are places in Massachusetts that receive special recognition because of the quality, uniqueness and significance of their natural and cultural resources. These areas are identified and nominated at the community level and are reviewed and designated by the state’s Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs. ACEC designation creates a framework for local and regional stewardship of critical resources and ecosystems. There are no parts of the Town of Barre currently designated as an ACEC. A nomination may be made for future designation if an appropriate area is identified. Scenic and Cultural Resources Unique cultural and historic resources, scenic roads, vistas and landscapes, special agricultural and recreational resources make Barre a special place for its residents and a destination for many visitors. Barre contains within its borders Cook’s Canyon, Barre Falls Dam reservation, ten ponds and many high points that offer outstanding views of Mount Wachusett, the region’s most prominent landscape feature. In addition, many other significant landscapes provide equal scenic value. The Scenic Features Map is attached and includes many of the features listed below, including cemeteries, cultural centers, farms, and historic sites. Heritage Landscapes: In the spring of 2008, the Barre Heritage Landscape Reconnaissance Report was released. This report outlines the community’s landscape history, discusses broader land planning issues identified by the community, describes the priority heritage landscapes and issues associated with them and concludes with preservation recommendations. The Heritage Landscape Inventory identified the following five Priority Heritage Landscapes:
South Barre Barre Common Prince River Corridor Felton Field South Street Corridor
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Scenic Vistas: Most Barre roads are winding lanes with woods, fields, stone walls, ponds, scenic views and clapboard houses that capture uniquely preserved images of rural New England. Scenic areas of Barre include: Cook’s Canyon, Rockingstone Park and Cradle Rock host unique geological features created by the either the flow of water (canyon) or ice (glacial boulders). Also within a short distance of Route 122, the Pleasant Street topography offers scenic views of Mount Wachusett and Allen Hill. Also, near Pleasant Street is the second highest elevation east of the Connecticut River. Since many farms are on several acres of rolling hills, one can often see expansive vistas off in the distance. From the Carter Stevens Farm Stand, there are views of Mount Wachusett to the east. The Barre Town Common is a scenic traditional New England town common, complete with quaint colonial homes, businesses, shade trees, green open spaces. From Powder Mill Pond one can reminisce in the vicinity of the former White Valley village. The Stone Building and Dam on the Ware River owned by the DCR (former Metropolitan District Commission (MDC)) demonstrate the value of the Town’s resources to the State’s water supply. From the Barre Falls Dam, there are scenic vistas, part of the Barre Falls Dam Recreation Area. Many vistas include farm scenery, many complete with farm animals, fields, buildings, and businesses. Farms providing scenic vistas include the Robinson Farm, the Stelmokas Farm (a scenic view of Ridge Hill and the Quabbin Valley), and the Brodmerkle and Clark Farms (a scenic view of the Ware River Valley). If you ascend one of the several hills in Barre including Harding Hill or Mount Pleasant, there are large viewsheds of the valleys and landscapes below. A backwoods cross country ski trip or hike would also reward the active traveler with scenic views of the East Branch of the Ware River and surrounding landscape. Glimpses of days gone by can be seen at Holland’s Mill Site, or at the Riverside Cemetery near the Ware River. Similarly from the banks of the Ware River, near Route 122 imagine the lost village of Coldbrook Springs. The Coldbrook area can be seen from South Street. The Burnshirt River Scenic Vista provides picturesque vista of the river and surrounding area. Harty’s Cross is a special man‐made feature that can be seen and appreciated best from the air. Mt. Greylock, Mt. Snow and Petersham Center can be seen from Hawes Hill. Trails: The Mid State Trail extends through Barre’s eastern corner in a north to south direction, just east of Harding Hill. The Mass Central Rail Trail does have the potential to extend through South Barre in an east to west direction along the old railroad grade near the Ware River.
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The Intercommunity Trail Connection Feasibility Study indicated a highly feasible potential bike path linking Rutland, Oakham, Barre, Hubbardston and the Mid State Trail. It is a well established dirt road. In Barre the path would continue to the Barre Falls Dam property, a nice end point with several amenities from Coldbrook Road. Archeological, Historical and Cultural Resources: Barre was likely part of the original twelve‐mile square Naquag Indian grant of 1686 that includes native sites associated with seasonal hunting and fishing along the Prince and Burnshirt Rivers and then south along the Ware River corridor. No specific archeological sites have been identified in the Town of Barre. State Historic Register: The Town of Barre has 4 sites listed in the 2008 State Register of Historic Places. (Massachusetts Historical Commission, 2008) 1. The Barre Common National Register District consists of 49 properties and is roughly bounded by South, Exchange, Main, Pleasant, Broad, School and Grove Streets. 2. The Barre Congregational Church located on Park St. has a Preservation Restriction. 3. The Barre District #4 Schoolhouse, consisting of 3 properties, is located on Farrington Road and Williamsville Road. 4. The Barre Town Hall on Exchange Street also has a Preservation Restriction and currently houses the Central Quabbin Tourism Center. Cemeteries: Fifteen cemeteries add to the history of Barre. Most of these are publicly owned, but a few are privately owned. 1. Adams Cemetery is located on South Street. 2. Buckminster Cemetery is located on South Street. 3. Caldwell Cemetery is located Fruitland Road. 4. Coldbrook Cemetery is located on Coldbrook Road. 5. Glen Valley Cemetery is located on Valley Road. 6. Jenkins Cemetery is located on Sheldon Road. 7. Joyce Cemetery is located on South Barre Street. 8. Kendall Cemetery is located on Old Coldbrook Road. 9. Lee Cemetery is located on Wauwinet Road. 10. Lincoln Cemetery is located on Pleasant Street. 11. Miles Holden Cemetery is located on Spring Hill Road. 12. Parker Cemetery is located on Coldbrook Road.
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13. Riverside Cemetery is located on Granger Road. 14. Powder Mill Cemetery (no signage) is located on Nichols Road. 15. St. Joseph’s Cemetery is located near the intersection of Routes 32 and 122. Ongoing efforts are being led by the local Eagle Scouts to maintain cemeteries, place needed signage and trim trees. Other Landmarks: Other cultural or historic landmarks include the following: Harding Allen Estate (http://www.harding‐ allen.com/welcome.shtml) is located in Barre Town Center at 59 Allen Lane. The Harding Allen Estate is a magnificent mansion, nestled in the Currier & Ives setting of central Massachusetts. Built during the Roaring Twenties, the Estate evokes memories of the style and opulence of that bygone era. Completed in 1926, this magnificent neo‐classical three‐story mansion represents the culmination of years of painstaking construction. Designed by Boston architects Blackhall, Clapp, and Whittemore, the steel‐beam construction residence was built for Harding Allen, owner of the Chas. G. Allen Co., a drilling and tapping machine company and iron foundry. The company was founded during the Civil War to build Yankee hay rakes. During its peak, the company employed approximately 742 people. The company is considerably smaller today, but still in existence. The White Valley Village site on Route 122 is the location of a former mill village. Here the head house shaft no. 8 of the tunnel connects the Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs of the Metropolitan Water system. The waters of the Ware River are caught here and diverted for water supplies. The Quork Walker (a former slave and Barre resident) Tablet commemorates the celebrated Quork Walker decision rendered in 1783. The decision confirmed that slavery never had a legal existence in Massachusetts. On the 9th of December 1819, a Worcester County Anti‐ Slavery Convention was held at the Worcester Court House to take action to prevent the further introduction of slavery into new states. (Rice, Second Issue Reprinted 1803) Barre Historical Society and Stagecoach is located on Common Street. At first sight, the Barre Stagecoach is an awe‐inspiring wonder ‐ 9 feet tall, 15 feet long and 6 feet wide. It could hold as many as 12 passengers inside. During the mid‐ to late‐1800s, stagecoaches were the primary mode of transportation throughout the state, carrying both passengers and mail. Barre was the center of North/South travel, with stage lines running from Worcester through Paxton, Rutland, 2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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Oakham and Coldbrook to Barre and on to Petersham and Athol. Later, coach lines ran to Greenfield and into Vermont and New Hampshire. The Barre Stagecoach was made by the Abbot‐Downing Company of Concord, New Hampshire in 1859, for a stage line based in Colchester, Connecticut. After serving the Providence/Boston route for many years, it was subsequently sold at auction in Boston to Austin Smith of Barre. While Smith owned the coach, it was frequently driven by his associate Ginery Twitchell, of Pony Express fame. After Austin Smith’s death and per his wishes, the stagecoach was bequeathed to Dr. George Brown of Barre, founder of the Elm Hill School and Dr. Brown’s Institution for Feeble‐Minded Youth. Dr. Brown preserved the coach, using it for patient outings and for local parades and celebrations. The stagecoach was donated to the Barre Library Association in 1963, and ownership subsequently passed to the Barre Historical Society. It was featured in the town’s Bicentennial parade in 1974 (the last time it was driven by horses), and again on a float during Barre’s 225th anniversary celebration. Worcester's noted Greek Revival architect, Elias Carter, built many large homes with Classical orders but no pediment. Most are gone but one example, built by Carter for Charles Lee, survives in Barre, known as the Elias Carter House. It is believed that the Barre Historical Society at 18 Common Street; the Wyman Home, next to the library; and the Smith home on Pleasant Street were all designed by Elias Carter. The “Institute for Feeble‐Minded Youth”, run by Dr. George Brown, also known as The Elm Hill School or Dr. Brown’s Institution was the first of its kind in the United States. Created as a place where motivation and reward ‐ not punishment – were used to grant dignity and purpose to mentally challenged youth and young adults, the school ceased operation in 1943. The Insight Meditation Society (IMS) (http://www.dharma.org/index.html) is located at 1230 Pleasant Street. The Insight Meditation Society's Retreat Center first opened its doors over 30 years ago, providing meditation instruction based on the teachings of the Buddha. Today, it offers a yearly schedule of meditation courses, designed for both new and experienced practitioners, lasting from a weekend to three months. Most retreats run for 7‐9 days, and are taught by recognized Insight Meditation teachers from all over the world. Barre Center of Buddhist Studies (BCBS) (http://www.dharma.org/), 149 Lockwood Road, is a non‐profit educational organization dedicated to exploring Buddhist thought and practice as a living tradition, faithful to its origins, yet adaptable to the current world. The center provides a bridge between study and practice, between scholarly understanding and meditative insight. It encourages engagement with the tradition in a spirit of genuine inquiry. Located on 90 acres of 2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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wooded land in rural, central Massachusetts, just a half mile from the Insight Meditation Society, BCBS provides a peaceful and contemplative setting for the study and investigation of the Buddha’s teachings. The secluded campus consists of a 240 year‐old farmhouse, a dharma hall, and three cottages which taken together provide space for a 5,000 volume library, classroom, meditation hall, student housing, dining, and offices. St. Thomas Catholic Church and the Christ Episcopal Church on Vernon Avenue, the New Life Assembly of God on Main Street, the Barre Congregational Church on Park Street, the Covenant Evangelical on South Street, and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Common Street all contribute to the religious culture of Barre. Harty’s Cross is located at 33 Harty Road. In 1989, John Harty built the 200‐foot long cross in a field in front of his house. Harty's Cross looks like a landing strip for a plane, with the Ten Commandments inscribed on it in bold capital letters. (http://www.immaculateheartworks.com/thecross.html) The Henry Woods Building, the former Barre High School, is home to the town offices and is located at 40 West Street. The Old Barre Town Hall, where Westfield State College began, is located on Exchange Street. The Senior Center facilitates a variety of activities for Barre’s elderly population and is located at 557 South Barre Road. American Legion Post 2 (the second charted in the US) is located at 21 Allen Drive and Post 404 is located on South Barre Road. Woods Memorial Library is located at 19 Pleasant Street. The first public library for the Town of Barre was founded as a gift from Samuel Gates in 1857, but there was no building in which it could be housed. Quarters were shared with the Post Office until the Barre Library Association raised the funds needed to build a library. This was made a reality through a generous gift by a former Barre native, Henry Woods. Work was started in June 1886, and the library opened to the public on August 30, 1887. The library offer programs and services for every patron, from babies and preschool‐aged children to teens, young adults and adults. With something for everyone, the library is a source of knowledge and entertainment for people of all ages. The Stetson School on South Street was founded as an orphanage for boys in 1899, by Henry Augustus Pevear of Lynn, Massachusetts. Still in existence, this updated full service residential facility specializes in the treatment of children and youth with sexual behavior problems. The campus is set on 200 rural acres one mile south of Barre common. The main campus is
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comprised of seven buildings and recreational fields where the housing, education, and treatment of students take place. The Town of Barre built its first bandstand in 1859. Located in North Park where the current Civil War monument now stands, concerts were regularly given on this bandstand and were widely attended. The current bandstand was built in 1931 in memory of Harding Allen, a moving community force of that time. The Quabbin Community Band started out many decades ago as the Barre Wool Brass Band conducted by Severino D’Annolfo, a local cobbler and musician who wrote several pieces including the Barre Common March, the American Legion Auxiliary March, Salute to the G.I., and Tranquil and Alert. Barre Players Theater is home to a non‐profit community theater group located in Barre, at the heart of Central Massachusetts. Since 1971, they have been bringing quality theatrical productions to the community, including musicals, dramas, comedies and reviews. (http://barreplayers.homestead.com/) The Barre Farmer’s Market, takes place at the Barre Common, on Saturday mornings from late spring through early fall. The Farmer’s Market is a hub for small entrepreneurs and farmers from the surrounding area. Patrons come to purchase local produce and goods as well as connect with neighbors and friends. The Central Quabbin Tourism office (www.centralquabbin.org) and the Barre Business Association Welcome Center are located at the lower level (Mechanic Street entrance) of Barre Town Hall, 2 Exchange Street. This agency provides listing of Barre businesses and points of interest to visitors. Carter Steven’s Farm, located at 500 West Street, is a regionally known farm, farm store, petting zoo, ice cream stand and outdoor barbeque. With five generations and counting, the family is dedicated to preserving New England agriculture and has maintained the 1,000‐acre dairy farm since 1938. Over 100 cows are milked everyday at the farm. (http://www.carterandstevensfarm.com/index.html)
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The Barre Falls Dam project consists of an earth fill dam with stone slope protection 885 feet long and 69 feet high. There are three dikes totaling 3,215 feet in length with a maximum elevation of 48 feet. Cut in rock, the spillway comprises a concrete weir 60 feet in length. The weir's crest elevation is 23 feet lower than the top of the dam. There is no lake at the Barre Falls Dam. The flood storage area for the project, which is normally empty, stores floodwaters and covers about 1,500 acres in the towns of Barre, Hubbardston, Rutland, and Oakham, Massachusetts. The entire project, including all associated lands, covers 2,407 acres. The Barre Falls Dam can store up to 7.82 billion gallons of water for flood control purposes. This is equivalent to 8.2 inches of water covering its drainage area of 55 square miles. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation manages and preserves the land for water quality protection. The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority manages these water resources, which are part of the public water supply for the Greater Boston area. The Corps assists the MWRA by coordinating flows to maximize diversion rates, and the MWRA assists the Corps when requested to divert excess flows to help with flood control. Camping, swimming and wading are not permitted. However, there is an 18‐hole disc golf course which spans much of the premises. The Barre Historic Commission (BHC) is placing signs at select historic sites such as the Powder Mill, Felton Field, and the 2nd Parish Church among others. Scenic Roads: Barre has more than 60 Scenic Roads. The size of this list indicates how much beauty can be found along many Town roads. Several of these vistas remain open only with periodic grazing, mowing, clearing, and stewardship. Privately held lands offer many public benefits, and thus it is wise for the community to work with landowners to ensure the future of the Town’s character and scenic resources. Table 4.8 shows a complete list of designated scenic roads in 2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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Barre, as per M.G.L. Chapter 40, Section 15c and approved on April 27, 1974. Barre’s Designated Scenic Roads include the following: 1. Adams Road 2. Allen Road 3. Almon Thrasher Road 4. Baldwin Road 5. Blair Road 6. Britton Road 7. Butterworth Road 8. Chamberlain Hill Road 9. Chapman Road 10. Cleveland Road 11. Cole Place 12. Covered Bridge Road 13. Cummings Road 14. Cut‐off Road 15. Dana Road 16. Daunt Road 17. Everett Road 18. Farrington Road 19. Fisher Road 20. Fruitland Road 21. Gilbert Road 22. Granger Road 23. Grogan Road 24. Hancock Road 25. Hawes Hill Road 26. Jackson Lane 27. James Street 28. Jim Barry Road 29. Lockwood Road 30. Loring Road 31. Lovers Lane 32. Marsh Road 33. Mill Road 34. Murphy Lane 35. Nichewaug Road 36. Nichols Road 37. Nourse Lane 38. Oakham Road 39. Old Coach Road 40. Old Dana Road
Fruitland Road to MDC taking Old Stage Road westerly to Washburn Road Cleveland Road across Hardwick Road along discontinued section to Wauwinet Road Hawes Hill Road to Petersham Skelly Lane Cleveland Road to Spring Hill Road New Braintree Road to end (also includes that section or sections not already discontinued) Rte. 122 northerly to Petersham Town line Old Furnace Road to junction Root and Cole Road Rte. 122 to Old Worcester Road Old Dana Road southerly to Hardwick Road White Cemetery Road to Jewett Road Granger Road to cemetery Hubbardston Road to MDC taking (Junction Cut‐Off and Cummings) Walnut Hill Road to Cummings Road Rte. 122 west to Petersham Town line Hardwick Road to farmhouse Sunrise Avenue to MDC taking Williamsville Road to MDC taking Sunrise Avenue to MDC taking Old Worcester Road to Walnut Hill Road Petersham‐Hubbardston Road to MDC taking Hubbardston Road to MDC taking (listed as far as Covered Bridge Road) South Street to Wauwinet Road Rte. 122 to end Pleasant Street to Petersham Town line Rte. 122 to end Common to Valley Road Old Stage Road westerly to end Pleasant Street to end South Barre Road to South Street Pleasant Street westerly to Old Stage Road Williams or Farrington Road southerly to end Pleasant Street westerly to Old Stage Road Williamsville Road to end Rte. 122 westerly to Petersham Town line South Barre Road to Rte. 122 School Street to end New Braintree Road to Oakham Town line Root Road to end Rte. 122 westerly to Dana Road
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41. Old Stage Road 42. Old Worcester Road 43. Osgood Road 44. Peter Klem Road 45. Petersham‐Hubbardston Road 46. Phillipston Road 47. Raccoon Hill Road 48. Rockingstone Road 49. Root Road 50. Silver Spring Road 51. Skelly Road 52. Skelly Cut‐Off 53. Spooner Road 54. Spring Hill Road 55. Stetson Road 56. Sunrise Avenue 57. Town Farm Road 58. Walnut Hill Road 59. Washburn Road 60. White Cemetery Road 61. Woods Road
Pleasant Street to Petersham Town line Valley Road to Rte. 122 in Coldbrook Washburn Road to end White Cemetery Road (formerly known as Cole Road to cellar hole) Petersham Town line easterly to Hubbardston Town line Petersham‐Hubbardston Road Dana Road southerly to Spring Hill Road Old Dana Road to Rte. 122 South Street to Junction Cole and Chamberlain Hill Road Old Dana Road to Dana Road Petersham Town line to Junction Gilbert and Petersham‐ Hubbardston Roads Skelly Lane northerly to Petersham‐ Hubbardston Road Spring Hill Road to Hardwick Town line Old Dana Road southerly to Hardwick Town line Loring Road to South Street Hubbardston Road to Williams or formerly Farrington Road South Barre Road to Rte. 122 Old Worcester Road to Hubbardston Road Pleasant Street to Rte. 122 (Formerly known as Cole Road) from now Cole and Davis Roads across to Jewett Road Oakham Rd to Oakham Town line Scenic Byway and report)
G ‐ Environmental Challenges Waste Management Solid waste management is an ongoing concern in Town. The Barre landfill produces groundwater leachate that has been and can be a potential source of pollution to the Ware River. Odor problems in the area are also caused by the landfill. Another minor problem results from illegal dumping of appliances and other discarded materials. Additionally, there are ongoing concerns about illegal dumping of hazardous household materials. Since many residents do not participate in hazardous waste collection days, the Town should consider permanent solutions to the random disposal of hazardous substances in open spaces. Forestry issues No one interviewed for this plan was aware of any environmental challenges related to forestry. The Asian Longhorn Beetle has not been reported in the Town of Barre as of the completion of this plan. Existing Water Quality Problems (Massachusetts Watershed Coalition and Worcester County Conservation District, 2003) Environmental concerns in Barre are mainly related to water quality protection. As mentioned earlier, approximately one‐third of the Town lies within DEP Class A Water Supply District, 2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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contributing to the public drinking water supplies of many Massachusetts residents. Barre residents also have a stake in clean water, since their drinking water comes from Town wells and watershed protection benefits recreation uses that depend on water quality. Unplanned land development can be detrimental to water quality protection. Therefore, special consideration should be given to wellhead protection zones and other environmentally sensitive open space lands. This will lessen the likelihood of future water quality problems resulting from development projects. The Town Department of Public Works performs regular roadway maintenance to control drainage and to remedy wash out areas. Sedimentation is caused by erosion of lands where the vegetative cover has been removed. Sediments transported from building sites, farm activities, Town DPW road maintenance and construction, and other common activities continue to harm Barre water resources by filling up streams, ponds and reservoirs. These sediments also add nutrients that accelerate growth of algae and aquatic weeds, which usually diminish the recreational use of local waters. To prevent problems, the Town can enact an Erosion and Sediment Control Bylaw, and work with the Worcester County Conservation District to reduce soil loss from farmlands. Additionally, drainage systems in Town should be mapped. Phase II storm water management measures and maintenance are needed for roadway catch basins. Careful planning and application of Best Management Practices (BMPs) can help avoid very expensive remediation measures, such as dredging of water bodies. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) may divert the Ware River to the Quabbin Reservoir from October 15 through June 15. Thus, water quality is sampled by DCR for fecal coliform bacteria, nutrients, and metals at sampling stations in Barre during those months. It should be understood that not all water quality problems in Barre originate within the Town, since neighboring towns to the north of Barre also contribute. Below is a summary of recent sampling results (Massachusetts Watershed Coalition and Worcester County Conservation District, 2003). Fecal Coliform (Massachusetts Watershed Coalition and Worcester County Conservation District, 2003): Only one DCR sampling station occasionally exceeds the EPA Class A drinking water standard for fecal coliform bacteria contamination. Fecal coliform colonies have been measured in other water samples, but they are safely below the standard. These occasional high counts most likely occur due to residential development and water‐based recreational activities. Fecal coliform contamination is known to originate from failing or poorly‐located on‐ site sewage disposal systems, wildlife and domestic pets, horseback riding, livestock grazing too
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close to surface waters, the use of manure too near surface waters, and human fecal contamination from swimming and camping. Nutrients, Metals, and other Toxic Substances (Massachusetts Watershed Coalition and Worcester County Conservation District, 2003) At the sampling stations, nutrients and metals satisfied the applicable EPA Class A primary drinking water standards. Metal levels were high at some sampling stations only for secondary drinking water standards (aesthetics of taste and odor) for iron and manganese, which occur in some Barre soils naturally. However, numerous sites pose a potential for nutrient and metal contamination of surface and groundwater. Contamination from these types of toxins are known to originate from landfills, asphalt plants, gravel and clay mining, illegal roadside dumping, automobile junkyards, direct discharge of road runoff into surface waters, stormwater runoff, herbicide and pesticide use, fueling of vehicles, road salting, industrial floor drains, and improper disposal of hazardous wastes into septic systems. The location, intensity of development, and land use has a large impact on water quality protection. State regulations such as the Watershed Protection Act, Rivers Protection Act, and Wetlands Protection Act all play important roles in protection of water resources. However, many sensitive areas remain unprotected and should be addressed using development regulation or land conservation tools. The Rivers Protection Act limits development within 200 feet of rivers and streams in the Commonwealth. Specifically it protects the Riverfront Area, defined as 200 feet wide and is measured from each side of the river from the mean annual high water line outward horizontally and parallel to the river. The Watershed Protection Act (WsPA, formerly the Cohen Bill) regulates land use and activities within critical areas of the Quabbin Reservoir, Ware River and Wachusett Reservoir watersheds for the purpose of protecting the quality of drinking water. Administered by the Division of Water Supply Protection (formerly the MDC Division of Watershed Management), WsPA applies only in towns in DCR watersheds. Two areas are protected in different ways under the WsPA. Within 400 feet of the reservoirs and 200 feet of tributaries and surface waters (the "Primary Protection Zone"), any alteration is prohibited. "Alteration" includes a variety of activities, such as construction, excavation, grading, paving, and dumping. Generation, storage, disposal or discharge of pollutants is also prohibited in the Primary Zone. Between 200 and 400 feet of tributaries and surface waters, and on land within flood plains, over some aquifers, and within bordering vegetated wetlands (the "Secondary Protection Zone"), certain activities are specifically prohibited. These include storage, disposal or use of toxic, hazardous, and certain other materials; alteration of bordering vegetated wetlands; more dense development; and other activities. The Town of Barre has 1,244.76 acres Primary Areas and 1,356.20 acres constrained by the Watershed Protection Act and 1,465.97 acres constrained by the River Protection Act.
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Flooding, Sedimentation, Erosion Town employees spend many hours a week in the spring and fall to keep things under control with the Beaver Dam blockages. Beaver dams are a real problem causing excessive erosion, flooding and roadway damage. Beaver populations are on the rise in every community in central Massachusetts. Their activities can be a nuisance to landowners and Public Works employees when occurrences are near human infrastructure. Results of such activities include flooding of roadways, damaged trees, septic problems and basement flooding. Although beaver activity can cause potential problems for local communities in such areas, beavers provide many benefits that are often overlooked. These include groundwater recharge, flood mitigation, and creation of wetland habitats. Methods for alleviation of the problems caused by beaver activities are prevalent and can be utilized for little or no cost. If consideration of these methods is given, townspeople can learn more about how to live with these interesting and industrious creatures. Hazardous Waste Releases The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection listed 38 Waste Sites/Reportable Releases in its Database for the Town of Barre on September 29, 2009. These 38 releases occurred at 28 locations. (Multiple releases are listed for the Barre Landfill, Swenson’s Garage, the gas station at 2 Summer Street, and the Charles G. Allen Co.) The earliest reported release was on September 13, 1985 at Barre Wool on Vernon Avenue. Response Action Outcome (RAO) Statements have been submitted for 23 sites. An RAO Statement asserts that response actions were sufficient to achieve a level of no significant risk or at least ensure that all substantial hazards were eliminated. The list of releases is shown in the table below. Table 4.8 Barre Waste Sites and Reportable Releases RTN11
Site Name
Category Notification Status12 Date
Date
Chemical Type
2‐ 99 Barre 0014108 Depot Rd
Barre Landfill
Two Hr
12/4/2001
RAO‐A2
2/4/2002
2‐ 99 Barre 0014687 Depot Rd
Barre Landfill
Two Hr
3/3/2003
RAO‐A1
5/6/2003
Oil
2‐ 99 Barre 0015387 Depot Rd
Clean Harbors Two Hr Environmental Services Inc
9/2/2004
RAO‐A1
4/6/2005
2‐ 99 Barre 0017378 Depot Rd
Diesel Fuel Release
Two Hr
1/6/2009
RAO‐A2
3/3/2009
Oil
2‐ Broad St 0010104
Catch Basin And Outfall
Two Hr
11/30/1993 RAO‐A1
Address
6/16/1994 Oil
11
Release Tracking Number assigned by Department of Environmental Protection. RAO = Response Action Outcome. Tier classified sites require a permit and receive some level of cleanup oversight from the DEP; Tier 1A sites require the greatest oversight. For a complete listing of definition for these acronyms visit. http://www.mass.gov/dep/cleanup/sites/statdef.htm 12
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RTN11
Site Name
Category Notification Status12 Date
Date
Varnot Auto Sales
None
9/4/1991
RAO‐A2, Phase III
9/23/2004 Oil
2‐ Butterworth Pole 13 0011159 Rd
Two Hr
3/14/1996
RAO‐A1
5/7/1996
Oil
2‐ 10 Common 0000867 St
Shawmut Bank Fmr
None
10/23/1991 DEPNDS
4/9/1996
Oil
2‐ 116 Main St 0001042
Swensons Garage Fmr
None
7/15/1993
Tier 1d
7/7/2008
Oil
2‐ 387 Main St 0016247
Village Market 72 Hr
5/24/2006
Tier 2, Phase II
5/23/2007 Oil
2‐ 116 Main St 0017562 S
Swensons Garage Fmr
Two Hr
6/25/2009
Unclassified 6/25/2009
2‐ Old 0010855 Coldbrook Rd
Int Fruitland St Pole 13
Two Hr
7/16/1995
RAO‐A1
9/15/1995 Oil
2‐ 43 Old 0017064 Coldbrook Rd
Aggregate Industries
120 Dy
4/29/2008
RAO‐A2
9/15/2008 Oil And Hazardous Material
2‐ Route 122 0015761 And Route 32
Mass Highway 120 Dy Dept
5/26/2005
Tier 1c, Phase IV
7/9/2009
Oil
2‐ Rte 32 0000557
Campanello Construction Co
None
4/15/1989
DEPNFA
7/2/1996
2‐ 61 School St 0000560
Town Property
None
4/15/1989
RAO‐A2, Phase II
5/6/1997
2‐ 297 Sheldon Residence 0017569 Rd
Two Hr
6/29/2009
Unclassified 6/29/2009
2‐ Station Rd 0000768
None
7/23/1991
RAO‐A2, Phase II
3/28/2001 Oil
2‐ 2 Summer St Honey Farms 0001036
None
7/15/1993
PENNFA
10/1/1993
2‐ 2 Summer St Honey Farms 0001071
None
10/1/1993
RAO‐B1
8/3/1995
2‐ 2 Summer St Mobil‐Honey 0010523 Farms
120 Dy
10/7/1994
REMOPS, Phase V
12/9/2004 Oil And Hazardous Material
2‐ 2 Summer St Getty Service 0011913 Sta
72 Hr
10/6/1997
RTN Closed
8/13/2001 Oil
Address
2‐ 8 Broad St 0000839
Ep Wine Oil Co Fmr
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RTN11
Category Notification Status12 Date
Date
Chemical Type
2‐ 2 Summer St Getty Sta 0013837
72 Hr
5/30/2001
RTN Closed
3/5/2002
Oil
2‐ 582 Summer United Gas 0012685 St Companies
Two Hr
3/3/1999
RAO‐A1
3/29/1999 Oil
Address
Site Name
2‐ 575 Valley 0014129 Rd
Mitchell Oil Co Two Hr
12/19/2001 RAO‐A2
2/19/2002 Oil
2‐ Vernon Ave 0000022
Barre Wool Fmr
9/13/1985
RAO‐No
8/18/1998 Hazardous Material
2‐ West St 0013887
Utility Pole No Two Hr 7
6/29/2001
RAO‐A1
8/14/2001 Oil
2‐ 699 West St 0000965
Trafalgar Enterprise
None
11/30/1992 RAO‐C1
5/5/2004
2‐ 597 Residence 0017321 Wheelwright Rd
Two Hr
11/25/2008 RAO‐A1
2/10/2009 Oil
Charles G 2‐ 25 0000846 Williamsville Allen Co Rd
None
7/31/1991
RAO‐A3
5/20/1997
Charles Allen 2‐ 25 0011228 Williamsville Co Rd
Two Hr
5/13/1996
RAO‐A3
5/20/1997 Oil
2‐ 25 Charles G 0011596 Williamsville Allen Co Rd
120 Dy
1/9/1997
RAO
5/20/1997 Hazardous Material
2‐ Worcester 0010515 Rd
Mass Hwy
120 Dy
10/14/1994 DPS
7/31/1995 Oil
2‐ Worcester 0013336 Rd
Roadway Release
Two Hr
6/21/2000
RAO‐A1
8/21/2000 Oil
2‐ 7 Worcester 0010447 Rd
Higgins Energy 120 Dy
8/11/1994
DPS
4/3/1996
2‐ 60 0000859 Worcester Rd
Chucks Civic Center
None
9/26/1991
Tier 1b, Phase III
2/16/2001 Oil
2‐ 843 0010298 Worcester Rd
White Vly Service Station
72 Hr
5/5/1994
RAO‐B1
6/27/1994 Oil
2‐ Worcester 0001014 Rd Rte 122
MWRA Facility None
7/15/1993
STMRET
4/1/2004
None
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SECTION 5 – INVENTORY OF LANDS OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION INTEREST Overview Open space makes an important contribution to quality of life. Public recreation areas and open space provide a focus for community life and promote a unique and identifiable community character. Open space can also be an oasis for quiet reflection and can greatly enhance the connection to the natural world. Open space also has economic benefits. It protects and enhances the property values of nearby land. Open space also attracts businesses, new residents, and public and private investment. Research on this topic suggests that the proximity to recreation and open space is THE most important factor in choosing the location of a small business, while quality of life ranks as the third most important factor in choosing the location of a large business. Additionally, conservation land serves environmental functions, providing natural rainwater storage and corridors for wildlife. Even small pockets of green space may serve an important function for migratory birds and butterflies. Open space can also reduce runoff and diminish the frequency and severity of flooding. Wooded open space helps to cool the air and improves air quality. Lands of conservation and recreation interest in the Town of Barre include 1. Properties that are permanently protected, a. Publicly owned for purposes of conservation or resource protection b. Land owned by non–profits and land trusts with conservation restrictions or agricultural preservation restrictions c. Privately owned land with conservation restrictions or agricultural preservation restrictions 2. Properties with limited protection a. Public ownership provides only limited protection since some properties may be sold or developed as schools or town garages, even town halls. b. Properties used for forestry, agriculture or recreation in exchange for special tax status, 3. Privately owned land with special open space or recreational interest such as the rod and gun club. Some of these lands may already be protected open space dedicated to conservation or recreation uses and others will be identified for future protection or acquisition. Permanently Protected Article 97 of the State Constitution provides permanent protection for certain lands acquired for natural resources purposes, meaning “conservation, development and utilization of the agricultural, mineral, forest, water, air and other natural resources.” Lands of this nature are often owned by the municipal conservation commission, recreation commission, water
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department, or by a state or federal conservation agency (i.e., the EOEEA or the Division of Fish and Wildlife). Private, public and non‐profit conservation and recreation lands may also be protected under Article 97. Removing the permanent protection status of such lands is extremely difficult, as is evidenced by the following required steps: The municipal Conservation Commission or Parks and Recreation Committee must vote that the land in question is surplus to its needs. The removal of permanent protection status must be approved at a Town Meeting/City Council vote and pass by a 2/3 vote. The municipality must file an Environmental Notification Form with the EOEEA’s Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA). The removal of permanent protection status must be approved by both the State House of Representatives and the State Senate and pass by a 2/3 vote. In the case of land either acquired or developed with grant assistance from the EOEEA’s Division of Conservation Services, the converted land must be replaced with land of equal monetary value and recreational or conservation utility. In other words, it is intentionally difficult to remove a property’s permanent protection status so that it may be developed. Chapter 97 lands are often owned by the municipal conservation commission, parks and recreation commission, the water department or a state conservation agency. Lands acquired for watershed and aquifer protection are often permanently protected open space. Municipally‐owned properties used for cemeteries, public recreation and conservation areas may be permanently protected via a Town Meeting Vote or a City Council Order. Often these lands are placed under the ownership or protection of the Conservation Commission. Private lands, including those owned by non‐profit organizations, can also be protected in perpetuity through deed conservation restrictions, conservation easements, agricultural preservation restrictions, historic preservation restrictions, or wetlands restrictions. Some easements may run for a more limited period (like 30 years) and those are not considered permanently protected. As mentioned above, these lands are often protected by Article 97. Limited or no protection Municipal lands under active use (schools, town halls, highway department facilities, police/fire facilities, etc.) are not generally considered permanently protected. For the purposes of this plan, we will consider publicly‐owned land not permanently protected. A public disposition process however, theoretically insures some level of protection. They cannot be sold without due process. Private lands that are within the State’s special taxation programs (Chapter 61, 61A, and 61B) are actively managed by their owners, but only have limited protection. Private owners can manage their land for forestry, agriculture, and/or recreation purposes and receive a benefit of reduced property tax under Chapter 61. Chapter 61 is for forested lands, Chapter 61A for 2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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agricultural and horticultural lands, and Chapter 61B is for recreational lands. Chapter lands are considered as having limited protection. While these lands provide significant open space in communities while in the program, once the property is sold or the owner chooses not to participate in the special taxation program, there is no longer a commitment to open space management. If the property is put up for sale, the community has the first right to purchase the property or assign its right to a non‐profit. The Town should inventory and prioritize Chapter land and other open space for acquisition or other protection measures. In addition, the Town should insure that notice is given immediately to Conservation and Recreation Commissions if a Notice of Sale of a Chapter property is delivered to the Select Board. A communication system to allow for rapid response should be developed. Working with local non‐profits, Mass Audubon and East Quabbin Land Trust, may help make acquisitions possible, especially with limited staff and funds.
Ownership Summary Table 5.1 summarizes the amount of conservation and recreation lands according to level of protection and ownership. State properties include extensive water supply protection and watershed management lands, the Ware River Reservation, and the Barre State Forest owned by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) owns more than one‐fifth of the land in Barre. DCR’s focus on watershed protection limits activities that impact water quality, but these properties offer diverse opportunities for passive recreation. Wildlife management areas (WMAs) owned by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife account for the remaining permanently protected state‐owned land. In terms of permanently protected land, the Town of Barre owns almost 49 acres of cemeteries, parks, wetlands and well protection areas.
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Permanently protected non‐profit‐owned open spaces include the Cook’s Canyon and Rutland Brook Sanctuaries owned by Massachusetts Audubon Society and parcels owned by the East Quabbin Land Trust. The Glen Valley Cemetery is privately owned. Almost 1,850 acres are permanently protected by Conservation Restrictions and Agricultural Preservation Restrictions. The Town owns over 640 acres of land used for schools, Town Commons, parks, playgrounds and other uses whose protection status is likely limited. Chapter lands in 2010 accounted for 4,400 acres. Just over 200 acres owned by private non‐profits, religious organizations, and educational institutions are listed as vacant. These parcels are likely not protected, but are still important open space and recreation land. Table 5.1 – Ownership Summary Ownership Summary Permanent Protection Public State Water Supply & Watershed Protection and Management Fisheries and Wildlife Municipal/Regional Cemeteries Water protection Non-Profit
Private
Limited Protection Public Municipal/Regional School Municipal Vacant Municipal Improved Parks
Acres
No Protection Non-Profit
Notes
7,783.08 5,796.40
DCR
1,986.68
DFW 48.99
13.29 35.70 1,211.78
1,211.78
East Quabbin, Mass Audubon & Glen Valley Cemetery
1,846.40
1,846.40
Agricultural Preservation Restrictions (APRs)
14 properties
1,338.26 640.33 121.46 218.92
QRSD, Ruggles & Center School Includes housing authority vacant land and unknown use Senior Center and DPW Felton Field, playgrounds, parks, commons
194.66 116.58
Private Chapter 61 Chapter 61A Chapter 61B
Subtotal 10,890.25
4,430.30 255.15 3934.25 240.90
201.88
Chapter Land Forestry Agriculture Recreation
201.88
Churches & educational nonprofits vacant lands
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A ‐ Private Parcels Table 5.4 ‐ Privately‐owned land of open space or recreation interest has information regarding privately‐owned parcels including Chapter 61, 61A, and 61B land, land with agricultural preservation restrictions, and other privately‐owned properties of open space and/or recreation interest. There are no privately held conservation restrictions. The Open Space Inventory Map indicates privately owned open space and recreation properties and the level of protection. For each parcel, the location, ownership, zoning, land use, size, and level of protection is indicated. The condition of the Chapter 61, Chapter 61A, and APR properties is unknown; the level of public access is assumed to be with the owner’s permission, and the recreational potential is assumed to be minimal since most of these properties are still in agricultural use. With the exception of the Barre Sportsmen’s Club, the condition of the Chapter 61B properties is unknown; the level of public access is assumed to be with the owner’s permission, and the recreational potential is fishing and hunting, hiking, or natural resource appreciation. The South Barre Rod and Gun Club is in good condition, is open to its membership and not the public, and is still used for various target practice and fishing activities. Permanent Protection There are 5 properties totaling 951 acres with agricultural preservation restrictions (APRs) in Barre. Some of these are also listed as the Chapter 61, 61A, and 61B. If so, rather than limited, they have permanent protection. Table 5.2 ‐ Barre Agricultural Preservation Restrictions Project ID13
Property Name
Date14
032698021CHA
Chase Farms
26-Mar-98
274
101698021STE
Stevens, D&A
16-Oct-98
261
062597021WHI
White Oak/Stevens
25-Jun-97
103
022889021BUJ
Bujnevicie
28-Feb-89
182
042889021EVA
Evangelista
28-Apr-89
131
Total
Acreage
951
13 14
Project ID is a reference number from/for the Department of Agricultural Resources. Date accepted by the Department of Agricultural Resources
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Limited Protection Many private landowners participate in voluntary Chapter 61 programs that benefit forestry, agriculture or open space uses. Owners of ten acres or more acres who manage their land for forestry uses can enroll in Chapter 61, which allows a 95% reduction in property taxes. Owners of five or more acres can enroll in Chapter 61A if they use their land for agriculture, or they can enroll in Chapter 61B if their land is used for open space/recreation purposes. The Chapter 61A and Table 5.3 Barre Chapter Land Summary Acreage 61B programs also allow a reduction in property Type taxes. Communities have the right of first refusal on Chapter 61 255.15 3,934.25 Chapter 61 lands if owners sell or convert to Chapter 61A 240.90 residential, commercial or industrial uses (unless it is Chapter 61B Total 4,430.30 a residential use for a family member). Stewardship of privately‐owned lands preserves open fields and hilltops, productive forests and scenic stream valleys throughout the Town. Often, Chapter 61 lands have been owned by families for generations and are important places in Barre’s history. The Town’s right of first refusal on Chapter 61 properties is an important conservation and recreation opportunity. To be prepared, the Town should have a policy and a well‐defined process for working with a Chapter 61 landowner who decides to divest the property. In 2009, there was 4,430.30 acres of Chapter land in Barre. They included forested properties, various agricultural properties, and recreational use properties. Chapter 61 (Forest) lands are found on Dana Road, Farrington Road, Fisher Road, Granger Road, Old Dana Road, Sunrise Avenue and Spooner Road. Chapter 61B (Recreation) lands are found on Farrington Road, Wheelwright Road, Dana Road, Gilbert Road, James Street, Old Petersham Road, Skelly Road, Spring Hill Road, Sunrise Avenue, and Woods Road. Chapter 61A lands are abundant and are scattered broadly about town. The Chapter 61B properties include the South Barre Rod and Gun Club (described below) and variety of other locations set aside for fishing, hiking and the enjoyment of natural resources. Privately‐owned open space and recreation facilities of interest The following privately owned properties are or have been used for various open space or recreation uses. Some are farms of local or regional importance. South Barre Rod and Gun Club, a Chapter 61B property is located at 2626 South Barre Road, right on the Hardwick Line. Its facilities include a 200‐yard outdoor rifle range, 50‐yard archery range, 3‐D archery course, an approximately 10‐acre bass pond, and a single room clubhouse. Its activities include 10 shooting events per year, such as turkey shoots. For youth, the club offers 0.22 caliber shooting, hand trap shooting and a youth pheasant hunt. Coldbrook Golf & RV Resort, 864 Old Coldbrook Road, not only offers some of the most scenic camping, but also has a long list of amenities including a 9‐hole golf course. The campground is 2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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perfectly situated overlooking the Ware River Valley on 300 acres of rolling pastures and forest. The resort borders the 22,000 acre Ware River Watershed Wildlife Recreation Area. The Coldbrook Golf & RV Resort gives easy access to many outdoor activities including mountain biking, hiking, fishing, golfing and horseback riding. Amenities include pet friendly resort, an executive par three golf course, a 100 foot wading pool, Olympic size swimming pool, free wi‐fi hot spots, country club, playground, volleyball courts, basketball courts, dining facilities, hiking, fishing (catch & release), mountain biking, country store, arcade, entertainment, large camping sites, dump station, and propane filling station. http://www.morganrvresorts.com/pages/col dbrook_homepage The Hillside Equestrian Center, 468 Old Coldbrook Road, offers stables for horses, plus lessons and horseback riding opportunities. Barre Sportsman’s Club is located at 221 Springhill Road. Its facilities include a 3‐D archery course, trap shooting with sporting clays, and a rifle range. The club sponsors several events for both adults and youth. http://www.barresportsmansclub.org/ The former Pine Ridge Snow Park was located at 377 Stetson Road and is no longer in business but was one of the friendliest family ski areas in Central Massachusetts. Located just off Route 32, Pine Ridge offered skiing and riding on 7 trails and slopes serviced by a T‐bar and rope tow. It had a 210 foot drop, 7 trails, 80 percent snowmaking on 25 skiable acres. http://skiing.alpinezone.com/resorts/detail.htm?resort=pineridge Hartman’s Herb Farm and Bed and Breakfast is located at 1026 Old Dana Road. The owners propagate and grow hundreds of varieties of herbs, perennials, dried flowers, bedding and vegetable plants. Stroll through display garden, greenhouses, and herb gift shop. The post and beam dining room is available for bus tours (a demo and lecture included), wedding showers and other small parties by reservation. http://www.hartmansherbfarm.com/about.htm Stevens Farm Bed and Breakfast is located at 749 Old Coldbrook Road and dates back to circa 1789. Guests enjoy an old‐fashioned country experience at Stevens Farm. The 18th‐century farmhouse has been in the innkeepers’ family for nine generations since 1789. Guests can take tours of the 350‐acre working farm, or just relax and enjoy the view from the gazebo. During the winter months, guests can cross‐country ski on the property or ice skate on the pond. 2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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Colorful, handmade afghans and comfortable antiques decorate the bedchambers. The parlor features Victorian furnishings, an upright piano and a tin ceiling. The innkeeper once worked as a cook and professional baker and prepares the savory full breakfasts. Dinner, featuring items such as Yankee pot roast, homemade bread and cranberry walnut pie, can be arranged. The inn recently received the Governors Hospitality Award. The farm sits high on a hill on 350 acres, overlooking Barre and Rutland. It is a full working farm with cows, chickens, horses and rabbits. A pond for fishing, and trails for cross‐country skiing, hiking and biking is on premises. http://www.stevensfarminn.com/ Sunnyhill Farm Fibers, 452 Fruitland Road is an working sheep and Angora rabbit farm which produces multicolored hand‐dyed yarns and fleeces in a great variety of textures and precious fibers. The farm demonstrates and offers classes in spinning, knittings, weaving and felting. Angora rabbit grooming, shearing and spinning are demonstrated. Visitors can feed baby lambs by bottle in season at the small animal petting zoo. The Great Rock Alpaca Farm at 280 Hardwick Road is a small family‐owned farm which breeds alpacas and sells fleece products. Children love to visit with the alpacas.
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Table 5.4 - Privately-owned land of open space or recreation interest Location
Zoning
Owner, Last Name/ Management Agency
Description/ Current Use
Use Code
Use Code Description
Degree Of Protection
Dana Rd. Dana Rd. Dana Rd. (Off) Dana Rd. (Off) Farrington Rd. Farrington Rd. Farrington Rd. Fisher Rd.
R-80 R-80 R-80 R-80 R-80 R-80 R-80 R-80
Carruth Power Power Power Schlosser Schlosser Schlosser Wood
Chap. 61 Chap. 61 Chap. 61 Chap. 61 Chap. 61 Chap. 61 Chap. 61 Chap. 61
6010 6010 6010 6010 6010 6010 6010 6010
C61 Ten Yr C61 Ten Yr C61 Ten Yr C61 Ten Yr C61 Ten Yr C61 Ten Yr C61 Ten Yr C61 Ten Yr
Limited Limited Limited Limited Limited Limited Limited Limited
16.18 31.30 37.30 3.30 3.00 20.30 0.94 4.99
Fisher Rd.
R-80
Wood
Chap. 61
6010
C61 Ten Yr
Limited
13.32
Fisher Rd.
R-80
Wood
Chap. 61
6010
C61 Ten Yr
Limited
5.49
Granger Rd. Granger Rd. Old Dana Rd. Spooner Rd. (Off)
R-80 R-80 R-80 R-80
Williams Williams Carter-Pond Co Mammone
Chap. 61 Chap. 61 Chap. 61 Chap. 61
6010 6010 6010 6010
C61 Ten Yr C61 Ten Yr C61 Ten Yr C61 Ten Yr
Limited Limited Limited Limited
68.80 3.08 17.00 20.58
Sunrise Ave. Sunrise Ave. Sunrise Ave. (Off)
R-80 R-80 R-80
O'connor O'connor O'connor
Chap. 61 Chap. 61 Chap. 61
6010 6010 6010
C61 Ten Yr C61 Ten Yr C61 Ten Yr
Limited Limited Limited
2.47 0.20 6.90
Subtotal Chapter 61 Land Grogan Rd. Old Dana Rd.
R-80 R-80
Petrovick Hartman-Wozniak
Chap. 61a Chap. 61a
7120 7120
Tr Crp Veg Tr Crp Veg
Limited Limited
255.15 7.63 10.28
Old Stage Rd. Sheldon Rd.
R-80 R-80
Stevens Morello Farm Realty Trust
Chap. 61a Chap. 61a
7120 7120
Tr Crp Veg Tr Crp Veg
Limited Limited
14.50 4.79
Sheldon Rd.
R-80
Kittredge Rawson
Chap. 61a
7120
Tr Crp Veg
Limited
7.50
2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
Page 61
Land Area In Acres
Table 5.4 - Privately-owned land of open space or recreation interest Location
Zoning
Owner, Last Name/ Management Agency
Description/ Current Use
Use Code
Use Code Description
Degree Of Protection
Sheldon Rd. Sheldon Rd. 719 North Brookfield Rd.
R-80 R-80 R-80
Kittredge Rawson Kittredge John M M & M Farms LLC
Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a
7120 7120 7130
Tr Crp Veg Tr Crp Veg Field Crps
Limited Limited Limited
5.00 5.50 171.06
Cutler Rd.
R-80
Chap. 61a
7130
Field Crps
Limited
29.70
Fruitland Rd. Glazier Rd.
R-80 R-80
Carl R Lam Revocable Living Trust Stevens W R Robinson Lumber Co
Chap. 61a Chap. 61a
7130 7130
Field Crps Field Crps
Limited Limited
7.50 7.09
Grogan Rd. (Off) Hardwick Rd. Hardwick Rd. Hardwick Rd. Hawes Hill Rd. Hubbardston Rd. / Everett Rd
R-80 R-80 R-80 R-80 R-80 R-80
Petrovick Stelmokas Stelmokas Stelmokas Engel Stevens
Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a
7130 7130 7130 7130 7130 7130
Field Crps Field Crps Field Crps Field Crps Field Crps Field Crps
Limited Limited Limited Limited Limited Limited
4.53 38.10 6.23 113.10 20.79 7.56
Hubbardston Rd. / Walnut Hill
R-80
Stevens
Chap. 61a
7130
Field Crps
Limited
9.78
Jewett Rd. Mill Rd. North Brookfield Rd.
R-80 R-80 R-80
Sinkewicz Patterson Brodmerkle
Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a
7130 7130 7130
Field Crps Field Crps Field Crps
Limited Limited Limited
1.00 18.79 7.84
Old Coldbrook Rd.
R-20
Clark
Chap. 61a
7130
Field Crps
Limited
21.40
Old Coldbrook Rd.
R-80
Stevens
Chap. 61a
7130
Field Crps
Limited
96.42
Old Hardwick Rd.
R-80
Kukas
Chap. 61a
7130
Field Crps
Limited
16.70
Old Hardwick Rd.
R-80
Kukas
Chap. 61a
7130
Field Crps
Limited
133.89
2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
Page 62
Land Area In Acres
Table 5.4 - Privately-owned land of open space or recreation interest Location
Zoning
Owner, Last Name/ Management Agency
Description/ Current Use
Use Code
Use Code Description
Degree Of Protection
Old Hardwick Rd.
R-80
Huppert
Chap. 61a
7130
Field Crps
Limited
18.16
Old Stage Rd.
R-80
Alexandrovich
Chap. 61a
7130
Field Crps
Limited
18.17
Old Stage Rd.
R-80
Alexandrovich
Chap. 61a
7130
Field Crps
Limited
23.38
Old Stage Rd. Old Stage Rd.
R-80 R-80
Stevens Stevens
7130 7130
Field Crps Field Crps
Limited Limited
35.80 76.72
Old Stage Rd. / Allen Hill Rd.
R-80
Stevens
Chap. 61a Chap. 61a/APR3 Chap. 61a
7130
Field Crps
Limited
31.29
Pleasant St.
R-80
Alexandrovich
Chap. 61a
7130
Field Crps
Limited
7.00
Pleasant St. Pleasant St.
R-80 R-80
Stevens Alexandrovich
Chap. 61a Chap. 61a
7130 7130
Field Crps Field Crps
Limited Limited
134.28 0.49
Root Rd. Root Rd. Root Rd. Root Rd. Root Rd. Ruggles Ln.
R-80 R-80 R-80 R-80 R-80 R-20, R-80, IND R-80, R-20 R-80 R-80 R-80 R-80 R-80
Morrall Robinson Robinson Robinson Robinson Stevens
Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a
7130 7130 7130 7130 7130 7130
Field Crps Field Crps Field Crps Field Crps Field Crps Field Crps
Limited Limited Limited Limited Limited Limited
71.58 2.50 19.78 26.20 2.60 44.59
Robinson
Chap. 61a
7130
Field Crps
Limited
36.69
Robinson Stelmokas O'neil O'neil Moss
Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a
7130 7130 7130 7130 7130
Field Crps Field Crps Field Crps Field Crps Field Crps
Limited Limited Limited Limited Limited
11.39 102.90 9.20 52.89 142.23
South St. South St. Spring Hill Rd. Sunrise Ave. Sunrise Ave. Wauwinet Rd.
2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
Page 63
Land Area In Acres
Table 5.4 - Privately-owned land of open space or recreation interest Location
Zoning
Owner, Last Name/ Management Agency
Description/ Current Use
Use Code
Use Code Description
Degree Of Protection
Wauwinet Rd. Wauwinet Rd. West St.
R-80 R-80 R-80
Southwick Southwick Petracone
Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a
7130 7130 7130
Field Crps Field Crps Field Crps
Limited Limited Limited
80.28 31.30 24.90
West St. West St. West St. Hawes Hill Rd. Cole Rd. Company Farm Rd.
R-80 R-80 R-80 R-80 R-80 R-80
Neylon Bennett Neylon Engel Sinkewicz Hardaker / Fawcett
7130 7130 7130 7140 7160 7160
Field Crps Field Crps Field Crps Orchards Till Forag Till Forag
Limited Limited Limited Limited Limited Limited
17.69 5.62 11.34 4.89 65.00 189.00
Cutler Rd. Glancy Rd. Glazier Rd.
R-80 R-80 R-80
Morrall Stevens W R Robinson Lumber Co
Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a/APR1 Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a
7160 7160 7160
Till Forag Till Forag Till Forag
Limited Limited Limited
29.27 26.46 15.52
Jewett Rd. Jewett Rd. Jewett Rd. (Off) Old Hardwick Rd.
R-80 R-80 R-80 R-80
Sinkewicz Sinkewicz Sinkewicz Kukas
Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a
7160 7160 7160 7160
Till Forag Till Forag Till Forag Till Forag
Limited Limited Limited Limited
95.00 44.00 50.00 45.00
Old Stage Rd.
R-80
Stevens
7160
Till Forag
Limited
17.99
Old Stage Rd.
R-80
Stevens
7160
Till Forag
Limited
7.99
Old Stage Rd.
R-80
Alexandrovich
Chap. 61a/ APR3 Chap. 61a/ APR3 Chap. 61a
7160
Till Forag
Limited
18.48
Pleasant St. Pleasant St. Sunrise Ave. Sunrise Ave. Washburn Rd.
R-80 R-80 R-80 R-80 R-80
Stevens Stevens Stevens Stevens Stevens
Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a
7160 7160 7160 7160 7160
Till Forag Till Forag Till Forag Till Forag Till Forag
Limited Limited Limited Limited Limited
9.00 12.99 18.74 64.60 137.00
2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
Page 64
Land Area In Acres
Table 5.4 - Privately-owned land of open space or recreation interest Location
Zoning
Owner, Last Name/ Management Agency
Description/ Current Use
Use Code
Use Code Description
Degree Of Protection
Winship Rd. Woods Rd.
R-80 R-80
Neylon Hardaker / Fawcett
7160 7160
Till Forag Till Forag
Limited Limited
18.12 75.25
Woods Rd.
R-80
Hardaker / Fawcett
7160
Till Forag
Limited
9.60
Baldwin Rd. Spooner Rd. Spring Hill Rd. Spring Hill Rd. 481 Hawes Hill Rd.
R-80 R-80 R-80 R-80 R-80
Engel Stelmokas Stelmokas Stelmokas Eiben
Chap. 61a Chap. 61a/ APR1 Chap. 61a/ APR1 Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a
7170 7170 7170 7170 7180
Prod Wood Prod Wood Prod Wood Prod Wood Pasture
Limited Limited Limited Limited Limited
106.50 0.50 11.50 32.90 2.30
Cole Rd. Gilbert Rd. (Off) Hancock Rd. Hardwick Rd. Hardwick Rd. Hawes Hill Rd. James Street / Summer Street
R-80 R-80 R-80 R-80 R-80 R-80 R-80
Duhamel Meleen Meilus Stelmokas Stelmokas Eiben Allen
Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a
7180 7180 7180 7180 7180 7180 7180
Pasture Pasture Pasture Pasture Pasture Pasture Pasture
Limited Limited Limited Limited Limited Limited Limited
77.00 20.60 5.51 16.40 0.90 9.30 1.70
Lane Rd. Old Coldbrook Rd. Old Stage Rd. Phillipston Rd. Phillipston Rd. Pleasant Street Pleasant Street Root Rd. South Street
R-80 R-80 R-80 R-80 R-80 R-80 R-80 R-80 R-80, R-20 R-20 R-20
Duhamel Stevens Stevens Madsen Madsen Stevens Stevens Robinson Robinson Anna M
Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a
7180 7180 7180 7180 7180 7180 7180 7180 7180
Pasture Pasture Pasture Pasture Pasture Pasture Pasture Pasture Pasture
Limited Limited Limited Limited Limited Limited Limited Limited Limited
43.50 1.84 5.00 4.50 25.82 2.79 41.00 2.20 2.49
Allen Allen
Chap. 61a Chap. 61a
7180 7180
Pasture Pasture
Limited Limited
0.59 2.10
Summer Street Summer Street
2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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Land Area In Acres
Table 5.4 - Privately-owned land of open space or recreation interest Location
Zoning
Owner, Last Name/ Management Agency
Description/ Current Use
Use Code
Use Code Description
Degree Of Protection
Summer Street Walnut Hill Rd.
R-20 R-80
Chap. 61a Chap. 61a
7180 7180
Pasture Pasture
Limited Limited
1.10 11.39
Walnut Hill Rd.
Chap. 61a
7180
Pasture
Limited
3.29
Wauwinet Rd. West Street West Street West Street (Off) Williamsville Rd.
R-80, B-C R-80 R-80 R-80 R-80 R-80
Allen Grace M Yaglou Revocable Trst Clark Stephen M Moss Bennett Bennett White Bullard
Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a
7180 7180 7180 7180 7180
Pasture Pasture Pasture Pasture Pasture
Limited Limited Limited Limited Limited
14.50 6.59 10.99 3.00 71.05
Williamsville Rd.
R-80
Madsen
Chap. 61a
7180
Pasture
Limited
2.96
Williamsville Rd.
R-80
Kelley
Chap. 61a
7180
Pasture
Limited
19.65
Williamsville Rd.
R-80
Madsen
Chap. 61a
7180
Pasture
Limited
5.71
Williamsville Rd.
R-80
Madsen
Chap. 61a
7180
Pasture
Limited
2.67
Williamsville Rd. / Gilbert
R-80
Kelley
Chap. 61a
7180
Pasture
Limited
7.50
Old Dana Rd.
R-80
Hartman-Wozniak
Chap. 61a
7190
Nurseries
Limited
8.52
Adams Rd.
R-80
Salvadore
Chap. 61a
7200
Nonprnecld
Limited
2.18
Adams Rd. Cole Rd. Cole Rd. Cutler Rd.
R-80 R-80 R-80 R-80
Stevens Sinkewicz n Duhamel Moss
Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a Chap. 61a
7200 7200 7200 7200
Nonprnecld Nonprnecld Nonprnecld Nonprnecld
Limited Limited Limited Limited
1.92 64.00 35.00 2.13
2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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Land Area In Acres
Table 5.4 - Privately-owned land of open space or recreation interest Location
Zoning
Owner, Last Name/ Management Agency
Description/ Current Use
Use Code
Use Code Description
Degree Of Protection
Cutler Rd.
R-80
Moss
Chap. 61a
7200
Nonprnecld
Limited
2.15
Cutler Rd. (Off) Everett Rd.
R-80 R-80
Morrall Castriotta
Chap. 61a Chap. 61a
7200 7200
Nonprnecld Nonprnecld
Limited Limited
3.69 151.51
Grogan Rd.
R-80
Petrovick
Chap. 61a
7200
Nonprnecld
Limited
2.30
Grogan Rd.
R-80
Petrovick
Chap. 61a
7200
Nonprnecld
Limited
1.00
Jewett Rd. (Off)
R-80
Sinkewicz
Chap. 61a
7200
Nonprnecld
Limited
16.00
North Brookfield Rd.
R-80
Young
Chap. 61a
7200
Nonprnecld
Limited
2.00
Old Coach Rd. (Off)
R-80
Robinson
Chap. 61a
7200
Nonprnecld
Limited
0.91
Old Coldbrook Rd.
R-80
Clark
Chap. 61a
7200
Nonprnecld
Limited
1.75
Old Coldbrook Rd.
R-80
Clark
Chap. 61a
7200
Nonprnecld
Limited
1.71
Old Coldbrook Rd.
R-80
Clark
Chap. 61a
7200
Nonprnecld
Limited
4.07
Old Coldbrook Rd. (Off)
R-80
Stevens
Chap. 61a
7200
Nonprnecld
Limited
8.56
Old Stage Rd.
R-80
Alexandrovich
Chap. 61a
7200
Nonprnecld
Limited
2.81
Old Stage Rd. (Off)
R-80
Alexandrovich
Chap. 61a
7200
Nonprnecld
Limited
27.10
Pleasant Street
R-80
Stevens
Chap. 61a
7200
Nonprnecld
Limited
15.72
Pleasant Street (Off)
R-80
Stevens
Chap. 61a
7200
Nonprnecld
Limited
5.75
Sanderson Rd.
R-80
Stevens
Chap. 61a
7200
Nonprnecld
Limited
5.51
2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
Page 67
Land Area In Acres
Table 5.4 - Privately-owned land of open space or recreation interest Location
Zoning
Owner, Last Name/ Management Agency
Description/ Current Use
Use Code
Use Code Description
Degree Of Protection
Spring Hill Rd.
R-80
Stelmokas
Chap. 61a
7200
Nonprnecld
Limited
33.00
Walnut Hill Rd.
R-80
Chap. 61a
7200
Nonprnecld
Limited
2.20
Wauwinet Rd.
R-80
Grace M Yaglou Revocable Trust Moss
Chap. 61a
7200
Nonprnecld
Limited
70.76
Wauwinet Rd.
R-80
Moss
Chap. 61a
7200
Nonprnecld
Limited
9.73
Wauwinet Rd.
R-80
Moss
Chap. 61a
7200
Nonprnecld
Limited
84.50
West Street (Off)
R-80
Morrissette
Chap. 61a
7200
Nonprnecld
Limited
15.00
Chamberlain Hill Rd.
R-80
Bovenzi
Chap. 61a
7220
Nonprwetld
Limited
1.10
Pleasant Street
R-80
Alexandrovich
Chap. 61a
7220
Nonprwetld
Limited
7.09
Pleasant Street
R-80
Alexandrovich
Chap. 61a
7220
Nonprwetld
Limited
7.69
Subtotal Chapter 61A lands Dana Rd.
R-80
Graves
Chap. 61b
8010
61b Hike
Limited
3,934.25 6.47
Gilbert Rd.
R-80
Warren
Chap. 61b
8030
Limited
30.20
James Street (Off)
R-80
Allen
Chap. 61b
8030
Limited
19.50
Old Petersham Rd.
R-80
Warren
Chap. 61b
8030
Limited
6.79
Skelly Rd.
R-80
Warren
Chap. 61b
8030
Limited
3.36
Spring Hill Rd. (Off)
R-80
Twarog
Chap. 61b
8030
61b Nature Mdl-00 61b Nature Mdl-00 61b Nature Mdl-00 61b Nature Mdl-00 61b Nature Mdl-00
Limited
44.00
2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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Land Area In Acres
Table 5.4 - Privately-owned land of open space or recreation interest Location
Zoning
Owner, Last Name/ Management Agency
Description/ Current Use
Use Code
Use Code Description
Degree Of Protection
Sunrise Ave.
R-80
Betteridge
Chap. 61b
8030
Limited
1.00
Sunrise Ave.
R-80
Betteridge
Chap. 61b
8030
Limited
8.78
Sunrise Ave.
R-80
Betteridge
Chap. 61b
8030
Limited
5.03
Sunrise Ave.
R-80
Betteridge
Chap. 61b
8030
Limited
11.45
Woods Rd.
R-80
Duplisea
Chap. 61b
8030
Limited
39.70
Woods Rd.
R-80
Duplisea
Chap. 61b
8030
Limited
1.50
Woods Rd.
R-80
Duplisea
Chap. 61b
8030
Limited
11.70
Woods Rd. (Off)
R-80
Duplisea
Chap. 61b
8030
Limited
7.00
Farrington Rd.
R-80
Betteridge
Chap. 61b
8080
61b Nature Mdl-00 61b Nature Mdl-00 61b Nature Mdl-00 61b Nature Mdl-00 61b Nature Mdl-00 61b Nature Mdl-00 61b Nature Mdl-00 61b Nature Mdl-00 61b Fish
Limited
1.33
Farrington Rd.
R-80
Betteridge
Chap. 61b
8080
61b Fish
Limited
1.10
Wheelwright Rd. (Off)
R-80
So Barre Rod & Gun Club Inc
Chap. 61b
8080
61b Fish
Limited
42.00
Subtotal Chapter 61B lands 864 Old Coldbrook Rd.
Coldbrook RV Resort Llc
3261
468 Old Coldbrook Rd.
R-80, R-20 R-80
Sunnydale Llc
3660
221 Spring Hill Rd.
R-80
Barre Sportsman Club
3850
2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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Rest/Clubs Mdl-96 Arenas Fish & Game
Land Area In Acres
None
240.90 143.14
None
74.71
None
118.29
Table 5.4 - Privately-owned land of open space or recreation interest Location
Zoning
Owner, Last Name/ Management Agency
Description/ Current Use
126 Company Farm Rd. and Woods Rd.
R-80
Chase Farms, Inc.
Old Stage Rd., Pleasant St., Lovers Ln., Allen Hill Rd., Ruggles Ln. & Nourse Ln. Old Stage Rd. & Allen Hill Rd.
R-80, R-20
Stevens
R-80
Stevens/White Oak
R-80
Bujnevicie
R-80
Evangelista
APR – Agriculture, 2 tracts APR – Agriculture, 4 tracts APR Agriculture APR Agriculture APR Agriculture
West St., Jackson Ln., Washburn Rd. Petersham Rd.
Use Code
Subtotal Agricultural Preservation Restriction Lands
2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
Use Code Description
Degree Of Protection
Land Area In Acres
APR1
Permanent
274
APR2
Permanent
261
APR3
Permanent
103
APR4
Permanent
182
APR5
Permanent
131 951
Page 70
B ‐ Public and Non Profit Parcels Table 5.7 through Table 5.15 provide information on public and non‐profit owned lands of open space or recreation interest and contain a listing of the location, ownership, managing agency, zoning, land use code and land use description, level of protection, public access, and acreage. And in the case of town‐owned conservation and recreation properties (Table 5.11), information is provided regarding managing agency, condition, recreation potential and type of grant (if any) used to purchase and/or renovate the property. For many parcels the condition is unknown. A more thorough assessment of condition is suggested as an action step for inclusion in future plans. Permanently Protected – State‐owned (Table 5.7) Publicly‐owned, permanently protected open space and recreation areas in the Town of Barre include 5,796.40 acres within the Ware River Reservation, the Barre State Forest, and the Barre Falls Dam Recreation Area. These lands are owned by the Department of Conservation and Recreation for watershed protection, water supply protection, and conservation. Barre Falls Dam and Recreation Area, on the Ware River in East Barre, consists of an earth fill dam with stone slope protection 885 feet long and 69 feet high. There are three dikes totaling 3,215 feet in length with a maximum elevation of 48 feet. Cut in rock, the spillway comprises a concrete weir 60 feet in length. The weir's crest elevation is 23 feet lower than the top of the dam. There is no lake at the Barre Falls Dam. The flood storage area for the project, which is normally empty, stores floodwaters and covers about 1,500 acres in the towns of Barre, Hubbardston, Rutland, and Oakham, Massachusetts. The entire project, including all associated lands, covers 2,407 acres. The Barre Falls Dam can store up to 7.82 billion gallons of water for flood control purposes. This is equivalent to 8.2 inches of water covering its drainage area of 55 square miles. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) manages and preserves the land for water quality protection. The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) manages these water resources, which are part of the public water supply for the Greater Boston area. The Army Corps of Engineers assists the MWRA by coordinating flows to maximize diversion rates, and the MWRA assists the Corps when requested to divert excess flows to help with flood control. Camping, swimming and wading are not permitted. However, there is an 18‐ hole disc golf course which spans much of the premises. The US Army Corps of Engineers, a federal agency, manages, but does not own, the Barre Falls Dam. Barre State Forest is owned by the state DCR and is also well‐used for biking, hiking, cross‐ country skiing, horseback riding, hunting, and fishing. 1986.68 acres are owned by the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Wildlife and managed as Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). 2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
Page 71
Table 5.5 – Wildlife Management Areas by Town Towns Barre Barre Barre / Hubbardston / Rutland Barre/Phillipston/Hubbardston/Petersham Barre / Petersham Hardwick / Barre
Area Name Prince River WMA Moose Brook WMA Barre Falls WMA Phillipston WMA Raccoon Hill WMA Ware River WMA
Total Acres 749 632 10,557 3,383 416 246
The Prince River WMA consists of 749 acres located in the northern portion of the Town of Barre. The Moose Brook WMA consists of 632 acres in 3 areas in the western section of the Town of Barre. The Barre Falls WMA consists of 10,557 acres in the towns of Barre, Hubbardston and Rutland. The area has 2 canoe only boat ramps. Phillipston WMA, 3,383 acres located in the eastern part of Petersham, spreads into the western part of Phillipston and Hubbardston and the northern part of Barre. Extending south from Route 101, the Phillipston Wildlife Management Area is traversed by portions of the Burncoat River, Moccasin Brook, and Wine Brook. The land is dominated by mixed hardwood and conifer forest, but also includes wooded swamps, open marshes, two lovely ponds, and several beaver impoundments. These waters support fur‐bearers and native brook trout, while grouse, woodcock, deer, coyote, snowshoe hare, cottontail rabbit, turkey and other species share the upland. Stocked pheasant can be found in season. There are parking areas at Baker Lane in Phillipston and Narrow Lane in Petersham, and a canoe put‐in is located on Queen Lake at the Phillipston end of Narrow Lane. Baker Lane is now closed to traffic and makes a fine hiking trail through part of the WMA. The Raccoon Hill WMA consists of 416 acres in the western section of the Town of Barre and the southern section of the Town of Petersham. In Barre, it is located in the vicinity of Dana and Old Dana Roads. The Ware River WMA consists of 246 acres in the towns of Barre and Hardwick. The Ware River Rail Trail (WRRT) is an unpaved state‐owned trail open for public use from Coldbrook to Baldwinville. An on‐road detour is necessary through the village of Baldwinville, but the right‐of‐way is open for public use on an informal basis from the outskirts of Baldwinville to the outskirts of Winchendon, except where it is blocked by the Route 2 embankment 0.9 miles north of Templeton. Two rights‐of‐way extend into New Hampshire from Winchendon, making this trail a key link in an extensive network of interstate trails. The WRRT, as planned, will extend roughly 6 miles past the former Barre railroad stations in South
2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
Page 72
Barre, Barre Depot, Coldbrook and Harwoods. http://members.fortunecity.com/railtrails/MA/BW/index.htm. In addition to the WRRT, the Massachusetts Central Rail Trail (MCRT) is projected from Coldbrook Road in Oakham through South Barre and Barre Plains. The Midstate Trail cuts through a small section of the Town of Barre. Larger sections are found in the towns of Oakham and Rutland. Other Permanently Protected Parcels Conservation Restrictions The following 8 Conservation Restrictions are held by the State, the state and the town jointly, or a non‐profit organization. These were reported by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation for a total of 895.40 acres. The term of each is in perpetuity. Table 5.6 ‐ Barre Conservation Restrictions Fy # Grantor 81 1 Helen Connington
Grantee Town/Conservation Commission
91 2 Carter Pond Co. DFWELE 96 3 Beatrice M. Riley Mt. Graceland Cons. Trust 96 4 Michael & Louise Dwyer Huppert Mt. Graceland Cons. Trust The Trustees of 0 5 James & William Stelmokas Reservations Massachusetts Audubon Society Town/Conservation 8 6 (Butterworth Rd.) Commission Massachusetts Audubon Society Town/Conservation 8 7 (Old Stage Rd.) Commission 8 Charles Dewey & Dorothy Taft East Quabbin Land Trust Total
Acres
Comments
46.6 part in Petersham 190 CR#13 206 8.8 agricultural, 255 farming/forestry use 30 103 56 895.4
At its June 12, 2006 Annual Town Meeting, the Town of Barre voted to accept a certain parcel of land, being the site of the former Nornay Building and that said 1.696 acres of land should be kept for the Town as a public park in perpetuity. In 2007 the Barre Conservation Commission worked with Coldbrook Resort to finalize a deed with a conservation deed restriction. Also, the Conservation Commission worked with Mass Audubon and Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust to ensure protection of 2 parcels on Butterworth and Old Stage Roads. Land will be preserved for conservation wildlife and water quality and will ensure year round public access for hiking nature study and passive recreational uses.
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Cook’s Canyon Wildlife Sanctuary, 141 South Street, is a 60‐acre area owned and maintained by the Massachusetts Audubon Society. The sanctuary has two adjoining parcels ‐ Cook’s Canyon and Williams Woods—that can be explored on its quarter‐mile trail, which leads visitors through scenic meadowlands and a forest. During the fall foliage season, binoculars might be useful to look out over the spectacular wooded ravine, brook, and waterfall. The Canyon was formed by the 200 foot drop of Galloway Brook from the dam to the Prince River. The area was restored by George Cook in 1896. Cook’s Canyon is a popular location for Barre residents. Visitors can hike the many trails and explore the Canyon’s history. http://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/Sanctuaries /Cooks_Canyon/index.php The Rutland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses 1,500 acres of woodlands, wetlands, brooks, and ledges. Combined with neighboring conservation lands the sanctuary is part of one of the largest parcels of contiguous protected land in central Massachusetts. Enjoy a short walk (less than one mile) along boulder‐strewn Rutland Brook or opt for a more strenuous hike to the base of Porcupine Ledge where there are impressively old specimens of sugar and red maples and white ash, as well as a large porcupine den. In the spring and fall, one can find migrating waterfowl and otters on Connor Pond. Look for moose signs, especially scrapes on young red maples. The fields provide great habitat for butterflies and dragonflies and nodding ladies’ tresses, an orchid species, during late summer and early fall. http://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/Sanctuaries/Rutland_Brook/index.php Public Or Non Profit Owned Parcels With Limited Protection As mentioned earlier, schools, parks, and other town‐owned parcels are considered limited protection since there is no deed use restriction, but also because any sale of the property would require a public process. The Quabbin Regional Middle and High Schools, 800 South Street, are part of the Regional School District which has served Barre, Hardwick, Hubbardston, New Braintree, and Oakham since 1967. The school campuses include a wide array of recreational facilities including a football field with a quarter mile track, 2 or more soccer fields, and 3 baseball fields of various sizes in addition to typical indoor basketball and athletic courts. Ruggles Lane Elementary 2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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School at 105 Ruggles Lane in Barre has a baseball diamond and soccer type practice/playing field and is also part of the Quabbin Regional School District. Felton Field is located on Old Coldbrook Road. In addition to the 1865 fairgrounds, the area has 3 outdoor tennis courts and an outdoor basketball court, 3 soccer‐type fields and a baseball diamond. It is also actively used for horseback riding. Thorng Field, located between School Street and Canal Street, is a soccer field. Rice Park on School Street North between Winter and Broad Streets, formerly the site of a blacksmith shop, is now home to basketball courts, a skateboard park, and a climbing wall. A baseball field is located on the corner of Maple Lane and Wheelwright Road. There may be lands the Town holds title to as a result of owners defaulting on property taxes. Tax‐title lands have little protection, but may abut conservation and recreation areas. These lands can be useful to leverage open space investments by state agencies. An inventory of tax title lands can identify potential conservation and recreation areas for Barre residents at very low cost. All Town‐owned property, especially conservation and recreation lands, should be reviewed to evaluate the actual level of protection, so recommendations can be made to address this management issue. In addition, all Town‐owned lands should be reviewed to determine suitability for low‐impact recreation activities. As listed above, several non‐profit organizations, churches, hospitals or social service agencies own property in Barre, though these properties may have open space or recreation value, they are not protected. Open Space Equity The Town of Barre has more than an adequate supply of open space throughout the Town. While access to the open space may vary depending on where it is publicly or privately owned, no Barre resident need travel more than a few minutes to a wildlife management area or scenic vista. Recreation areas are more concentrated in the center of Town and in South Barre and Barre Plains where the population density is greater. If new recreation facilities are developed, there should some consideration for location in the outlying areas. 2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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Table 5.7 – State‐ Owned Lands Of Open Space Or Recreation Interest Location Zoning Owner Description/ Use Current Use Code
Use Code Description15
Degree Of Pro‐ tection
Land Area In Acres
Os State, Rec Regional/ Other Muni, NP
Public Access
Dana Road (Off)
R‐80
Massachusetts Div. Of Water 9150 DCR Supply Protection
MDC Wtrshd
Permanent 40.00
Os
State
Yes
Cut‐Off Road
R‐80
Massachusetts Div. Of Water 9150 DCR Supply Protection
MDC Wtrshd
Permanent 14.20
Os
State
Yes
Cut‐Off Road (Off)
R‐80
Massachusetts Div. Of Water 9150 DCR Supply Protection
MDC Wtrshd
Permanent 69.50
Os
State
Yes
Dana Road
R‐80
Massachusetts Div. Of Water 9150 DCR Supply Protection
MDC Wtrshd
Permanent 15.52
Os
State
Yes
Williamsville Road (Off)
R‐80
Massachusetts Div. Of Water 9150 DCR Supply Protection
MDC Wtrshd
Permanent 17.29
Os
State
Yes
Williamsville Road (Off)
R‐80
Massachusetts Div. Of Water 9150 DCR Supply Protection
MDC Wtrshd
Permanent 1.00
Os
State
Yes
Granger Road
R‐80
Massachusetts Div. Of Water 9150 DCR Supply Protection
MDC Wtrshd
Permanent 2.10
Os
State
Yes
Granger Road
R‐80
Massachusetts Div. Of Water 9150 DCR Supply Protection
MDC Wtrshd
Permanent 9.81
Os
State
Yes
Barre
R‐80
Massachusetts Div. Of Water 9290 DCR Supply Protection
Other/Sta
Permanent 43.11
Os
State
Yes
15
As indicated by the Barre Assessor’s office, MDC Wtrshed = (Former) Metropolitan District Commission Watershed lands, DEM = Former Department of Environmental Management, DFW = Department of Fish and Game, Division of Fish and Wildlife,
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Table 5.7 – State‐ Owned Lands Of Open Space Or Recreation Interest Location Zoning Owner Description/ Use Current Use Code
Use Code Description15
Degree Of Pro‐ tection
Land Area In Acres
Os State, Rec Regional/ Other Muni, NP
Public Access
Gilbert/Granger R‐80 Rd
Massachusetts Div. Of Water 9150 DCR Supply Protection
MDC Wtrshd
Permanent 5,117.41 Os
State
Yes
Gilbert Road
R‐80
Massachusetts Div. Of Water 9150 DCR Supply Protection
MDC Wtrshd
Permanent 34.10
Os
State
Yes
Sunrise Avenue R‐80 (Off)
Massachusetts Div. Of Water 9150 DCR Supply Protection
MDC Wtrshd
Permanent 80.21
Os
State
Yes
Loring Road
Massachusetts Div. Of Water 9150 DCR Supply Protection
MDC Wtrshd
Permanent 19.72
Os
State
Yes
Massachusetts Watershed DCR Management Com Massachusetts Watershed DCR Management Com Massachusetts Watershed DCR Management Com Massachusetts Watershed DCR Management Com Massachusetts Watershed DCR Management Com
9100
DEM
Permanent 80.00
Os
State
Yes
9100
DEM
Permanent 21.00
Os
State
Yes
9100
DEM
Permanent 69.00
Os
State
Yes
9100
DEM
Permanent 53.59
Os
State
Yes
9100
DEM
Permanent 10.00
Os
State
Yes
Barre Depot Road
R‐80, R‐20, IND R‐80
Barre Depot Road (Off)
R‐80
Coldbrook Road
R‐80
Coldbrook Road
R‐80
Gilwee Road
R‐80
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Table 5.7 – State‐ Owned Lands Of Open Space Or Recreation Interest Location Zoning Owner Description/ Use Current Use Code Gilwee Road
R‐80
Use Code Description15
Massachusetts Watershed 9100 DEM DCR Management Com Walnut Hill R‐80 Massachusetts Watershed 9100 DEM Road DCR Management Com 9100 DEM Barre R‐80 Massachusetts Watershed DCR Management Com Subtotal Water Supply Protection And Watershed Management = 5796.40 Raccoon Hill R‐80 Massachusetts Div. Of Fisheries & 9110 DFW Road DFG Wildlife Spooner Road R‐80 Massachusetts Div. Of Fisheries & 9110 DFW DFG Wildlife Spooner Road R‐80 Massachusetts Div. Of Fisheries & 9110 DFW DFG Wildlife Old Hardwick R‐80 Massachusetts Div. Of Fisheries & 9110 DFW Road DFG Wildlife Murphy Road R‐80 Massachusetts Div. Of Fisheries & 9110 DFW (Off) DFG Wildlife Skelly Road R‐80 Massachusetts Div. Of Fisheries & 9110 DFW DFG Wildlife Baldwin Road R‐80 Massachusetts Div. Of Fisheries & 9110 DFW (Off) DFG Wildlife Dana Road R‐80 Massachusetts Div. Of Fisheries & 9110 DFW DFG Wildlife
2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
Degree Of Pro‐ tection
Os State, Rec Regional/ Other Muni, NP
Public Access
Permanent 10.84
Os
State
Yes
Permanent 40.00
Os
State
Yes
Permanent 48.00
Os
State
Yes
Permanent 30.87
Os
State
Yes
Permanent 41.20
Os
State
Yes
Permanent 69.17
Os
State
Yes
Permanent 65.00
Os
State
Yes
Permanent 58.90
Os
State
Yes
Permanent 46.00
Os
State
Yes
Permanent 62.60
Os
State
Yes
Permanent 62.80
Os
State
Yes
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Land Area In Acres
Table 5.7 – State‐ Owned Lands Of Open Space Or Recreation Interest Location Zoning Owner Description/ Use Current Use Code
Use Code Description15
Degree Of Pro‐ tection
Dana Road
R‐80
9110
DFW
Dana Road
R‐80
9110
Dana Road
R‐80
Dana Road
R‐80
Dana Road
R‐80
Dana Road
R‐80
Dana Road
R‐80
Dana Road
R‐80
Dana Road
R‐80
Dana Road
R‐80
Dana Road
R‐80
Dana Road
R‐80
Dana Road
R‐80
Dana Road
R‐80
Massachusetts DFG Massachusetts DFG Massachusetts DFG Massachusetts DFG Massachusetts DFG Massachusetts DFG Massachusetts DFG Massachusetts DFG Massachusetts DFG Massachusetts DFG Massachusetts DFG Massachusetts DFG Massachusetts DFG Massachusetts DFG
Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife
2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
Os State, Rec Regional/ Other Muni, NP
Public Access
Permanent 1.95
Os
State
Yes
DFW
Permanent 1.88
Os
State
Yes
9110
DFW
Permanent 1.86
Os
State
Yes
9110
DFW
Permanent 1.68
Os
State
Yes
9110
DFW
Permanent 1.44
Os
State
Yes
9110
DFW
Permanent 1.69
Os
State
Yes
9110
DFW
Permanent 1.60
Os
State
Yes
9110
DFW
Permanent 1.50
Os
State
Yes
9110
DFW
Permanent 2.42
Os
State
Yes
9110
DFW
Permanent 2.13
Os
State
Yes
9110
DFW
Permanent 1.70
Os
State
Yes
9110
DFW
Permanent 1.85
Os
State
Yes
9110
DFW
Permanent 1.98
Os
State
Yes
9110
DFW
Permanent 2.81
Os
State
Yes
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Land Area In Acres
Table 5.7 – State‐ Owned Lands Of Open Space Or Recreation Interest Location Zoning Owner Description/ Use Current Use Code
Use Code Description15
Degree Of Pro‐ tection
Dana Road
R‐80
9110
DFW
Dana Road
R‐80
9110
Dana Road
R‐80
Flaherty Road (Off) Gilbert Road (Off) Old Dana Road
R‐80
R‐80
Old Dana Road
R‐80
Old Dana Road
R‐80
Old Dana Road
R‐80
Old Dana Road
R‐80
Raccoon Hill Road Phillipston Road (Off) Old Petersham Road Old Petersham Road
R‐80
R‐80
R‐80 R‐80 R‐80
Massachusetts DFG Massachusetts DFG Massachusetts DFG Massachusetts DFG Massachusetts DFG Massachusetts DFG Massachusetts DFG Massachusetts DFG Massachusetts DFG Massachusetts DFG Massachusetts DFG Massachusetts DFG Massachusetts DFG Massachusetts DFG
Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife
2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
Os State, Rec Regional/ Other Muni, NP
Public Access
Permanent 34.20
Os
State
Yes
DFW
Permanent 2.32
Os
State
Yes
9110
DFW
Permanent 2.35
Os
State
Yes
9110
DFW
Permanent 79.20
Os
State
Yes
9110
DFW
Permanent 43.50
Os
State
Yes
9110
DFW
Permanent 1.78
Os
State
Yes
9110
DFW
Permanent 1.78
Os
State
Yes
9110
DFW
Permanent 2.15
Os
State
Yes
9110
DFW
Permanent 2.20
Os
State
Yes
9110
DFW
Permanent 2.07
Os
State
Yes
9110
DFW
Permanent 207.96
Os
State
Yes
9110
DFW
Permanent 72.03
Os
State
Yes
9110
DFW
Permanent 82.61
Os
State
Yes
9110
DFW
Permanent 1.05
Os
State
Yes
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Land Area In Acres
Table 5.7 – State‐ Owned Lands Of Open Space Or Recreation Interest Location Zoning Owner Description/ Use Current Use Code Old Petersham Road Nourse Lane (Off) Old Dana Road
R‐80
Sheldon Road
R‐80
Sheldon Road
R‐80
R‐80 R‐80
Massachusetts DFG Massachusetts DFG Massachusetts DFG Massachusetts DFG Massachusetts DFG Massachusetts DFG Massachusetts DFG Massachusetts DFG
Hawes Hill R‐80 Road Hawes Hill R‐80 Road R‐80 North Brookfield Road (Off) Old Hardwick R‐80 Massachusetts Road DFG Hawes Hill R‐80 Massachusetts Road DFG Old Petersham R‐80 Massachusetts Road DFG Old Petersham R‐80 Massachusetts Road DFG Phillipston R‐80 Massachusetts Road (Off) DFG Subtotal Fish And Wildlife = 1986.68 acres
Use Code Description15
Degree Of Pro‐ tection
Land Area In Acres
Os State, Rec Regional/ Other Muni, NP
Public Access
Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife
9110
DFW
Permanent 1.12
Os
State
Yes
9110
DFW
Permanent 172.92
Os
State
Yes
9110
DFW
Permanent 160.00
Os
State
Yes
9110
DFW
Permanent 193.64
Os
State
Yes
9110
DFW
Permanent 26.44
Os
State
Yes
9110
DFW
Permanent 210.40
Os
State
Yes
9110
DFW
Permanent 37.50
Os
State
Yes
9100
DEM
Permanent 40.32
Os
State
Yes
Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife Div. Of Fisheries & Wildlife
9110
DFW
Permanent 31.80
Os
State
Yes
9110
DFW
Permanent 11.93
Os
State
Yes
9110
DFW
Permanent 61.86
Os
State
Yes
9110
DFW
Permanent 26.83
Os
State
Yes
9110
DFW
Permanent 13.69
Os
State
Yes
2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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1.00
Os
Reg/ Muni
Yes
Well maint ained.
Sheldon Road
R-80
Barre DPW
Cemetery Jenkins/ Dist #7
930g
Town Cemetery
Permanent
0.23
Os
Reg/ Muni
Yes
Well maint ained.
Pleasant Street
R-80
Barre DPW
Cemetery Lincoln
930g
Town Cemetery
Permanent
1.50
Os
Reg/ Muni
Yes
Well maint ained.
South Street
R-20
Barre DPW
Cemetery Adams
930g
Town Cemetery
Permanent
0.92
Os
Reg/ Muni
Yes
Well maint ained.
South Street
R-20
Barre DPW
Cemetery Buckminster/ South
930g
Town Cemetery
Permanent
1.00
Os
Reg/ Muni
Yes
Well maint ained.
2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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Type of Grant
Permanent
Recreational Potential
Os Rec Other
Town Cemetery
Condition
Land Area In Acres
930g
State, Regional/ Muni, NP
Degree Of Protection
Cemetery Jane King
Use Code Description
Barre DPW
Use Code
Description/ Current Use
R-80
Zoning
Silver Brook Road
Location
Management Agency
Public Access
Table 5.8 – Town Owned Conservation Or Recreation Properties, Cemeteries
Passi ve enjoy ment, walkin g, etc. Passi ve enjoy ment, walkin g, etc. Passi ve enjoy ment, walkin g, etc. Passi ve enjoy ment, walkin g, etc. Passi ve enjoy ment, walkin g, etc.
Unkn own
Unkn own
Unkn own
Unkn own
Unkn own
0.60
Os
Reg/ Muni
Yes
Well maint ained.
Farrington Road
R-80
Barre DPW
Cemetery Dist #4
930g
Town Cemetery
Permanent
0.90
Os
Reg/ Muni
Yes
Well maint ained.
Old Petersham Road
R-80
Barre DPW
Cemetery Dist #9
930g
Town Cemetery
Permanent
1.50
Os
Reg/ Muni
Yes
Well maint ained.
Spring Hill Road
R-80
Barre DPW
Cemetery Hathaway/Di st #10
930g
Town Cemetery
Permanent
0.26
Os
Reg/ Muni
Yes
Well maint ained.
Peach Street
R-15
Barre DPW
Cemetery High Plains/Pratt #12
930g
Town Cemetery
Permanent
0.20
Os
Reg/ Muni
Yes
Well maint ained.
2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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Type of Grant
Permanent
Recreational Potential
Os Rec Other
Town Cemetery
Condition
Land Area In Acres
930g
State, Regional/ Muni, NP
Degree Of Protection
Cemetery Caldwell/Dist #2
Use Code Description
Barre DPW
Use Code
Description/ Current Use
R-80
Zoning
Fruitland Road
Location
Management Agency
Public Access
Table 5.8 – Town Owned Conservation Or Recreation Properties, Cemeteries
Passi ve enjoy ment, walkin g, etc. Passi ve enjoy ment, walkin g, etc. Passi ve enjoy ment, walkin g, etc. Passi ve enjoy ment, walkin g, etc. Passi ve enjoy ment, walkin g, etc.
Unkn own
Unkn own
Unkn own
Unkn own
Unkn own
Permanent
0.90
Os
Reg/ Muni
Yes
Well maint ained.
Granger Road
R-80
Barre DPW
Cemetery Riverside/Old Harwood
930g
Town Cemetery
Permanent
2.70
Os
Reg/ Muni
Yes
Well maint ained.
Wauwinet Road
R-80
Barre DPW
Cemetery Lee/Dist #15
930g
Town Cemetery
Permanent
1.20
Os
Reg/ Muni
Yes
Well maint ained.
Fruitland Road
R-80
Barre DPW
Cemetery
930g
Town Cemetery
Permanent
0.38
Os
Reg/ Muni
Yes
Well maint ained.
Subtotal Town Cemeteries = 13.29 acres
2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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Type of Grant
Town Cemetery
Recreational Potential
Os Rec Other
930g
Condition
Land Area In Acres
Cemetery Kendall Plain
State, Regional/ Muni, NP
Degree Of Protection
Barre DPW
Use Code Description
Description/ Current Use
R-20, R-80
Use Code
Management Agency
Old Coldbrook Road
Location
Zoning
Public Access
Table 5.8 – Town Owned Conservation Or Recreation Properties, Cemeteries
Passi ve enjoy ment, walkin g, etc. Passi ve enjoy ment, walkin g, etc. Passi ve enjoy ment, walkin g, etc. Passi ve enjoy ment, walkin g, etc.
Unkn own
Unkn own
Unkn own
Unkn own
Perm anent
35.00
Other
Reg/ Muni
?
Maint ained
Old Coach Road (Off)
R-80
Barre DPW
Water Standpipe
930c
Muni water standpipe Vac/Outbldg
Perm anent
0.70
Other
Reg/ Muni
?
Maint ained
Subtotal Town Water = 35.70 acres
2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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Type of Grant
Os Rec Other
Mun Water Supply Vac/Outbldg
Recreational Potential
Land Area In Acres
930c
Condition
Degree Of Pro-tection
Water Reservoir
State, Regional/ Muni, NP
Use Code Description
Barre DPW
Use Code
Description/ Current Use
R-80
Zoning
Sanderson Road
Location
Management Agency
Public Access
Table 5.9 - Water Department Properties
Passi ve Enjoy ment, Walki ng Passi ve Enjoy ment, Walki ng
Unkn own
Unkn own
Condition
Recreational Potential
Type of Grant
Public Access
Os Rec Other
Secondary Ed
Limited
66.73
Rec
Reg/ Muni
Yes
Well maint ained
Multip le rec opp.
Unkn own
School Quabbin Regional
9460
Secondary Ed Vacant
Limited
1.71
Rec
Reg/ Muni
Yes
Well maint ained
Multip le rec opp.
Unkn own
School Quabbin Regional
9460
Secondary Ed Vacant
Limited
42.68
Rec
Reg/ Muni
Yes
Well maint ained
Multip le rec opp.
Unkn own
School
9330
Education Vacant
Limited
5.52
Other
Reg/ Muni
Yes
Well maint ained
Multip le rec opp.
Unkn own
School Center
9300
Municipal Vacant
Limited
1.21
Rec
Reg/ Muni
Yes
Well maint ained
Multip le rec opp.
Unkn own
School Ruggles Lane
9340
Elementar y Ed Improved
Limited
3.52
Rec
Reg/ Muni
Yes
Well maint ained
Multip le rec opp..
Unkn own
School School House Lot
9300
Municipal Vacant
Limited
0.10
Other
Reg/ Muni
Yes
Well maint ained
Multip le rec opp.
Unkn own
2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
State, Regional/ Muni, NP
Land Area In Acres
9410
Use Code
School Quabbin Regional
Description/ Current Use
Management Agency
Quabbin Regional School Dist. Loring Road R-80 Quabbin Regional School Dist. Root Road R-80 Quabbin Regional School Dist. Ruggles R-80 Quabbin Lane R-20 Regional School Dist. Mechanic R-15 Quabbin Street Regional School Dist. 105 Ruggles R-80 Quabbin Lane Regional School Dist. Wauwinet R-80 Quabbin Road Regional School Dist. Subtotal Schools – 121.46 acres
Degree Of Pro-tection
R-80
Use Code Description
800/872 South Street
Zoning
Location
Table 5.10 – Town Or Regional School Properties
Page 87
State, Regional/ Muni, NP
Public Access
Limited
16.00
Rec
Muni
Yes
Well maint ained
Barre Common
R-80, R-15, B-C
Commo ns Advisory Committ ee & Town of Barre DPW
Town Common Park
9300
Munici pal Vacant
Limited
2.20
Os
Muni
Yes
Well maint ained
Barre Common
R-80
Commo ns Advisory Committ ee & Town of Barre DPW
Town Common Park
9300
Munici pal Vacant
Limited
0.60
Os
Muni
Yes
Well maint ained
Barre Common
R-80
Commo ns Advisory
Town Common Park
9300
Munici pal Vacant
Limited
0.80
Os
Muni
Yes
Well maint ained
2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
Page 88
Type of Grant
Os Rec Other
Mun Vac/ Outbld g
Recreational Potential
Land Area In Acres
930c
Condition
Degree Of Pro-ection
Felton Field Park
Use Code Description
Felton Field Commis sion & Town of Barre DPW
Use Code
Description/ Current Use
R-20
Zoning
120 Old Coldbrook Road
Location
Management Agency
Table 5.11– Town–Owned Conservation And Recreation Land, Parks
Multiple rec opp., Horses hows, playing fields, tennis, picnic. Multiple pass. Opp, Sitting, commu nity events, farmers markets , etc. Multiple pass. Opp, Sitting, commu nity events, farmers markets , etc. Multiple pass. Opp,
Unkn own
Unkn own
Unkn own
Unkn own
Committ ee & Town of Barre DPW
Barre Common
R-80
Commo ns Advisory Committ ee & Town of Barre DPW
Town Common Park
9300
Munici pal Vacant
Limited
1.00
Os
Muni
Yes
Well maint ained
Barre Common
R-80
Commo ns Advisory Committ ee & Town of Barre DPW
Town Common Park
9300
Munici pal Vacant
Limited
0.05
Os
Muni
Yes
Well maint ained
Barre Common
R-80
Commo ns Advisory Committ ee &
Town Common Park
9300
Munici pal Vacant
Limited
0.07
Os
Muni
Yes
Well maint ained
2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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Sitting, commu nity events, farmers markets , etc. Multiple pass. Opp, Sitting, commu nity events, farmers markets , etc. Multiple pass. Opp, Sitting, commu nity events, farmers markets , etc. Multiple pass. Opp, Sitting, commu
Type of Grant
Recreational Potential
Condition
Public Access
State, Regional/ Muni, NP
Os Rec Other
Land Area In Acres
Degree Of Pro-ection
Use Code Description
Use Code
Description/ Current Use
Management Agency
Zoning
Location
Table 5.11– Town–Owned Conservation And Recreation Land, Parks
Unkn own
Unkn own
Unkn own
Town of Barre DPW
nity events, farmers markets , etc. Multiple pass. Opp, Sitting, commu nity events, farmers markets , etc. Ball field
Type of Grant
Recreational Potential
Condition
Public Access
State, Regional/ Muni, NP
Os Rec Other
Land Area In Acres
Degree Of Pro-ection
Use Code Description
Use Code
Description/ Current Use
Management Agency
Zoning
Location
Table 5.11– Town–Owned Conservation And Recreation Land, Parks
Barre Common
R-80
Commo ns Advisory Committ ee & Town of Barre DPW
Town Common Park
9300
Munici pal Vacant
Limited
0.08
Os
Muni
Yes
Well maint ained
28/30 Wheelwright Rd
B-C
Town of Barre DPW
Ball field
9350
Ball Field Park
Limited Protecti on
11.24
Rec
Municip al
Yes
Well maint ained
Gilbert Road
R-80
Conservation Land, Open Space
9300
Munici pal Open Space
Perman ent?
19.15
Os
Reg/M uni
Yes
Excell ent, minim ally maint ained.
Outdoor /nature enjoym ent,
Unkn own
School Street N, (Rice Park)
R-15
Basketball and Ice Skating
9300
Municip al Vacant
Limited
0.40
Rec
Reg/M uni
Yes
Good
Basket ball and Ice Skating
Unkno wn
School
R-80,
Conserv ation Commis sion, & Town Of Barre, DPW Town Of Barre Rec Commis sion Town Of
Playing
9300
Municip
Limited
5.50
Rec
Reg/M
Yes
Good
Active
Unkno
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Unkn own
Unkn own
Street S (Thorng Field) West Street/Old Dana Road (Rockingston e Park)
R-15
Peach Street (Roger Langley School Lot)
R-15
Spring Hill Road (Off)/ Alman Thresher Mechanic Street Lot
R-80
R-80
R-80. R-15, R-20
Barre Rec Com Rockinst one Park Commis si
Fields, Playground, picnicking Hiking, horseback riding, nature study, xc skiing, picnicking, biking
Town Of Barre DPW, Rec Commis sion Town Of Barre
Town Of Barre DPW
al Vacant
uni
9300
Municip al Vacant
Limited
24.60
OS
Reg/M uni
Yes
Good
Playing fields
9300
Municip al Vacant
Limited
2.00
Rec
Reg/M uni
Yes
Good
Hunting, Hiking, Biking, Nature Study Hiking, horseback riding, nature study, xc skiing, picnicking,
9300
Municip al Vacant
Limited
10.00
OS
Reg/M uni
Yes
Poor
9300
Municip al Vacant
Limited
13.56
OS
Reg/M uni
Yes
Good
2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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Type of Grant
Recreational Potential
Condition
Public Access
State, Regional/ Muni, NP
Os Rec Other
Land Area In Acres
Degree Of Pro-ection
Use Code Description
Use Code
Description/ Current Use
Management Agency
Zoning
Location
Table 5.11– Town–Owned Conservation And Recreation Land, Parks
and passive rec. Hiking, horseb ack riding, nature study, xc skiing, picnicki ng, biking, passive rec Active rec
wn
Contin ued passive rec Contin ued passive rec
Unkno wn
Unkno wn
Unkno wn
Unkno wn
State, Regional/ Muni, NP
Public Access
Condition Poor
Passiv e until cleanu p
Unkno wn
9300
Municip al Vacant
Limited
0.01
OS/R ec
Reg/M uni
Yes
Poor
Passiv e until cleanu p
Unkno wn
Hiking, 9300 Municip horseback al riding, nature Vacant study, xc skiing, picnicking, biking Subtotal Town-owned parks and open space – 116.58 acres
Limited
7.60
OS
Reg/M uni
Yes
Good
Contin ued passive rec.
Unkno wn
Worcester Road (Millers Beach)
R-80
Town Farm Road
R-80, R-20
Former Swimming Area, Picnicking
2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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Type of Grant
Os Rec Other
Yes
Recreational Potential
Land Area In Acres
Reg/M uni
Use Code Description
OS/R ec
Town Of Barre DPW or Rec Com Town Of Barre DPW or Rec Com Town Of Barre DPW
biking Former Swimming Area, Picnicking
Use Code
1.72
R-80
Description/ Current Use
Limited
Worcester Road (Millers Beach)
Management Agency
Municip al Vacant
Zoning
9300
Location
Degree Of Pro-ection
Table 5.11– Town–Owned Conservation And Recreation Land, Parks
Table 5.12 - Additional Vacant Town Owned Land Location Zoning Manage Description/ ment Current Use Agency 15 Common Street 257 South Barre Road 335 South Barre Road 46 Vernon Avenue 47 Worcester Road 570 South Barre Road Barre Depot Road Broad Street (Off) Cutler Road
B-C, R80 R-20, R-80 R-80, R-20 R-80
R-80, R-15 R-80
Cutler Road
R-80
Deer Run
R-80
High Plains Street High St S
IND
B-C R-80, R-20 R-80
Jewett Road
R-80, R-15 R-80
Lockwood Road
R-80
Lockwood Road
R-80
Main Street
R-80, R-15
Town Of Barre Town Of Barre Town Of Barre Town Of Barre Town Of Barre Town Of Barre Town Of Barre Town Of Barre Town Of Barre Town Of Barre Town Of Barre Town Of Barre Town Of Barre Town Of Barre Town Of Barre Town Of Barre Town Of Barre
Use Code
Use Code Description
Degree Of Protection
Land Area In Acres
Os Rec Other
State, Regional/ Muni, NP
Public Access
Vacant
930c
Limited
0.34
Other
Reg/Muni
?
Vacant
930c
Limited
6.60
Other
Reg/Muni
?
Vacant
930c
Limited
0.46
Other
Reg/Muni
?
Vacant
930c
Limited
0.06
Other
Reg/Muni
?
Vacant
930c
Limited
0.04
Other
Reg/Muni
?
Vacant
930c
Limited
9.60
Other
Reg/Muni
?
Vacant
9300
Limited
0.65
Other
Reg/Muni
?
Vacant
9300
Limited
0.10
Other
Reg/Muni
?
Vacant
9300
Limited
0.02
Other
Reg/Muni
?
Vacant
9300
Limited
0.59
Other
Reg/Muni
?
Vacant
9300
Limited
2.20
Other
Reg/Muni
?
Vacant
930c
Limited
9.17
Other
Reg/Muni
?
Vacant
9300
Limited
2.94
Other
Reg/Muni
?
Vacant
9300
Limited
0.87
Other
Reg/Muni
?
Vacant
9300
Limited
49.10
Other
Reg/Muni
?
Vacant
9300
Limited
2.70
Other
Reg/Muni
?
Vacant
9300
Mun Vac/Otbldg Mun Vac/Otbldg Mun Vac/Otbldg Mun Vac/Otbldg Mun Vac/Otbldg Mun Vac/Otbldg Municipal Vacant Municipal Vacant Municipal Vacant Municipal Vacant Municipal Vacant Mun Vac/Otbldg Municipal Vacant Municipal Vacant Municipal Vacant Municipal Vacant Municipal Vacant
Limited
1.52
Other
Reg/Muni
?
2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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Table 5.12 - Additional Vacant Town Owned Land Location Zoning Manage Description/ ment Current Use Agency
Use Code
Use Code Description
Degree Of Protection
Land Area In Acres
Os Rec Other
State, Regional/ Muni, NP
Public Access
Oakham Road
R-80
Vacant
9300
Limited
19.92
Other
Reg/Muni
?
Peach Street
R-15
Vacant
9300
Limited
0.43
Other
Reg/Muni
?
Peach Street
R-80
Vacant
9300
Limited
5.94
Other
Reg/Muni
?
Peach Street (Off)
R-15, IND, R80 R-15
Vacant
9300
Municipal Vacant Municipal Vacant Municipal Vacant Municipal Vacant
Limited
7.66
Other
Reg/Muni
?
Vacant
9300
Limited
26.20
Other
Reg/Muni
?
Vacant
9300
Limited
25.47
Other
Reg/Muni
?
Vacant
9300
Limited
22.90
Other
Reg/Muni
?
Vacant
9730
Municipal Vacant Municipal Vacant Municipal Vacant Hsng Auth Vacant
Limited
2.05
Other
Reg/Muni
?
Vacant
9730
Hsng Auth Vacant
Limited
6.17
Other
Reg/Muni
?
Vacant
9300
Limited
0.23
Other
Reg/Muni
?
Vacant
9360
Limited
2.19
Other
Reg/Muni
?
Vacant
9300
Limited
6.40
Other
Reg/Muni
?
Vacant
9300
Limited
1.00
Other
Reg/Muni
?
Vacant
9300
Limited
0.30
Other
Reg/Muni
?
Vacant
9300
Limited
0.50
Other
Reg/Muni
?
Vacant
9300
Municipal Vacant Tax Title Vacant Municipal Vacant Municipal Vacant Municipal Vacant Municipal Vacant Municipal
Limited
3.40
Other
Reg/Muni
?
Peach Street (Off) Pleasant Street Pleasant Street (Off) Ruggles Lane
Ruggles Lane
Sanderson Road Sheldon Road
R-80 R-80 R-20, R-15 R-20, R-15, IND R-80 R-80
South Barre Road (Off) Station Road
R-80
Station Road
R-80
Union Street
R-15
Worcester Road
R-80,
R-80
Town Of Barre Town Of Barre Town Of Barre Town Of Barre Town Of Barre Town Of Barre Town Of Barre Barre Housing Authority Barre Housing Authority Town Of Barre Town Of Barre Town Of Barre Town Of Barre Town Of Barre Town Of Barre Town Of
2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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Table 5.12 - Additional Vacant Town Owned Land Location Zoning Manage Description/ ment Current Use Agency R-20 R-80, R-20
Use Code
Use Code Description
Barre Vacant Worcester Road Town Of Vacant Land 9300 Municipal Barre Vacant Vets Housing Subtotal Town-Owned Vacant Land Not Including Designated Parks = 218.92
2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
Degree Of Protection
Land Area In Acres
Os Rec Other
State, Regional/ Muni, NP
Public Access
Limited
1.20
Other
Reg/Muni
?
Page 95
Table 5.13 – Town owned, improved properties Location Zoning Manageme Description/ nt Agency Current Use
411/445 Wheelwright Road 557 South Barre Road
Use Code
Use Code Description
Degree Of Protection
Land Area In Acres
Os Rec Other
R-80, R-20
Town Of Barre
DPW
9310
Municipal Improved
Limited
22.96
Other
R-80, R-20
Town Of Barre
Senior Center
9310
Municipal Improved
Limited
171.70
Rec
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State, Region al/ Muni, NP Reg/Mu ni
Public Access
Reg/Mu ni
Yes
Yes
Table 5.14 - Non-Profit Lands Of Conservation And Recreation Interest. Location Zoning Manageme Description/ Use Use Code nt Agency Current Use Code Description
East Quabbin Land Trust East Quabbin Land Trust Glen Valley Cemetery Assoc. Glen Valley Cemetery Assoc. Mass Audubon Society Mass Audubon Society Mass Audubon Society Mass Audubon Society Mass Audubon Society
Passive Rec
9500
Char Vac Consrv
Perman ent
0.52
Os
State, Region al/ Muni, NP NP
Passive Rec
9500
Char Vac Consrv
Perman ent
24.74
Os
NP
Yes
Cemetery - Glen Valley
9530
Prvt Cemetery
Perman ent
39.60
Os
NP
?
Cemetery - Glen Valley
9530
Prvt Cemetery
Perman ent
1.01
Os
NP
?
Cook’s Canyon
950c
Char Imp Consrv
Perman ent
40.66
Os
NP
Yes
Cook’s Canyon
9500
Char Vac Consrv
Perman ent
32.80
Os
NP
Yes
Cook’s Canyon
9500
Char Vac Consrv
Perman ent
8.44
Os
NP
Yes
Cook’s Canyon
9500
Char Vac Consrv
Perman ent
9.60
Os
NP
Yes
Rutland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
9500
Char Vac Consrv
Perman ent
2.70
Os
NP
Yes
R-80
Mass Audubon Society
Rutland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
9500
Char Vac Consrv
Perman ent
1.60
Os
NP
Yes
R-80
Mass Audubon Society
Rutland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
9500
Char Vac Consrv
Perman ent
12.70
Os
NP
Yes
Raccoon Hill Road
R-80
Spooner Road
R-80
Valley Road
R-80
Valley Road
R-80
273 South Street
R-80, R-15
South Street (Off)
R-80, R-15
South Street (Off)
R-80, R-15
Summer Street
R-80, R-20
Mill Road
R-80
Mill Road
Mill Road (Off)
2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
Degree Of Protection
Land Area In Acres
Os Rec Other
Page 97
Public Access
Yes
Table 5.14 - Non-Profit Lands Of Conservation And Recreation Interest. Location Zoning Manageme Description/ Use Use Code nt Agency Current Use Code Description
Old Stage Road
R-80
Old Stage Road (Off)
R-80
Old Stage Road (Off)
R-80
Washburn Road
R-80
Washburn Road (Off)
R-80
Washburn Road (Off)
R-80
West Street
R-80
West Street
R-80
Butterworth Road
R-80
Butterworth Road
R-80
Butterworth Road
R-80
Mass Audubon Society Mass Audubon Society Mass Audubon Society Mass Audubon Society Mass Audubon Society Mass Audubon Society Mass Audubon Society Mass Audubon Society Mass Audubon Society Mass Audubon Society Mass Audubon Society
Rutland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
9500
Char Vac Consrv
Perman ent
134.40
Os
State, Region al/ Muni, NP NP
Rutland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
9500
Char Vac Consrv
Perman ent
11.46
Os
NP
Yes
Rutland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
9500
Char Vac Consrv
Perman ent
109.50
Os
NP
Yes
Rutland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
9500
Char Vac Consrv
Perman ent
419.60
Os
NP
Yes
Rutland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
9500
Char Vac Consrv
Perman ent
13.10
Os
NP
Yes
Rutland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
9500
Char Vac Consrv
Perman ent
29.00
Os
NP
Yes
Rutland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
9500
Char Vac Consrv
Perman ent
13.50
Os
NP
Yes
Rutland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
9500
Char Vac Consrv
Perman ent
70.00
Os
NP
Yes
Rutland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
9500
Char Vac Consrv
Perman ent
2.74
Os
NP
Yes
Rutland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
9500
Char Vac Consrv
Perman ent
2.69
Os
NP
Yes
Rutland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
9500
Char Vac Consrv
Perman ent
2.00
Os
NP
Yes
2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
Degree Of Protection
Land Area In Acres
Os Rec Other
Page 98
Public Access
Yes
Table 5.14 - Non-Profit Lands Of Conservation And Recreation Interest. Location Zoning Manageme Description/ Use Use Code nt Agency Current Use Code Description
Butterworth Road
R-80
Butterworth Road
R-80
Jim Barry Road
R-80
Jim Barry Road
R-80
Jim Barry Road
R-80
Jim Barry Road
R-80
Jim Barry Road
R-80
Jim Barry Road
R-80
Mass Audubon Society Mass Audubon Society Mass Audubon Society Mass Audubon Society Mass Audubon Society Mass Audubon Society Mass Audubon Society Mass Audubon Society
Rutland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
9500
Char Vac Consrv
Perman ent
2.44
Os
State, Region al/ Muni, NP NP
Rutland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
9500
Char Vac Consrv
Perman ent
21.00
Os
NP
Yes
Rutland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
9500
Char Vac Consrv
Perman ent
44.92
Os
NP
Yes
Rutland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
9500
Char Vac Consrv
Perman ent
52.59
Os
NP
Yes
Rutland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
9500
Char Vac Consrv
Perman ent
5.49
Os
NP
Yes
Rutland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
9500
Char Vac Consrv
Perman ent
44.92
Os
NP
Yes
Rutland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
9500
Char Vac Consrv
Perman ent
52.59
Os
NP
Yes
Rutland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
9500
Char Vac Consrv
Perman ent
5.49
Os
NP
Yes
2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
Degree Of Protection
Land Area In Acres
Os Rec Other
Page 99
Public Access
Yes
Table 5.15 - Nonprofit vacant, but unprotected. Location
Zoning
Manageme nt Agency
Description/ Current Use
Use Code
Use Code Description
Degree Of Protection
Land Area In Acres
Os Rec Other
Public Access
Other
State, Region al/ Muni, NP NP
Lockwood Road
R-80
Vacant
962v
Relig Vacant
Not Protecte d
3.10
Pleasant Street
R-15
Vacant
962v
Relig Vacant
Not Protecte d
Park Street (Off)
R-15
Vacant
962v
Relig Vacant
Park Street (Off)
R-80
Vacant
962v
South Street
R-80
Vacant
Pleasant Street
R-80
Pleasant Street
R-80
Hawes Hill Road
R-80
Pleasant Street (Off)
R-80
South Barre Road
R-80, B-C
Barre Center For Buddhist Studies Inc. Barre Center For Buddhist Studies Inc. Barre Congregati onal Church Barre Congregati onal Church Covenant Evangelical Church Insight Meditation Society Inc. Insight Meditation Society Inc. Insight Meditation Society Inc. Insight Meditation Society Inc. Roman Catholic
6.02
Other
NP
No
Not Protecte d
0.08
Other
NP
No
Relig Vacant
Not Protecte d
0.06
Other
NP
No
962v
Relig Vacant
1.84
Other
NP
No
Vacant
962v
Relig Vacant
1.00
Other
NP
No
Vacant
962v
Relig Vacant
70.00
Other
NP
No
Vacant
962v
Relig Vacant
49.99
Other
NP
No
Vacant
962v
Relig Vacant
5.00
Other
NP
No
Vacant/Cemetery
962v
Relig Vacant
Not Protecte d Not Protecte d Not Protecte d Not Protecte d Not Protecte d Not Protecte
6.20
Other
NP
No
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No
Table 5.15 - Nonprofit vacant, but unprotected. Location
Zoning
South Barre Road
R-80, B-C
South Barre Road
B-C
South Barre Road (Off)
R-80, B-C
Baldwin Road
R-80
Manageme nt Agency
Bishop Of Worcester St. Joseph's Parish Roman Catholic Bishop Of Worcester St. Joseph's Parish Roman Catholic Bishop Of Worcester St. Joseph's Parish Roman Catholic Bishop Of Worcester St. Joseph's Parish Sakya Center For Buddhist And Meditation Inc
Description/ Current Use
Use Code
Use Code Description
Degree Of Protection
Land Area In Acres
Os Rec Other
State, Region al/ Muni, NP
Public Access
d
Vacant/Cemetery
962v
Relig Vacant
Not Protecte d
1.30
Other
NP
No
Vacant/Cemetery
962v
Relig Vacant
Not Protecte d
0.98
Other
NP
No
Vacant/Cemetery
962v
Relig Vacant
Not Protecte d
13.00
Other
NP
No
Vacant
962v
Relig Vacant
Not Protecte d
6.91
Other
NP
No
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Table 5.15 - Nonprofit vacant, but unprotected. Location
Zoning
Manageme nt Agency
Description/ Current Use
Use Code
Use Code Description
Degree Of Protection
Land Area In Acres
Os Rec Other
South Street (Off)
R-80, B-C
Stetson Home Inc.
Vacant
9460
Prvt Ed Vacant
3.70
South Street (Off)
R-80
Stetson Home Inc.
Vacant
9460
Prvt Ed Vacant
South Street
R-80
Stetson Home Inc.
Vacant
9460
Prvt Ed Vacant
Vernon Avenue
R-15
Vacant
962v
Relig Vacant
Vernon Avenue
R-15
The Diocese Of Western Mass The Diocese Of Western Mass
Not Protecte d Not Protecte d Not Protecte d Not Protecte d
Vacant
962v
Relig Vacant
Not Protecte d
2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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Public Access
Other
State, Region al/ Muni, NP NP
1.70
Other
NP
No
30.61
Other
NP
No
0.17
Other
NP
No
0.22
Other
NP
No
No
SECTION 6 - COMMUNITY VISION A - Description of Process Previous Planning Efforts Open spaces and recreational opportunities are important to the residents of Barre. As far back as the 1970s, residents have been interested in planning for the future of Barre’s open spaces. Several attempts at organizing an advisory committee and completing an Open Space and Recreation Plan were unsuccessful for a variety of reasons. During this period, two surveys were taken of Town residents, two separate unofficial plans were written and most recently, a draft outline was developed in 1999. As financial constraints were alleviated and interest in open space and recreation planning continued, Town residents formed an ad hoc advisory committee to the Conservation Commission with the goals of: 1) surveying local residents about their needs and concerns for open space and recreation, 2) developing a comprehensive plan to address those needs and concerns, and 3) to provide the direction and initiative to implement action items identified by the Plan. Members were recruited for the ad hoc committee, with most of the Town boards and community groups represented. Other citizens and landowners also either were members or played a role in the Committee’s decisions. The Advisory Committee held numerous public meetings that were announced in advance and that were open to the public. In the Spring of 2001, the Barre Open Space and Recreation Planning Advisory Committee developed a survey to assess the needs and concerns of citizens regarding these issues. The survey was adapted from successful surveys used by other communities in their open space and recreation planning processes, and tailored specifically to Barre. Tabulated results were then reviewed and discussed by the full Committee. They took this information, weighed the results of past surveys from 1988 and 1995, as well as information derived from their own discussions regarding open space and recreation priorities. The resulting information was then integrated into an action plan for implementation. Current Planning Effort The current Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee was appointed in the summer of 2009 and first met in October of 2009. The Committee met roughly once a month during the plan’s development, review and approval. The Committee worked closely with the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) on the development, distribution and collection of the resident surveys, facilitated the community forum, reviewed and commented on chapter drafts, and most importantly synthesized the wealth of information in the context of their collective experience and developed a shared set of goals, objectives and action steps. The Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee guided the development of a survey to gauge resident sentiments regarding open space and recreation with the Town. The survey was 2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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distributed in hard copy at the Special Town Meeting in November 2009, made available in hard copy at various locations around town, including the Municipal Offices and Town Library, and was linked electronically on the front page of the Town’s website. An announcement of the survey was included in the January 2010 Property Tax Bills. A summary of the results of the survey is presented in the appendices of this plan. Several articles were written by committee members and published in the Barre Gazette to build awareness of the committee efforts, the need for open space planning, to encourage residents to take the survey and to invite their participation at the community forum to help define the action plan. Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee ask people to respond to survey, Barre Gazette, February 4, 2010. Barre’s Rural Character: The importance of Open Space and Recreation Planning, Howard Hastings, Barre Gazette, February 11, 2010. Barre Open Space and Recreation Committee seeks survey response, Barre Gazette, February 18, 2010. The importance of open space and recreation planning to the town of Barre, Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee, Barre Gazette, February 18, 2010. Forum to discuss smart growth with open space and recreation, Philip Hubbard, Barre Gazette, March 11, 2010 The value and cost of open space, Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee, Barre Gazette, March 18, 2010. Financial Considerations of Open Space, Cynthia Henshaw, Barre Gazette, April 1, 2010 The Committee publicized and organized a Public Forum at the Barre Senior Center on the evening of April 7, 2010 to discuss the draft plan, the draft survey results, draft goals, objectives, and action plan. Twenty four (24) people attended the forum. The participants’ comments were reviewed and incorporated into this plan. A summary of the community comment is attached as an appendix. The Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee considered many possible action steps that were not ultimately included in the Action Plan presented in Section 9 of this plan. Those items are included in the appendices for consideration by implementation committee. B - Statement of Open Space and Recreation Goals Community input strongly demonstrated residents’ concern about Barre’s distinctly rural character. From preserving agricultural lands and historic sites to improving recreational opportunities and preserving existing open space, residents have shown that Barre’s quiet and peaceful nature should be maintained as the legacy for the Town’s future. Residents also showed a great interest in preserving the many vistas and scenic roadways that are spotted throughout the Town. They also favor changes to the local zoning laws to secure these things to preserve and secure Barre’s small‐town quality and warm sense of community.
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Barre’s residents would like to make improvements to current facilities and open spaces, and to create new opportunities through existing resources. This may be as simple as providing public restrooms or local bus service, or it could take the form of providing greater access to hiking trails and rivers. Survey respondents have mentioned these and more as a means to improve the quality of life in Town without destroying what they value and love most about living in Barre. Given the wealth of open space and recreation resources, responsible promotion of eco‐ tourism was seen as a way to also build the local economy. This planning process provides an accurate assessment of open space and recreational opportunities and needs for Barre residents, and offers a plan of action that optimizes those opportunities and satisfies those needs. Based on the information gathered, the analysis of that information, and the process described above, the Town's Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee has articulated the following vision ‐ a community invested in the preservation of its rural, agricultural and historic character and in the enhancement of its abundant open space and recreational resources. Goals were developed to accomplish both segments of this vision. Preserving Rural, Agricultural and Historic Character The Committee saw three goals to preserve Barre’s rural, agricultural, and historic character.
Goal 1: Protect open spaces. Open spaces, and the recreational‐aesthetic benefits associated with them, are essential components of rural New England communities. Goal 2: Preserving rural character through community growth management that will enable more sensitive land development. As Barre continues to grow, it will be very important for future development to complement and enhance the Town’s character. Goal 3: Protect water resources. The uses of local waters greatly influenced Barre’s historic development patterns. Water continues to play a key role. In addition to meeting residential needs, local streams and lakes offer opportunities for economic development including tourism and building reuse for commercial and manufacturing purposes. Enhancing Open Space and Recreation Resources Barre has numerous open spaces and recreation resources available, but some of these resources are under‐utilized due to either a lack of public awareness or insufficient or
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inadequate facilities. In order to enhance open space and recreation resources the following 3 goals are suggested. Goal 4: Increased Community Information and Involvement. This goal forms much of the foundation for the action plan. Goal 5: Develop and improve Town recreation facilities. While there are many open spaces in Barre available for enjoying outdoor activities, residents expressed a desire for enhanced active‐recreation opportunities. Goal 6: Promote eco‐tourism. How does this relate to open space and recreation? Tourism associated with open space and recreation brings many dollars into communities, but access to those opportunities is not the only reason people visit destinations in Central Massachusetts. A Town Common that is well kept, offers amenities, and is easily navigable will attract visitors and complement the rural character people value highly. Improved recreation facilities will likewise benefit residents and foster tourism.
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SECTION 7 ‐ ANALYSIS OF NEEDS A ‐ Summary of Resource Protection Needs A survey was administered to gauge resident sentiment with regard to open space and recreation needs. Over 150 surveys were returned. A summary of the survey is attached in the appendices. Most survey respondents described the Town of Barre as a “Rural or farming town.” Not surprising, 92% felt the need to preserve open space and natural areas. Most of the respondents felt it was important or very important to preserve Buildings of historical or architectural interest (96%) Places of historical value (95%) Farmlands (96%), and Open spaces to meet our water and conservation needs (94%). While still seen as important to preserve, somewhat fewer respondents felt the need to preserve Open spaces to meet our recreational needs (84%) Open spaces to meet our aesthetic, scenic, or passive recreation needs (forests, trails, etc.) (89%). Many places were listed as worthy of preservation. Some of the more routinely listed included the following: Barre Common, Barre Falls Dam, Cook’s Canyon, Felton Field, farm land in general, historic buildings, waterways, rivers and streams. In a previous survey, residents ranked open space for wildlife habitat as a top priority. In addition to promoting biodiversity in Barre, preservation of wildlife habitats will have other conservation benefits such as protection of water quality. Very few would sell land at a bargain price. Many would vote in favor of a town supported land acquisition program. Many would volunteer services or time to improve or maintain open space and/or recreation areas. The rest of the responses regarding actions that might be taken to preserve open spaces fell around 50 – 50 or 40 ‐ 60 for or against various efforts. And despite the large percentage who indicated they would volunteer services and/or time, less than 50% indicated they would volunteer when asked at the end of the survey. Between 60% and 80% of the respondents indicated support for zoning for open space conservation, a combination of public and private action and mandatory dedication of open space by developers. Actions by the state were, in order of preference, property tax reduction programs, increased state grant funding, purchase of development rights, and lastly outright purchase of land. In order to protect wildlife habitat and water quality, it is best to first consider riparian corridors. Riparian corridors and associated habitat areas along brooks and streams are important “buffers” because they protect the stream from nutrient loading, erosion/sedimentation, and temperature increase (by providing shade, buffers keep stream
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water cool and thus maintain higher oxygen levels and more biotic activity). Riparian corridors are even more important where they connect other large blocks of protected open space and when adjoining streams contribute to surface water sources. Most wildlife use riparian corridors to travel throughout their home territories and to migrate seasonally. Many people also consider brooks and streams to be important components of scenic landscapes. Portions of the Moose Brook and Prince River are excellent examples of riparian corridors that currently need protection. Both waterways currently have adjacent conservation lands, but are vulnerable to the pressures of growth in locations that do not have permanent protection. Protection of groundwater recharge areas along waterways will help to ensure high quality drinking water, as well as to preserve wildlife habitat. Since Barre provides less than half of the Town’s drinking water supplies, it is important for residents to also know more about how they can protect their own wellhead water supplies. A real need for reaching well owners with the information they need to protect their wells is a critical first step to improving the protection of these water resources. Besides protected open space for water quality, the agricultural landscapes of Barre are an essential component of Barre’s character. Survey respondents rated working farms as the most desired business types in Town (83 respondents). In fact, most scenic resources are associated with agricultural open land (see “Scenic Resources” described in the Environmental Inventory and Analysis Section). In many ways, agricultural landscapes provide this community its rural character and country appeal. Although many public benefits result from the presence of local agriculture, they are directly related to private enterprise. Agricultural landscapes will only remain a part of the Town’s character if agricultural operations remain economically viable. Fields and pastures will be sold to make way for new housing or other development. Or if this land is not actively farmed it will revert to forestland. Therefore, several steps need to be taken to protect agricultural resources into the future. These could include zoning changes to protect agricultural “districts” from development pressure, a prioritization system and land protection fund that can act when Chapter 61A withdrawals come to the table, or a proactive landowner outreach and incentive program that assists farmers with the integration of conservation into their long‐term land use and management plan. Whatever process is chosen, it will be important for the Town to establish relationships with the farm owners and/or managers early, as well as have a complete understanding of soil resources in Barre.
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B - Summary of Community’s Needs Barre residents enjoy their open space and recreation resources. Almost half (49%) of the survey respondents indicated that they were not satisfied with places for children and youth to play. Only 32% were satisfied. However, almost 47% were satisfied with places for adults to play. Only 39% were dissatisfied. Though 39% were satisfied with the general condition of the facilities, about the same number were dissatisfied 37%. The top five recreational facilities respondents felt were needed in Town were bike trails, hiking and cross country skiing trails, conservation areas, public access to water bodies for swimming and children’s play areas. The facilities least desired were softball fields, golf courses, tennis courts and snow mobile trails. In the survey, residents were asked to rank those resources according to which they enjoy or use the most. Their responses, in order of popularity of the areas listed are: the Town Common, the Ruggles Lane Elementary School and the Quabbin Regional High School, Barre Falls Dam, and Prince River WMA. Other places regularly used for recreation include: Rail Trails, Felton Field, Cook’s Canyon, and other WMAs. A number of respondents were not aware of various open space and recreation areas such as the WMAs, but also places like Indian Rock and Rockingstone Park. However, these numbers can be deceiving. “Response rate” is a simple measurement of how well people know a resource (i.e. if they don’t know where the Ware River put‐in is, they are likely to skip that question). An easy way to improve open space and recreation resources for residents will be to improve their familiarity with these resources, such as where they are and what activities are allowed there. Opinions varied most about DCR land with recreation fields and horseback riding facilities following closely behind. Among other things, these varying opinions most likely represent disparity in “service” to different people by these resources. The Department of Conservation and Recreation owns a tremendous amount of acreage in Town. The agency’s Public Access Plan for their property outlines different allowed uses at different sites, causing confusion and often frustration about what activities are allowed 2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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where. The plan also severely limits the types of activities allowed on the property, such as walking dogs or riding horses. Although Town residents feel strongly about protecting water quality, DCR public access policy is seen as not allowing enough access to residents. The existence of recreation fields has also been a topic of numerous discussions. People agree that there is a need for greater recreation opportunities in Town, but they feel that the location of these facilities should be analyzed in greater detail. Town centers are icons of old New England, and a cornerstone to the character of Massachusetts’ communities. In fact, these town centers often represent most people’s first impression of a community. Many survey respondents agree the Town Common needs improvement. Better pedestrian access is also needed throughout Barre Center, including connections to local open space and recreational opportunities that are within walking distance to residential centers. Many people feel that residents need a safe place to walk in the center of Town. Restructuring of the Town Common with the help of the Town Common Committee can be a good first step. This would also provide better service to the Town’s physically challenged. Residents are also concerned with the lack of a swimming/skating area. They feel these facilities have existed in the past but are no longer usable (the Town beach is affected by runoff from the nearby Town dump). Additionally, strong interest has been expressed for the development of a recreation center that would take the place of existing facilities that are located outside of Town. Like a skateboard park, this would provide a way for better recreational opportunities for teens, as well as a resource and meeting place for seniors. The Senior Center, opened in November 2004, provides classes in yoga, line dancing and other programs. The Town Recreation Commission supports basketball leagues, little league baseball and softball, soccer, and swimming at Coldbrook Country Club. Rice Park had upgrades in 2006 but still requires benches, bikes racks, and landscaping. Table 7.1 below is taken from the National Parks and Recreation Association as recommended facilities per population. With the exception of only a few activities like racquetball and handball, and swimming and indoor ice skating, facilities for most activities are available in town or in a nearby town. 2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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Table 7.1 ‐ Recreation Facilities Activity/ Facility
Variations
No. Of Units Per Population 1 per 5000
Location
Facility
Badminton
In town
1.Youth 2. High School 3. Youth League
1 per 5000
In town
1 per 20,000
Shrewsbury
Youth Center, Henry Woods Bldg., Rice Park Thorng Field Felton Field Ruggles Lane School Quabbin Regional Middle & High School (QRMS&HS) includes Quabbin Youth Basketball Program Shrewsbury YMCA
Basketball
Handball Racquetball Ice Hockey
Indoor
1 per 100,000 depends on climate
Gardner
Veterans Rink
In town
1 court per 2000 1 per 5000
In town
In town
2 per 5000 Lighted 1 per 30,000 1 per 20,000 1 per 10,000
In town In town
Hardwick
1 per 5,000 1 per 10,000
In town Hardwick Hardwick
Rice Park temp. rink (weather permitting) Felton Field (3 Courts) Youth Center, Henry Woods Bldg., QRMS&HS (2 Fields) Felton Field, No lighted fields Barre Plains Field QRMS&HS QRMS/HS, HS Teams, Lighted Roach Field, Wheelwright (Pop Warner) Thorng Field Roach Field Dunroamin Country Club , Hardwick
Outdoor Tennis
Volleyball
Baseball
1. Official 2. Little League
Field Hockey Football
Soccer
Golf‐driving Range
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Table 7.1 ‐ Recreation Facilities Activity/ Facility
Variations
¼ Mile Running Track Softball
Multiple basketball, Recreation Courts volleyball, tennis Trails
Archery Range Combination Skeet & Trap Field
No. Of Units Per Population 1 per 20,000
Location
Facility
In town
QRMS/HS
1 per 5,000 (if also used for youth baseball) 1 per 10,000
In town
QRHS/MS (2 fields); School teams mainly
In town In town Hardwick In town
Barre Plains Field Ruggles Ln. School Roach Field Rice Park
1 system per region
1 per 50,000 2 per 5,000
Golf
9‐hole par 3 18‐hole standard
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In town In town In town
Thorng Field Felton Field East Quabbin Land Trust In town Barre Falls Dam Rec Area In town Ware River Watershed In town Mid‐state Trail System Through town Rail Trails (Barre, Rutland, Oakham) In town Cook’s Canyon Multiple Quabbin Res. In town DCR WMAs, Barre State Forest and others Petersham Harvard Forest Spencer Archery Plus In town Barre Sportsmen’s Club In town South Barre Rod & Gun Club In town Coldbrook CC Quail Hollow CC 18 Oakham hole
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Table 7.1 ‐ Recreation Facilities Activity/ Facility
Swimming Pools
Beach Areas
Variations
Location
Facility
9‐standard
No. Of Units Per Population
Hardwick
Petersham
1 per 20,000
Athol
Dunroamin CC 9 hole Petersham CC 9 holes Athol YMCA
Gardner
In town
Hubbardston Templeton
Queen Lake, Rte 101
15 min. travel time 30 min. travel time
Gardner YMCA Mt. Wachusett Comm. College Coldbrook CC (outdoor) Comet Pond, Rte. 68
Westminster Hubbardston
Mt. Wachusett Skateboard Park Thorng Field
In town
Other Alpine Skiing Skateboard parks Children’s Playgrounds
Rice Park Ruggles Lane School Senior activity Barre Senior Center, center yoga, board games, etc. Frisbee Golf In town Barre Falls Dam Rec Area Massachusetts Outdoors 2006, the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) prepared by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) (Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, 2006), identified the following recreation needs for Central Massachusetts based on participation rates: Field Based Activities: The survey identified playgrounds to be the most needed field‐ based recreation resource, followed by golfing. Passive Recreational Activities: The survey identified picnicking facilities to be the most needed passive recreation resource, followed by wildlife and nature study areas. Trail Based activities: The survey identified places for walking to be the most needed trail based recreation resources followed by places for biking (both mountain and road).
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Water Based Activities: The survey identified places for swimming to be the most needed water‐based recreation resource, followed by boating (both motorized and non‐ motorized) and canoeing. Wilderness Activities: The survey identified places to hike to be the most needed wilderness resources. In the Central Massachusetts Region, swimming (61.4%) is the activity most widely engaged in by residents, even more so than in any other region of the state. Indeed, with the exceptions of swimming and walking on Cape Cod and the Islands, this was the highest single participation value recorded in the survey. Also highly popular in this county are walking, at 58.6% participation, and sightseeing, tours and events with 55.9% (highest in the state). These three activities dominate the recreation picture for Central Massachusetts. The attraction of lakes and ponds is stronger than in most other regions, by far, in the Central Region at almost 59 %, versus a statewide average of 46%. Historic and cultural sites receive the highest satisfaction levels for the Central Region and the highest statewide. Bikeways were also high in satisfaction. Lower levels of satisfaction are reported with wetlands, rivers and streams, lakes and ponds, coastal beaches, agricultural lands and golf courses, neighborhood parks, playgrounds and tot lots. The strongest dissatisfaction ratings are given for trails and greenways, agricultural lands, and wildlife conservation areas. Funding initiatives with the strongest support were maintenance of existing facilities and improving access for people with disabilities. When asked what new facilities would most benefit them, residents of the Central Region showed the highest interest in facilities for walking (16.4%), swimming (17.0%), hiking (14.4%, the strongest interest in the state), road biking (12.1%), and playground activity (10.2%). Accessibility The Town owns several recreation facilities including the Barre Town Common, the South Barre Common, the Nornay Site on Main Street, the Barre Plains Playground on School Street, the South Barre Field off Wheelwright Road, Felton Field and Fairgrounds on Old Coldbrook Road, and the Town Farm on Town Farm Road. An Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Inventory Form for these properties along with a copy of the Town’s ADA Grievance Procedure is attached as an appendix. Only those sections of the 7‐page ADA Inventory Form that apply to each facility have been completed. The Town Administrator is designated as the Town’s ADA Coordinator. In March 2007, the Town completed its revised ADA/504 Self Assessment and Transition Plan. This assessment reviewed municipal facilities and made recommendation on how to provide greater access for person with disabilities.
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C - Management Needs, Potential Change of Use Barre has limited financial resources, which limit the development and maintenance of open space and recreational facilities. The identification of funding sources to meet open space and recreation objectives will be a key element for success, as will working in cooperation with existing groups such as the East Quabbin Land Trust, the Central Quabbin Tourism Committee, the North Quabbin Regional Landscape Partnership, the Massachusetts Audubon Society, other non‐profit institutions and other private property owners. Public education regarding resource protection needs and opportunities should be explored. In 2010, the Recreation Commission included 4 members. There was one vacancy. Each member holds a 3 year term. The Agricultural Commission has 3 regular members, with 2 alternates. Each member holds a 3 year term. The Conservation Commission has 5 members and currently one associate member with 3 year terms. In addition to these, there is a one‐ member Rice Park Study Committee, a one‐member Rockingstone Park Commission, a 4‐ member South Barre Common Advisory Committee, a 2‐member Barre Common Rehabilitation Committee. Currently, the numerous Town boards and committees may be working independently on many of these issues. A strong need exists for improving the communication between these entities, building partnerships, and unifying visions as a streamlined approach for implementing Town improvements. With regard to potential change of use, several groups are already trying to seek town‐wide adoption of a notification and decision making process with regard to the disposition of chapter 61 lands. The first step in this process is typically the prioritization of desirable lands for acquisition and the establishment of partnerships with stakeholder non‐profits. Also as developers approach the Town with proposals for new projects, a clear understanding of land acquisition goals should be in place. When the opportunity arises to protect land as a condition of development approval, then the Town can protect wildlife corridors, habitat, or other priority conservation areas through negotiation.
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SECTION 8 - GOALS AND OBJECTIVES In developing goals and objectives, the committee has reviewed the following Previous Draft Open Space and Recreation Plans prepared by the Town of Barre, The OSRP research data and maps included for this plan; The Survey Results and the Public Forum comments; The Barre Heritage Landscape Inventory Program Reconnaissance Report, The Lost Villages Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan and other plans previously produced; and Open Space and Recreation Plans from other communities. As described in preceding sections, Town needs identified by this plan can be characterized into two categories: preservation of Barre’s rural, agricultural and historic character; and enhancement of open space and recreation resources. Goals and objectives for satisfying these needs do overlap although they are presented separately here. The Committee’s approach is strongly grassroots‐oriented and, as a result, education, community involvement and partnerships form the basis for this plan. Preserving Rural, Agricultural and Historic Character The Committee saw three goals to preserve Barre’s rural, agricultural, and historic character. Goal 1: Protect open spaces. Open spaces, and the recreational‐aesthetic benefits associated with them, are essential components of rural New England communities. In Barre, the Committee has identified the following three objectives for protecting the Town’s open space: a. Enhancement of biodiversity, b. Protection of agricultural resources, and c. Preservation of historic sites. Goal 2: Preserve rural character through community growth management that will enable more sensitive land development. As Barre continues to grow, it will be very important for future development to complement and enhance the Town’s character. Three objectives for meeting this goal include: a. Identify ways to improve land development, b. Foster the reuse of existing structures, and c. Preserve the scenic qualities of Barre. Goal 3: Protect water resources. The uses of local waters greatly influenced Barre’s historic development patterns. Water continues to play a key role. In addition to meeting residential needs, local streams and lakes offer opportunities for economic development including tourism and building reuse for commercial and manufacturing purposes. Three water protection objectives are identified: a. Preserving river corridors for community uses; 2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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b. Identifying and addressing water quality problems; and c. Ensuring safe water supplies for Town residents. Enhancing Open Space and Recreation Resources As discussed earlier, Barre has numerous open spaces and recreation resources available, but some of these resources are under‐utilized due to either a lack of public awareness or insufficient or inadequate facilities. Goal 4: Increased Community Information and Involvement. Three objectives address this goal: a. Continuing Committee work; b. Raising public awareness; and c. Involving diverse community interests in implementing this Plan. Goal 5: Develop and improve Town recreation facilities. While there are many open spaces in Barre available for enjoying outdoor activities, residents expressed a desire for enhanced active‐recreation opportunities. Specific objectives include: a. Providing better facilities near town centers; b. Increasing access to recreation and wildlife resources; and c. Working with neighboring towns to develop regional recreation areas. Goal 6: Promote eco‐tourism. How does this relate to open space and recreation? Tourism associated with open space and recreation brings many dollars into communities, but access to those opportunities is not the only reason people visit destinations in Central Massachusetts. A Town Common that is well kept, offers amenities, and is easily navigable will attract visitors and complement the rural character people value highly. Improved recreation facilities will likewise benefit residents and foster tourism. Key objectives for enhancing recreation and tourism include: a. Marketing of local and regional attractions; b. Involving residents in creating recreation opportunities; c. Helping town boards improve recreation information and facilities; and d. Regional planning to increase tourism in Barre and neighboring towns.
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SECTION 9 ‐ SEVEN YEAR ACTION PLAN Preserving Barre’s rural character and enhancing the Town’s open space and recreation resources and opportunities requires a grassroots, community‐based approach. Strong support and participation by all interested and potentially opposing parties will be the most critical component when pursuing any of this Plan’s goals and objectives. By consensus building, most conflict is addressed before it arises and the result is usually a better end product that stands the test of time. The Plan’s action items advocate for this approach. The purpose of this section is to establish a year ‐ by ‐year timetable for specific actions needed to accomplish the goals and objectives listed in the Section 8. This section indicates which action steps or recommendations are priorities based on needs and abilities. For each action step/recommended task associated with a goal and objective, there is a priority assigned. “High” Priority items will likely take place in the first and second year. “Medium” Priority items will likely take place in the third through fifth year. And “Low” Priority items will likely take place in the sixth and seventh year. The table also lists for each task a responsible party; potential collaborating parties; and, where possible, estimated funding or resources. An Action Map is attached to provide a geographic representation of action plan sites. The Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee considered many possible action steps that were not ultimately included in the Action Plan presented in Section 9 of this plan. Those items are included in the appendices for consideration by implementation committee.
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Table 9.1 ‐ Action Plan Goal Objectives Action Steps
Preserving Rural, Agricultural and Historic Character Goal 1: Protect open spaces. a. Enhancement of biodiversity b. Protection of agricultural resources c. Preservation of historic sites 1 Maintain the open space map that includes all protected open space, all chapter lands, all un‐ built town owned property, all tax title property and all undeveloped tracts of private property. Establish a conservation priority check list to evaluate potential conservation acquisitions. Develop, with public input, a priority list of land acquisition/protection, preserving the ability to expend funds on targets of opportunity. This will provide guidance to the town's boards, commissions, area non‐profits, and private developers. 2 Draft, establish and adopt a lands policy and process to effectively make decisions regarding the town's right of first refusal on the sale of chapter 61, 61A, and 61B land.
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Priority Respon‐ sible Parties
Collab‐ orators
Resources
1
OSRPIC
PB, RC, AC, ConCom
EQLT, NQRLP, MGLT, CMRPC
1
OSRPIC, SB
CC, RC, AC
EQLT, NQRLP, MGLT, DFW, MAS
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Table 9.1 ‐ Action Plan Goal Objectives Action Steps
Priority Respon‐ sible Parties
Collab‐ orators
Resources
3
Continue to encourage local agriculture and open space preservation through education, adjustments to local bylaws, and implementation of supportive economic development strategies.
2
AC, OSRPIC
NQRLP
DCR
4
Maintain a detailed database of historic sites and consider methods such as markers or signage installation for the purpose of preserving and highlighting historic and cultural resources.
2
HS/HC
OSRPIC
High School community service groups
5
Investigate the creation of a Local Historic District (LHD) for the Barre Common area.
2
HS/HC
OSRPIC
Mass Historic Commission
6
Research available funding tools including the Community Preservation Act.
1
OSRPIC
PB, RC, AC
DCR, Community Preservation Alliance
Preserving Rural, Agricultural and Historic Character Goal 2: Preserving rural character through community growth management that will enable more sensitive land development.
a. Identifying ways to improve land development b. Fostering the reuse of existing structures. c. Preserving the scenic qualities of Barre.
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Table 9.1 ‐ Action Plan Goal Objectives Action Steps
1
2
3
4
Priority Respon‐ sible Parties
Collab‐ orators
Resources
Review zoning bylaws and subdivision regulations and consider changes or amendments including development of an open space residential development bylaw, incorporation of low impact development preferences, and development of other incentives for private developers to protect and preserve Barre's open space and natural resources. Include zoning changes to preclude large retail stores. Review Town's capacity for planning, land use and geographic information (GIS) analysis and seek to fill needed functions. (Consider adding planning staff and improving sustainable mapping capabilities possibly in partnership with other towns.)
1
PB, TM
OSRPIC, RC, CMRPC, DCR, AC, Con Volunteer Com effort
1
TA, TM, PB
Town Assessor
Town Budget, Mass GIS, CMRPC, DCR
Explore regulatory and non‐regulatory mechanisms to protect and enhance existing scenic roads and other scenic vistas and broader viewsheds. Communicate roles and responsibilities with regard to enforcement of the provision of the scenic road bylaws. Update Scenic Road list and consider new designations, especially South Street. Implement vehicular, non‐motorized (bike), pedestrian improvements throughout Town.
2
OSRPIC, TM, PB
SB, DPW
Town Budget, DCR
2
OSRPIC
PB, BCC
MDOT, CMRPC
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Table 9.1 ‐ Action Plan Goal Objectives Action Steps
5
Assess and foster appropriate development/reuse of underutilized buildings and properties. Consider adoption of a demolition delay bylaw.
Priority Respon‐ sible Parties
Collab‐ orators
Resources
2
OSRPIC & PB
SB, Econ. Dev. Cmte
MOBD, CMRPC
1
OSRPIC, PB
Con Com
Volunteer effort
1
OSRPIC, PB Con Com
DCR, Volunteer community service/ science/scout projects
2
OSRPIC, BOH
DEP
Preserving Rural, Agricultural and Historic Character Goal 3: Protect water resources. a. Preserving river corridors for community uses. b. Identifying and addressing water quality problems. c. Ensuring safe water supplies for Town residents. 1 Establish buffers and protection for preserving water resources and land along Barre's water bodies. 2 Promote education and activities that protect the town's surface and ground water resources, wetlands, vernal pools, unique habitats and wildlife corridors. Identify and seek certification of Town's vernal pools. Explore the need for development of a Town Wetland Protection Bylaw.
3
Assess the impact of industrial activities, landfill run off, excavation activities on surface/groundwater quality, particularly as it impacts drinking water and possible outdoor swimming areas.
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RC
Table 9.1 ‐ Action Plan Goal Objectives Action Steps
4
Assure the establishment of a clean and safe outdoor swimming area, such as Miller's Beach.
Priority Respon‐ sible Parties 2
Enhancing Open Space and Recreation Resources Goal 4: Increased Community Information and Involvement. a. Continuing Committee work. b. Raising public awareness. c. Involving diverse community interests in implementing this Plan. 1 An Open Space and Recreation Plan 1 Implementation Committee (OSRPIC) should be created to steward this plan toward reality.
Collab‐ orators
Resources
OSRPIC, BOH
RC
DEP
BS, TA,
Plan Committee
Volunteer effort
2
Identify and prioritize funding needs and resources for projects and actions indicated in this plan. Begin an education campaign focusing on historic preservation, recreation and open space including possible initiative to adopt the Community Preservation Act.
1 2
OSRPIC
TA, SB
DCR, Community Preservation Alliance
3
Formalize a Trails Committee to encourage the active stewardship of all foot paths, bike trails, rail trails, hiking trails, horse trails, canoe routes, etc. The Committee could also encourage useful connection of existing trail and development of new trails where appropriate.
1
OSRPIC, TC
TA, SB
MCRT, DCR, Volunteer Effort, Area non‐profits (e.g. EQLT, EQUAL & MAS)
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Table 9.1 ‐ Action Plan Goal Objectives Action Steps
Priority Respon‐ sible Parties
Collab‐ orators
Resources
4
Coordinate town volunteer opportunities including community cleanup efforts at open space and recreation facilities, parks, play grounds, etc.
1
OSRPIC
TC, Area Non‐profits
DCR
5
2
OSRPIC
TC, Area Non‐profits
DCR
6
Create outdoor education program for Town residents ‐ hold seminars, walks and special events to raise awareness of open space and resource protection needs/opportunities, etc. Launch Barre PRIDE, a campaign, to foster a sense of community pride and action.
2
OSRPIC
SB
QRSD, BBA
RC, DPW, SB, OSRPIC
OSRPIC, TC, CMRPC, PB, DCR, DFW, Barre Common Committee
Volunteer resources, Town Budget or other funding
Enhancing Open Space and Recreation Resources Goal 5: Develop and improve Town recreation facilities. a. Providing better facilities near town centers. b. Increasing access to recreation and wildlife resources. c. Working with neighboring towns to develop regional recreation areas. 1 1 Review existing open space and recreation facilities, areas, and programs and develop a prioritized list of enhancements and other amenities. Add/upgrade launch points for boaters (e.g. Ware River, Miller's Beach, etc.) Improve interconnectedness of recreation facilities and trails (e.g. add sidewalks on main roads, hiking and bike trails), Encourage formation of a Trails Committee (e.g. Walk‐Bike Barre).
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Table 9.1 ‐ Action Plan Goal Objectives Action Steps
2
3
Develop a town maintenance plan and budget for all town‐owned recreation areas to improve overall general appearance and compliance with ADA requirements. Explore deployment of waste receptacles to reduce litter. Improve facilities on Barre Common (i.e. Trash cans, benches, picnic tables, temp. ice rink in winter, Wi‐fi access) budget permitting, extend these improvements to other town facilities (e.g. Rice Park, Thorng Field, Barre Plains field) Determine if additional facilities or programs are needed to meet the needs of all age, income and ability groups. Encourage use of Senior Center by other civic groups (e.g. youth, cultural, public service)
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Priority Respon‐ sible Parties
Collab‐ orators
Resources
OSRPIC, TC, DPW, Barre Common Cmte
Town Budget, Volunteer resources, and other funding
1
RC, SB, DPW, OSRPIC
1
RC, COA, OSRPIC, TC, Town SB, DPW, YC Budget, OSRPIC Volunteer resources, and other funding
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Table 9.1 ‐ Action Plan Goal Objectives Action Steps
Priority Respon‐ sible Parties
Collab‐ orators
Resources
4
Promote volunteer programs within town to construct, improve, and maintain their parks. Organize annual town‐wide cultural event/fun fair on Common and/or encourage continuation of Felton Field events (e.g. 4‐H fair, Am. Legion summer BBQ, etc). Organize an annual “town clean‐up” day (e.g. 'adopt a roadway', parks and recreation areas, Common, etc.)
2
RC, OSRPIC, SB, DPW, YC
TC, QRSD, Felton Field Com., Cultural Com., Barre Common Cmte, South Barre Common Advisory Comm.
Town Budget, Volunteer resources and other funding
5
Obtain funding and other revenue streams to maintain and improve facilities and programs. Explore sponsorship or in‐kind resources by private interests. Regionalization of recreational facilities (e.g. skateboard park, swimming facilities, boating facilities)
2
OSRPIC, SB
RC, TC, DPW, DCR, CMRPC
Town Budget, Volunteer resources, Business Association
Enhancing Open Space and Recreation Resources Goal 6: Promote eco‐tourism. a. Marketing of local and regional attractions. b. Involving residents in creating recreation opportunities. c. Helping town boards improve recreation information and facilities. d. Regional planning to increase tourism in Barre and neighboring towns.
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Table 9.1 ‐ Action Plan Goal Objectives Action Steps
1
2
3
4
5
Priority Respon‐ sible Parties
Collab‐ orators
Resources
Work with the towns of Route 122, to form an implementation committee to seek adoption of the road as a Scenic Byway and implement the Lost Villages Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan. Work with area businesses, artisans, farmers to organize farmer's markets/street fairs, concert series, tours or other events throughout town to encourage local commerce and entertainment and recreation and tourism.
1
OSRPIC, PB
Neighboring FHWA, Towns CMRPC
2
OSRPIC
HS/HC, Businesses, AC, HS/HC
DAR, USDA, BBA, CQTC
Develop marketing materials to promote (responsibly) Barres's treasures ‐ open space areas, historical and cultural resources, recreation facilities, agriculture and local economy and scenic areas. Promote a more positive attitude about the Town of Barre. Encourage supportive and complementary services and businesses that add to the tourist’s local experience and capture economic returns. Improve parking areas and opportunities.
3
OSRPIC
NQRLP
Barre Gazette, BBA
2
OSRPIC SB
PB, DPW, BBA
Town Budget
2
OSRPIC
HS/HC, Businesses, AC, HS/HC
Volunteer Resources
Develop a program of historical and other tours of Barre, some walking. Identify corridors that link existing trails, paths, open space areas, historic areas, and bikeways.
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Key to Responsible Parties and Collaborators AC Barre Agricultural Commission BBA Barre Business Association BCC Barre Common Committee CMRPC Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission Con Com Barre Conservation Commission COA Barre Council on Aging CPA Community Preservation Act CQTC Central Quabbin Tourism Center DAR Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources DCR Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation DEP Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection DFW Massachusetts Department of Fish and Wildlife DPW Department of Public Works EQLT East Quabbin Land Trust EQUAL East Quabbin Alliance FHWA Federal Highway Administration HS/HC Barre Historic Society and Historic Commission MAS Massachusetts Audubon Society MCRT Massachusetts Central Rail Trail MDOT Massachusetts Department of Transportation MGLT Mount Grace Land Trust MOBD Massachusetts Office of Business Development NQRLP North Quabbin Regional Landscape Partnership OSRPIC Open Space and Recreation Plan Implementation Committee which the plan strongly suggests should be developed as soon as this plan is accepted. PB Barre Planning Board QRSD Quabbin Regional School District RC Barre Recreation Commission SB Barre Select Board TA Town Administrator
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Key to Responsible Parties and Collaborators (continued) TC Trails Committee should be developed as a result of this plan. TM Town Meeting USDA United States Department of Agriculture YC Barre Youth Commission
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SECTION 10 ‐ PUBLIC COMMENTS This Open Space and Recreation Plan was submitted to the Board of Selectmen, Planning Board, and Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission for review. Letters of review are included below. Required letters of support The Select Board, The Planning Board, and CMRPC. 2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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SECTION 11 – REFERENCES Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission. (2003). 2003 Regional Transportation Plan. Worcester, Massachusetts: Central Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization. Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission. (2004). 2020 Growth Strategy for Central Massachusetts ‐ An Update. Worcester, Massachusetts: Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission. Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission. (2001). Build‐out Analysis for Barre, Massachusetts. Worcester, Massachusetts. Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission. (2009). Lost Villages Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan. Worcester, Massachusetts: Federal Highway Administration National Scenic Byways Program. Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission. (2002). North Subregion Inter‐ Community Trail Connection Feasibility Study. Worcester, Massachusetts: US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. Corcoran, C. (2009). Losing Ground, 4th Edition. Lincoln, Massachusetts: Massachusett Audubon Society. Duerksen, C. J. (1997). Habitat Protection Planning: Where the Wild Things Are. Chicago, Illinois: APA Planning Advisory Service. Lancaster, R. (. (1990). Recreation, Park, and Open Space Standards and Guidelines. Ashburn, VA: National Recreation and Park Association. Lilieholm, C. J. (1996). The Economic Value of Open Space: A Review and Synthesis. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. Massachusetts Department of Community Development . (2000). Community Profile of Barre, Massachusetts. Boston, Massachusetts. Massachusetts Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs. (2010, January 14). Recorded Conservation Restrictions. Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game. (2009, January). Natural Heritage and Endangered Species, Number of Certified Vernal Pools by Town. Retrieved April 1, 2010, from Massachusetts Division of Fisheres and Wildlife: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/vernal_pools/vernal_pool_data.htm Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game. (2009, September). Natural Heritage and Endangered Species, Rare Species by Town. Retrieved April 1, 2010, from Massachusetts
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Division of Fisheries and Wildlife: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/species_info/town_lists/town_b.htm#barre Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services. (2008). The Open Space Planner’s Workbook. Boston, MA: Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Department of Conservation and Recreation. Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services. (2008). Open Space And Recreation Plan Requirements. Boston, MA: Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Department of Conservation and Recreation. Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. (2006). Massachusetts Outdoors 2006: Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. Boston, Massachusetts: Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Massachusetts Heritage Landscape Inventory Program. (2008). Barre Reconnaissance Report, Upper Quaboag Watershed and North Quabbin Region Landscape Inventory. Boston, MA: Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission, North Quabbin Regional Landscape Partnership. Massachusetts Historical Commission. (1984). Reconnaissance Survey Town Report ‐ Barre, Massachusetts. Retrieved 2009, from Massachusetts Secretary of State: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/mhc/mhcpdf/townreports/Cent‐Mass/bar.pdf Massachusetts Historical Commission. (2009). Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System. Retrieved 2009, from http://mhc‐macris.net/ Massachusetts Historical Commission. (2008). State Register of Historic Places. Boston, Massachusetts: Secretary of the Commonwealth. Massachusetts Watershed Coalition and Worcester County Conservation District. (2003). Barre, Massachusetts Draft Open Space and Recreation Plan 2003‐2008. Worcester, Massachusetts: Massachusetts Watershed Initiative of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs. MassGIS. (n.d.). MassWildlife. (n.d.). Number of Certified Vernal Pools . Retrieved January 12, 2010, from Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/vernal_pools/vernal_pool_data.htm Metropolitan District Commission Division of Watershed Management. (2001). Public Access Management Plan Update for the MWRA‐MDC/DWM Drinking Water System Ware River Watershed. Belchertown, Massachusetts: Department of Conservation and Recreation.
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National Cooperative Soil Survey. (1998). Soil Survey of Worcester County, MA, Northeast Part. Worcester County Conservation District. Holden, Massachusetts: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. National Recreation and Parks Association and the American Academy of Park and Recreation Administration. (1996). Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Guidelines. Retrieved 2009, from http://www.nrpa.org Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. (2005). Core Habitats of Barre. Boston, MA: Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Rice, F. P. (Second Issue Reprinted 1803). Dictionary Of Worcester (Massachusetts) And Its Vicinity. Worcester, Massachusetts. Small, S. J. (1998). Preserving Family Lands: A Landowner’s Introduction to Tax Issues and other Considerations. Newton, Massachusetts: Landowner Planning Center. The Town of Barre. (2007). Annual Report for the Calendar Year Ended December 31, 2006. Barre, Massachusetts: The Town of Barre. The Trust for Public Lands. (1998). Community Choices: Thinking through Land Conservation, Development, and Property Taxes in Massachusetts. Boston, Massachusetts: The Trust for Public Lands. Town of Barre, Massachusetts. Zoning Bylaw. Barre, Massachusetts: Town of Barre, Massachusetts. University of Massachusetts Department of Forestry. (2005). US Census. (2000). 2000 Census Data. US Census Bureau. US Census Bureau. (n.d.). Worcester Registry of Deeds. (n.d.).
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APPENDICES Appendix A – The Massachusetts Heritage Landscape Inventory Program – Upper Quaboag Watershed and North Quabbin Region Landscape Inventory – Barre Reconnaissance Report Appendix B ‐ MACRIS Search Results Appendix C –Resident Survey Summary Appendix D ‐ Community Forum Summary Appendix E – Additional Action Steps for Implementation Committee Consideration Appendix F ‐ Funding Resources Appendix G ‐ ADA Access Self Evaluation and Grievance Procedure
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Appendix A – The Massachusetts Heritage Landscape Inventory Program – Upper Quaboag Watershed and North Quabbin Region Landscape Inventory – Barre Reconnaissance Report
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Appendix B ‐ MACRIS Search Results Town: Barre; Resource Type: Area, Building, Burial Ground, Object, & Structure; April 22, 2010
Inv. No.
Property Name
BAR.A BAR.B BAR.C BAR.D BAR.E BAR.F BAR.G BAR.277 BAR.260 BAR.203 BAR.15 BAR.16 BAR.95 BAR.96 BAR.126 BAR.128 BAR.138 BAR.166 BAR.167 BAR.168 BAR.309 BAR.302 BAR.1 BAR.2 BAR.3 BAR.4 BAR.6 BAR.413 BAR.414 BAR.930
Barre Common Historic District James Street - Summer Street Area South Barre Union Street Area South and Kendall Streets Area White Valley - Smithville Quabbin Reservoir Atwood, Isaac House Spooner House Cummings - Whitcomb - Cranston House Clark, Dramel - Whiting, Dr. H. W. House Broad, Willard House Bixby, Clark S. House Rider, Joseph House Newton, Emory House Smith - Beard Block - Massassoit Garage Jenkins, James House Broad, William - Kinsman, Samuel A. House Wadsworth, Hiram House Bryant, Nahum F. House Black, Marmaduke House Clark - Kilner - Como House Barre Universalist Church Barre Savings Bank Building Winslow - Houghton House Field, Spencer House Worcester County National Bank U. S. Post Office - Barre Main Branch Barre Bandstand
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Street
Adams St Blair Rd Broad St Broad St Broad St Broad St Broad St Broad St Broad St Broad St Broad St Broad St Broad St Chapman Rd Common St Common St Common St Common St Common St Common St Common St Common St
Year
1820 1830 1850 1869 1855 1837 1840 1845 1862 1853 1850 1850 1850 1753 1800 1840 1894 1800 1836 1950 1950 1931
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Inv. No.
Property Name
Street
BAR.802
Riverside - Harwood Cemetery
BAR.235 BAR.236 BAR.323 BAR.934 BAR.325 BAR.18 BAR.19 BAR.415 BAR.416 BAR.417 BAR.418 BAR.81 BAR.111 BAR.112 BAR.113 BAR.114 BAR.825 BAR.303 BAR.215 BAR.329 BAR.317 BAR.233 BAR.5 BAR.208 BAR.218 BAR.77 BAR.130 BAR.829 BAR.104 BAR.308 BAR.78 BAR.79 BAR.136 BAR.137 BAR.202 BAR.206 BAR.220 BAR.244 BAR.245 BAR.246 BAR.247 BAR.304 BAR.803
King, Joseph House Parlin, Daniel House King, Sophia House Rocking Stone Park - Cradle Rock Cole, Phinney House Barre Town Hall Jenkins - Mechanics Block Medical Pharmacy Building Aubuchon Block Light House Block South End of Mechanics Block Rice, Jonas Homestead Kelly, John - Brigham, Henry House Brigham, Henry House Wheelock House Barre District #4 Schoolhouse Barre District #4 Cemetery Kendall, Thomas Harmon House Wallis, John House Nye, Benjamin Jr. House Caldwell, James House Lewis, Peter House Barre Guest House - Hotel Barre Child, Jonathan House Holden, Josiah Dana House Leonard - Babbit House Hawes, Jason House Pratt Burial Ground Fisk, Samuel House Bryant, Nahum F. House Fessenden, Peter Jr. House Stevens, Timothy H. House Rice, P. House Fay, David House Brimhalls, Samuel House Buckminster, Joseph House Woods, Joshua B. House Heald, Stephen House Bacon, Nathan H. House Clark, Erza House Bixby, Austin House Holland, Ephraim House Barnes - Parker - Barre Falls - #17 Cemetery
Covered Bridge Rd Dana Rd Dana Rd Dana Rd Dana Rd Daunt Rd Exchange St Exchange St Exchange St Exchange St Exchange St Exchange St Farrington Ave Farrington Ave Farrington Ave Farrington Ave Farrington Ave Farrington Ave Fruitland Rd Fuller Rd Glazier Rd Granger Rd Grogan Rd Grove St Hardwick Rd Hardwick Rd Hawes Hill Rd Hawes Hill Rd High Plains St High St High St Hubbardston Rd Hubbardston Rd Hubbardston Rd Hubbardston Rd Hubbardston Rd Hubbardston Rd Hubbardston Rd Hubbardston Rd Hubbardston Rd Hubbardston Rd Hubbardston Rd Hubbardston Rd Hubbardston Rd
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Year 1800 1840 1800 1836 1926 1775 1838 1830 1928 1834 1815 1920 1750 1790 1810 1830 1883 1820 1840 1790 1800 1754 1800 1889 1775 1788 1875 1812 1813 1840 1840 1835 1800 1830 1800 1780 1760 1828 1830 1840 1840 1840 1790 1810
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Inv. No.
Property Name
Street
BAR.804 BAR.20 BAR.24 BAR.25 BAR.26 BAR.28 BAR.29 BAR.30 BAR.31 BAR.32 BAR.33 BAR.326 BAR.419 BAR.27 BAR.68 BAR.69 BAR.70 BAR.229 BAR.140 BAR.311 BAR.939 BAR.159 BAR.160 BAR.253 BAR.254 BAR.255 BAR.256 BAR.257 BAR.258 BAR.327 BAR.328 BAR.410 BAR.411 BAR.412 BAR.158
Walker, Prince Burial Plot Shattuck - Wheeler Block Hull, William House Hathaway, Alvah House Holland, Merrill House Dennis, Samuel House Atwood, Lucius House Mason, W. House Eaton, Marshall House Russell, William House Haynes, Abel House Fay, Asa W. House Barre Gulf Station Buckminster, Col. William House Wood, J. House Woods, Abijah and Joshua Slaughterhouse Stone, Nathaniel M. House Kelley, Charles S. House Eames, Simpson House Loring, Nathaniel House Quabbin Aqueduct Shaft 9 Headhouse Rich, Thomas House Heywood, Seth Pratt House Rice, Paul House Wilcox, Edward House Amsden, Massena House Burt, David House Sibley, L. E. House Rice, John Wilder Boot and Shoe Shop Burt, David House Pierce, Ezekiel Lee House Caldwell, Lt. Matthew House Rice House Gorham House Barre Plains Store
BAR.161
Robinson, J. House
BAR.162
Smith, John House
BAR.936
Felton's Tavern Site
BAR.251
Kendall, Samuel House
BAR.931
Felton Field - Barre Fairgrounds
BAR.310
Whipple, Jacob House
Hubbardston Rd James St James St James St James St James St James St James St James St James St James St James St James St Kendall St Kendall St Kendall St Kendall St Lane Rd Lockwood Rd Loring Rd Loring Rd Main St Main St Mechanic St Mechanic St Mechanic St Mechanic St Mechanic St Mechanic St Mechanic St Mechanic St Mechanic St Mechanic St Mechanic St New Braintree Rd New Braintree Rd New Braintree Rd New Braintree Rd Old Coldbrook Rd Old Coldbrook Rd Old Dana Rd
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Year 1858 1899 1839 1838 1842 1838 1838 1840 1848 1800 1778 1862 1930 1775 1850 1870 1862 1750 1800 1770 1936 1906 1840 1840 1840 1840 1840 1840 1840 1840 1840 1740 1840 1860 1829 1831 1831 1799 1800 1865 1775
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Inv. No.
Property Name
Street
BAR.312 BAR.313 BAR.315 BAR.316 BAR.321 BAR.152 BAR.153 BAR.230 BAR.232 BAR.938 BAR.222 BAR.826 BAR.155 BAR.156 BAR.157 BAR.129
Carruth, William House Carruth, Samuel House Hathaway, Hudson House Holden, Miles C. House Flagg, Lewis House Heywood, Phineas House Rich, Stephen House Sanderson, Joseph House Barre Plains District #12 School House Hennick Bridge - Singing Bridge Mills, Richard House Lee, Ezekiel Tomb Wheelock, Phineas House Wadsworth, John House Allen, James House Smith, Moses House
1783 1780 1820 1923 1857 1830 1835 1840 1820 1938 1775 1804 1820 1831 1831 1800
BAR.142
Fiske, Jason House
BAR.133 BAR.134 BAR.135 BAR.301
Allen, Josiah House Burt, David House Sherman, Jason House Caldwell, George House
BAR.305
Piper, James House
BAR.401
Matthews, John House
BAR.13 BAR.14 BAR.926 BAR.929 BAR.228 BAR.319 BAR.204 BAR.210 BAR.800 BAR.7 BAR.8 BAR.10 BAR.11
Barre Congregational Church Woods, Harding P. - Williams House World War II Monument Brown, James R. Memorial Fountain Carruth, John House Smith, Rufus House Hemenway, Amos House Bixby, Emerson House Barre District #9 Cemetery Woods Memorial Library Lawrence, Abiathar - Holman, Frank J. House Billings, Dr. Lucius House Woods, Harding Penniman - Haven, Charles E. House Bassett, Henry House Frink, Rev. Thomas House Ruggles, Creighton House Lee, Charles House Bates, Dr. Anson - Jenkins, Benjamin House
Old Dana Rd Old Dana Rd Old Dana Rd Old Dana Rd Old Dana Rd Old Furnace Rd Old Furnace Rd Old Furnace Rd Old Furnace Rd Old Furnace Rd Old Hardwick Rd Old Hardwick Rd Old Oakham Rd Old Oakham Rd Old Oakham Rd Old Phillipston Rd Old Phillipston Rd Old Stage Rd Old Stage Rd Old Stage Rd Old Worcester Rd Old Worcester Rd Old Worcester Rd Park St Park St Park St Park St Petersham Rd Petersham Rd Petersham Tpk Petersham Tpk Phillipston Rd Pleasant St Pleasant St Pleasant St Pleasant St Pleasant St Pleasant St Pleasant St Pleasant St Pleasant St
1842 1753 1830 1837 1800
BAR.89 BAR.90 BAR.91 BAR.92 BAR.97
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Year
1790 1795 1790 1774 1800 1789 1840 1849 1840 1963 1909 1778 1829 1800 1827 1795 1886 1835 1850 1800
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Inv. No.
Property Name
Street
BAR.98 BAR.99 BAR.100 BAR.101 BAR.105 BAR.131 BAR.132 BAR.139 BAR.141 BAR.143 BAR.207 BAR.12 BAR.943
Broad, William - Wood, Charles House Broad, William - Hancock, Augustus House Broad, William - Caldwell, S. House Broad, William - Nichols, Rev. House Bangs, Edmund House Barre District #5 - Rice Village School House Parker, Dea. Andrew House Gaston, Col. William Mansion Garfield, J. House Sparhawk, Noah House Hawes, Roswell House Woods, Edwin - Carroll, Dr. Frederick House Quabbin Reservoir
BAR.900 BAR.209 BAR.216 BAR.201 BAR.927 BAR.928 BAR.937 BAR.935 BAR.940 BAR.941 BAR.942 BAR.223 BAR.224 BAR.225 BAR.226 BAR.227 BAR.237 BAR.238 BAR.239 BAR.252 BAR.402 BAR.403 BAR.404 BAR.407 BAR.408 BAR.409 BAR.314 BAR.324 BAR.827 BAR.205 BAR.828
Rice Road Bridge Barrett, Joseph House Jennison, Nathaniel House Allen, Samuel House World War I Monument Civil War Monument Barre Powder Works Site, Old Pratt, Capt. Seth Canal Quabbin Aqueduct Shaft 8 Headhouse Quabbin Reservoir Shaft 8 Service Building Quabbin Reservoir Shaft 8 Diversion Dam Gates, William Alonzo House Carruth, Albert House Makepeace, David B. House Smith, Samuel House Rice, John W. House Rider, James House Underwood, John House Knight, Luke L. House Webb, Jonathan House Carroll, Patrick J. House Knight, Luke L. - Rider, J. House Egery, Ebenezer Hollis House Jenkins, George House Gates, James Fessenden House Gates, Samuel House Jenkins, Benjamin House Jenkins, Southworth House King, Jane Yard Adams, Daniel House Bassett Yard
Pleasant St Pleasant St Pleasant St Pleasant St Pleasant St Pleasant St Pleasant St Pleasant St Pleasant St Pleasant St Pleasant St 4 Pleasant St Quabbin Reservoir Rice Rd Root Rd Root Rd Route 122 Route 122 Route 122 Route 122 Route 32 Rt 122 Rt 122 Rt 122 School St School St School St School St School St School St School St School St School St School St School St School St School St School St School St Sheldon Rd Sheldon Rd Silver Brook Rd Skelly Lane Skelly Ln
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Year 1840 1839 1839 1840 1800 1870 1778 1912 1830 1763 1775 1865 1927
1800 1770 1786 1929 1866 1824 1805 1929 1939 1929 1840 1847 1840 1840 1840 1840 1840 1840 1840 1840 1840 1840 1855 1848 1800 1775 1770 1836 1775
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Inv. No.
Property Name
Street
BAR.219 BAR.221 BAR.901 BAR.21 BAR.22 BAR.23 BAR.48 BAR.49 BAR.53 BAR.54 BAR.55 BAR.56 BAR.57 BAR.58 BAR.59 BAR.60 BAR.61 BAR.62 BAR.63 BAR.64 BAR.65 BAR.66 BAR.67 BAR.71 BAR.72 BAR.73 BAR.211 BAR.212 BAR.932 BAR.933 BAR.320 BAR.322 BAR.801 BAR.34 BAR.35 BAR.36 BAR.37 BAR.38 BAR.39 BAR.40 BAR.41 BAR.42 BAR.43 BAR.44 BAR.45
Loring Farmhouse Crawford, William Theron House South Barre Road Bridge Conant - Follansby House Saint Joseph's Roman Catholic Church Houghton - Martin House Alden, Albert House Thompson, C. P. Printing Office Mead, Tilley Cabinet Shop Woods, Joshua House Stevens, B. House Davis, James F. House Howland, Timothy Jenkins House Walker, Dr. Asa House Harwood House Dana, Rev. Josiah House Stetson Home for Boys White, Thomas and Antrim House Ainsworth, Mason House Babbitt, William House Johnson, W. A. House Johnson, Justice House Moore, A. House Mead, Dea. Tilley House Clark, Asa House Stone, Asa House Winslow, Zenas House Nye, Francis House Cook's Canyon Barre Town Pound, Old Barre District #10 School House Giffin, Abner House Barre District #10 - Hathaway Burial Yard Grist Mill, Old Conant, Charles House Higgins, J. House Williams, A. G. House Hawes, Estes House Felton, Lansford B. House Parker, Hannah House Gates, Samuel House Russell, Dr. William L. House Elliot, A. N. House Wheelock, Phineas House Wheelock - Knight House
South Barre Rd South Barre Rd South Barre Rd South St South St South St South St South St South St South St South St South St South St South St South St South St South St South St South St South St South St South St South St South St South St South St South St South St South St South St Spring Hill Rd Spring Hill Rd Spring Hill Rd Summer St Summer St Summer St Summer St Summer St Summer St Summer St Summer St Summer St Summer St Summer St Summer St
2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
Year 1840 1834 1937 1840 1896 1838 1831 1831 1831 1831 1800 1847 1830 1798 1840 1793 1899 1838 1830 1840 1840 1862 1835 1831 1800 1831 1800 1800 1896 1763 1855 1830 1800 1838 1840 1775 1890 1890 1840 1845 1840 1840 1855 1855 1870
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Inv. No.
Property Name
Street
BAR.46 BAR.47 BAR.115 BAR.116 BAR.117 BAR.123 BAR.127 BAR.87 BAR.88 BAR.93 BAR.94 BAR.164 BAR.165 BAR.231 BAR.240 BAR.405 BAR.406 BAR.189 BAR.241 BAR.242 BAR.243 BAR.248 BAR.249 BAR.250 BAR.75 BAR.300 BAR.318 BAR.9 BAR.74 BAR.86 BAR.102 BAR.103 BAR.107 BAR.108 BAR.213 BAR.214 BAR.217 BAR.234 BAR.306 BAR.307 BAR.109 BAR.805 BAR.118 BAR.119 BAR.120
Wheelock, Phineas House King, Charles House Wheelock, John and Lambert House Henry, John House Harwood, Peter House Emes, Thaddeus House Wheelock, Moses House Woods, J. F. House Rice, Abel House Wood, Ardie House White, Jonathan S. House Woods, James House Winslow, John House Hawes, Daniel House Dennis, Dexter House Newell, Baxter House Rider, Joseph House Wadsworth, P. House Denny Woolen Company Workers' Housing Denny Woolen Company Workers' Housing Denny Woolen Company Workers' Housing Crossley, James E. Store Denny Woolen Company Workers' Housing Denny Woolen Company Workers' Housing Partridge, Thaddeus House Holden, James House Caldwell, John Jr. House Jenkins, James W. House Rice, Franklin Adams House Smith, Josiah House Perry, Betsey House Bryant House Holden, Daniel House Caldwell, Mehitable House Hamilton, Micah House Plummer, Alpheus House Smith, Samuel House Allen, John House Sanders, John House Rice, Hannah House Woods, Henry High School and Middle School Hemmenway Cemetery Plummer, Joseph House Stone, Nathaniel House Buckminster, Joseph House
Summer St Summer St Sunrise Ave Sunrise Ave Sunrise Ave Templeton Rd Templeton Rd Union St Union St Union St Union St Union St Union St Union St Valley Rd Valley Rd Valley Rd Vernon Ave Vernon Ave Vernon Ave Vernon Ave Vernon Ave Vernon Ave Vernon Ave Walnut Hill Rd Walnut Hill Rd Walnut Hill Rd West St West St West St West St West St West St West St West St West St West St West St West St West St 40 West St White Hill Rd Williamsville Rd Williamsville Rd Williamsville Rd
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Year 1860 1840 1790 1754 1798 1830 1844 1850 1800 1800 1840 1866 1863 1850 1846 1840 1840 1830 1860 1840 1840 1870 1860 1840 1840 1761 1775 1850 1800 1840 1830 1840 1754 1840 1831 1800 1783 1770 1850 1850 1900 1850 1774 1831 1772
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Inv. No.
Property Name
Street
BAR.121 BAR.122 BAR.125 BAR.259
Underwood, Joseph House Adams, Luther House Whiting, Jason House Hobbs, Samuel M. House
Williamsville Rd Williamsville Rd Williamsville Rd Worcester Rd
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Year 1830 1830 1820 1820
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Appendix C – Resident Survey Summary Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan Survey Results November 2009‐ April 2010 Outreach, Distribution, Collection: The survey was publicized at the Barre Special Town Meeting in November 2009. An announcement was placed in the January tax bill. Several news articles in the Barre Gazette also urged readers to go on‐line to take the survey. The survey was available in hard copy at Town Hall, at the library, and also at other locations. In addition, information about the survey, including the on‐line link was distributed via email by committee members and others to local leaders and interested individuals. The survey link was also posted on the Town website. Response Hard Copies Collected: 38 Electronic Surveys Collected: 113 Total Survey Collected: 151 Question 1
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Other responses included: Rural not farming Eccentric Quaint A town to pass through to get somewhere else Where God vacations At risk of losing character Quaint New England Town Historic scenic state designation of some roads and land Small town New England / Picturesque Historically Significant Farm land and forest with heavy commuter population Historic Question 2:
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Question 3:
Most of the respondents felt it was important or very important to preserve Buildings of historical or architectural interest (96%) Places of historical value (95%) Farmlands (96%), and Open spaces to meet our water and conservation needs (94%). While still seen as important to preserve, somewhat less respondents felt the need preserve Open spaces to meet our recreational needs (84%) Open spaces to meet our aesthetic, scenic, or passive recreation needs (forests, trails, etc.) (89%). Question 4. Five areas to be preserved. A number following the response indicates the number of similar responses. Any property along main roads. Ball fields x 3 Band concerts on the Common Barre Common x 23 Barre Falls Dam x 12 Barre Library Barre Plains Common x 5 Barre Players Theater x 2 Barre State Forest x 2 Black Tavern x 4 Carriage House Carter Stevens Farm x3 2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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Cemeteries x 6 Churches x 5 Cold Brook Area Connecting farmlands and open space in the western part of town Conservation land Cook’s Canyon x 25 Cradle Rock x 2 Farm at corner of South Street and Wauwinet Road Farm land on Town Farm Road Farm land x 11 Felton Field x 16 Fields x 4 Forest x 5 Harding Allen Estate x 4 Harty’s Cross Hawes Hill x 5 Henry Woods building x 3 Hill tops for wind turbines Historic buildings x 10 Horse farm at base of South Street/Adams Road and flood plain Indian Head Rock x 5 Land along Rte. 62, along Washburn Road, beyond Fisher Road, along Stetson Road Land bordering rivers in town x 2 Land with Views Large Tracts of Land x 2 Library x 7 Miller's Beach area x 3 Moose Brook Morrissette Property Natural waterfront on 122 No traffic gridlock No. 4 Schoolhouse on Farrington Road x 2 Old foundry Old Town Reservoir x 5 Open land x 7 Original Town Hall Parks x 2 People’s private land, not to many new homes Picnic area along route 122 Pine Ridge Ski area x 3 Ponds Powder Mill ‐ currently privately owned
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Prince River corridor x 4 Property along river between Nichols Rd and Vernon Ave South of 122 x2 Quabbin watershed area x 3 Raccoon Hill WMA x 2 Rail Trails x 5 Remaining private lands around the Osgood swamp/pond Audubon lands Rice Park x 2 Rich's pond Rockingstone Park x 2 Rte 122 Corridor Byway Rte 122 rest areas Safe environment for walkers Safe street intersections Scenic Roads x 3 Sights functional for outdoor uses South Barre Commons x 3 Stone walls x 4 Tatman House Thorng Field Town Center Buildings Town Common x 16 Town Farm Property Town Forests Town Hall x 12 Trails x 4 Ware River WMA x 2 Ware River x 5 Waterways, rivers, streams x 9 West Street corridor Wetlands x 5 Wildlife habitat Woods x 6
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Question 5:
Interesting take aways from the answers to this question are that 1.) Very few would sell land at a bargain price; 2.) Many would vote in favor of a town supported land acquisition program; and 3.) Many would volunteer services or time to improve or maintain open space and/or recreation areas. The rest of the responses fell around 50 – 50 or 40 ‐ 60 for or against efforts to preserve open spaces.
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Question 6.
Other responses included: Chapter 61 right of first refusal ‐ Town review committee /process Cluster housing Partnership with private organizations Create conservation plan for all undeveloped land in Town of Barre Severely restrict future development No subdivisions or minimize number of new homes built Protection of all state designated scenic roads in the town If owners want to donate land ‐ OK Use existing town land for wind to generate revenue Stop amending the zoning laws Work at getting grants and funding available Don’t allow variances to already existing protective laws. Increase minimum lot size, eliminate grandfathered 1 acre lots
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Question 7:
Other responses included: Management of state forest lands Tax recreational land used for hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and other destructive human activities Joint town‐industry energy production State & EPA zoning regulations must be adhered to so as not to let private individuals slip under the radar. Cluster zoning Increase watershed lands Question 8 Answer Options Are you satisfied with the places for children and youth to play and recreate in Town? Are you satisfied with the place for adults to play and recreate in Town? Are you satisfied with the general condition of these facilities?
Yes
No
Not sure
42/32%
65/49%
26/19%
62/47%
51/39%
19/14%
50/39%
47/37%
31/24%
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Comments included: Skate board park, Swimming, Tennis, Trails Need a skateboard park Encourage children to use High Plains Need skateboard park, more funding, and more volunteers to maintain facilities A larger and better equipped park for youth would be nice. I have no children, so I don't know where they go to play. There really are NONE We oppose public land space being used for hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, dirt biking and other destructive activities Too many snowmobiles ban them!!!! Unaware of adults other then the senior center, middle aged people like me? Sign‐up for people to clean‐up Present conditions are great. Accessories to accommodate leisure would help. i.e. more benches for our seniors to enjoy park areas. There is not enough parks and rec areas Some facilities could use more maintenance Swimming facility needed, also x‐country skiing I say no to question 2 because a large portion of Barre is owned by the state and in those areas owned by the state, you cannot use recreational vehicles like 4x4's snowmobiles and other motorized vehicles. These laws should be changed to allow some usage by these types of activities. It is not up to the taxpayer to provide places for people to play. Let them go to Disney or Foxwoods etc. OR use the seldom used facilities that are in the area now.
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Question 9
Other responses included: Movie theater or other recreation/ for all people not just kids or adults Wildlife sanctuaries with no hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, dirt biking or other destructive activities Regional YMCA at site of Barre Mill, including indoor pool Enhanced senior center to become community recreation center for use by all ages Sidewalks or walking track that is open to public Wheelchair access to most parks and wooded lands Horseback riding trails
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Question 10
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Question 11
Working farms and grocery / food stores were heavily favored. These were followed by light industry tourism and retail stores and non‐fast food restaurants. Other responses included: Grocery store Regional food co‐op Incubator industrial park for startup industries Anything to bring jobs A good "neighborhood bakery" We would like no new growth in Barre Natural foods High quality shops that would attract people from surrounding towns, Small book store, Energy production for profit (town and/or co‐op) Drive in theater or something for the kids to do Movie Theater Small general store with local grown produce Combination industry clusters like manufacturing and research/development, etc. Working farms. Wood Pellet (for pellet stoves) producer or businesses like that. Gas Station
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Question 12 requested contact information. Question 13
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Appendix D – Community Forum Summary Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan Public Forum April 7, 2010 7pm Barre Senior Center Approximately 24 people attended. Goal 1: Protect open spaces. a. Enhancement of biodiversity, b. Protection of agricultural resources, and c. Preservation of historic sites. Cynthia Henshaw, facilitator Enhance eagle habitat Research unique areas Connect with Bill Byrne to do education programs Engage local residents with skill sets Check street list for professions Cultural council grant for education programs Annual town wide mailing to educate folks on specific topics, town census Work with agriculture commission to find agriculture friendly policies. Just passed exemption for excise tax. Right of first refusal process/policy Evaluate scenic roads and tree warden process Re‐engage local scenic roads committee Establish a Historic District for Barre Common Coordinate activities with Historic Society Develop a sidewalk from Common to Quabbin Regional High School Detailed database for historic sites with inventory information Establish a conservation priority check list Community Preservation Act Goal 2: Preserving rural character through community growth management that will enable more sensitive land development. a. Identifying ways to improve land development, b. Fostering the reuse of existing structures, and c. Preserving the scenic qualities of Barre. Phil Hubbard, facilitator Improve land development a) Cluster b) Smart growth (low impact development) 2010 Barre Open Space and Recreation Plan v4
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c) Control of number of new homes d) Mixed use (community center) e) Recreation space to accompany housing f) Set backs for houses even some businesses and street frontage g) Working with the contours and the lay of the land h) Part‐time town planner Reuse of existing structures a) Avoiding the hazardous areas b) Italian Club c) Food store/plaza d) Bed and Breakfast or hostel for motorcycle clubs and cross country skiers e) Bike trail getting nearer Scenic Character a) The Common b) Little Village c) Set backs d) Dilapidated structures e) Greenway Goal 4: Increased Community Information And Involvement. a. Continuing Committee Work; b. Raising Public Awareness; And c. Involving Diverse Community Interests In Implementing This Plan. Ed Yaglou, facilitator Increased community involvement Keep manageable in size i.e. Miller’s Beach, Crater on Peach St. Divide town into areas (quadrants) Communicate –education, public relations *Community service opportunities Pride in community / Work with BBA (Barre Business Association?) Local Civics K‐6 Volunteers: Scouts, community service schools Goal 5: Develop and improve Town recreation facilities. a. Providing better facilities near town centers; b. Increasing access to recreation and wildlife resources; and c. Working with neighboring towns to develop regional recreation areas. Charlie Miller, facilitator 1. Felton Field improvements 2. Skateboard park (regional?)
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3. Rail trails 4. Kids play areas 5. Regionalization of recreational facilities 6. Annual town cultural event/fun fair 7. Felton Field fairs 8. Porta Potties on the Common 9. Recreation center? 10. Senior Center use for other groups (e.g. youth) 11. Annual town clean‐up 12. (e.g. “Adopt ‐ a‐ road’) 13. Indoor pool 14. Improve interconnections of recreation facilities/trails (e.g. sidewalks) 15. Launch points for boats (Ware River, Miler’s Beach) 16. Portable ice rink on the Common 17. Better utilities/amenities at existing recreation areas (water, toilets) 18. Wi‐fi on the Common 19. Tables on the Common 20. Cycling safety awareness school for kids (e.g. R.L.S. – Ruggles Lane School) 21. Road Safety Training Course (e.g. R.L.S. – Ruggles Lane School) 22. Swimming areas (Outdoor) Cost benefit analysis >$25 K High Cost
2, 3, 9, 13, 14
$5‐25K Moderate Cost
17, 22
1
