Open Space and Recreation Plan, 2013

TOWN OF CONWAY OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN 2013-2020

Photo credit: Michele Turre. South River – Slow and Shallow in June

Prepared by:

CONWAY OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN UPDATE COMMITTEE

AND

FRANKLIN REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS PLANNING DEPARTMENT

TOWN OF CONWAY 2013 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN

Prepared by: CONWAY OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN UPDATE COMMITTEE Rick Bean, Select Board Tami Borton, Open Space Committee Carol Kurkolonis, Parks, Recreation and Trail Committee Diane Poland, Planning Board Bruton Strange, Conservation Commission Michele Turre, Friends of the South River

and FRANKLIN REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS PLANNING DEPARTMENT Peggy Sloan, Planning Director Kimberly Noake MacPhee, Land Use and Natural Resources Program Manager Alyssa Larose, Land Use Planner Mary Praus, Land Use Planner Ryan Clary, Senior GIS Specialist

This project was funded by a Conservation Assistance for Small Communities Grant provided by the Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services

Table of Contents

Section 1: Plan Summary ...... 1-1

Section 2: Introduction ...... 2-1 A. Statement of Purpose ...... 2-1 B. Planning Process and Public Participation ...... 2-1

Section 3: Community Setting ...... 3-1 A. Regional Context...... 3-1 B. History of the Community 1767-1900’s ...... 3-4 C. Population Characteristics ...... 3-5 D. Growth and Development Patterns ...... 3-11

Section 4: Environmental Inventory and Analysis ...... 4-1 A. Ecosystems and Mapping ...... 4-1 B. Soils, Geology, and Topography ...... 4-3 C. Landscape Character ...... 4-7 D. Water Resources ...... 4-8 E. Vegetation...... 4-17 F. Fisheries and Wildlife ...... 4-22 G. Scenic Resources and Unique Environments ...... 4-24 H. Environmental Problems ...... 4-28

Section 5: Inventory of Lands of Conservation and Recreation Interest ..... 5-1 A. Private Lands...... 5-4 B. Public Lands ...... 5-8 C. Nonprofit and Utilities Parcels ...... 5-13 D. Opportunities for Funding Open Space & Conservation Projects in Conway ...... 5-15 E. Criteria for Open Space Protection...... 5-17

Section 6: Community Goals ...... 6-1 A. Description of Process ...... 6-1 B. Statement of Open Space and Recreation Goals ...... 6-2 C. Vision Statement ...... 6-2

Section 7: Analysis of Needs ...... 7-1 A. Summary of Natural Resource Protection Needs ...... 7-1 B. Summary of Community’s Needs ...... 7-3 C. Summary of Management Needs ...... 7-6 D. Regional Strategies for Resource Protection ...... 7-10

Section 8: Goals and Objectives...... 8-1

Section 9: Seven-Year Action Plan ...... 9-1

Section 10: Public Comment ...... 10-1

2013 Conway Open Space and Recreation Plan • Table of Contents • Page i

Section 11: References ...... 11-1

Appendix A: Letters of Support ......

Appendix B: Meeting Sign-In Sheets and Agendas ......

Appendix C: Public Survey and Public Forum ......

Appendix D: ADA Self-Assessment Report ......

Maps

Regional Context ...... 3-20

Zoning ...... 3-21

Water Resources ...... 4-33

Plant and Wildlife Habitat ...... 4-34

Soils and Geologic Features ...... 4-35

Unique Resources ...... 4-36

Protected Open Space Inventory ...... 5-21

Seven-Year Action Plan Map ...... 9-9

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Section 1: Plan Summary

The Conway Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) coalesces the interest, effort, and motivation of community members to identify, prioritize, conserve and protect Conway’s natural, recreational, cultural and historical resources. The purpose of the OSRP is to provide a framework for land use decisions and community planning efforts that may impact valuable natural resources and the lands that contain unique historical, recreational, and scenic values.

Photo credit: Ben Barnhart South Station Dam on the South River in Conway

The 2013 Conway OSRP reflects the high regard Conway residents have for the forests, streams, wetlands, agricultural fields, scenic views, and significant historic and cultural resources that make the town unique. The OSRP illustrates the role that all undeveloped open spaces have in providing wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities and how appropriate economic development strategies, such as promoting agriculture and encouraging cottage industries, can help maintain the characteristics of the town that its residents cherish.

An updated OSRP for Conway is critical to help ensure the quality of life that the residents of Conway now enjoy, while planning for growth that will not be in conflict with the town’s open space and recreation goals. A public survey of residents and two Public Forums gave a clear indication of the town’s open space and recreation interests and concerns. The residents of Conway highly value the town’s rural character, which encompasses both natural and cultural

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features. In this case, rural character is defined as active farms; views from the road of farm fields, woods, and stone walls; and historic structures and sites and existing recreational facilities. Main Street follows the South River as a result of Conway’s manufacturing days and the town center is on the National Register of Historic Places, adding to the town’s rural character. In addition to the rich historical heritage, scenic views from the road, and abundant and diverse natural resources, the residents are interested in protecting wildlife habitat, ensuring continued high water quality, and having an accessible and well-maintained network of trails.

The 2013 OSRP contains recommended actions to help protect these valued resources and qualities. The town’s proximity to Interstate Highway 91 and the suburban sprawl of larger, valley towns make Conway vulnerable to the negative repercussions of unplanned growth. In the past, there has been an assumption that Conway’s hilly terrain and soils that have poor percolation would inherently protect the town from excess development. Development has been happening, however, along roadways and in back-lot sites as the town’s current zoning allows. This development often blocks rural views, disrupts habitat and native vegetation, and may threaten the clean water supply that the town’s residents currently enjoy.

The 2013 OSRP includes recommended actions that are achievable within the jurisdiction of existing town boards and committees, and with the help of dedicated volunteers. Many of the actions involve helping the community to be informed and active in regards to its Open Space and Recreation Plan. The OSRP is meant to be useful in maintaining the balance between the different components of what makes Conway the way it is: active farms, residences, cottage industries, open vistas, a town center, and pristine natural resources. The Seven-Year Action Plan gives concrete substance to the goals and objectives, which were developed from the results of the 2012 Open Space and Recreation Survey, from two Public Forums, and from community members’ understanding of their Town’s vast yet vulnerable natural resource base. The Action Plan’s successful implementation depends upon the ongoing commitment of the Open Space Committee and the Parks, Recreation and Trails Committee, as well as the involvement of dedicated municipal officials and enthusiastic community members.

Photo credit: Dave Chichester South River in Conway

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Section 2: Introduction

A. Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this document is to serve as a guide for the identification, prioritization and protection of the town’s natural, cultural, scenic and historic resources, and future management and development of the Town of Conway’s recreation resources. This plan focuses on specific actions to achieve the goals. The plan can provide an accurate and thorough basis for decision- making involving the current and future open space and recreation needs of the residents of Conway in harmony with appropriate economic development. The Seven-Year Action Plan, when carried out by the Conway Open Space Committee and other town boards and commissions, will successfully implement the Town’s open space and recreation goals and objectives. An updated Open Space and Recreation Plan for Conway is an essential tool for the town to use as it works to protect the quality of life that the residents of Conway now enjoy, and to plan for growth that will not be in conflict with the town's open space and recreation goals.

Photo credit – Michele Turre

B. Planning Process and Public Participation

In May 2012, the town applied for and received funding to update their OSRP from the Conservation Appraisals and Open Space & Recreation Plans for Small Communities grant program administered by the Division of Conservation Services. The town contracted with the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) to provide technical assistance for the plan update process.

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FRCOG staff assisted the Town’s project manager with distributing a survey to residents. The survey was the same one used in 2006 (see Appendix). A paper copy of the survey was inserted into The Visitor, which is a newsletter that is mailed to all of the approximately 690 Conway households. FRCOG staff also posted the survey on-line via SurveyMonkey. The town posted a notice on its web site about the Open Space and Recreation Plan update project and the availability of the survey on June 5, 2012. The town also publicized the project, the survey and the Public Forum that was scheduled for June 27, 2012 by posting flyers around town, sending an email to all town boards and commissions, and publishing an article in the local newspaper (the Recorder).

Fifty-nine (59) residents completed the survey and FRCOG staff prepared a summary of the results, which are included in the Appendix. Results from this survey are similar to those from the 2000 and 2006 surveys. Residents who responded to the survey show consistently strong agreement for protecting and preserving open space for water quality and conservation needs (90%), farmland (88%), scenic roads and vistas (86%), forests (90%), historic or archaeological sites/buildings (75%), and open space for recreational needs (72%). As was the case in 2006, the respondents favor town purchase of land, easement or development rights (81%) and the response with the highest favorable ranking was for the town to request help from the state or a land trust to purchase land (86%). Most survey respondents (73%) are also willing to sell or contribute a conservation easement or restriction on their own land.

On June 27, 2012, FRCOG staff facilitated a Public Forum at the Town Hall in Conway to gather information. The town’s previous OSRPs had a heavy emphasis on open space so the purpose of the forum was to gather information on the town’s recreation needs and concerns, the town’s historic, scenic, and cultural resources, and any environmental problems that might impede the implementation of the town’s open space and recreation goals and objectives. Nineteen residents and one town staff person attended. The attendees included representatives from the town’s Parks & Recreation Committee, Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Historical Commission, Community Preservation Committee, Select Board and Historical Society. The agenda, sign-in sheet and other materials for the forum are included in the appendix.

The forum participants shared many observations and opinions about the town’s open space and recreation goals and needs as well as environmental problems the town is currently facing. These opinions were often conflicting in significant ways, which provides several jumping off points for additional focused discussions among residents, town boards and committees. Finally, forum participants were given an assignment to photograph any cultural, historic, recreational and/or scenic resource that, in their opinion, makes Conway unique. FRCOG staff provided a

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map and instructions to participants and asked them to document these resources and include family members and friends in the exercise. Many of the photographs that were submitted by residents are included in this plan.

A second Public Forum was held on March 14, 2013 at the Conway Town Hall. Draft copies of the 2013 Conway OSRP maps were on display during the Public Forum and attendees were encouraged to review the maps and write down any comments for improving the maps. There were also large posters on display that covered nine topics and listed proposed Action Items from the Seven-Year Action Plan that attendees were encouraged to review and prioritize. Each attendee was given five dots to place next to the Action Items that they considered to be a top priority for the town. A copy of the materials used to publicize the forum, the PowerPoint presentation given at the forum and other materials are included in the appendix.

Copies of the draft maps and the Plan were made available for public comment at the Conway Town Hall and on line at the town’s website. All members of Conway boards and committees were also contacted via email and asked to review the draft sections of the Plan. After review and discussion by the Open Space and Recreation Plan Update Committee, all ideas, comments, and corrections received during the public forum and comment period – and throughout the planning process – pertaining to the different sections of the plan, maps and the action steps have also been incorporated in the final version of the Conway Open Space and Recreation Plan.

The information collected from both the survey and the two Public Forums was used to update Section 6 – Community Vision, Section 7 – Analysis of Needs, Section 8 – Goals and Objectives, and Section 9 – Seven-Year Action Plan.

The open space and recreation goals affirmed during the public participation process were the same as those articulated in previous OSRPs and include one addition (in italics).

 Ensure that Conway continues to look and function as a rural community.  Ensure that Conway maintains or improves the quality of its rivers, streams, and sources of drinking water.  Ensure that Conway includes a wide variety of wildlife habitats that provide food, cover, water, and open space for native species.  Ensure that trails on public land are used with respect and maintained by the community.  Ensure that Conway maintains or improves the quality of and access to the Town’s recreational resources.

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Section 3: Community Setting

A. Regional Context

Conway is located in western Massachusetts, a region rich in agriculture and forest resources. State Route 116, a state-designated scenic byway, bisects the town east to west providing easy access to Interstate 91 and the Connecticut River Valley. Conway shares resources such as watersheds, public forestland, a regional middle and high school, and regional planning and purchasing services with some of the seven surrounding towns.

The Town of Conway (37.8 square miles) lies in the foothills of the Berkshires just west of the Connecticut River Valley, a region rich in agriculture. It is the 4th largest in area of all towns in Franklin County and is the 9th most populous (1,897 residents according to the 2010 census). Conway shares boundaries with seven other towns: Buckland and Shelburne to the north, Deerfield to the east and north, Whately and Williamsburg to the south, and Ashfield and Goshen to the west. It is the first hill town northbound on State Route 116. Three miles east of the town line, Route 116 intersects Interstate 91, a north-south connection to nearby Greenfield and Northampton. Fifteen miles further east is Amherst, home to the University of Massachusetts, Hampshire College and Amherst College. Two other colleges, Smith College and Mount Holyoke College are also located nearby in Northampton and South Hadley, respectively.

Conway has its own grammar school. But starting in seventh grade, Conway children (along with children from Deerfield, Sunderland and Whately) are bussed to Frontier Regional School in South Deerfield or to Franklin County Technical School in Montague.

Although all Conway residences have private wells, the town contains part of the public water supply reservoir for South Deerfield and part of the watershed for the Northampton Reservoir in Whately. The South River watershed, a sub-watershed of the Deerfield River watershed, encompasses 26.1 square miles and includes portions of the towns of Ashfield and Conway. The South River, one of the larger waterways in Conway, flows first through Ashfield and ends at the Deerfield River, a major regional resource for power supply and recreation. The Deerfield River serves as the town’s northern boundary between Shelburne and Deerfield. Spanning town boundaries on the north, west, and south are public and private forestlands. These function as both shared recreational and open space resources and as wildlife habitat and corridors connecting to habitat in Vermont and New York.

The Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) provides regional planning and purchasing services for member towns, of which Conway is one. Regional priorities have been water quality protection, economic development, and solid-waste management. Recent regional projects that have involved Conway, and have implications for open space and recreation planning, include the following:

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 State Route 116 Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan: In 2008, the Massachusetts Legislature designated Route 116 in the Towns of Deerfield, Conway, Ashfield, Plainfield, Savoy, and Adams as a scenic byway. In Conway, the byway travels through Conway Center, which is characterized by historic architecture and its small town atmosphere, and past the Burkeville Covered Bridge, which is on the National Register of Historic Places and has recently been restored. Funding has been awarded by the National Scenic Byway Program to complete a corridor management plan for Route 116. The development of the corridor management plan is underway, and is a multi-regional collaborative effort that will take several years and includes the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, FRCOG, the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, and representatives from the towns along the byway. The plan will inventory the scenic, historical, natural, recreational, and cultural assets along the byway, and develop recommendations for maintaining and enhancing these resources. Completing a corridor management plan will qualify towns along the scenic byway to apply for competitive funding for eligible projects in the byway corridor. Examples of eligible projects include1 scenic overlooks, marketing campaigns, streetscape improvement projects, and land and resource protection projects. The plan will be completed by August 1, 2013.

 In 2010, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection awarded a 604b Water Quality Management Planning grant to the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) to implement a Fluvial Geomorphic and Habitat Assessment of the South River Watershed. A fluvial geomorphology consultant was hired to assess the types and causes of the erosion occurring along the South River and recommend appropriate bank stabilization and flow management techniques. Tropical Storm Irene in August 2011 demonstrated the extensive infrastructure damage and dramatic increases in downstream sediment loading that can result from extreme flooding in the Deerfield River Watershed (of which the South River is part of) in Massachusetts. Flooding in the Town of Conway on the South River caused by the storm washed away a recently completed geo-cell retaining wall and nearly resulted in the loss of the Route 116 Bridge. Conceptual designs and cost estimates were prepared for the #1 priority ranked project located downstream of the Rte.116 bridge in Conway. The FRCOG and the town applied for a s.319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Implementation Grant in November 2012. The grant was awarded to the FRCOG and the monies will provide partial funding for the construction of the project. Work will begin in 2013.

 Franklin County 2035 Regional Plan for Sustainable Development: In 2011, the FRCOG partnered with several regional organizations and towns to obtain a Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban

1 http://www.bywaysonline.org/grants/funded/funded_report?report=detailed&format=html

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Development. The partner organizations form the Sustainable Communities Consortium (Consortium) and include: Community Action, Franklin County Regional Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA), North Quabbin Community Coalition (NQCC), Franklin County Community Development Corporation (FCCDC), and the towns of Greenfield, Deerfield, Montague, and Orange. In addition to this Consortium group, there is a larger Steering Committee composed of regional organizations, non-profits, municipal officials, and residents from the region who provided a range of perspectives on the wide-ranging topic of sustainability. This grant allowed the FRCOG to conduct a comprehensive regional planning process in order to create the first sustainability plan for Franklin County. The Regional Plan for Sustainable Development (RPSD) will be finalized in 2013 and is a long-term plan for how Franklin County can support sustainable development in the future. The plan defines sustainable development as the ability of Franklin County to meet its current and ongoing environmental, social, and economic needs without compromising the future for succeeding generations. The plan seeks to protect the environment, enhance communities, and support economic development. The RPSD will contain strategies and recommendations to help guide and inform the decision-making process for Conway and the other Franklin County town governments. The RPSD will also provide regional organizations with useful information and will serve as a decision- making tool for individuals, businesses, organizations, and municipalities. The RPSD builds on past regional planning efforts and looks to the future using the vision created through an extensive public participation process conducted for the Plan. The resulting goals and recommendations will help achieve a more sustainable Franklin County. The goals and recommendations from the RPSD are included in sections of this Open Space and Recreation Plan update where relevant.

 Franklin County Bikeway: The Franklin County Bikeway totals approximately 240 miles in length and covers the entire county, with connections to bordering counties and states. Much of the Bikeway network consists of “on-road” or “shared roadway” sections that make use of predominantly low traffic roads. There are several “off-road” bikepaths as well that provide connections suitable for all riders. The central portion of the Franklin County Bikeway is marked with Franklin County Bikeway way-finding signs. Conway is part of this central portion that includes Greenfield, Montague, Deerfield, Whately, and Sunderland. Bikeway routes in Conway include the Whately-Conway Loop, which follows Whately Road and Route 116 in Conway and provides a continuous loop through Whately and Deerfield. The West County-Greenfield Connector route links Conway Center to downtown Greenfield via Shelburne Falls Road and Bardswell Ferry Road in Conway, Taylor Road in Shelburne, and South Shelburne Road in Greenfield. Conway is also part of the Buckland-Ashfield loop, which connects to Ashfield via route 116, and to Buckland and Shelburne Falls via Shelburne Falls Road. These routes offer bicycling and transportation opportunities for both novice and intermediate riders.

 Walk Franklin County…for the Health of It!: The FRCOG partnered with the YMCA in Greenfield, Baystate Franklin Medical Center, Greenfield Community College, and the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce to develop and launch Walk Franklin County – for the Health of It! This cooperative program works to promote walking for

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transportation, reduction of air pollution, and physical fitness and health. The Walk Franklin County – for the Health of It! project is a free program that allows participants to measure and record their walking progress and receive rewards for reaching their walking goals. The FRCOG has completed sets of walking maps for each town in Franklin County, including the Conway Center Route, a 2-mile walk that follows the South River, traverses the covered bridge, and passes historic homes and scenic farmland. These maps are available online at http://www.walkfranklincounty.org/maps.php.

 The Mahican-Mohawk Trail is a walking trail that follows the Deerfield River corridor which Native Americans, and later early American settlers, used to cross between the Connecticut and Hudson River Valleys. Previously, Transportation Enhancements funding was used to reopen a 10-mile section of the trail along the Deerfield River that connects from Deerfield to Shelburne, and to conduct preliminary planning to extend the trail 100 miles to the Hudson River. During 2009, a bridge was constructed over the South River in Conway, two miles from the eastern end of the trail. The Deerfield River Watershed Association (DRWA) worked to advocate for the design and construction of this important trail link. The bridge was installed with a large portion of the construction funding from TransCanada Hydro Northeast Power Company - the owner of the land. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) holds a conservation restriction on the property, which ensures that it will be permanently protected for public use.

With an excellent grammar school and proximity to employment centers, Conway is seen as a good alternative to higher priced suburban sprawl in the Valley and is vulnerable to the negative consequences of unplanned growth. In addition to being a destination of its own, Conway is located between popular destinations, such as the larger commercial centers of South Deerfield and the Pioneer Valley, and scenic areas such as the westerly hill towns and the Berkshires. People heading for those places on business, especially truckers, perhaps do not consider it convenient or desirable that the roads are narrow and scenic. This may inevitably have some influence on the future character of town roads.

Conway and its neighbors share regional recreational and natural resources. The recreational facilities at the junior high/high school are almost 10 miles from Conway and are therefore, little used by town residents other than pupils during school hours. Conway should strive to work cooperatively with nearby towns to protect water quality, mitigate flood damages, protect wildlife habitat and support regional recreational projects such as trail continuity. B. History of the Community -1767 to 1900's

Settled as a subsistence farming community, Conway's population peaked as a mill town during the Industrial Revolution, fueled by its abundant water resources. Since then, industry has declined as well as farming. The remaining fields and stone walls found in Conway today are the legacy of the town's bucolic history. Two bridges and the town center are nationally recognized historic sites.

The land area that is now Conway was part of a grant in 1712 from the General Court enlarging the area of Deerfield. In 1762, after the close of the French and Indian Wars, the area was

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surveyed and divided into 141 lots averaging 150 acres. Lots were sold and settled rapidly, and in 1767 the land was separated from Deerfield and incorporated as the Town of Conway. In the following years, farms developed thickly and evenly throughout the hills, with forested land cleared for crops and pasture. By 1817, the extent of cleared land was as great as it ever would be. Much of this wood fueled the startup of sawmills. Gristmills and sawmills, which were built along the streams to harness waterpower, were the first mills of the settlers. Pumpkin Hollow, located at the geographical heart of Conway, became the center of town with a church, school, store, inn, harness shop, and wagon shop. As the population rose steadily, other parts of town, known as districts or neighborhoods, built their own schools. In all, sixteen districts formed each with its own schoolhouse.

By the mid-1800s, the citizens of Conway were working hard toward rapid development of the manufacturing industry. Most factories were located along the South River, the main source of waterpower in town. Everything from textiles, hats, furniture, and cutlery to washing "machines" were made here. Gradually, Pumpkin Hollow was replaced as the "center" of town as banks and public buildings sprang up near the river.

In the midst of the industrial boom of the nineteenth century, many farms were abandoned leaving pastures and fields to be reclaimed once again by forest. Early in the 20th century, the manufacturing industry went into decline, with many factories going out of business largely because of transportation costs to and from Conway. Stone foundations and cellar holes are the visible remains of many farms and factories of long ago. The remaining open land, cleared of trees and stones with much hard labor, is a treasured legacy from the past.

Conway’s population began to grow again beginning in the 1960s. Conway’s greatest population increases were in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, with growth averaging around 22 percent each decade. Conway’s easy access to the University of Massachusetts Amherst via Route 116 likely fueled some of this growth, as the university rapidly expanded facilities, enrollment, and employment during this time. The development of Interstate 91 just east of Conway in the 1960s also made the town more accessible to larger employment centers such as Greenfield to the north, and Northampton and the Springfield metropolitan area to the south. Conway today is largely a residential community, with some remaining working farms and a sizeable percentage of self-employed individuals.

C. Population Characteristics

Conway's population for the 2010 census was 1,897. With an area of 37.8 square miles, the town's population density is 50 people per square mile. Since 1970, the population in Conway has nearly doubled in size, from 998 residents in 1970 to 1,897 in 2010, an increase of 90 percent (see Table 3-1). Conway’s population grew the most in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, averaging around a 22 percent increase in each of those decades (see Figure 3-1). This was a much higher rate of growth than experienced on the county or state level. Between 2000 and 2010, growth slowed to roughly 5 percent, which is more in line with the state, but still higher than the county, which experienced no population growth over this period.

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Table 3-1: U.S. Census Population Counts, 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000, and 2010 U.S. Census Population Geography 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 Conway 998 1,213 1,529 1,809 1,897 Franklin County 59,223 64,317 70,092 71,535 71,372 Massachusetts 5,689,377 5,737,037 6,016,425 6,349,097 6,547,629 Source: U.S. Census Bureau.

Figure 3-1: Percent Change in Population by Decade, 1970 - 2010 100% 90%

80% 70% 60% 50% Conway 40% Franklin County Massachusetts 30%

20% Percent Change Population in 10% 0% 1970-1980 1980-1990 1990-2000 2000-2010 1970-2010 -10% Time Period

Source: U.S. Census Bureau.

Except for a few blocks in the center of town, the population is widely dispersed; most people live on roads that pass through woods and farmlands. Residents value the rural character and natural landscape of Conway. Nature-related activities such as hunting, hiking, snowmobiling, horseback riding, cross country skiing and fishing are important. Based on the 2007-2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, U.S. Census, Conway's population is homogeneous, largely of European ancestry, with very low minority representation. Conway has an older population than the county and the state, with 40 percent of residents within the ages of 45 to 64, compared to 34 percent in the county, and 28 percent in the state. Conway also has a larger percentage of its population within the 65 to 74 age group than the county and state, and a smaller percentage of 20 to 24 year olds. Between 2000 and 2010, the most significant changes in the age makeup of Conway residents was a decrease by 4 percent of 10 to 19 year olds, a decrease of 25 to 44 year olds by 9 percent, and an increase in 45 to 64 year olds by 8 percent

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and 65 to 74 year olds by 3 percent. These trends are similar to the county, but vary somewhat from the state, which tended to maintain its younger population.

Table 3-2: Population by Age Group, 2000 and 2010 % 9 % 75 Total Years & % 10-19 % 20-24 % 25-44 % 45-64 % 65-74 Years & Geography Population Under Years Years Years Years Years Over Conway 2000 1,809 10.7% 16.3% 3.3% 28.5% 31.6% 5.1% 4.5% 2010 1,897 11.0% 12.7% 4.2% 19.7% 39.6% 8.5% 4.4% Difference 88 0.2% -3.5% 0.8% -8.8% 8.0% 3.4% -0.1% Franklin County 2000 71,535 11.5% 14.3% 5.4% 28.5% 25.9% 6.7% 7.5% 2010 71,372 10.0% 11.9% 6.0% 23.1% 33.7% 7.9% 7.3% Difference -163 -1.5% -2.4% 0.6% -5.4% 7.8% 1.2% -0.2% Massachusetts 2000 6,349,097 13.0% 13.3% 6.4% 31.3% 22.4% 6.7% 6.8% 2010 6,547,629 11.5% 13.3% 7.3% 26.5% 27.7% 7.0% 6.8% Difference 198,532 -1.5% 0.0% 0.9% -4.8% 5.3% 0.3% 0.0% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 and 2010.

If the relatively large cohort of older (45-64) working-aged residents were to continue to reside in Conway, it will result in a significant population of individuals in the older age cohort in the next ten years. Residents of all ages need facilities and programs that provide safe spaces for recreating as well as access to open space. An aging population may require accessible recreational facilities, such as walking paths, and programming geared towards continued learning and community engagement.

Economic Wealth of Residents

Measures of the income levels of Conway’s residents as compared to the county and state are helpful in assessing the ability of the citizenry to pay for recreational resources and programs, and for access to open space. Table 3-3 shows income estimates for Conway, Franklin County, and Massachusetts as reported from the 2007-2011 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Overall, these statistics show that Conway’s residents tend to be financially more well off than the county and state.

Per capita income is determined by dividing the total amount of income earned in an area by the number of residents, including a portion of the population that might not be generating income such as children and the elderly. According to the ACS estimates, Conway’s per capita income in 2011 was $33,385, higher than the county estimate but lower than the state’s.

The median household income is determined by calculating the income of each person ages 15 years and over in a household and then finding the midpoint of all household incomes (i.e. half

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of the household incomes are above this figure, and half are below this figure). This statistic includes all occupied households, including families and individuals living alone. Conway’s estimated median household income in 2011 was $80,313, which was much higher than both the county and state estimates. Conway’s median household income was also the highest out of all 26 Franklin County towns in 2011.

Table 3-3: Income and Poverty Estimates, 2011 Median Percent of Per Capita Income Geography Household Individuals Below Estimate Income Estimate Poverty Level* Conway $33,385 $80,313 6.0% Franklin County $28,313 $52,246 11.9% Massachusetts $35,051 $65,981 10.7% * For whom poverty status was determined. Source: American Community Survey 2007-2011 Five Year Estimates. Five-year estimate of income for the past 12 months and reported in 2011 dollars.

Another way to describe a community’s income and economy is the poverty rate. In Conway, 6.0 percent of the town’s 1,790 residents for whom poverty status was determined were estimated to be living below the poverty level in 2011. Conway’s poverty rate was significantly less than in the county (11.9 percent) and state (10.7 percent).

Employment Statistics

Employment statistics like labor force, unemployment rates, type and place of employment are used to describe the local economy. Labor force figures can reflect the ability of a community to provide workers that could be employed by incoming or existing businesses. Unemployment rates can show how well residents are faring in the larger economy while employment figures describe the number of employees in different types of businesses. The number of people employed in each business can be used to determine the types of industries that could be encouraged in town. The town may decide to encourage business development to provide services to residents, create more jobs, and as a way of increasing taxable property values, which can help pay for municipal services and facilities, including recreational parks and programming as well as protected open space.

Profile of Conway’s Labor Force The labor force is defined as the pool of individuals who are 16 years of age and over, and are either employed or who are actively seeking employment. Persons not actively seeking employment, such as some enrolled students, retirees, or stay-at-home parents, are excluded from the labor force. In 2011, the total labor force in Conway was 1,140 people, according to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. Since 2000, the size of Conway’s labor force has fluctuated, from a low of 1,116 in 2000, to a high of 1,175 in 2006. Despite Conway’s population growth in the last ten years, the size of the labor force has remained relatively the same. This may be partly due to the economic downturn in the last several years, which may discourage people from looking for work, as well as Conway’s aging population, who may be retiring.

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Table 3-4: 2011 Annual Labor Force and Unemployment Employed Unemployed Unemployment Geography Labor Force Persons Persons Rate Conway 1,140 1,081 59 5.2% Franklin County 38,563 35,963 2,600 6.7% Massachusetts 3,456,433 3,202,050 254,367 7.4% Source: Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.

The unemployment rate is determined by dividing the number of unemployed persons in an area who are actively seeking employment (and therefore part of the labor force), by the total labor force for that area. In 2011, Conway’s annual unemployment rate was 5.2 percent, with 59 residents unemployed (see Table 3-4). This is a lower rate than the county (6.7%) and the state (7.4%). Over the last decade, Conway’s unemployment rate has been consistently lower than the rates in both Franklin County and Massachusetts. However, Conway’s unemployment rate is influenced by the greater economy, as is evidenced in the similar pattern of highs and lows as the county and state (Figure 3-2).

Figure 3-2: Annual Unemployment Rates, 2000 - 2011 9.0%

8.0%

7.0%

6.0%

5.0% Conway 4.0% Franklin County Massachusetts 3.0%

2.0%

1.0%

0.0%

Source: Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.

It is estimated that in 2011, 20 percent of Conway’s workers aged 16 and over worked within town. This is less than the county (29%) and state (32%), which can be expected considering the rural nature of Conway. Approximately 37 percent of Conway’s workers were employed within other towns in Franklin County, while 38 percent traveled outside of the county, but within Massachusetts, for employment. Roughly 5 percent of workers were employed outside of the

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state.2 Given Conway’s location close to major employment centers outside of Franklin County, such as Amherst and Northampton, it is not surprising that many residents are employed outside of the county. Additionally, Conway had a larger percentage (6.7%) of workers who worked from home in 2011 than the county (5.6%) and the state (4.2%).

Table 3-5 presents estimates on the percentage of Conway workers who are employed in different industries, as compared to the county and state. Approximately 35 percent are employed in educational services, and health care and social assistance, representing by far the largest share of employment among Conway residents. This is likely due to Conway’s close proximity to the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and the other private and higher education institutions in the greater region. Conway also has roughly 10 percent of its workforce employed in manufacturing, 8 percent in retail trade, and 7 percent in: construction; arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services; and professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services.

Table 3-5: Industries in which Conway Workers are Employed, 2011 INDUSTRY Conway Franklin County Massachusetts Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and 1.5% 1.9% 0.4% mining Construction 7.2% 7.0% 5.6% Manufacturing 9.9% 11.9% 9.7% Wholesale trade 2.9% 2.2% 2.6% Retail trade 8.2% 10.4% 10.9% Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 4.4% 4.3% 3.7% Information 3.0% 3.4% 2.6% Finance and insurance, and real estate and 5.1% 3.9% 8.0% rental and leasing Professional, scientific, and management, and 6.7% 6.6% 12.9% administrative and waste management services Educational services, and health care and social 34.5% 31.6% 27.1% assistance Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and 6.9% 7.9% 8.0% accommodation and food services Other services, except public administration 6.0% 5.0% 4.5% Public administration 3.7% 3.9% 4.1% Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.1% Source: 2007-2011 American Community Survey 5-year estimates.

Currently, there is very little commerce or industry in Conway due to constraints posed by the town's rural location, lack of a municipal water supply and municipal wastewater treatment plant, and lack of high speed internet. Currently the largest employers in town are the Town of Conway, Poplar Hill Machine, Inc., and OESCO Inc. (Orchard Equipment & Supply Co.), each employing between 20 and 49 people.3 The Conway School of Landscape Design employs

2 2007-2011 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. 3 Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.

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between 5 and 9 people, and offers a 10-month intensive graduate program in sustainable landscape planning and design. The graduates of this program contribute to the region’s creative workforce. The school has an impact on the town and the region through its program to offer services to non-profit organizations and communities. Students may work on design or planning projects under the guidance of instructors for a negotiated fee, and can be a resource for projects related to open space and recreation. There is considerable self-employment with approximately 13 percent of Conway’s workforce identified as self-employed.4 These residents may work in agriculture, construction, the arts, and cottage industries.

An examination of the data presented thus far reveals several implications for Conway's future open space and recreation needs. For one thing, since the baby boom generation makes up such a large part of the population, as they age the population as a whole will age with them. The 2010 median age is 44.7. There may therefore be a growing demand for the less strenuous nature- related activities, such as hiking, hunting and fishing. Recreational facilities and programming will need to be accessible for residents of all ages with disabilities. While Conway’s population may be aging, it is important to continue to provide recreational opportunities for all ages. If at least some of the sport and recreational needs of younger residents can be met close to home, it will contribute much to the quality of family life in Conway.

The 1860's population was high due to an abundance of town-based businesses (mills, factories, etc.). It is likely that similar businesses will not be seen again due to their environmental impacts, location, and the regional economy. Population in Conway may continue to grow, but that growth will be based on the quality of life residents can experience here, and the close proximity to employment opportunities in nearby communities. As numerous Costs of Community Services studies undertaken by the American Farmland Trust5 have indicated, the cost of services required by residential development exceeds the taxes generated. The following section explores further the recent development trends in Conway, and how these trends may impact open space and recreation in the town.

D. Growth and Development Patterns

Residential development is increasing in Conway. The majority of new residential development is occurring along existing road frontage, on prime or secondary farmland, and within view from the road. Many of Conway's roads offer the spectacular views of open land that residents enjoy; however, development along these roadways will diminish the town's scenic quality.

Patterns and Trends

Originally, Conway developed as did most of the hilltowns of western Massachusetts: farm houses along roads, occasionally clustering around a store or public building or factory to make a little neighborhood, but generally interspersed among the farmsteads with their large pasture acreage. Today, few of the neighborhood districts are noticeable. The industrial mills that once harnessed the South River are gone except for a brick building that is now the site of Orchard

4 2007-2011 American Community Survey five-year estimates. 5 http://www.farmland.org/services/fiscalplanning/

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Equipment & Supply, Co. on Route 116. Conway's dams, mills, and electric railroad have disappeared, as have most of the large barns, although farmhouses remain. Current residential development is usually frontage lots of varying size, subdivided from larger parcels, with little in the way of neighborhood clusters. Since the late 1980's there has also been an increase in shared- drive (driveway/private road), back-lot residential developments.

Although the growth trend of the three decades before the 2000s has slowed, the town was one of the few in Franklin County that continued to grow in population in the last decade. An estimated 75 residential building permits were issued between 2000 and 2010 for a total of 77 new housing units.6 However, in the last two years, only one new home has been built. The homes in Conway are relatively expensive for the region. In 2010, the Town had the second highest median housing value of $313,400 for Franklin County. The town's high-ranking grammar school, along with many other influencing factors, is still encouraging families to settle in Conway.

From 1971 to 1999, the major changes in land use in Conway were a loss of roughly 314 acres of forest, a loss of 670 acres of agricultural land uses, and an increase of 493 acres in residential uses. See the Land Use Change map at the end of this section. The most recent land use data available is from 2005, and is provided by MassGIS. According to this data, approximately 84 percent of Conway is forested, a little over 8 percent is in agricultural use, and 3 percent is developed as residential use. Overwhelmingly residential uses are on lots greater than a half- acre, which is not surprising given the lack of water and sewer infrastructure in town. Due to a change in methodology and technology used to collect this data, the 2005 acreages cannot be compared to earlier sets of data (1999, 1985 and 1971). Less than 1 percent of the total area in town is comprised of commercial or industrial uses.

Table 3-6: Summary of Conway Land Use, 20057 Percentage of

Land Use Category Acres Total Acreage Description in Town Areas where tree canopy covers at least 50% of the land. Both coniferous and deciduous forests Forest belong to this class. 20,289 83.8% Combined Pasture and Cropland categories. Generally tilled land used to grow row crops. Boundaries follow the shape of the fields and include associated buildings (e.g., barns). Fields and associated facilities (barns and other outbuildings) used for animal grazing and for Agriculture the growing of grasses for hay. 2,034 8.4% Combined Multi-family, High Density and Medium Density Residential Development Residential (< .5 acre categories. Duplexes (usually with two front lots & multi-family) doors, two entrance pathways, and sometimes 38 0.2%

6 2010 U.S. Census. 7 http://www.mass.gov/anf/research-and-tech/it-serv-and-support/application-serv/office-of-geographic-information- massgis/datalayers/lus2005.html

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Percentage of

Land Use Category Acres Total Acreage Description in Town two driveways), apartment buildings, condominium complexes, including buildings and maintained lawns. Housing on smaller than 1/4 acre lots. Housing on 1/4 - 1/2 acre lots. Residential (> .5 acre Housing on 1/2 - 1 acre lots. lots) 685 2.8% Malls, shopping centers and larger strip commercial areas, plus neighborhood stores and medical offices (not hospitals). Lawn and garden centers that do not produce or grow the Commercial product are also considered commercial. 8 0.0% Light and heavy industry, including buildings, Industrial equipment and parking areas. 7 0.0% Wetlands As defined by MassDEP. 537 2.2% Facilities used by the public for active recreation. Includes ball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, athletic tracks, ski areas, playgrounds, and bike paths plus associated parking lots. Primary and secondary school recreational facilities are in this category, but university stadiums and arenas are considered Spectator Recreation. Recreation facilities not open to the public such as those belonging to private residences are mostly labeled with the Participation and associated residential land use class not Water-Based participation recreation. However, some private Recreation facilities may also be mapped. 5 0.0% Includes the gravestones, monuments, parking Cemetery lots, road networks and associated buildings. 11 0.0% Water As defined by MassDEP. 164 0.7% Lands comprising schools, churches, colleges, hospitals, museums, prisons, town halls or court houses, police and fire stations, including parking lots, dormitories, and university Urban housing. Also may include public open green Public/Institutional spaces like town commons. 18 0.1% Vacant land, idle agriculture, rock outcrops, and barren areas. Vacant land is not maintained for any evident purpose and it does not support Open Land large plant growth. 245 1.0% Other Total of other categories not listed in the table. 170 0.7% Total 24,210 100.0% Source: 2005 MassGIS Land Use data.

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Infrastructure

Transportation System: Conway has over 72 miles of public roads. Most follow the contours of stream valleys, and all but a few are intertown connectors. Route 116, bisecting the town from east to west, is a state highway that connects with Interstate 91. It is a curving, two-lane road with narrow gravel shoulders that carries a steady stream of not only residential traffic, but also tractor trailer trucks and weekend recreation traffic, including motorcycles. The speed limit varies from 25 to 40 mph through town. Other frequent users of Route 116 are commuter and recreational bicyclists, and pedestrians (in the town center). Wildlife can also be seen frequently while traveling this route, especially at night. The Region I and II offices of Massachusetts DOT has in the past considered the road to be in need of widening and straightening as a regional truck route. However, in 2008 the Massachusetts legislature designated Route 116 as a scenic byway. Currently a Route 116 Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan is being developed and should be completed by 2014. The plan will inventory the scenic, historical, natural, recreational, and cultural assets along the byway, and develop recommendations for maintaining and enhancing these resources. Completing a corridor management plan will qualify the scenic byway to apply for additional funding for eligible projects along the byway.

Two more of Conway's intertown roads are asphalt-paved for their full length. Three are partly paved and partly oil and stone surface. All of the remaining roads have varied surfaces, sections of which might be dirt. The "unimproved" roads have been cherished and/or accepted by many long-time residents but are reportedly annoying to newer residents who have been accustomed to urban infrastructure and who have been thwarted in their commuting habits by snow, ice, or mud. Remnants of unused town and county roads add to the transportation network. However, there is concern that "abandoned" sections that have not also been legally discontinued can be revived for access to new subdivisions. Hoosac Road in the late 1980s is one example.

The town has no designated Scenic Roads pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Section 15C8 which reads:

Upon recommendation or request of the planning board, conservation commission or historical commission of any city or town, such city or town may designate any road in said city or town, other than a numbered route or state highway as a scenic road; provided, however, that a numbered route may be designated by a city or town as a scenic road if its entire length is contained within the boundaries of said city or town, and no part of said route is owned or maintained by the commonwealth.

After a road has been designated as a scenic road any repair, maintenance, reconstruction, or paving work done with respect thereto shall not involve or include the cutting or removal of trees, or the tearing down or destruction of stone walls, or portions thereof, except with the prior written consent of the planning board, or if there is no planning board, the selectmen of a town, or the city council of a city, after a public hearing duly advertised twice in a newspaper of general circulation in the area, as to time, date, place and purpose, the last publication to occur at least seven days prior to such hearing; provided, however, that when a public hearing must be held under the provisions of this section and under section

8 http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleVII/Chapter40/Section15c

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three of chapter eighty-seven prior to the cutting or removal of a tree, such hearings shall be consolidated into a single public hearing before the tree warden and the planning board, or if there is no planning board, the selectmen of a town, or the city council of a city, and notice of such consolidated public hearing shall be given by the tree warden or his deputy as provided in said section three of chapter eighty-seven. Any city or town making said scenic road designation may make an ordinance or by-law establishing that a violation of this paragraph shall be punished by a fine not to exceed three hundred dollars.

Designation of a road as a scenic road shall not affect the eligibility of a city or town to receive construction or reconstruction aid for such road pursuant to the provisions of chapter ninety.

The Town Highway Department is one of two town entities with full-time staff (the other is the grammar school), employing 4 people. Its budgetary needs are generally well supported by town meeting, although maintaining the roads to meet the demands of commuters scattered over the 72 miles of town roads is an increasing expense.

As noted earlier in this section, several roads in Conway are designated bikeway routes as part of the Franklin County Bikeway. These are Route 116, Whately Road, Shelburne Falls Road, and Bardswell Ferry Road, and are considered appropriate for novice or intermediate bicyclists. Pedestrian facilities are limited to the town center, where several municipal buildings, such as the town hall, town offices, senior center, and library, are located within walking distance of one another. The Conway Streetscape Improvement Project was completed in 2006, and included the construction and/or improvement of sidewalks, installation of curbing, benches, trash receptacles, plantings, interpretive signs and signs at the entrances to the downtown along Route 116 in Conway Center. The project area included Elm Street, River Street and Ashfield Road, and incorporated elements that are intended to enhance the town center as a gathering space. In addition, the Burkeville Covered Bridge was reconstructed by MassHighway (now MassDOT) for use as a pedestrian bridge in 2006. The improved sidewalks and streetscape connect to the reconstructed bridge.

A 2010 survey conducted by the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) for the development of a Regional Pedestrian Plan found that there are opportunities for further improving pedestrian facilities in Conway Center, including:

 Improving the safety of crossing Route 116;  Clearing snow from sidewalks that has been deposited there from plowing of Route 116; and  Extending sidewalks to feeder roads that lead into the village center.

Some of these improvements could potentially be funded with federal transportation monies.

Water Supply: Virtually all the buildings with plumbing in Conway are served by individual wells (a few still use spring water). The public drinking water supplies in Conway regulated by the MassDEP are located at Bakers Country Store, Holly’s Barn, Conway Grammar School, Page’s Coffee Bar, the Conway Inn, and Conway School of Landscape Design. These sources

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are discussed in more detail in Section 4. A 1989 grant to study potential threats to groundwater revealed that a number of wells in the center of town are shallow and face contamination from failing septic systems and road salt. Many citizens in older residences do not know the exact location of their wells.

Sewer Service: All sewage in town is treated by individual septic systems. In 1975, when Massachusetts required existing buildings to stop dumping waste directly into rivers, the Conway Board of Health opted to require septic fields, not a public sewer system. This choice has served to limit new development to appropriate soils, but it has also meant that in some of the older town center buildings the septic fields are perhaps poor filters and could possibly contaminate shallow wells. In addition, some of these septic fields are closer to waterways and wetlands than current standards allow.

Long-term Development Patterns

Conway's land-use controls exist in its zoning (see section E. Zoning on page 18) and state tax provision programs (M.G.L. Chapters 61, 61A, 6IB). Just over 6,400 acres of land in Conway are registered under Chapters 61, 61A and 61B, reduced tax status provisions within the state tax code for land in forestry, agriculture and recreation (see Section 5). The provisions allow the town the right of first refusal should the parcel go on the market or change use.

As is typical of many rural communities, much of Conway's land is in large, undivided parcels. These larger parcels include most of the scenic farmland and rustic woodland that characterize the town. Much of this land is in private hands and therefore vulnerable to a change in use. Residential development in town is somewhat limited by the town’s zoning bylaws and the lack of public water supply and a public wastewater treatment system.

A March 2012 report prepared by Lee Whitcomb, Assessor for the Town of Conway and Diane Poland, Ph.D. notes the importance of including the miles of unprotected frontage in any land preservation discussions. The frontage along Conway’s roads is scenic and contributes to the town’s rural character. The following table is taken from the report.

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In 2004, Conway adopted the Community Preservation Act (CPA). The CPA allows communities to create a local Community Preservation Fund to raise money through a surcharge of up to 3% of the real estate tax levy on real property for open space protection, historic preservation, and the provision of affordable housing, as well as recreation. The act also creates a significant state matching fund, which serves as an incentive to communities to pass the CPA. Conway passed the CPA at a 1.5% surcharge on property taxes, with an exemption for low income residents. Recent projects that have utilized CPA funds include providing the town’s share for Agricultural Preservation Restrictions at Natural Roots Farm and Totman Farm, and the purchase of a Conservation Restriction on the land used for the Conway Swimming Pool.9

Community Character Definition

Approximately 93 percent of respondents to the 2012 Open Space and Recreation Plan public survey felt there is a need to preserve open space in Conway, with farmland, forest, and open spaces for water and conservation needs considered the most important resources to preserve. The most significant threats to Conway’s rural character, according to survey respondents, are the loss of farmland and land development. It is apparent that those who live in Conway think it has a rural character and want to keep it the way it is. What does that mean? The OSRP Committee has extrapolated a working definition from written and spoken comments of residents who have participated in the public outreach process. “The way Conway is” seems to be that of an area of increasing settlement which still allows a rural way of life-one that is safe, healthy, friendly, natural, affordable, and unpretentious. The combination of rolling wooded hillsides, cleared agricultural land, curving river corridors, winding rural roads, and historic structures provides a variety of scenic views and unique locales. Generally roads and development in Conway are located in stream valleys, juxtaposed with important natural and scenic resources: aquifer, wetlands, groundwater, farmland, and cherished views. This juxtaposition means that everything that happens on and along roads has the potential for significant impact. For example, new septic systems and road salt can pollute water resources, while buildings could block or spoil views of farmland. A continuation of the historic settlement pattern in the immediate town center (lots smaller than 1 acre) would require a public sewer and/ or water system. This change may become necessary even for existing homes and buildings.

These scenic resources are enhanced by the contrast of elements such as the juxtaposition of wooded hillside to flat farmland, the change in roadside character from sunny meadow to dark woods, or the sudden rush of a roadside river. Conway's unique environments range from corridors to scenic vistas and unique features (see Section 4). These corridors correspond to other valuable resources: prime agricultural soils, primary aquifer recharge areas, streams and rivers, habitat for rare and endangered wetlands species, historic sites. The scenic corridors also, in large part, parallel or are visible from the roadways. The fact that much of Conway's beauty is visible from the roads is an essential aspect of this open space plan. Thus the roads themselves, as well as the views from them are scenic resources and unique environments to be protected.

9 http://www.communitypreservation.org/projects/report?town=Conway

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E. Zoning

Most of the Town of Conway is zoned as rural residential/ agricultural. The only exception is a 7 acre parcel in the center of town zoned light industrial. Conway's zoning by-laws require a minimum lot size of 1 acre and a minimum of 200 feet of frontage on a public way that currently provides suitable access for fire, police, and emergency vehicles. One and two-family homes are permitted as-of-right, and accessory apartments in a two-family home are allowed by Special Permit. Mobile homes are also permitted. Conway does not have any subdivision control regulations, as the town has not voted to accept the Massachusetts state law permitting subdivision regulation, so new public frontage cannot be created by road building.10 However, the town permits 4-acre back-lot parcels, any number of which can share the same 30' right-of- way and private driveway. Currently, there is no limit to the length of driveways or number of backlot sites. Driveways shared by more than two residences, however, must meet certain construction standards and standards for emergency vehicle access.

The Conway Zoning Bylaws also include a Floodplain Overlay District, which regulates new development within the 100-year floodplain in town. Any underlying permitted uses are allowed so long as they comply with state building code regulations for construction in floodplains, and can demonstrate that the development will not result in any increase in flood levels during a 100- year flood event. A Wireless Communications Facilities bylaw regulates the construction of new wireless facilities to protect the scenic, historic, and natural resources of the town.

The uses permitted in the rural residential/agricultural zone without a special permit are extensive (excluding only those uses listed in Section 23, paragraph 1 of the Zoning Bylaw and others “commonly considered hazardous and noxious”). Special permits are required when any business has more than 15 employees or 50 customers. Conway's zoning by-laws also temper the mix of commercial and industrial uses among residential ones by restricting unreasonable traffic, noise, odor, and pollution that are incompatible with the character of a residential neighborhood. Except for the land of a few of the larger farms, large-scale development is not likely. With limited large, flat acreage, no public sewer or water, and a 7-mile distance from the closest interstate highway and railroad, Conway is not perceived to be a prime location for industry or commerce of a scale that would be useful to the tax base. It is, however, suitable for residential development, and this is becoming increasingly evident as construction of new homes is on the rise. In the last decade, permits were issued for 77 new housing units, though it is unknown how many of these homes have been built. The changes in Title 5 allow mounded septic systems, so slopes and soils will no longer be the deterrent to residential development that they were in the past. Under current zoning laws, if Conway were to experience an increase in the rate of residential building, much of the town's open space, fields, forests, and scenic views would be diminished by the 1-acre subdivision of lands along roadways.

The town’s zoning bylaw does not currently have a provision to allow for flexible lot sizes in exchange for protected open space, farmland, and natural resources on a site. This type of zoning, known as Open Space Design (OSD), uses an approach where important areas to preserve are identified first on a site, then house sites are determined, followed by roads and

10 At present, it is unclear whether not accepting the Massachusetts Subdivision Control Law can prevent new subdivisions from being developed in Conway.

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trails, and finally house lots are drawn in. Normally a large percentage of the site is permanently protected from development through a Conservation Restriction or Agricultural Preservation Restriction, and individual house lots may be smaller than what is allowed under conventional zoning. On-site sewage disposal for smaller lots could be accommodated either through a shared septic system, or by allowing some of the protected open space to serve as leach fields. A majority of respondents to the 2012 Open Space and Recreation Survey felt that greater population density is a threat to the town’s character, however roughly 30 percent of respondents were neutral or did not feel it is a threat. Comments on the question suggested that some respondents were in favor of new development that clustered homes in greater density than what is currently allowed in town, rather than spreading homes out across the landscape, thereby taking up more land for new development. An OSD bylaw would help accomplish this goal while protecting more land in Conway.

Conway's current zoning by-laws favor residential development along existing roadways, making open land along roads prime areas for development. Many of these roads are adjacent to waterways and where this occurs, residential development could pose a threat to rivers, streams and aquifers. New development along roadways could diminish the scenic qualities that many residents enjoy. This type of development is in conflict with the goals of residents, as many people have indicated that they would favor preserving roadway views of undeveloped land. With few limitations on back lot development, multiple configurations may result, including sprawling developments, which could swallow up large tracts of open space. Extensive residential development will reduce wildlife habitat and threaten species diversity and existence.

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Section 4: Environmental Inventory and Analysis

This section explores the biological and physical components of some of the town’s ecosystems. These components include soils, surface and ground water, vegetation, fisheries and wildlife. The Soils, Geology, and Topography subsection provides a general understanding of the ways different soil characteristics can impact land use values. Landscape Character provides an overall scenic context. Water Resources describes all of the water bodies in town, above and below ground, including their recreational value, public access, and any current or potential quality or quantity issues. In the subsection Vegetation, Conway’s forest, farmland, and wetlands are documented and in Fisheries and Wildlife, wildlife, habitat, special corridors, and rare, threatened, and endangered species are discussed. Conway’s Scenic Resources and Unique Environments are identified. Finally, Environmental Problems addresses current and potential problems that may influence open space or recreation planning.

The natural resources and scenic landscapes of the Town of Conway have been cherished by residents for generations. This Open Space and Recreation Plan is intended to help residents protect the town’s scenic value and natural resources in the face of potential increasing development and changes in land use, while recognizing that people need places to live, learn, work and play. These needs – when sited in areas previously unsettled rather than as infill in existing developed areas – can require infrastructure such as homes, roads, power, water, and wastewater systems. These collective needs, in turn, depend upon and impact critical natural systems. One way to understand the impact of development on natural resources is to understand the ecosystem of the town and the region. This section begins with a definition and discussion of ecosystems – their value and the mapping available for Conway to use in its open space and recreation planning and decision-making processes.

A. Ecosystems and Mapping

Ecosystems An ecosystem is a geographically specified system of organisms, including humans, their environment, and the processes that control their dynamics. Ecosystems involve complex connections between organisms and their environment, and the processes that drive the system and can occur at different scales.1 A large forest and a decayed tree trunk are both examples of ecosystems. The health and function of ecosystems depend on the relationship between living beings and their environment.

Ecosystems provide a variety of “services” that are very important to human communities. Wetlands, for example, filter rainwater, store floodwaters, recharge water to groundwater aquifers, and provide habitat for many aquatic plant and animal species. All ecosystems are vulnerable to any changes to the environment, whether naturally occurring or human made. Understanding the complexity of the systems in which we live can help Conway residents to consider the impact of actions and land uses on the environment and on their quality of life.

1 http://ecosystems.noaa.gov/what_eco.htm

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Documenting and Mapping Ecosystems: BioMap2 Just as the Town of Conway contains multiple and varied ecosystems, the state of Massachusetts, while relatively small, has many diverse ecosystems and habitats. Documentation and mapping of such ecosystems and habitats – and their associated flora and fauna – can be a first step toward protecting and preserving these resources.

To that end, in 2010 the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game and The Nature Conservancy launched BioMap2: Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World.2 This project, produced by the state’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP), is a comprehensive biodiversity conservation plan for Massachusetts. Last updated in 2001, this new plan endeavors to protect the state’s biodiversity in the context of projected effects of climate change.

BioMap2 combines NHESP’s 30 years of rare species and natural community documentation with the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s3 2005 State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). It also integrates The Nature Conservancy’s assessment of ecosystem and habitat connections across the State and incorporates ecosystem resilience in the face of anticipated impacts from climate change.4

The following are the core findings summed up in BioMap2’s Executive Summary.

Core Habitat Statewide Summary: Core Habitat consists of 1,242,000 acres that are critical for the long-term persistence of rare species and other Species of Conservation Concern, as well as a wide diversity of natural communities and intact ecosystems across the Commonwealth. Core Habitat includes:  Habitats for rare, vulnerable, or uncommon mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, fish, invertebrate, and plant species;  Priority Natural Communities;  High-quality wetland, vernal pool, aquatic, and coastal habitats; and  Intact forest ecosystems.

Critical Natural Landscape Statewide Summary: Critical Natural Landscape (CNL) consists of 1,783,000 acres complementing Core Habitat, including large natural Landscape Blocks that provide habitat for wide-ranging native species, support intact ecological processes, maintain connectivity among habitats, and enhance ecological resilience; and includes buffering uplands around coastal, wetland and aquatic Core Habitats to help ensure their long-term integrity. CNL, which may overlap with Core Habitat, includes:  The largest Landscape Blocks in each of 8 ecoregions; and  Adjacent uplands that buffer wetland, aquatic, and coastal habitats.

2 http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/land_protection/biomap/biomap_home.htm 3 http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/ 4 BioMap2 data replaced former BioMap and Living Waters data.

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Table 4-1: BioMap2 Statewide Summary Total Acres and Acres Protected Percent of BioMap2 Acres Total Acres State Protected Core Habitat 1,242,000 24% 559,000 Critical Natural Landscape 1,783,000 34% 778,000 BioMap2 Total (with overlap) 2,092,000 40% 861,000

NHESP Priority Habitats Priority and Estimated Habitats is a program administered by NHESP. Identification and mapping of Priority and Estimated Habitats is based on the known geographical extent of habitat for all state-listed rare species, both plants and animals, and is codified under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA). Habitat alteration within Priority Habitats is subject to regulatory review by the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program. Priority Habitat maps are used for determining whether or not a proposed project must be reviewed by the NHESP for MESA compliance.5

Benefits of BioMap2 and NHESP Priority Habitats On the statewide level, mapping Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscapes helps to guide strategic conservation to protect those areas that are most critical to the long-term survival and persistence of rare and other native species and their related habitats and ecosystems. On the local level, Conway can use this information to better understand where the Town’s ecosystems and habitats fit into the bigger picture. For example, a seemingly insignificant parcel of land could be a key link to two larger, intact ecosystems.

On an individual landowner level, BioMap2 – as well as NHESP Priority and Estimated Habitats – is an important tool that can be used to apply for grants to help improve, manage and monitor certain lands. An example is the Mass Wildlife Landowner Incentive Program, which helps fund efforts to maintain grasslands and create areas of young tree and shrub growth (early woodlands) to enhance wildlife habitat, with preference given to land that is classified as, or located nearby, NHESP areas.

Information and mapping from BioMap2 and NHESP Priority Habitats will be referenced throughout this section on Environmental Inventory and Analysis. Related maps are located at the end of this section.

B. Soils, Geology, and Topography

Decisions relating to open space and recreation planning should take into consideration the inherent suitability of a site for different uses. Changes to Title 5 regulations and innovations in home site construction have made certain soils and slopes, previously considered undevelopable, now available for development. These changes imply that the former potential limitations of a site can no longer be considered absolute constraints to development.

5 http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/regulatory_review/priority_habitat/priority_habitat_home.htm

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The condition of soils, geology, and topography is essential in determining potential sites for future development, for farming and forestry, and for new parks, hiking trails, and open space. Maps relevant to geology, soils, and topography are found at the end of this section.

Soils Soil is the layer of minerals and organic material that covers the rock of the earth’s crust. All soils have characteristics that make them more or less appropriate for different land uses. Scientists classify soils by these characteristics, including topography; physical properties including soil structure, particle size, stoniness and depth of bedrock; drainage or permeability to water, depth to the water table and susceptibility to flooding; behavior or engineering properties, and biological characteristics such as presence of organic matter and fertility. Soils are classified and grouped into associations that are commonly found together.

Information on soils presented in this plan is based on What is Prime Farmland? 1967 USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service According to Natural Resources (NRCS) mapping for Franklin County. New digital soils Conservation Service (NRCS), data was recently released by NRCS and the Franklin Prime Farmland is land that has Regional Council of Governments is currently working the best combination of physical to integrate it into our database for Franklin County. and chemical characteristics for This information is useful as a general indicator of town- producing food, feed, forage, wide soils. Especially under forest cover, however, fiber, and oilseed crops and that is mapped soil type over large areas can have inclusions of available for these uses. It has the other types too small to differentiate. Therefore, mapped combination of soil properties, soils data are inaccurate indicators of potential growing season, and moisture development limitations. supply needed to produce sustained high yields of crops in According to the 1967 Soil Survey, there are two general an economic manner if managed soil associations in Conway: Merrimack-Ondawa and with acceptable farming methods. Westminster-Colrain-Buckland. The Merrimack-Ondawa association, found in the center of town, along Route In general, prime farmland has an 116, and north around Shelburne Falls Road, is adequate and dependable water considered well-drained to somewhat excessively well- supply from precipitation or drained sand and gravel soils. The Westminster-Colrain- irrigation, a favorable temperature Buckland association is found throughout the rest of and growing season, an Conway. This association ranges from deep, well- acceptable level of acidity or drained, moderately sloped soil to shallow and steep soils alkalinity, an acceptable content with predominant bedrock outcroppings. of salt or sodium, and few or no rocks. Its soils are permeable to Much of the best percolating soil is within the valleys in water and air. Prime farmland is Merrimac-Ondawa sand and gravel associations. Sand not excessively eroded or and gravel is generally a poor filter for wastewater saturated with water for long because of its associated fast percolation rate. Title 5 periods of time, and it either does regulations only monitor for slow percolation rates not flood frequently during the (minimum rate is 30 minutes per inch). Generally, a growing season or is protected percolation rate between six and thirteen minutes per from flooding. inch would classify a soil type as a poor filter of effluent

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before it reaches groundwater, thereby causing contamination. Many sand and gravel soils also coincide with aquifer recharge areas, because the associated fast percolation rates make these soils excellent recharge soils.

Designated farmland soils are comprised of three classes of soils that have been identified by the NRCS:  Prime farmland  unique farmland, and  farmland of statewide or local importance.

These soil classes have been identified as contributing to the agricultural productivity of the country and should be protected from conversion to non-agricultural uses. Unique farmland is defined as “land other than prime farmland that is used for production of specific high value food and fiber crops,” with such crops defined by the Secretary of Agriculture. Farmland of statewide or local importance is defined as “farmland, other than prime or unique farmland, that is of statewide or local importance for the production of food, feed, fiber, forage, or oilseed crops.”

Photo credit: Michele Turre Natural Roots Farm, Conway

The NRCS (formerly the Soil Conservation Service) classification of soils lists 5% (1,175 acres) of Conway as prime agricultural land and 4% (990 acres) as soil of state or local agricultural importance. These soils are located predominately on valley floors or other level land, which is also the location of many roads and shallow aquifers. Pockets of prime agricultural soil vary widely in size and shape ranging from several acres to upwards of 100 acres. Soils in aquifer

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recharge areas and of agricultural quality are also those likely to have the most moderate slope, “best” percolation rate for septic systems, and greatest accessibility by roads, rendering them easy to develop inexpensively.

Geology

Two defining geologic forces formed Conway: uplift and glaciation. Over 100 million years ago, the region that is now the Connecticut Valley was a broad, virtually flat lowland with sluggish streams, known as a peneplain.

During the Tertiary Period, major uplifts in the earth’s crust thrust the region up as a new high plateau. Streams began to flow swiftly to sea level, eroding soil and bedrock, and carving valleys out of the plateau. Conway’s South River was one of these streams. The 600-foot drop from its headwaters to the confluence with the Deerfield River shaped the distinctive landscape by causing the water to scour and carve and provided an excellent source of hydropower for the area’s settlement.

The soil composition of the area along the South River formed during the Wisconsin glacial age 100,000 to 10,000 years ago, laying down a compressed layer of unsorted till. Great pieces of ice were left behind as the glaciers retreated, blocking rivers, and creating lakes in the valleys. Deltas and bottom deposits formed from alluvial sand and silt deposited in the lakes. Sand and silt soils erode easily and do not hold water well. During periods of heavy precipitation they quickly become saturated, resulting in erosion, slides, and flash flooding.

Topography

Conway’s undulating elevation ranges from 250’ to 1,500’ above sea level. The latter elevation causes some parts of town to be one whole plant hardiness zone colder than the Connecticut River Valley (almost a month shorter growing season). The highest points (1,250’ to 1,500’) are in the southwest quadrant in the Conway State Forest, draining two-thirds of the town northeast into the Deerfield River. The remaining one-third of town drains to the south, directly toward the Connecticut River. Most town roads are within the 500’ to 750’ range in elevation, allowing the higher elevations to be viewed from the roads.

In the past, slopes steeper than 20 percent were generally considered a serious constraint to development. However, steep slopes can no longer be considered self-protecting given changes to Title 5 in 1997. These changes to the regulations governing the installation of septic systems now allow for the use of innovative systems, which made soils previously unsuitable to development (wet, shallow depth to bedrock) now potentially suitable for septic systems. Steep slopes are scattered throughout town, with the largest concentration in the southwest quadrant. Most of the steepest slopes are not penetrated by roads and are held in private ownership. Increasingly, people are building homes on slopes once considered unsuitable for development with land-clearing, blasting, and re-grading. This trend is anticipated to continue, leaving no slope inherently protected because of any potential constraints it may impose on construction

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Because Conway’s soils have poor water-retention capability, land clearing and construction along steep slopes should be restricted to prevent erosion and runoff, particularly along any steep banks of rivers. The rolling landform accommodates trail recreation well: cross-country skiing, bicycling, hiking, snowmobiling, horseback riding, running, etc. It is not well suited to recreation requiring large, level areas such as multiple ball fields.

C. Landscape Character

Although some people see Conway as a town in transition due to an increase in residential development over the last several decades, most agree that its character is still distinctly rural. Conway’s rural character encompasses a number of things: active farms, views of farm fields, views of stone walls and other historic sites and buildings, diversity of landform and vegetation, and plentiful streams and rivers running through town. Most people encounter this rural character through road trips to and from their homes. It is no surprise that the most favored and memorable views, when people are asked to point them out on a map, are consistently the same ones on the most traveled roads. A few areas of town have, within the last twenty years, experienced enough residential development along the roadside that these views have been lost.

The unimproved condition of most of Conway’s roads contributes a great deal to the rural character of the town. The roads wind around landforms, alternately through woodland patches, farm fields bordered with stone walls or ancient sugar maples, and deep wooded ravines. The path of Route 116 from the valley floor in South Deerfield to Conway sets the scene: the temperature drops, the road curves, the ground ascends, and the trees close in. This is a physical attestation that one is entering a new landscape, making Conway the first of the hill towns.

Because of the topography and vegetation, most views are relatively short range. Occasionally a motorist will encounter an opening that reveals a ridgeline or several meadows or a long valley, or the rooftops of the town center. On a clear day, a few vantage points reveal a long-distance glimpse of Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire.

The overall landscape character of Conway could be affected by a number of potential changes. Projected impacts of climate change could begin to push populations further west in the State, away from the coast, and more of Conway’s land could be used for residential development. Diminishing supplies of fossil fuels – and their potential rising costs – continue to cause people to turn to alternate sources of locally produced energy sources, such as wood, solar, and wind, which could impact Conway’s woodlands and open spaces. Related to the rising costs of fossil fuels, costs of shipping foods long distances could cause an even greater demand for locally grown and processed food, potentially placing a greater demand on farmland in Conway. Flooding from an increase in the intensity of storms and rainfall may also impact farm operations close to the Deerfield, Mill and South Rivers, and further limit the availability of land for new development. While challenging, with thoughtful planning, these potential changes in development could be integrated into Conway’s existing character, and could lead to greater energy independence, food security, and support for a continued healthy and productive community.

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If new residential development moves up the hillsides, and trees are cut to provide homeowners with "a view," the rural character will change. These residents will be able to see out, but their houses in the clearings will also be easily seen. Work along the roads themselves will have a significant impact on the character of the town. Even if new buildings are not visible from the road, the clearing presently undertaken for power lines can be devastating, as can be road "improvements" for the increased traffic or stormwater runoff.

D. Water Resources

Watersheds

Conway is contained within the Connecticut River Watershed and the Deerfield River Watershed. The Connecticut River Watershed includes the southern and eastern sides of the town. The Deerfield River Watershed includes the northern and western sections of town. A number of other rivers, streams, and brooks flow through Conway before eventually converging with the Deerfield or Connecticut River. These include the South River, a sub-watershed of the Deerfield River, and the Mill River, which is a sub-watershed of the Connecticut River Basin.

In 1999, President Clinton declared the Connecticut River one of fourteen American Heritage Rivers in the United States. Under this program, communities within the Connecticut River Watershed enjoy special access to Federal programs that will help to conserve, protect and enhance the resources of the watershed. To coordinate and administer the various fisheries and wildlife programs taking place within the watershed, the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge (“Conte Refuge”) was formed by an act of Congress in 1991.

Local watershed associations include the Connecticut River Watershed Council6 (CRWC) and the Deerfield River Watershed Association (DRWA). The CRWC advocates for the entire, four- state Connecticut River watershed. The CRWC works to protect water - the river, its tributaries, and lakes – and the land, plants, and creatures connected to that water. Similarly, the DRWA works to preserve, protect, and enhance the natural resources of the Deerfield River watershed in south-eastern Vermont and north-western Massachusetts.7 The Friends of the South River is a citizen group that works to “promote the restoration, protection, and ecological integrity of the South River and its adjacent farm and forest lands, unique habitats, and special landscapes.”8

These watersheds—the Connecticut River, the Deerfield River, the South River, and the Mill River Watersheds—are discussed below. In addition, this subsection describes the surface waters and wetlands, aquifer recharge areas, and flood hazard areas that contribute to the overall water resources in Conway. Connecticut River Watershed

The Connecticut River Watershed is the largest river ecosystem in New England and spans four states, including Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. From its beginnings on the Canadian border to its end in Long Island Sound, the Connecticut River drains

6 http://www.ctriver.org/about_us/index.html 7 http://www.deerfieldriver.org 8 Friends of the South River website: http://www.friendsofthesouthriver.org/?page_id=16.

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a landscape that is 11,000 square miles in size, 410 miles long. The river drops 2,400 feet from its source to the sea and is one of the most developed rivers in the Northeast. It enters Massachusetts through the Town of Northfield and flows through forty-five communities before entering the state of Connecticut.

The Connecticut River does not flow through Conway, though all of Conway’s rivers, streams, and brooks eventually flow into the Connecticut. The 2002-2007 Connecticut River Watershed Five-Year Action Plan identified the need to reduce human-influenced erosion along the Connecticut River and its tributaries as one of the major objectives in the Central Reach of the watershed, including the Town of Conway. The Connecticut River has a Class B designation from the New Hampshire-Vermont Border to Holyoke and is classified as a warm water fishery. Class B waters should provide suitable habitat for fish and other wildlife, and should support recreational purposes such as fishing and swimming. The water should also be suitable for irrigation and other agricultural uses.

The “Connecticut River Basin 2003 Water Quality Assessment Report” published in 20089 by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection presents a summary of water quality data/information in the Connecticut River Watershed by segment. The only segment assessed in Conway is the Mill River, discussed in more detail below.

Mill River Watershed The Mill River is a tributary to the Connecticut River that flows through heavily populated areas of central western Massachusetts. Water quality testing at several points along the Mill River and its tributaries took place throughout 1997 as part of the Mill River Watershed Project. Supported by the Conte Refuge, this multidisciplinary, multi-year study included an assessment of water quality, geology, ecological integrity, fish, freshwater mussels and vegetative patterns as part of the process of developing a Mill River Watershed Protection Plan. In Conway, residents took an active role in the project, participating in stream teams and other activities. Currently the greatest concern for the Mill River in Conway is the potential for salt contamination from winter de-icing activities on Route 116, which follows the river closely for approximately 2 miles. The Mill River Watershed Protection Plan identifies the following watershed activities for Conway:

 Prioritize and protect key open space (river walks, farmland, forest).  In collaboration with neighboring towns, develop a regional open space plan.  Organize a Mill River clean-up.  Search for rare species (for instance, northern spring salamanders in small tributaries).  Work with the local elementary school to incorporate the Mill River into their curriculum.  Develop a trails map and work with landowners to achieve long-term trail protection.  Preserve important views and historical resources.  Work with local farms to increase their long-term viability (manure management, marketing, etc).

9 Note: The Connecticut River Basin 2003 Water Quality Assessment Report is the most current data report. River samples are taken every five years. Samples taken in 2008 will be published in 2013.

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10  Improve stormwater management & monitor water quality along Route 116.

Table 4-5: Water Quality Use Assessment for the Mill River, 2003

Source: Massachusetts Department of Environmenal Protection, 2008.

Authors of a Smith College study conducted in 2000 noted that the Mill River contains Massachusetts’ most diverse community of freshwater mussels, including nine of the Commonwealth’s twelve mussel species, four state-listed endangered species and the federally- endangered Dwarf Wedge Mussel. The 2003 water quality assessment conducted by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection assessed the Mill River as “Support” for Aquatic Life based on the macroinvertebrate and fish communities and the good water quality. An Alert Status is attached to this use based on the elevated water temperatures reported at one location in 2003.11 The assessment also found that primary and secondary contact recreation uses, and aesthetic uses, are supported in the Mill River due to acceptable bacteria counts and the general lack of objectionable conditions. The report recommends monitoring temperature patterns in the Mill River to study possible impairment to aquatic life due to thermal issues.

Deerfield River Watershed

The Deerfield River is the main tributary to the Connecticut River. From its headwaters at Stratton Mountain in Vermont, the Deerfield River flows southward for 70 miles through the steep terrain of the Berkshires to its confluence with the Connecticut River. Throughout its length, ten hydroelectric facilities take advantage of extreme drops in elevation (2,000 feet) to supply thousands with power. The Deerfield River Watershed covers all or part of twenty municipalities.

10 http://www.millriverwatershed.org/mill_river_communities/conway.html. 11 Connecticut River Basin 2003 Water Quality Assessment Report. Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, 2008.

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According to the 2004 Deerfield River Watershed Open Space and Recreation Plan prepared by the Franklin Regional Council of Governments, between 1985 and 1999, the Deerfield River Watershed lost 10 percent of its cropland, 22 percent of its pastureland, and 1 percent of forest. At the same time, the watershed experienced a 58 percent increase in large-lot residential development, which occurred primarily through the construction of single-family homes on lots along existing roadways. During roughly the same period, the population of the watershed grew by 14 percent.

The Deerfield River provides spawning habitat for the blueback herring and the American shad. The Deerfield River is one of Massachusetts’ premier Atlantic salmon restoration rivers. The river and its tributaries are nursery habitat for juvenile Atlantic salmon. Adult sea-run salmon are expected to use the river for natural reproduction (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; 1995). Although the river's flow has been heavily regulated because of the requirement of power generation, the Deerfield River has been identified as containing one of the best fisheries in the Commonwealth since the early 1990s (Franklin County Planning Department; 1990).

According to the Mass. Department of Environmental Protection, the Deerfield River from the Vermont-Massachusetts State Line to its confluence with the Connecticut River is given a Class B water quality designation. Class B waters should be suitable for supporting aquatic life, recreational use (such as swimming and boating) and fish consumption. The Deerfield River Watershed Assessment Report 2004-2008, published by the MA Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, states that overall, water quality in the Deerfield River Watershed is quite good; however, several areas have encountered local water quality problems. According to the assessment, the principal water quality problem has been fecal coliform counts that exceed state standards occasionally during wet weather events. The report notes that nonpoint source pollution particularly from localized illegal dumping, acid mine drainage, stormwater runoff, failing septic systems, and agricultural activities, as well as elevated levels of arsenic within sediments behind several impoundments are also areas of concern.

Also published in 2004 by the MA Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, the Deerfield River Watershed 5-year Watershed Action Plan outlines six overarching goals for the watershed, with accompanying objectives and action items. The goals are:

 Coordinate Flow Management to Benefit Multiple Uses  Protect and Improve Water Quality in the Watershed  Restore and Improve Stream Continuity and Aquatic Habitat  Protect Wetlands and Promote Terrestrial Habitat Diversity  Provide Safe Recreation and Public Access/Use  Protect Open Space and Maintain Rural Landscape

Fortunately, the Deerfield River in Conway supports recreational uses and has tremendous recreation potential, including fishing, swimming and tubing. Residents can access the Deerfield River via Conway Station Road and Bardwells Ferry Road but the access can be difficult for most people and for those wishing to put in a canoe or kayak. Both access points could benefit from significant improvements.

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South River Watershed

The South River begins at the outlet of Ashfield Pond in Ashfield and flows east then north through Conway to its confluence with the Deerfield River approximately 4 miles downstream of the Station No. 2 Dam. Agriculture and residential properties dominate the floodplains in the lower 7 miles of river where the valley widens. Overall, land use in the 26.3 square miles sub- watershed is 77% forest, 13% agriculture, 6% residential, and 2% open land (MassDEP 2003). According to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s (MassDEP) 2003 assessment of the South River, aquatic life and first and secondary contact recreation uses are supported in the South River. Fish consumption was not assessed. Alert statuses, however, were placed on segments of the river for the supported uses.

According to the assessment, water quality is generally good in the South River, however it is considered an impaired waterbody due to unknown causes/habitat alteration and pathogens. Water quality sampling in 2000 showed that six out of twenty fecal coliform tests resulted in high bacteria counts, all during wet weather conditions. Potential sources of the pathogens include farm animals with access to the river and failing septic systems in Conway Center. Fish species found in the South River during an August 2000 collection consisted of blacknose dace, Atlantic salmon, longnose dace, common shiner, creek chub, eastern brook trout, slimy sculpin, and pumpkinseed.

In 1997, a wastewater treatment plant was constructed in Ashfield on the South River. The plant serves approximately 165 household equivalents and has a maximum capacity of 25,000 gallons per day. The innovative technology, which uses advanced tertiary treatment, was the first municipal greenhouse-based wastewater treatment plant of its kind to be used in the state.

Surface Water: Lakes, Ponds, Rivers, and Reservoirs

Conway receives an average of 48 inches of rainfall annually. Of this precipitation, 30 inches becomes surface run-off flowing directly into streams and rivers. Conway’s characteristically thin soil and steep slopes result in great fluctuations in both run-off and water retention between wet and dry periods and account for natural erosion along banks, especially in the South River. Stream purity is also affected by neighboring towns at higher elevations, particularly Ashfield. Likewise, Conway has responsibility for water purity in neighboring towns downstream. Both the City of Northampton and the Town of South Deerfield have reservoirs with partial watersheds within the southern part of Conway, owning about 570 acres and 398 acres respectively. Public access to these reservoir lands is restricted.

Conway has no lakes within its boundaries and most ponds have been created by in-stream dams or spring-fed excavations. The largest is the Conway Pool, created from an earthen dam in a natural depression along Pumpkin Hollow Brook. The Conway Pool is a privately owned facility used by residents for swimming and other recreational activities, and for occasional ice- skating in winter.

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Flood Hazard Areas

Narrow bands of floodplain follow the South and Deerfield Rivers, and Poland Brook. The most recent Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maps (1980) determined the 100-year flood zones. Floodplains generally have richer soils deposited by periodic flooding; most of Conway's farms are located on ancient or present river floodplains. All floodplains are important to the community, because they distribute and hold floodwaters, preventing higher flood levels elsewhere. The land downstream of the Conway Pool along Pumpkin Hollow Brook is a significant flood hazard area. In its rush to the South River during the flood of April 1987, the brook overtopped the dam at the pool, inundated fields and roads, and caused damage to several buildings in the center of town, which was under orders of evacuation.

Rivers and streams alter their course by erosion of their banks and the deposition of sediments. This natural process can be accelerated and exacerbated by human activities that increase stormwater runoff, alter river banks and vegetation, and impact aquatic and riparian habitat. Valuable farmland and infrastructure can be threatened by eroding river banks. In March 2010, a gabion retaining wall that had been installed along the South River near the confluence with the Pumpkin Hollow Brook and the Route 116 bridge collapsed following heavy rains and high flows in the river. The repaired wall collapsed again in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene in August 2011.

The Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) was awarded a 604b grant from MassDEP to hire a fluvial geomorphology consultant to determine the causes of erosion, channel instability, and habitat degradation in the South River Watershed. A fluvial geomorphic and habitat assessment looks at a watershed in a holistic manner to find solutions to problems that will not exacerbate the issues in the long run, or downstream. With the causes defined, long-term cost-effective solutions can be identified that will minimize further costly repairs while improving aquatic habitat. This project provided conceptual restoration designs for four reaches of the South River and a final engineering design for the highest priority restoration site. The Town and FRCOG recently applied for and were awarded a 319 grant from MassDEP to implement the priority restoration project, downstream of the Route 116 bridge. The project will combine bank stabilization measures to address 1,400 feet of eroding river bank and a floodplain lowering component to provide the river access to its floodplain to increase sediment storage and reduce flood flow velocities. Ideally the project will reduce the potential for future infrastructure damage at this location, as well as improve the aquatic habitat.

Wetlands

Conway’s wetlands are sparsely scattered throughout town except for a small congregation in the upland region close to the Deerfield River. Most of the wetlands consist of intermittent streams within narrow ravines created by the rolling landform. Beavers can create significant marshes in flat land along streams. The wetlands in Conway have their own unique plant associations and provide habitat for wildlife. The vegetation in these wetlands is also important because of their water filtering function. Wetlands are protected by the state-mandated Wetlands Protection Act.

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Historically, wetlands have been viewed as unproductive wastelands, to be drained, filled and “improved” for more productive uses. Over the past several decades, scientists have recognized that wetlands perform a variety of extremely important ecological functions. They absorb runoff and prevent flooding. Wetland vegetation stabilizes stream banks, preventing erosion, and trap sediments that are transported by runoff. Wetland plants absorb nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which would be harmful if they entered lakes, ponds, rivers and streams. They also absorb heavy metals and other pollution. Finally, wetlands are extremely productive, providing food and habitat for fish and wildlife. Many plants, invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles and fish depend on wetlands to survive. Wetlands have economic significance related to their ecological functions: it is far more cost-effective to maintain wetlands than build treatment facilities to manage stormwater and purify drinking water, and wetlands are essential to supporting lucrative outdoor recreation industries including hunting, fishing and bird-watching.

In recognition of the ecological and economic importance of wetlands, the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act is designed to protect eight “interests” related to their function: public and private water supply; ground water supply; flood control; storm damage prevention and prevention of pollution; and land containing shellfish, fisheries, and wildlife habitat. To this end, the law defines and protects “wetland resource areas,” including banks of rivers, lakes, ponds and streams, wetlands bordering the banks, land under rivers, lakes and ponds, land subject to flooding, and “riverfront areas” within two hundred feet of any stream that runs all year. Local Conservation Commissions are responsible for administering the Wetlands Protection Act; some towns also have their own, local wetlands regulations.

Vernal Pools

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 may be very shallow, holding only 5 or 6 inches of water, or they may be quite deep. They range in size from fewer than 100 square feet to several acres. Vernal pools are found across the landscape, anywhere that small woodland depressions, swales or kettle holes collect spring runoff or intercept seasonal high groundwater, and along rivers in the floodplain. Many species of amphibians and vertebrates are completely dependent on vernal pools to reproduce. Loss of vernal pools can endanger entire populations of these species.

NHESP has a program to certify the existence of vernal pools when evidence is submitted to document their location and the presence of breeding amphibians that depend on vernal pools to survive. Certified vernal pools are protected by the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and by additional state and federal regulations. Landowners are not required to report the existence of vernal pools on their property and landowner permission must be obtained prior to any person attempting to certify a vernal pool on private property. According to NHESP data, there are 11 certified vernal pools in Conway, and roughly 46 potential vernal pools.12

12 http://maps.massgis.state.ma.us/.

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Aquifer Recharge Areas

Aquifers are composed of water-bearing soil and minerals, which may be either unconsolidated (soil-like) deposits or consolidated rock. Consolidated rock, also known as bedrock, consists of rock and mineral particles that have been welded together by heat and pressure or chemical reaction. Water flows through fractures, pores and other openings. Unconsolidated deposits consist of material from the disintegrated consolidated rock like gravel and sand. Water flows through openings between particles.

As water travels through the cracks and openings in rock and soil, it passes through a region called the “unsaturated zone,” which is characterized by the presence of both air and water in the spaces between soil particles. Water in this zone cannot be pumped. Below this layer, water fills all spaces in the “saturated zone”. The water in this layer is referred to as “groundwater”. The upper surface of the groundwater is called the “water table” (Masters, Gilbert. Introduction to Environmental Engineering and Science, Second Edition, 1998).

Precipitation recharges the groundwater by soaking into the ground and percolating down to the water table. The route groundwater takes and the rate at which it moves through an aquifer is determined by the properties of the aquifer materials and the aquifer’s width and depth. This information helps determine how best to extract the water for use, as well as determining how contaminants, which originate on the surface, will flow in the aquifer.

Confined aquifers are sandwiched between two impermeable layers (Masters; 1998). Almost all the public wells in Massachusetts and many private wells tap unconfined aquifers (Mass. Audubon Society; 1985). Wells that rely on confined aquifers are referred to as “artesian wells.”

Conway has two primary types of aquifers: bedrock and shallow or surficial. The bedrock aquifer extends downward with all ground water occurring in bedrock fractures. The flow rate for bedrock aquifers is about 10 feet per year, depending on the permeability of the local material and the slope of the land. Surficial aquifers follow the path of least resistance from high elevations to the closest river.

Of Conway’s 37.8 square miles, approximately 5 percent or 1,268 acres yields a potential water supply of 25 to 30 gallons per minute (GPM). These surficial aquifers are irregularly shaped and range in size from 2 to 598 acres. Conway’s surficial aquifer sites are often adjacent to and overlapping porous and agricultural soils, notably in the Shirkshire, Harding, and Broomshire districts. Approximately 95 percent of the town is limited to yields of less than 10 GPM from bedrock aquifers. Larger yields may be obtained where the aquifer is near streams or under cover of water-saturated unconsolidated materials.

Most of the aquifer recharge areas are along the valley floor in the coarse sand and gravel soils of old streambeds and run adjacent to present day rivers. The fast rate of percolation through these soils can pose a threat to ground water purity. In some areas, the water percolates through this material so fast that liquid cannot be filtered of waste products before it reaches the water table. The valley floor is also the area where most building and agricultural development have occurred, causing Conway’s aquifers to be vulnerable to pollution from sewage, industrial waste,

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and road runoff (salt, oil, and gas). In the 1989 “Groundwater Risk Assessment” survey of Conway residents, nearly half of the responses indicated inadequate knowledge of well location and depth.

Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) Massachusetts has over 1,700 public water systems that provide drinking water to homes, schools, businesses, and industries. Over 90 percent of the state's population depends on public water supply sources, which are often vulnerable to contamination. More than 70 communities have shut down at least one source because it was contaminated. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has had a strong water supply protection program since 1980. As a result, local water suppliers and municipal officials received hydrogeological and planning assistance from MassDEP for improved protection of local drinking water sources.

MassDEP's SWAP process included the following:  Delineated protection areas for all public ground and surface water sources;  Inventoried land uses in these areas that may present potential threats to water quality;  Determined the susceptibility of water supplies to contamination from these sources; and  Publicized the results.

Source Water Assessment reports help local and state officials target inspections and focus technical assistance where they are needed the most, encourage cooperative emergency response, and contribute to comprehensive protection of all public water sources.

The results of the Assessment show the top five potential threats to public water sources are: 1. Residential lawn care/gardening; 2. Residential septic systems and cesspools; 3. Residential fuel oil storage; 4. Stormwater discharge; and 5. State-regulated underground storage tanks.

MassDEP is using this information to target technical assistance and outreach work. The Assessment provided Conway residents with the following information:  Whether your drinking water is from a surface or a groundwater source,  The locations of the wells or the intakes,  The water supply protection area,  Potential Sources of Contamination (PSC) within the protection areas,  What recommended steps you should take to maintain or improve protection. 13

Four drinking water well or intake locations were identified in Conway, including:  Bakers Country Store  Holly’s Barn  Conway Grammar School  Conway School of Landscape Design

13 http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/drinking/swapover.htm

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The susceptibility to contamination for these wells is identified as either “moderate” or “high.” Common sources of potential contamination include septic system components within the wells’ Zone I recharge areas, and from runoff coming off of local roads and parking areas. The Assessments are available to the public and can be accessed via the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s website.14

Page’s Coffee Bar and the Conway Inn are also public water supplies but do not have a SWAP report listed on the DEP’s website.

E. Vegetation

Forest covers 84% of Conway or about 20,300 acres.15 Aerial photos reveal almost uninterrupted forest canopy, and much of it is at least second growth forest, since the town was nearly denuded of trees to clear land for agriculture before 1850. Regrowth stands of white pine were clear-cut again in the 1930s. The oldest of the regrowth forest (90 to 170 years) consists mainly of oak/hardwoods or beech/birch/maple on the upper elevations and hemlock/hardwood on the lower slopes or bottomland. With the exception of individual trees growing along roads or in yards, these oldest trees exist where access for cutting was and continues to be difficult or where landowners and their foresters have valued them. Woods of 75 to 90 years old are considered mature and consist of oak/hardwood, white pine/hardwood or scattered plantations of spruce or red and white pine. Many of these are on the mid-slopes. These woods have been cut more than once and are the richest habitat for wildlife because of the mature mast crop of acorns and nuts, combined with a younger understory that is suitable for browse and cover.

The remaining forest has been regenerating on abandoned farm fields. This is the forest type that is likely to have reasonable access, moderate slopes, somewhat deeper soil, and be easier to clear—it is therefore the most likely to be used for residential development.

The sub-canopy, shrub, and herbaceous layers in the vegetation are typical of the zone 5a temperate forest, which has been regenerating since the turn of the century. These forests, if left untouched, would still have natural occurrences of tree-fall that create gaps in the canopy. It is in these areas, where light can reach the forest floor, that understory plants increase in vigor, flower, and fruit before the canopy closes once again. Wildlife find these gaps, which are rich habitats for food and cover. Forests provide an important environmental benefit in their role of carbon sequestration. It is estimated that Massachusetts forests are currently sequestering 12% of our annual carbon emissions. One acre of forest can hold 85 tons of carbon.16 As the impacts of climate change begin to be felt, forests will play an ever increasingly important role in mitigating increases in climate change in the future.

Woodlands have long been important to the town from an economic point of view. Managing woods for timber can be lucrative over the long term. Cutting for firewood keeps more than a few townspeople in business, and burning homegrown wood saves energy costs in the winter. The maple sugar industry is a necessary adjunct to almost every farm’s income. Local

14 http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/drinking/weroreps.htm#g 15 2005 MassGIS Land Use data. 16 MassAudobon, 2013.

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businesses generate some income from tourists during the fall foliage season.

The woodlands provide recreational opportunities as well. Active recreation along trails and old roads through the woods include running, walking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and cycling. Year-round scenery and the fall foliage season are enjoyed by all.

Most of the owners of parcels over 25 acres have or will cut commercial quantities of wood. Commercial logging, however, is not overwhelmingly apparent from the road for two reasons. First, the Forest Cutting Practices Act stipulates that a commercial operation may not cut more than 50% of the tree density in a buffer zone varying from 20 feet to 50 feet along certain roads and in wetlands. And second, clear cutting is not generally used as a forest management tool in this area anymore. The shallow root systems of indigenous tree species are better suited to selective cutting. This form of tree cutting is relatively unobtrusive and leaves the understory layer exposed to more sunlight much like in a natural tree-fall. In some cases, landowners feel compelled to use forest productivity to offset property taxes, which can be deferred substantially by enrollment in Chapter 61.

Clearing for home building, on the other hand, is much more akin to clear-cutting. Often all trees and understory in a one or two-acre area are removed and replaced with lawn. This clear-cutting affects the ecosystem, removing wildlife habitat and decreasing the vegetation diversity. It also affects the visual landscape where homebuilding occurs along road frontage or on a hillside that can be viewed from the road. Although the historic agricultural pattern also involves clearing the land, most of those clearings are used to produce a crop and do not include buildings. The repercussions of clearing for homebuilding are lost forest acreage, the potential for erosion and siltation, and a dramatic change in the visual character of the landscape.

Conway’s woodlands have begun to suffer to a small extent from invasive non-native plants— those which can outcompete the native vegetation and interrupt natural succession if they escape into natural areas to reproduce. The species presently seen in the woods and wetlands are barberry, multiflora rose, burning bush euonymus, Norway maple, Japanese (and other) honeysuckle, Asiatic bittersweet, Japanese knotweed, buckthorn, and purple loosestrife. The invasions of autumn olive and Russian olive frequently seen in the highway right-of-way in the Pioneer Valley are not yet such a problem in Conway. Most of the above-named plants, as pure stands, do not have the same wildlife habitat or timber value as the indigenous plant species, nor is their fall color the same.

Hemlock pests may have significant consequences for Conway’s forests, especially in the wooded ravines and wetlands. The hemlock wooly adelgid is killing virtually all hemlocks in PA, NY, NJ, and CT. According to experts at Smith College, the wooly adelgid came up from Connecticut into the Springfield area in the early 1990s. Since then it has extended its range north to Amherst and Northampton, and the limit of its cold hardiness is likely to be farther north than Conway. Another threat to the hemlocks has been the hemlock looper, which killed over 1,000 acres of hemlock in Franklin County.

The second highest natural resource goal in the Franklin County 2035 Regional Plan for Sustainable Development (RPSD) is to protect forests. Forests important to protect include

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unfragmented forests, old-growth forests, and forests that support rare and endangered plant and animal species. Forests along rivers and streams are also a priority to protect for their important habitat, water recharge functions, and bank stabilization. Forests located on soils good for timber production should also be protected. The plan lists several potential impacts on forests due to climate change, including decline of maple syrup production, the deterioration of the Eastern Hemlock, and the spread of invasive plant species. According to the plan, sustainable forestry practices, such as planting and selectively harvesting trees, can increase the ability of forests to sequester carbon. Sustainable forestry practices also provide employment, support rural communities, and encourage landowners to retain their woodlots rather than selling them. Benefits of forest management include providing a sustainable source of wood products, increasing the diversity of habitats for wildlife, and offering places for recreation. Roughly eight percent, or just over 2,000 acres, of land area in Conway is in agricultural use.17 Most of this land is used for either pasture or crops.

Photo credit: Michele Turre

Protecting farmland and local food supplies was identified as the top natural resource goal in the Franklin County 2035 Regional Plan for Sustainable Development (RPSD). To examine whether Franklin County has the land resources needed to support an increasing demand for local food –

17 2005 MassGIS Land Use data.

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and to achieve some level of food self reliance – the Conway School of Landscape Design (CSLD) was hired to undertake an analysis of Franklin County’s farmland for the RPSD. The study found that currently, 48 percent of Franklin County’s farmland actively being farmed is west of the Connecticut River Valley, including the majority of the County’s pasture land and orchards. The study finds that in order for the County to achieve food self-reliance, an additional 10,691 acres would need to be put into agricultural production, the majority for cropland (see Table 4-1 below). The study also notes that while population growth in the County overall is expected to be low in the future, towns along the I-91 corridor and within easy commuting distances to the Five-College area may experience higher development pressures, making the need for protecting farmland and prime farmland soils more urgent in these towns.

Table 4-1: Franklin County Farmland Needed for Self Reliance Farmland Type Farmland Acreage Existing Farmland Balance Needed Needed Acreage Cropland 16,549 23,750 +7,201 Pasture 8,820 12,320 +3,500 Orchard 1,193 1,180 -13 TOTAL 26,562 37,250 +10,691 Source: Franklin County Farmland and Foodshed Study, Conway School of Landscape Design, 2012. As presented in the Franklin County 2035 Regional Plan for Sustainable Development Natural Resources Chapter.

Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Plant Species

The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) has designated several “Priority Habitat” areas in the Town of Conway. A Priority Habitat is an area where plant and animal populations protected by the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act Regulations (321 CMR 10.00) may occur. These areas mostly follow rivers and brooks in Conway, including Roaring Brook, the Mill River, the Deerfield River, the South River, Poland Brook, and the Bear River. There are also several forested areas identified.

Statewide, NHESP has identified 256 native plant species as endangered, threatened, or of special concern. Twenty-eight rare plant species have been documented in the Town of Conway (see Table 4-2 below).18 These plants occur in some of the Priority Habitats identified above.

Table 4-2: NHESP Endangered, Threatened, or Special Concern Plant Species in Conway Most Recent ScientificName CommonName MESA Status* Observation Alnus viridis ssp. crispa Mountain Alder Threatened 2011 Amelanchier sanguinea Roundleaf Shadbush Special Concern 1988 Aplectrum hyemale Putty-root Endangered Historic Carex hitchcockiana Hitchcock's Sedge Special Concern 2000

18 These data were extracted from the database of the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program in September 2012: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/species_info/town_lists/town_d.htm#deerfield.

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Most Recent ScientificName CommonName MESA Status* Observation Carex lenticularis Shore Sedge Threatened 1988 Celastrus scandens American Bittersweet Threatened 2011 Equisetum scirpoides Dwarf Scouring-rush Special Comcern 2011 Hypericum ascyron Giant St. John's-wort Endangered 2010 Malaxis monophyllos var. brachypoda White Adder's-mouth Endangered 1928 Mimulus moschatus Muskflower Endangered 2010 Ophioglossum pusillum Adder's-tongue Fern Threatened 2007 Penstemon hirsutus Hairy Beardtongue Endangered 1948 Sanicula canadensis Canadian Sanicle Threatened 1909 Symphyotrichum tradescantii Tradescant's Aster Threatened 1983 Triphora trianthophora Nodding Pogonia Endangered 2009 Trisetum spicatum Spiked False Oats Endangered 2010 *Massachusetts Endangered Species Act. Source: MassWildlife Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, 2013

NHESP has produced fact sheets for some species which are available at http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/species_info/mesa_list/mesa_list.htm. The fact sheets include the species status, description, aids for identifying and habitat as well as drawings or photos. Plants (and animals) listed as endangered are at risk of extinction (total disappearance) or extirpation (disappearance of a distinct interbreeding population in a particular area). Threatened species are likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future. Species of Special Concern have been documented to have suffered a decline that could result in its becoming threatened, or occur in very small numbers and/or have very specialized habitat, the loss of which could result in their becoming threatened.

Public Shade Trees Public shade trees are defined by the state as “all trees within a We do not exist in public way or on the boundaries thereof.” Public shade trees are isolation. Our sense of located throughout the town, along its roads, and although not community and compassionate legally public shade trees, the trees on town-owned land, such as intelligence must be those in town cemeteries and in Conway Center, have the perception extended to all life forms, plants, animals, of being “owned” by the citizens. In a Town as heavily forested as rocks, rivers, and Conway, preserving public shade trees may seem unnecessary; human beings. however, loss of trees along rural roads and in public spaces can significantly change the character of a town. Some methods a town —Terry Tempest can use to protect shade trees include adopting a Scenic Roads Williams, Author and Bylaw, limiting the amount of salt used on roads during the winter, Naturalist and developing a plan and dedicating funding to the care and replacement of trees in public spaces. Conway’s Tree Warden is responsible for the town’s Public Shade Trees. A Public Hearing must be held (except in certain circumstances), pursuant to state law, before any cutting, trimming, or removal of a Public Shade Tree may take place. Many communities have found that a Tree Committee can work effectively with their Tree Wardens to improve the management, maintenance and public

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support for Public Shade Trees. For example, the Tree Committee could advocate for measures that mitigate the loss of these trees, which are public assets, such as the town requiring the applicant to plant replacement trees in the affected area at the Tree Warden’s direction or requiring the applicant to provide a donation to the Town’s tree planting fund.

F. Fisheries and Wildlife

Conway is rich in wildlife. The town’s abundance of farm fields, waterways, and mixed woodlands provide vital habitat for an array of wildlife including black bear, whitetail deer, wild turkey, redtail hawk, raccoon, fox, gray squirrel, and spotted salamander among others. Conway’s relatively low density of human habitation allows many of these species to flourish. According to many residents, the diversity and presence of wildlife is one of the great pleasures of living in Conway.

Habitats in Conway

Along with Conway’s forested and open landscapes is an abundance of waterways, including large rivers and small streams. Together, these areas comprise diverse wildlife habitat and create corridors for wildlife migration.

Much of the wildlife need either tree canopy or low, dense, leafy growth for hiding from predators, for roosting, and for food. Some require clearings, where shrub growth with berries is most likely, or where farming provides succulent grasses or grains. Where Conway's rivers wind for miles through cool hemlock ravines and into farm fields bordered by upland deciduous woods that continue into adjacent states, there is abundant wildlife. Many mammals common to inland New England inhabit Conway, as well as native trout and salmon, birds of prey, and the occasional moose.

Much of Conway’s forest canopy is coniferous from north to south in most portions of town. The biggest gaps in forestland are the large farms on Roaring Brook Road, and the north-central and northeast sectors. Many of the town’s waterways are adjacent to roads, which can be a potential conflict for wildlife. In addition, mammals moving north/south must cross Route 116 or pass through culverts.

Endangered or Threatened Species

Natural Heritage Endangered Species Program and the Natural Conservancy BioMap2 show Core Habitats critical for the long-term persistence of rare species and Critical Natural Landscape, including buffers along Core Habitats. (BioMap2 is discussed in more detail at the beginning of Section 4.) These areas mapped in Conway are shown in the Plant and Wildlife Map at the end of this section. The most notable pattern of Core Habitat in Conway is a forested area in the south western section of town. Core Habitat areas are also located along the South River, Deerfield River, and at the headwaters of the Mill River. There is also a large area of Core Habitat in the south eastern part of Conway extending into Whately. These areas provide habitat for rare species in Conway.

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In addition to BioMap2, Natural Heritage Endangered Species Program maintains a list of all Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA)-listed species observed and documented in each Massachusetts town. These lists are updated once a year or when there are approved MESA list changes and are shown in the following table.

Table 4-3: NHESP Endangered, Threatened, or Special Concern Animal Species in Conway MESA Most Recent Taxonomic Group ScientificName CommonName Status* Observation Amphibian Ambystoma jeffersonianum Jefferson Salamander SC 2012 Amphibian Ambystoma opacum Marbled Salamander T 2012 Bird Botaurus lentiginosus American Bittern E 2007 Bird Parula americana Northern Parula T 2009 Dragonfly/Damselfly Boyeria grafiana Ocellated Darner SC 2009 Dragonfly/Damselfly Rhionaeschna mutata Spatterdock Darner SC 2009 Fish Catostomus catostomus Longnose Sucker SC 2004 Reptile Glyptemys insculpta Wood Turtle SC 2009 * *Massachusetts Endangered Species Act. SC = Special Concern; T = Threatened; E = Endangered. Source: MassWildlife Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, 2013

Massachusetts Bird of Prey Rehabilitation Center Conway resident Thomas Ricardi, an environmental enforcement officer with the Massachusetts Department of Fisheries and Wildlife founded the Center in 1987. Mr. Ricardi’s personal interest is raptor rehabilitation, and he runs (and funds) the Center at his home on North Poland Road. He is in demand for his slide lectures and on-site tours, and he is often asked to take his birds into school programs.

Mr. Ricardi has as many as 100 birds at a time on site in outdoor cages, nursing them, if possible, to a condition that permits release back into the wild. Since 1987, Mr. Ricardi has conducted a captive breeding program for bald eagles and other birds of prey. The results are impressive. Each year he has released eaglets and other young birds into the wild. Some of these birds have been sighted and are breeding successfully.

A prerequisite for success in eagle breeding is an environment that is free from visual distraction and noise—an environment that only undeveloped land can provide.

Bear Study19 Since 1970, MassWildlife has been studying the life cycles of black bears. Annual surveys are a major part of their work and each year staff visits a den in the woods of Conway. The data gathered during the surveys will help MassWildlife learn more about the bear’s’ life cycles, and how humans may affect it. More bears are living in or visiting urban areas, according to MassWildlife, primarily due to the presence of bird feeders. Bears particularly like black-oil sunflower seeds. Many people often feed bears because they want to see them, and that’s a

19 http://www.wggb.com/2010/03/05/black-bear-survey-in-conway-reveals-two-new-cubs/

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recipe for trouble. There are now 4,000 black bears living in Massachusetts; that’s an incredible boom in population compared to the 100 that were recorded in 1970 when studies began. The bear population seems to be expanding eastward, into the Worcester area. When the bear count began in 1970, there were about 100 black bears in the state.20 Almost all bear habitat in Massachusetts is west of the Connecticut River, and the heart of the range is in and around Conway. As a result encounters between humans and black bears are on the rise. So far there have not been any injuries to bears or humans as a result of the encounters here. However, people must learn not to intervene with bears, or any wildlife, in any way (e.g., feeding, handling, harassing, and pursuing). As residential development increases and encroaches on wildlife corridors, informing residents about bears and other wildlife as well as the significance of particular habitats will become increasing important.

H. Scenic Resources and Unique Environments

Conway is composed of rolling forested hillsides, open farmland, rushing rivers and streams, winding roads, and New England farmhouses and barns. The network of rivers, streams, and aquifers are a needed and cherished resource for all Conway inhabitants. The many rivers and streams provide habitat and corridors for plant and animal gene flow. Plentiful deep and shallow aquifers provide all the drinking water for residents. Rivers and streams have high recreational value for fishing, swimming and canoeing.

Much of Conway’s beauty is cherished as views from the roads. The contrast of dark wooded hillsides against fields on the valley floors create vistas juxtaposed with highly valuable natural resource, such as prime agricultural soil, aquifer recharge areas, streams and rivers, habitat for rare and endangered wetland species, and historic sites. Roads are an essential element of Conway’s scenic character and should be managed to enhance the roadside environment. Many dirt roads have high recreation value as trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Many old roads are lined with mammoth sugar maple trees that are tapped for sap in March, supplying several maple sugaring operations in the area.

Historic structures complement the rural-historic sentiment experienced in Conway. The Bardwells Ferry Bridge and the Burkeville Covered Bridge are nationally recognized historic sites with the town center recognized as an historic district. Used by residents regularly, the Marshall Field Memorial Library, built in the town center in 1900, is undoubtedly one of Conway’s unique features. Orchard Equipment and Supply Company is housed in the remains of the Conant and Donelson Tap and Die manufacturing building, which was built in 1909. Local businesses also remain rural in nature with farming and forestry taking direct advantage of natural resources. Cottage industries also flourish, with many home businesses scattered throughout the hills.

20 http://www.gazettenet.com/home/4894259-95/bear-cubs-bears-den

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Unique Geologic Features21

Conway is one of the “Hill Towns”, that include the areas of Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties west of and above the border of the ancient rift valley through which the Connecticut River flows. The defining geological forces that formed Conway’s landscape—uplift, stream erosion, and glaciation—resulted in the rolling landform and hills we see today. Heading west from the flat, verdant river valley of Deerfield and Whately, the landscape transitions to rounded hills and steep river valleys of Conway and neighboring towns to the west that form the foothills of the Green Mountains to the north and the Hoosac Range to the west, all part of the ancient Appalachian chain. Most of Conway is a rolling upland of schist, gneiss and other resistant metamorphic rocks with intrusions of pegmatite and granite. Scraping by continental glaciers during the Pleistocene Epoch left thin, rocky soils in the town’s upland areas while glacial meltwater streams deposited thin beds of more permeable soils in the narrow river valleys. The 1,000 foot elevation difference between Conway’s uplands and the Connecticut River Valley produced streams and rivers with gradients around 40'/mile that flow through steep-sided valleys, notably the Deerfield River and its larger tributaries, such as the South River in Conway. Conway, like many of Western Massachusetts' Hill Towns, is a popular tourist destination, featuring scenic beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Photo credit: Michele Turre Bardwells Ferry Bridge, Conway

21 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Massachusetts http://www.boston.com/travel/explorene/massachusetts/galleries/hill_towns/

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Distinctive and Noteworthy Landscapes Much of Conway’s landscape is classified as Distinctive or Noteworthy by the Massachusetts Scenic Landscape Inventory report published by the Department of Environmental Management in 1982.22

Photo credit: Dave Chichester Roaring Brook Road, Conway

Distinctive Landscapes - Areas of the highest visual quality. Typically consists of openness, low population density, high relative relief, historical structures and land uses, agriculture, surface water, significant vegetation, important geological features, and lack of contemporary development.

Noteworthy Landscapes - Areas of lesser, but nevertheless important, visual quality. Typically contains the same factors as ‘Distinctive’ landscapes but in lesser amounts or in lower quality.

Many landscape and cultural features have been identified by residents through public meetings and surveys as important to the character of Conway. The Scenic Resource and Unique Environments Map at the end of this section shows the historic, scenic, and recreational resources identified by participants of the public forum and Committee members as being unique

22 The DEM is now the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). The report is available from the Historic Landscape Preservation Initiative program and the mapping is now available from MassGIS. http://www.mass.gov/dcr/ Contact Wendy Pearl [email protected]

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and special places in Conway. Historic properties and cultural resources can be important economic assets, often increasing property values and attracting businesses and tourists to a community. While preservation of historic and cultural assets can require funding, it can also stimulate economic development and revitalization.

Photo credit: Dave Chichester United Congregational Church, Conway

The Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System (MACRIS)23 lists a total of 95 areas, buildings, burial grounds, objects, and structures of cultural and/or historic significance in Conway. Some of these are included in the Conway Center National Historic District. The Conway Center Historic District is a densely clustered group of buildings on Main Street, Elm Street, and Academy Hill Road occupying level bottomland historically called “the Flat.” Mostly developed during the 1840s and 50s, the district includes municipal buildings, financial institutions, the public library, former stores, and many of the village’s single family houses dating from antebellum years.24 Designation on the MACRIS list does not provide any protective measures for the historic resources but designated sites may qualify for federal and state funding if damaged during a natural or manmade hazard. MACRIS data are compiled from a variety of records and files maintained by the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC), including but not limited to, the Inventory of Historic Assets of the Commonwealth, National Register of Historic Places nominations, State Register of Historic Places listings, and local historic district study reports. Two buildings of particular historic interest in Conway Center are the Conway National Bank Building, also known as “the Brick Bank”, located at 32 Main Street,

23 http://mhc-macris.net/Results.aspx 24 Information from National Register Nomination Form obtained from the Mass Historical Commission web site http://mhc-macris.net/Results.aspx

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which was built in 1878 and now houses the town offices and the Field Memorial Library, built in 1901, which is located at 1 Elm Street.

Photo credit: Dave Chichester Field Memorial Library, Conway

H. Environmental Problems

During the June 27, 2012 Public Forum held at the Town Hall several environmental challenges were discussed by the participants, including:

 The town-owned property on the South River is currently being used as a staging/dumping area for steel, asphalt and other construction and demolition debris.  There are significant environmental constraints to developing new recreational facilities in Conway, including: lack of flat land for ball/soccer fields, steep slopes, wildlife habitat and abundance of streams (setback requirements).  The town center, which straddles the South River, is not served by a municipal sewer. The lots have no room left for new, larger septic systems.  Invasive vegetation, such as Japanese Knotweed, stiltgrass, Oriental Bittersweet and garlic mustard are a concern along the South River.  Possible ground and water contamination at the Town Garage.

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 Town’s future water needs – water is leaving Conway to supply other towns (Deerfield and Northampton) and the lack of public access to these watershed lands surrounding these water supplies.  The number of junk cars, trash, etc. on private property. There are significant dump sites along the South River and elsewhere. Concerns were expressed about the town’s lack of effort or ability to enforce regulations that prohibit this activity.  The importance of using Best Management Practices (BMPs) during farming activities to protect water quality.

Water Quality Because the town has no municipal public water supply or wastewater treatment facility, residents rely on private wells and septic systems. Therefore, the potential for contamination of groundwater and aquifers from septic system effluent, road salt and oil, pesticides and other chemicals, is the most immediate environmental concern for Conway residents.

Surface water and ground water in town are vulnerable to contamination from a number of potential sources. In areas of town that overlay the high-yielding shallow aquifers, (notably the town center), most homes draw their water supply from shallow wells or springs. Older homes throughout town have, in the last 15 years or so, begun to experience failures of septic systems first installed in the early 1970s. These failures have, in some cases, caused contamination of shallow wells. Owners have had to drill deeper wells to the bedrock aquifer in order to ensure their water quality. Residential development has additional direct impact on the environment. Clearcutting of land for housing causes a decrease in native habitat and an increase in erosion that can affect water quality. Replacement of the natural vegetation with large areas of lawn decreases the biodiversity of the area. In addition, the chemicals and fertilizers often used to grow lawn can contaminate soils and water supply.

Underground Storage Tanks Federal and state laws regulate gas storage tanks larger than 1,100 gallons, but smaller tanks and those for heating oil fall outside this purview. The DEP Underground Storage Tank Query Tool25 lists 4 locations in Conway that had or currently have underground storage tanks that are regulated by the state. Currently, there are two active USTs on the list, a 2,000 gallon, double- walled gasoline tank with interstitial monitoring and a 10,000 gallon steel fuel oil tank. Underground fuel storage tanks, especially those near rivers or wells, which are not covered by state or Federal regulations, should be a priority for investigation by the town. Conway has storage tanks of all categories that are part of every aspect of life: residential, agricultural, industrial, and commercial.

Road Salt The use and storage of road salt can be a source of soil and water contamination. Conway recognized this problem and in 1998, built a salt shed for the purpose of storing road salt on a site away from the South River. Although the town has made it a policy to use salt sparingly, Mass Highways is responsible for salting on Route 116. In areas where the highway parallels the South or Mill Rivers or where wells are close to the road, there is the possibility of water contamination.

25 http://public.dep.state.ma.us/UST/ustResultsPage.asp

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Hazardous Materials, Hazardous Waste and Landfills The MassDEP has records on-line of three hazardous materials spills/releases in Conway, which occurred in 1987, 1988 and 2012.26 The most recent incident was a tractor-trailer accident at the intersection of Shelburne Falls Road and Thompson Road that resulted in a release of materials to soil and the brook. The release was cleaned up and the file closed.

Continuous education of landowners about proper hazardous waste disposal is essential to protecting the water supply. Some of Conway’s businesses handle hazardous materials or generate hazardous wastes, and all presumably are operating within the law (such as pesticide, solvent and waste oil disposal, etc.). Homeowners, and possibly some of the cottage businesses, are not as likely to be aware of their responsibility to protect groundwater. The Board of Health has approved the Conway transfer station on designated days to be one of the county’s hazardous waste collection sites.

According to the MassGIS 2008 data, there are no hazardous waste sites in Conway. According to MassDEP data27 there are no active landfills in town. There are three inactive landfills, two of which have been capped and no environmental monitoring is required. The Conway Landfill on Old Cricket Hill Road is an unlined landfill whose closure is incomplete and the status is unknown, according to the Inactive/Closed Landfills & Dumping Grounds List, May 2012 on the DEP website.

Although the information available from the DEP website indicates that there are no environmental problems associated with these three landfills, the status of the closure of the Conway Landfill should be further investigated.

Forestry The Conway Open Space and Recreation Plan Update Committee identified no significant forestry issues in town. There are no major diseases effecting the town’s forests and no major

26 http://170.63.40.24/SearchableSite/Search_Results.aspx 27 http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/solid/swfacil.htm

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blow-down areas which could serve as fuel for forest fires. There are areas of steep forested land throughout town and these areas could be difficult to access in the event of a forest fire.

Chronic Flooding The Town of Conway Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan (Draft, 2013) identifies a number of streams in Conway with the potential to cause localized flooding, including:

 Poland Brook – characterized as fast moving and flashy. During Tropical Storm Irene, Poland Brook overtopped its banks and destroyed part of an adjacent road.  Pumpkin Hollow Brook – flooded the center of town during Tropical Storm Irene.  South River  Mill River – has flooded in the past.

Other than the occasional problems caused by beaver, there were no other areas of chronic flooding identified by the Committee.

Erosion and Sedimentation Conway’s water systems are both strong and fragile. Rivers and brooks are plentiful throughout town and add considerably to the beauty of the landscape. Many swell into intermittent torrents periodically, particularly in the spring. Because of the nature of the soils, the rushing waters cause a great deal of erosion. Even inconspicuous courses of freshets have been known to undermine roadways or bury them in gravelly silt during heavy rainstorms, especially below upland pastures and home sites. As a result, future development near rivers, streams, and brooks should be carefully evaluated.

Several lifelong fishing enthusiasts remarked that there seemed to be less fish in the South River than in previous decades. This decrease could be due to overfishing or degraded water quality. There is perpetual erosion of the riverbanks by stormwater. This siltation of the river is creating shallow areas and filling up fishing holes. Other siltation comes from road sand and loose soil in roadside swales.

As more residential construction has occurred on hillsides, there has been more drainage from private property into the public right-of-way. This is contrary to building standards, but it does happen. The result is large areas of mud or ice presenting a hazard to drivers. New standards for driveways shared by three or more residences will help in those few cases.

In 2010, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection awarded a 604b Water Quality Management Planning grant to the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) to implement a Fluvial Geomorphic and Habitat Assessment of the South River Watershed. A fluvial geomorphology consultant was hired to assess the types and causes of the erosion occurring along the South River and recommend appropriate bank stabilization and flow management techniques. Tropical Storm Irene in August 2011 demonstrated the extensive infrastructure damage and dramatic increases in downstream sediment loading that can result from extreme flooding in the Deerfield River Watershed (of which the South River is part of) in Massachusetts. Flooding in the Town of Conway on the South River caused by the storm

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washed away a recently completed geo-cell retaining wall and nearly resulted in the loss of the Route 116 Bridge (see picture). Conceptual designs and cost estimates were prepared for the #1 priority ranked project located downstream of the Rte.116 bridge in Conway. The FRCOG and the town applied for, and were awarded, a s.319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Implementation Grant in November 2012. The grant will provide partial funding for the construction of the project.

Environmental Equity Are open space and recreation opportunities available to all residents of Conway on a relatively equal basis? Traditional measures of park and open space equity assess whether environmental justice populations in urban areas have the same access to open space and recreation resources as others in their community. Measuring park and open space equity is difficult in small, rural towns. In the case of Conway, no environmental justice populations are identified. These populations, as defined by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, are made up of “high minority, non-English speaking and low-income neighborhoods”.

Where Conway is concerned, the town’s established parks and recreation areas are located primarily in and near Conway Center. Living in a rural community, Conway’s residents are used to having to travel to a variety of destinations, whether it be for shopping, entertainment or recreation. There are several small neighborhoods in town but none are big enough to warrant their own recreational facilities like a basketball court or ball fields. Passive open space and recreation areas are widely distributed throughout town, given the rural and relatively undeveloped landscape of Conway. The town has much open space that everyone has access to, either through permission of friendly neighbors or because the land is owned by the town (Town Farm/Forest) or the state (Poland Brook Wildlife Management Area, Conway State Forest, and South River State Forest). Residents can hike, hunt, snowmobile, fish and ride horseback in many areas of town. Easy access to open space is one measure of open space and recreation equity in Conway. The Committee did not identify any environmental equity issues of concern in Conway.

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Section 5: Inventory of Lands of Conservation & Recreation Interest

This section provides a summary of all lands that provide open space, wildlife habitat, agricultural and forest products, watershed protection, scenic landscapes and recreational opportunities with some level of protection from development.

In general terms, ‘open space’ is defined as undeveloped land. In an Open Space and Recreation Plan, the focus is on undeveloped land with some level of protection from development that also contains aspects of the landscape valued by local residents: actively managed farm and forestland, wildlife habitat, protection and recharge of groundwater, public access to recreational lands and trail systems, important plant communities, structures and landscapes that represent the community’s heritage, flood control, and scenery. The term ‘natural resource’ describes the biological and physical components of an ecosystem that people depend on for their existence and for some, their livelihood. These components are air, surface and ground water, soil nutrients, vegetation, fisheries, and wildlife. Recreational facilities can include open space, parks, and developed areas like tennis courts and swimming pools. Open space and recreation plans typically identify areas of undeveloped land that contain precious natural and recreational resources so that when an opportunity to protect land becomes available to the town, it can efficiently focus limited funds to protect values most important to residents.

Communities across the country are protecting land from development to ensure that the scenic, recreational and resource-based aspects of the landscape remain unchanged. Open space can be protected from development in several ways that differ in the level of legal protection they provide, the method by which they are protected, and by the type of landowner. Section 5 will deal with open space under four levels, or categories, of protection: permanently protected, temporarily protected, limited protection, and unprotected. These categories are briefly defined below:

 Land is considered to be permanently protected if it is 1) owned by a state conservation agency, a nonprofit conservation land trust or other conservation organization, or by the Town of Conway under the care and control of the Conservation Commission; or 2) the land is subject to a Conservation (CR) or Agricultural Preservation (APR) Restriction in accordance with M.G.L. Ch. 184, section 31;  Privately owned land is considered to be temporarily protected if it is enrolled in one or more of the state’s Chapter 61, Chapter 61A or Chapter 61 B current use tax abatement programs;  All land owned by the Town of Conway except for cemeteries and land under the care and control of the Conservation Commission is considered to have limited protection; and finally,  All privately owned land which is neither permanently nor temporarily protected is considered to be unprotected.

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These different levels of protection will be discussed in more detail as this section progresses. Areas of Conway under these different levels of protection are shown on the Protected Open Space Map at the end of this section, and are summarized below in Table 5-1.

Open space can be protected from development in several ways that differ in the level of legal protection they provide, the method by which they are protected, and by the type of landowner. When land is considered to be protected, it is intended to remain undeveloped in perpetuity. This level of protection is ensured in one of two ways: 1) ownership by a state conservation agency, such as the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) or the Department of Fish and Game (DFG), a not-for-profit conservation land trust, or the local Conservation Commission or 2) attachment of a conservation restriction or similar legal mechanism to the deed.

A Conservation Restriction is a legally binding agreement between a landowner (grantor) and a holder (grantee) - usually a public agency or a private land trust; whereby the grantor agrees to limit the use of his/her property by forfeiting interests in the land (development being one type of interest) for the purpose of protecting certain conservation values. The Conservation Restriction may run for a period of years or in perpetuity and is recorded at the Registry of Deeds. Certain income, estate or real estate tax benefits may be available to the grantor of a Conservation Restriction.

There are several types of conservation restrictions. Some protect specific resources, such as wildlife habitat or farmland. Active farmland with Prime soils or soils of Statewide Importance may be eligible for enrollment in the state’s Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Program. The APR program purchases the development rights and attaches a restriction to the deed, which legally bars development, keeping land permanently available for agriculture.

The development of any parcel of land that is in the APR Program, protected with a conservation restriction, owned by a state conservation agency, or owned by a land trust or a town for conservation purposes, would require a vote by two thirds of the State Legislature as outlined in Article 97 of the Amendments to the Massachusetts State Constitution. For the purposes of this Open Space and Recreation Plan, cemeteries are also considered to be protected from development.

This protection conveyed by Article 97 does have its limits. The state legislature has voted to release this protection at the request of local communities, so that conservation land can be used for schools, roads, economic development, or other public projects not related to resource protection. In the past, reforms have been proposed to make this process more difficult. It is important for local advocates of conservation to be vigilant of attempts to remove the protection status from open space in the Town of Conway.

Land in Massachusetts owned by towns or water districts may be considered to have permanent protection from development. However, unless there is a legal restriction attached to the deed or if the deed reads that the land was acquired expressly for water supply protection, the level of protection afforded these types of parcels varies depending on the policies of each community. In most cases, the water district would be required to show the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection just cause for converting the use of the land. However, this is not an

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insurmountable hurdle. The Town of Athol recently took their surface drinking water supplies off-line after developing a productive well field. A change in land use around the reservoir from water supply protection to active recreational use may occur.

If a town-owned parcel of land is under the legal authority of the Select Board rather than the Conservation Commission, it is considered to have limited protection from development. The parcel could be called a wildlife sanctuary or a town forest, but not have the long-term protection afforded by Conservation Commission lands. In this case, converting a town forest to a soccer field or a school parking lot could be decided by the Select Board or at Town Meeting.

Parcels enrolled in Massachusetts Chapter 61 tax abatement programs are considered to be temporarily protected from development. This program offers landowners reduced local property taxes in return for maintaining land in productive forestry, agricultural or recreational use for a period of time. These “chapter lands” provide many public benefits, from maintaining wildlife habitat and recreational open space to sustaining rural character, and local forest and farm-based economic activity. Another benefit of the Chapter 61 programs is that they offer towns the opportunity to protect land. When a parcel that has been enrolled in one of the Chapter programs is proposed for conversion to a use that would make it ineligible for the program, or the owner wishes to sell the property, the town is guaranteed a 120-day waiting period during which it can exercise its right of first refusal to purchase the property. This is most effective if a community first identifies priority areas for protection in town, and sets aside funds for the purchase or transfer of ownership to a local land trust when a Chapter 61 parcel becomes available in a priority area.

Conway is fortunate to have both public and private land protected in perpetuity. Table 5-1 provides a summary of land in Conway with some level of protection. The Open Space Map at the end of this section shows parcels under different levels of protection. It should be noted that the parcels shown on the map are not necessarily entirely protected. In the case of some restrictions, only a portion of a parcel may be set aside for protection, while another portion is set aside for a building or other purpose. The acreages presented in the tables in this section, however, are based on the actual acreage of a parcel that is under some type of restriction.

Table 5-1: Summary of Open Space in Conway by Level of Protection % of Total Land Area in Level of Protection Acres Town (24,210 Acres) PERMANENTLY PROTECTED OPEN SPACE

Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) 1,376.5 5.7% Conservation Restriction (CR) 1,311.3 5.4% State-owned Land (state forest, wildlife management areas) 3,022.8 12.5% Conservation Organization (MassAudobon, NEFF, TOR)* 445.7 1.8% Recreation Land (Conway Swimming Pool) 6.1 0.0% Cemeteries (public and private) 15.1 0.1% Water Supply Land 1,200.4 5.0%

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% of Total Land Area in Level of Protection Acres Town (24,210 Acres) Total Permanently Protected Open Space 6,935.4 28.6% TEMPORARILY PROTECTED OPEN SPACE Farmland (Ch. 61 A) 2,482.9 10.3% Forestland (Ch. 61) 3,136.8 13.0% Recreation Land (Ch. 61B) 832.8 3.4% Total Temporarily Protected Open Space 6,452.5 26.7% OPEN SPACE UNDER LIMITED PROTECTION

Town-owned Open Space 157.8 0.7%

Total Open Space with Limited Protection 157.8 0.7%

TOTAL OPEN SPACE WITH SOME LEVEL OF 13,545.7 56.0% PROTECTION * The land owned by conservation organizations is also protected under Conservation Restrictions. Therefore this acreage is only counted once. NEFF = New England Forestry Foundation; TOR = Trustees of Reservations. Source: Town of Conway Assessor, 2012.

Approximately 56 percent of land in Conway is under some level of protection. Roughly 29 percent is permanently protected, while 27 percent is temporarily protected under the Chapter 61 program. The Town owns approximately 158 acres that are considered under limited protection. The Town also owns a 2.3 acre parcel on Cemetery Hill Road which is permanently protected with a Conservation Restriction, as well as an additional 2.5 acres of land under permanent protection for use as cemeteries. The remaining 10,664 acres of town is considered unprotected, though development may be restricted in some ways such as through deed or legal restrictions, or zoning, topographic, wetlands, and other building constraints.

A. Private Lands

Of Conway's 13,546 acres of protected land, approximately 8,692 acres, or 64 percent, are held in private ownership. These lands are protected in perpetuity by Conservation Restrictions and the state's APR program, or temporarily through the Chapter 61 program.

The APR program helps protect working farmland and prime farmland soils for continued agricultural use. The program is important not just for helping to support the viability for existing farms who may otherwise feel pressured to sell their land for development, but it also helps make farmland more affordable to farmers looking to buy new land. Among the properties that are permanently protected from development in Conway are the following:

 Land owned by the Conway Miso Factory and farmed by the local Community Sustained Agriculture (CSA) farm was protected (199+acres) under the Commonwealth's Agricultural Preservation Restriction Program (APR) with the assistance of the Town;  The largest privately owned landholding in the northern portion of Town is the Totman Farm (221 acres), protected under the Commonwealth's APR Program;

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 The Eldridge Farm (56 acres) and the Shallcross Farm (96.2 acres) placed Conservation Restriction on their property to protect the natural and scenic resources of their land;  The Hill Family preserved their property (35.7 acres) in perpetuity;  Deane Lee negotiated with the Commonwealth for a Conservation Restriction on his property, protecting 125.1 acres;  The Antes Farm (606.9 acres) is protected under the Commonwealth's APR Program;  Seven acres at Natural Roots Farm are protected through the APR program.

The following tables list the privately owned parcels in town under an Agricultural Preservation Restriction or Conservation Restriction.

Table 5-2: Privately Owned Property in Conway Permanently Protected through an Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) Total Map and Parcel Acres in Lot Owner Property Location Acres APR 412-22.11 Antes Farm Irrevocable Trust Roaring Brook Road 607.0 607.0 102-70 Atkinson, Peter 111 West Parsons Drive 4.3 2.9 413-84 Borton, Ann H., Rev. Trust 234 Main Poland Road 112.7 70.0 410-85 Boyden Bros. Partnership Ashfield Road 63.8 62.3 103-61 Burke, Mary Ellen 14 West Parsons Drive 1.6 0.7 407-76.1 Byers, Mary C. 253 Newhall Road 35.3 31.7 103-63 Carmichael, James A. 40 Parsons Hill Drive 4.5 2.4 103-60 Conroy, Catherine D. 56 West Parsons Drive 3.0 1.4 401-3.1 Crafts, Philip A. Trust 3385 Shelburne Falls Road 5.1 3.9 407-137 Elwell, Christian M. 888 Shelburne Falls Road 61.0 59.0 410-21.5 Fisher & Mclay 4.1 4.1 410-21.3 Fisher & Mclay 3.3 3.3 103-57 Glenowicz, Frank M. 13 West Parsons Drive 1.4 1.0 406-9 Goodfield, Kathleen 1263 Bardwell's Ferry Road 98.6 96.2 102-73 Habel, Michael W. 86 Parsons Hill Drive 4.0 2.5 103-64 Hatch, Harold P. 24 Parsons Hill Drive 1.9 1.0 410-18 Heath, Sandra L. 565 Reed's Bridge Road 56.0 9.8 407-76.4 Luminais, Steven K. Newhall Road 6.1 4.1 404-13 Meyer, Luke, Nicholas & Anna 96 Hart Road 75.7 69.0 103-62 Ouimette, Kenneth D. 72 Parsons Hill Drive 4.0 2.2 103-65 Parsons Hill Assoc. South Deerfield Road 34.0 34.0 401-3 Thibault, David P. Shelburne Falls Road 114.3 112.2 103-59 Toffey, Elizabeth 92 West Parsons Drive 4.2 2.9 406-2.3 Totman, L&B Farm Irr Re Trust Bardwell's Ferry Road 221.0 185.0 102-72 Ware, Bud 114 Parsons Hill Drive 4.3 3.1 102-71 Willett, John B. 120 Parsons Hill Drive 6.2 5.1 1537.4 1376.5

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Source: Town of Conway Assessor, 2012.

Table 5-3: Privately Owned Property in Conway Permanently Protected through a Conservation Restriction (CR) Total Map and Parcel Acres in Lot Owner Property Location Acres CR 413-53 Arndt, Theonie F. 136 Elijah's Ride Dr 4.0 3.8 413-84 Borton, Ann H., Rev. Trust 112.7 36.0 410-8.1 Cabral, James 9.1 9.1 413-74.1 Clapp Real Estate Trust Main Poland Rd 73.8 73.8 413-74.4 Clapp Real Estate Trust Johnny Bean Rd 62.0 62.0 413-79 Clapp, Roger F., Jr. 630 Main Poland Rd 27.5 26.4 413-76.1 Clapp, Roger F., Jr. Main Poland Rd 8.8 8.8 411-97 Conway, Jill K. Trust Mathews Rd 1.0 1.0 411-106 Conway, Jill Ker Trust 328 Mathews Rd 9.5 7.4 415-41 Dashevsky, Marc A. 58 Harrison Rd 24.0 17.0 416-45 Lee, Deane Trust 516 Cricket Hill Rd 149.4 125.1 420-44 Lorenz, Mary C. Williamsburg Rd 123.0 123.0 413-26 Lyons, Kim M. 602 Whately Rd 2.6 2.6 404-61 New England Power Co. Off Bent Nail Dr 18.3 18.3 417-4.1 Scranton, Dean A. Roaring Brook Rd. 1.4 1.4 413-68.1 Taylor, Charles H. Irrevocable 100 Adams Rd 113.8 103.3 405-3 Transcanada Hydro Northeast I Deerfield River 151.9 151.9 404-76 Transcanada Hydro Northeast I 3186 Shelburne Falls Rd 10.7 6.7 401-4 World Species List Shelburne Falls Rd 86.0 86.0 989.5 863.4 Source: Town of Conway Assessor, 2012.

There are also 446 acres of land in Conway owned by conservation organizations, and protected through Conservation Restrictions (Table 5-4).

Table 5-4: Permanently Protected Land in Conway owned by a Conservation Organization Total Map and Parcel Acres in Lot Owner Property Location Acres CR 412-14 Massachusetts Audubon Society, Inc. South Deerfield Road 104.0 104.0 402-3 New England Forestry Foundation Off Old Buckland Road 131.0 131.0 401-16 New England Forestry Foundation Old Buckland Road 73.5 73.5 414-12 Trustees of Reservations 137.2 137.2 445.7 445.7 Source: Town of Conway Assessor, 2012.

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As shown in Table 5-1 at the beginning of this section, there are approximately 6,453 acres in Conway that are temporarily protected from development through the Chapter 61 tax abatement program. These programs provide property tax relief to landowners who retain their property for agricultural use or as forestland by taxing the properties for their use value rather than their market value. If a landowner removes his/her property from Chapter 61 status and decides to sell it, the town has the right of first refusal to purchase the property. This could be an advantageous opportunity for the town if the particular property is one that residents would like to see protected. Of course, available funding is critical to realize such an opportunity.

Roughly 2,483 acres are in active farmland use. In some cases, farmland enrolled in Chapter 61A abuts protected farmland. Conversion of even a small percentage of this land to residential uses could affect the viability of farming on the remainder of land. Agricultural lands enrolled in the Chapter 61A program offer much value to the town, even if the farmlands are only temporarily protected. First, the agricultural parcels often contain prime farmland soils, which should be preserved for continuing use. These privately owned open spaces also contribute to the town’s tax base and generate revenue, employment, and food products. In addition, some landowners may allow access to their property for recreational purposes, like hiking or snowmobiling. These lands help to define a sense of place for Conway and contribute to community stability over time.

There are over 3,000 acres in town currently enrolled in Chapter 61 as forestland. Land enrolled in this program must be actively managed according to a state-approved forest management plan. Many forestlands protected under the Chapter 61 program are large parcels with a low degree of fragmentation, so wildlife and plant habitats are preserved. When these forestlands are protected from development, they help provide clean water, air, and healthy wildlife populations. Forest soils have a high infiltration capacity, so they absorb moisture and permit very little surface runoff. Once absorbed, water is released gradually so flooding is reduced during large rain events and streamflow is maintained during low water months. Forests recycle nutrients, so the nutrients do not pass into waterways, and water quality is maintained. Because forest soils are absorptive, soil erosion is reduced and fish habitat is protected. Chapter 61 lands are managed for forest products, which result in employment of loggers, foresters, and local mill workers, income for landowners, and the availability of locally grown wood for flooring, furniture making and firewood. Many forested lands also provide recreational value for Conway residents. The Chapter 61 forests also help to preserve the character of the wooded landscapes in town.

There are also 833 acres of land under the Chapter 61B program for recreation or open space. These lands are not necessarily open to the public for recreation, but are temporarily protected in their natural state. Chapter 61B parcels also do not have to be actively managed.

The Conway Swimming Pool is privately owned and maintained by the volunteer, non-profit Conway Community Swimming Pool Committee. This 6.1-acre parcel is permanently protected with a conservation restriction and is located less than one mile south of the town center near Pumpkin Hollow.

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Photo credit: Ben Barnhart Conway Pool, Conway

B. Public Lands

Over 3,000 acres of protected public land in Conway is owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and includes the following parcels:

Conway State Forest: This major landholding of 2,242 acres is in the south/southwest section of Conway and is dedicated for conservation and recreation purposes. Although a recent major timber harvest reduced much of the forest canopy, the State Forest still provides the public with opportunities for hiking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and snowmobiling on its old roadways. Use by four-wheelers and dirt bikes is increasing. It is well used by Conway residents and regional people who know of its trail system. A map of one of the trails is included in a popularly available book about hikes in Massachusetts, and a limited-use trail map was prepared by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) in 1972. Trail infrastructure is primitive, trailheads are not marked, and no parking is provided.

South River State Forest: These parcels total 222 acres and are located in the northeast portion of Conway. Individuals use these properties for hiking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and snowmobiling, and schools have used the rustic cabin for camping. A limited use facilities and trail map was prepared by the state in 1972. The forest borders parts of the Deerfield River and the last 1.25 miles of the South River, and represents the greatest amount of public access to water. Also included in the South River State Forest is the site of the former trolley and railroad stations and a former hydroelectric dam. The only public picnic area in town is located here, although very few people know of it.

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Photo credit: Ben Barnhart Kayaking on the Deerfield River

Poland Brook Wildlife Management Area: Owned and managed by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, this parcel is about 559 acres in Conway and extends into Ashfield for a total of 618 acres. Located centrally along the western boundary of town, it is close to both the U.CC Boy Scout land to the east and Conway State Forest to the southeast. Poland Brook, which flows through the conservation area, is a major perennial stream draining almost 10 percent of the town's surface water and including about 20 percent of the town's 100-year floodplain. The Management Area provides a variety of wildlife habitats including open fields, abandoned brushy fields and forested tracts of mixed hardwoods and softwoods. Stocked wildlife includes stocked pheasant, woodcock, ruffed grouse, cottontail rabbit, whitetail deer, gray squirrel, snowshoe hare and raccoon, and trout. Hunting and fishing are permitted on this land, as are other trail activities.

There are also approximately 1,200 acres owned by public entities for the purpose of drinking water protection. The Town of Conway owns 60 acres, which includes the buffer zone around the well that serves the Conway Grammar School. The South Deerfield Water Supply District owns 632 acres surrounding the Whately Glen Reservoir, which provides drinking water for approximately 3,800 people in South Deerfield. The City of Northampton owns 513 acres in the southern section of town, which buffers the Northampton Upper Reservoir located in Whately. These mostly forested parcels in the south of Conway are among several within the Northampton Reservoir watershed. Although the watershed is posted for reasons of water purity protection, there has been unsanctioned hiking and wildlife observation on some of the property. These lands abut the Conway State Forest and help create uninterrupted wildlife corridors. This land is

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removed from public use by restrictions required for drinking water supplies to help ensure pure water. While this land provides buffers to protect water resources, a change of use could result if the water sources were no longer used as drinking water supplies.

Town-Owned Land

The Town of Conway owns approximately 158 acres of land under limited protection. This land can be sold (as was the old grammar school) at the will of residents voting at town meeting. These properties include the following sites:

Community Field: This parcel of 5.1 acres has a baseball field (with fences and team benches), basketball and tennis courts (with chain link fence), swings, and recreational open space. It is located near the center of town, adjacent to the Town Hall but with car access off Route 116. Parking is limited to a filled plateau with a rather steep drop to the ball field, but it is possible to drive to the level of the field. A recently installed playscape is handicap accessible. A portion of this land is within the 100-year floodplain and 100-foot buffer zone, since it abuts Pumpkin Hollow Brook. The parcel is used by youth sports tearns, adult softball, and community activities, such as the Festival of the Hills. A private bequest, the Germain Fund, allows a certain amount of money for expenditures on this field, which the Select Board oversees.

Photo credit: www.townofconway.com

Conway Grammar School: The new grammar school, built in 1992, is fully accessible, and equipped to the standards of the Commonwealth. The school is located on a parcel of 60 acres, of which about 12 acres is considered to belong to the school site. Some of those acres now include a playground and baseball/soccer fields, which are of minimal size and within a floodplain and buffer zone, abutting the Mill River, and a small pond. Since the overall site is quite large and wooded, there is potential for the town to develop additional recreational facilities and trails for community and school use. A dammed brook was used in the past as an ice pond and for skating. Numerous intermittent streams flow within the property, along with magnificent rock ledge outcrops and hardwood/hemlock woodland. A few logging roads cross through the parcel, and local foresters have donated time to evaluate the parcel to produce periodic income.

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Town Spring: The former "town spring" is protected by a 7.9-acre forested parcel and is west of the center of town. The wood on the parcel is known to be marketable for timber and cordwood (although there are no plans to do so), and a snowmobile trail is located in the southwestern portion.

Bigelow Parcel: The Howard Bigelow Conservation Land was bequeathed to the town by his widow, Margaret Bigelow, a botanist. It is an open 2.28-acre parcel surrounded by residences and the Howland Cemetery. From it one can see across the treetops into the center of town, identifying the dome of the Field Memorial Library, Parsons Hill, and the United Church spire. The intent of the donor was to keep this parcel free from development and minimally used, and a deed restriction was written to reflect this. The intent of the deed restriction on this parcel is to maintain its undeveloped scenic quality with once-yearly mowing. Presently, there are no facilities, paths, or active use. Blanket picnics would be allowed, as well as neighborhood sledding in winter. Because of the cross-slope, any development requiring flat areas wider than a narrow path would result in considerable earthmoving.

Burkeville Covered Bridge: The covered bridge is on 6 acres, near the center of town and is a significant historic structure for Conway and the state. It is one of four covered bridges remaining in Massachusetts and it was placed on the National Historic Register in 1988. A restoration effort to refurbish the bridge was completed in 2005. The Conway Historical Commission worked to raise funds to restore the bridge, and a small Federal grant, administered by the Massachusetts Highway Department, was awarded in 1994.

Photo credit: Dave Chichester Burkeville Covered Bridge, Conway

Town Offices: A former two-story bank building now houses the daily use town offices on Main Street. The building sits on a 0.25 acre lot, most of which is either building or parking lot.

Town Hall: This two-story brick building contains offices of the Board of Assessors and Conservation Commission, and Board of Health, a general purpose meeting room with kitchen, a gym, and a bathroom on each floor. The first floor is accessible, although the bathroom is not remodeled for wheelchairs. In the center of town, it faces on two small commons, with street parking only. The Town Hall continues to be well used for voting, meetings, court games,

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exercise classes, and many community events. The building abuts the ballfield parcel, with pathway access between the two.

Town Garage: The town garage is on 0.77 acre of land and is on Route 116 near the center of town. The building is shared by the town Highway Department and the emergency services. Beside this building and abutting the South River is material storage, and parking for a number of highway vehicles. Future plans are to relocate some or all of the Highway Department use to the new grammar school site, relinquishing this entire building to the emergency services.

Transfer Station: The town transfer station is just south of the town center on a wooded 2.34 acre parcel. The land had been leased by the town, but was purchased in 1991, and a clean wood dump area was subsequently capped and fitted with test wells. The entire facility is well screened from the street.

Former Dump: The former dump is on 2.4 acres of land across the road from the transfer station, on a hillside overlooking the Conway Swimming Pool. It is nearly entirely re-vegetated with early successional trees, as it has been closed since October of 1977.

Town Farm: The town farm is on 108 acres in the south central section of town and abutting the Conway State Forest. This farm was the last one in town set up for indigent residents to live and be cared for in return for farm chores. Unoccupied since the first half of the twentieth century, the land is now completely reforested. A ten-year comprehensive multiple use Forest Management Plan was prepared in 1990, which indicated that the property was suitable for timber sales in addition to trail recreation and wildlife habitat. The parcel has since been logged with proceeds to be split into halves benefiting the Town’s Conservation and General Funds.

The Town Field property (also known as the “Rose Field”): This site consists of 11 acres along the South River, near the center of town at the beginning of Shelburne Falls Road. Although this land was just purchased in the spring of 2006 from a local resident for open space and recreational purposes, it has not yet been determined as to how this land will be utilized. The land is currently being rented to a farmer, who is planting the land with corn. A river restoration project will soon be implemented (2014) that includes bank stabilization work and a floodplain reconnection component that will use approximately 1 acre of the parcel. The Town’s Planning Board and Parks, Recreation and Trails Committee is currently assessing possible uses of the site, including: a new soccer field, trails, community gardens, and affordable housing. There are riverfront and wetlands concerns in the mix.

Cemeteries

A total of 15.1 acres are encompassed in the nine cemeteries in Conway, which are under either public or private ownership. Cemeteries are considered as permanently protected. They are scattered throughout town, and most are of considerable historic interest.

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Table 5-5: Town-Owned Conservation and Recreation Areas in Conway Property Area Current Recreation Public Zoning Level of Site Name Map Lot Condition Manager (acres) Use Value Access Protection Baseball Residential/ Limited basketball Agricultural Protection Parks, tennis Recreation Community play High Yes, via 5.1 103 5 Excellent and Trails Ballfield structure rte. 116 Committee swings ice rink in winter Scenic Potentially Residential/ Permanent area, High – for Agricultural Yes, via Select Bigelow small passive 2.28 102 37 Excellent Cemetery Board Parcel oasis of recreation Hill Road open (picnics, space sledding) Potentially Residential/ Limited High – for Agricultural Protection passive recreation; Corn possibly field, Yes, via Select Excellent high for Town Field 11 102 44 staging Shelburne Board - Good soccer area for Falls Road field. DPW Town is currently reviewing options. Total 18.38 Source: Conway Assessor's Records and Maps, 2013.

To date, none of the improvements at the Community Field have been funded by grant monies. The town has used its own funds and volunteer time to make the improvements. A small amount of funding was given from a private trust specific to the rehabilitation of handicap children to help purchase the handicap accessible playscape structure, pictured above.

C. Nonprofit and Utilities Parcels

Several properties in Conway are owned by public entities and private nonprofit organizations. All these lands have open space value and recreation potential, since they are generally wooded acreage with waterways or, in some cases, have historic interest. All of these lands are also vulnerable to change, as they have no permanent restrictions on them. There are a number of corporate and nonprofit land holdings that are used for recreation or conservation purpose in town. These parcels are owned by the Boston and Maine Railroad, New England Power Company, the Conway Sportsmen's Club, the Congregational Church, Smith College, and the Roaring Brook Camp.

Parsons Hill: The development on this former farmer-owned 74-acre parcel was conceived with "build and save" strategy. The 34 acre wooded portion, with the potential for about 8 residential lots, has a deeded building restriction. The abutting hayfield acreage (about 40 ac.) has been fully

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subdivided into 11 house lots, on which all but one has been built. These house lots have a 30- year agricultural conservation easement to maintain about 11 acres of the central hayfield as agricultural mowing or planting. The easement expires in 2015. The easement is incorporated into each privately owned residential deed. Because the lots are privately owned, and only the private road is held communally, no public use of this land is anticipated. Parsons Hill is located on Route 116 and Parsons Road east of the center of town, and it anchors one end of a rare long distance view for motorists--that of the South River valley toward Shelburne Falls.

Roaring Brook Camp: The 135.88 acre wooded parcel is owned by the General Assembly Church of God and operates as a camp during the summer. The church is in the process of rehabilitating and expanding its facilities (dorm/cottages, bathrooms, dining hall, meeting space, and ponds). It is in the southeast section of Conway, near watershed lands.

B & M Railroad: The 35.26 acre parcels of B & M Railroad partly abut and partly follow the Deerfield River along the northeast boundary of Conway almost to the Bardwells Ferry Bridge. These parcels include beautiful stretches near the South River State Forest and the river and across a power line easement. While these parcels are currently off-limits to routine public use, the railroad granted an easement to the Mahican-Mohawk Trail Association to develop a public trail on the abandoned rail bed.

New England Power Company: These 179.91 acres include a hydropower station on the Deerfield River, connected to a power line easement that crosses Conway and continues beyond Ashfield. The Boston and Maine Railroad and Commonwealth of Massachusetts lands cut through NEPCo land along the river in places. There is unsanctioned use of this land for hiking, hunting, (winter trail sports) and off-road vehicles. A legal right-of-way /lease held by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation also provides for the use of about 144 acres for recreational purposes and to access and connect separate parcels of the South River State Forest.

Conway Sportsmen's Club: The club holds 97.4 acres of mostly forested land near the South River State Forest and touching on the Bear River, a renowned trout stream. The Sportsmen's Club hosts tri-state archery meets three times a year (including trail events), and smaller meets and practices more frequently. This land is available for members for hunting, sporting clay shoots, and target practice, and the two large buildings on the site are used for social events and meetings. The club has begun a program of active forest management for timber, wildlife, and recreational use.

Boy Scout Camp: The camp is owned by the Congregational Church. The 76 acres abut the Poland Brook Wildlife Management Area and Main Poland Road. There is a cabin on the site but no regular use of this forested property.

Smith College: Smith College owns a 39.487-acre parcel in the southeast of Conway. This parcel abuts the land in Whately occupied by the Smith College observatory.

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Scenic Byway Land Protection Projects

Route 116 is a state designated scenic byway that travels through Conway. A corridor management plan is currently under development for this byway, and will provide inventories of scenic, natural, historic, cultural, and recreational resources along the byway in Conway and other byway towns. The plan will include goals and recommendations for maintaining these resources while also providing for tourism and the development of related amenities. Funding has been available in the past through the National Scenic Byway Program for various projects along designated byways, including the protection of scenic, historical, recreational, cultural, natural, and archaeological resources in an area adjacent to a byway. Funding has also been made available for the development of recreational facilities and amenities along a byway, such as improved access to recreational resources or safety improvements for pedestrians and cyclists. A land protection program has also been established for state-designated scenic byways in Franklin County with completed corridor management plans. Funding has been available in the past for specific land protection projects along byway corridors. The level of future funding for this program, however, is uncertain at the writing of this plan.

D. Opportunities for Funding Open Space and Conservation Projects in Conway1

The opportunities for the Town of Conway to procure funding for open space projects can be a challenge. The following paragraphs provide a brief description of some of the available resources for funding open space and conservation projects.

LAND Grant Program (Formerly the Self-Help Grant Program) The Commonwealth of Massachusetts offers a grant program through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Division of Conservation Services, to assist municipalities with open space projects. The LAND Program (formerly the Self-Help Program) was established in 1961 to assist municipal conservation commissions acquiring land for natural resource and passive outdoor recreation purposes. Lands acquired may include wildlife habitat, trails, unique natural, historic or cultural resources, water resources, forest, and farm land. Compatible passive outdoor recreational uses such as hiking, fishing, hunting, cross-country skiing, bird observation, and others are encouraged. Access by the general public is required. This state program pays for the acquisition of land, or a partial interest (such as a Conservation Restriction) and associated acquisition costs such as appraisal reports and closing costs.2

1 This section and the following section E. were originally prepared by the Warwick Open Space Committee as part of their 2010 OSRP update. Because it contains much useful information for other towns in Franklin County, FRCOG suggested its adaptation and inclusion in the OSRP update for Conway. 2 Mass.gov Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Division of Conservation Services, Grant Programs, http://www.mass.gov/eea/land-use-habitats/land-conservation/land-and-recreation.html

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Massachusetts Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) Program3 The PARC Program (formerly the Urban Self-Help Program) was established in 1977 to assist cities and towns in acquiring and developing land for park and outdoor recreation purposes. Any town with a population of 35,000 or more year-round residents, or any city regardless of size, that has an authorized park/recreation commission is eligible to participate in the program. Communities that do not meet the population criteria listed above may still qualify under the "small town," "regional," or "statewide" project provisions of the program. Land Trusts Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust and Franklin Land Trust are local non-profit organizations that assist farmers and other landowners who seek to protect their land from unwanted development. A land trust does not seek to own land, but instead encourages private stewardship. Although land trusts could assist the Town of Conway in land conservation, they generally do not have funds to donate to the Town for protecting open space. Land trusts may be most helpful by serving towns on a consultant basis, by recommending funding sources, and by partnering with towns to provide public education and outreach.

Regional and Statewide Land Conservation Trusts In addition to local land trusts, several other regional and statewide conservation organizations are available for partnership conservation projects. The New England Forestry Foundation (NEFF) has a focus in conserving managed forest lands. Massachusetts Audubon Society (MAS) works to protect the diversity of Massachusetts natural resources. Additional organizations include The Trustees of Reservations and The Nature Conservancy. Each of these conservation organizations has access to no-interest or low-interest loan funds to assist in the conservation of significant natural resources through the Norcross Wildlife Foundation’s loan program and the Open Space Institute’s Western Mass Loan Fund.

Conservation Partnership Program4 This is a state grant program that is designed to help land trusts and other non-profit conservation organizations receive a 50% reimbursement for open space projects (fee or Conservation Restriction). This is a resource that could help to conserve parcels within Conway with high conservation value. However, no matter how worthy a project may be, the non-profit conservation organization will not be interested in applying for these funds unless a town can supply the other 50% .

Forest Legacy Program The Forest Legacy Program is a partnership between participating States and the USDA Forest Service to identify and help protect environmentally important forests from conversion to non- forest uses. The main tool used for protecting these important forests is conservation easements. The Federal government may fund up to 75% of program costs, with at least 25% coming from private, state or local sources.

3 http://www.mass.gov/eea/grants-and-tech-assistance/grants-and-loans/dcs/grant-programs/ 4 http://www.mass.gov/eea/land-use-habitats/land-conservation/land-and-recreation.html

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Participation in Forest Legacy is limited to private forest landowners. To qualify, landowners are required to prepare a multiple resource management plan as part of the conservation easement acquisition. In addition to gains associated with the sale or donation of property rights, many landowners also benefit from reduced taxes associated with limits placed on land use. Forest Legacy projects also tend to be large – often 100 acres or more.5

E. Criteria for Open Space Protection

As part of a blueprint for conserving open space and recreation land in Conway, developing criteria to identify and prioritize land for conservation (as well as for development) could help focus Conway’s efforts and could assist in applying for funding to acquire open space and recreation lands. A systematic approach, including applying criteria, enables Conway to be strategic in its allocation of program funds by giving the Town a tool to both proactively identify parcels and resources that meet the goals of the open space program; and to analyze the merits of individual parcels of land and projects as they present themselves. This approach could be used in tandem with the information in the Land Assets and Related Tax/Revenue Issues, Conway, Massachusetts 2012 prepared by Lee Whitcomb, Conway Assessor and Diane Poland, Ph.D.

Criteria for rating open space are unique to a community. The following information is presented as a stepping off point for the Open Space Committee to use and modify to suit the Town’s unique resources.

Basis for Generating Criteria As a starting point for generating criteria, Conway could assess which parcels possess such exceptional open space and recreational values that they are worth conserving as open space or for recreation as well as which parcels pose the greatest potential for development. To generate an answer, the following should be reviewed:

1. State-Wide Value: Are there unprotected open spaces in Conway that are so exceptional statewide that the Town is very fortunate to possess them within its boundaries; and therefore Conway has the incentive to preserve these open space “treasures” for the benefit of its own residents as well as for the citizens of the Commonwealth. Newly discovered rare wildlife habitat is a likely example in this category. 2. Town-Wide Value: Are there unprotected parcels that are particularly critical for preserving Conway’s culture, active farming community, historic landscapes, scenic views, rural economy, ecology or recreational resources. Such parcels would be beloved and meaningful to a large number of Conway residents. 3. Neighborhood Value: Are there parcels that are exceptionally significant to and highly used by residents of a particular section of Town (as well as by residents from other parts of Conway) that if lost to unplanned development would clearly diminish the quality of life in that neighborhood and in the Town as a whole?

5 http://www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/forestry/other/

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4. Future Development Value: Is there a parcel in Town that is particularly well suited for future residential or small scale commercial development that Conway would consider purchasing so that it can plan its own development (such as senior housing); and if so, are there also accompanying open space, recreational and green corridor amenities that the Town would also like to secure to fulfill that vision of a well-planned development.

Simultaneous Highest Priorities and Open Space Protection Opportunities Conway might include parcels of land that are high priority for open space protection in several different categories simultaneously. In this scenario, it is the availability of opportunities that will control which projects are undertaken. Open space protection can move forward only when a landowner is interested in conserving their land or when funding is available to pay full market value when critical parcels come on the open market.

Preferred Type of Open Space Protection for Conway – To Retain Private Ownership Given concerns about keeping land on the tax rolls, the ideal form of open space protection for the future is the purchase of Conservation Restrictions and trail easements (in which private landowners agree to allow the public use of a trail that passes through their land). In this way, the land itself remains in private ownership and stays on the tax rolls. An open space and recreation budget stretches further when it is possible to purchase just a CR or trail easement, rather than having to pay for the entire parcel.

Open Space Criteria As explained above, the open space criteria categories listed below are not necessarily listed in any particular order, given that Conway may have high priorities in different open space categories simultaneously. However, for discussion purposes, examples of scenarios that might occur within each category are presented. For example, under the Open Fields category, land with prime agricultural soils currently in active use might be given a higher priority than fields in Town that are being used for crops, hay or pasture, or just being faithfully mowed and maintained. The highest priorities would represent projects of such high value that the Town may want to raise funds in order to accomplish them; whereas with lower priority projects, the Town might not be willing to expend funds but would consider accepting the gift of a Conservation Restriction or trail easement if it were donated by the landowner.

Open Fields a) Fields with Prime Agricultural Soils currently in active use b) Fields with soils designated Prime Agricultural Soils or Soils of Statewide Importance c) Fields that are adjacent to farmland preserved with an Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) that are actively farmed or have the potential to be farmed d) Fields that have particular scenic, historic or cultural value

Unfragmented Forest Blocks a) In-holdings in large blocks of forest b) Forestland adjacent to or near already preserved forests, such as Conway State Forest c) Forest parcels that connect existing permanently protected forested parcels for the sake of the integrity of wildlife and trail corridors

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Ecological Significance a) A parcel, or group of parcels, that has been identified by GIS mapping as containing one or more of the following: i. NHESP BioMap2 Core Habitats ii. NHESP BioMap2 Supporting Landscapes iii. Priority Habitats of Rare Species iv. Certified Vernal Pools b) Ridge-line corridors – Conway has several undeveloped ridge lines; ridge tops are known to be used by large mammals with extensive territories.

Hydrological Significance Land that abuts or contains the following: a) A parcel, or group of parcels, that has been identified by GIS mapping as containing all or portions of rivers, streams, lakes or ponds b) Aquifers or floodplains c) Significant upland or wetland habitat d) Public or private drinking water supplies

Recreation Resources a) Trail Corridors – Land that would contribute to the creation of a comprehensive trail network including parcels that form linkages with an existing or planned trail system b) Scenic Views – preserve outstanding views by fee purchase or conservation easements. c) Land that would provide access to the Deerfield River or other waters for swimming, canoe and kayak put-ins and fishing.

Scenic Resources a) Views Across Fields – Roadside views across fields are an important scenic amenity in Conway; their scenic value reinforces the importance of protecting agricultural fields adjacent to Town roadsides. b) Views of Ridgelines – Conway has some undeveloped ridgelines that are an important part of the Town’s rural scenery. Maintaining undeveloped ridgelines benefits both the scenic value of the Town and the quality of the wildlife habitat. Maintaining undeveloped ridgelines could potentially become more challenging as the market for new homes rebounds.

Historic and Cultural Resources a) Historic Landscapes – Helping Conway retain its historic landscapes and helping certain areas of the town that wish to remain undiluted by incongruously modern construction will help preserve the Town’s historic heritage. b) Historic Farmsteads – Conway contains many historic farmsteads where the original farmhouse, barns and outbuildings, stonewalls, and fields are intact. Each of these is an historic artifact worthy of inventory and preservation through conservation easements.

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Implementing Open Space Criteria Once a set of criteria have been defined and adopted, the Open Space Committee could move forward with related objectives and action items in Sections 8 and 9, such as identifying and inventorying viewsheds and historic sites as well as identifying and seeking funding sources for protecting that land with the highest conservation value. Additional steps could include collaborating with adjacent towns and with area land trusts to build land conservation coalitions and to create public outreach and education materials.

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A. Description of Process

The Town of Conway’s open space and recreation goals from its 2006 Open Space and Recreation Plan were reviewed by the members of the Open Space and Recreation Plan Update Committee and were reaffirmed through a public outreach and planning process that included the following:

 After state funding was secured in May 2012, the Town formed the Open Space and Recreation Plan Update Committee. The Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) was hired as a consultant to work with the Committee to update the 2006 Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP).  In June 2012, a paper copy of the Open Space and Recreation Survey was inserted into The Visitor, which is a newsletter that is mailed to all of the approximately 690 Conway households. FRCOG staff also posted the survey on-line via SurveyMonkey. Additional copies of the survey were also made available at the Town Hall and Library. The town posted a notice on its web site about the Open Space and Recreation Plan update project and the availability of the survey on June 5, 2012. The town also publicized the project, the survey and the Public Forum that was scheduled for June 27, 2012 by posting flyers around town, sending an email to all town boards and commissions, and publishing an article in the local newspaper (the Recorder).  Fifty-nine (59) residents completed the survey and FRCOG staff prepared a summary of the results, which are included in the appendix.  On June 27, 2012, FRCOG staff facilitated a Public Forum at the Town Hall. Nineteen (19) residents and one town staff person attended. The attendees included a high percentage of representatives from the town’s Parks & Recreation Committee, Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Historical Commission, Community Preservation Committee, Select Board and Historical Society.  Between June 2012 and June 2013, the Committee and the FRCOG worked to develop this Open Space and Recreation Plan using several methods for involving public participation, including:

. A summary of the Open Space and Recreation Survey results was compiled and used as the basis for the development of Section 8 – Goals and Objectives as well as the overall open space and recreation vision. . The Open Space Plan Committee held 4 public meetings to discuss the various sections of the plan and maps. . Copies of the Open Space and Recreation Plan maps and the Seven-Year Action Plan were placed at the Conway Library. All comments that were received were reviewed by the Open Space Plan Committee and, if appropriate, were incorporated into the Plan. . Prior to the two Public Forums, a notice was placed in The Visitor and notices were placed on the town’s web site.

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. Public meeting notices describing the two public forums were sent to the Greenfield Recorder. . Fourteen (14) residents attended a public forum held at the Conway Town Hall on March 14, 2013, where people reviewed and discussed the inventory, analysis, community goals, objectives, draft maps and the Seven Year Action Plan priorities. All public comments were recorded and have been incorporated into the plan, where appropriate.

B. Statement of Open Space and Recreation Goals

People live in Conway because they like its rural, small town character. There was a near universal consensus among survey respondents (93%) that there is a need to preserve open space in Conway to protect the town’s farmland, forests, scenic roads and vistas. A majority of residents believe it is important to preserve open spaces for water, conservation needs and recreational needs. Conway residents have a deep appreciation of the town’s historic buildings and landscapes and believe it is important to preserve these resources, too. Conway’s landscape - its working farms, extensive forests, and town center - gives the town its unique character and charm.

The open space and recreation goals affirmed by the forum participants were the same as those in previous OSRPs and included one addition (in italics).

C. Vision Statement

Residents who responded to the Open Space and Recreation Survey and participated in the two Public Forums and the process of developing this Open Space and Recreation Plan have a shared vision for the future of Conway’s natural, historical, and recreational resources.

Our vision for the Town of Conway is to preserve our valued agricultural landscapes and working farms, to protect the beauty and unique rural character of our community, to protect our water resources and drinking water supplies, to preserve contiguous tracts of forested land, and to support sustainable economic development that protects our natural, historic, and cultural resources, strengthens the tax base, provides services, and provides a diverse mix of housing opportunities for residents. We envision a proactive planning process that encourages land uses that sustain the health of our waters, forests, wildlife and working farms, preserves historic resources, and helps the Town to permanently protect its most valued open spaces.

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We envision a process in which the Town actively assists landowners and developers in designing projects that sustain and enhance our community’s shared assets and character. This Open Space and Recreation Plan is a vital component of a proactive, sustainable land planning and development process which will strive to effectively and equitably manage the growth pressures facing Conway while preserving natural resources and wildlife habitat, historic features, scenic roads and vistas, and recreational opportunities for current and future residents of our town.

In an ideal Conway, there will be a diverse local economy, anchored by businesses and agricultural operations. Residents will speak proudly of their successful efforts to maintain and restore historic buildings throughout Town. The Town will continue to be supportive of local farmers and the value they offer to the town. By supporting local agricultural and forestry businesses, town residents (and others) will have access to fresh vegetables, dairy products, fruit and meat produced close to home, as well as the opportunity to buy forest products raised by neighbors. Promoting these agricultural enterprises will help farms stay viable and maintain open space.

The Town and other public agencies will acquire land and/or trail easements so that residents of all ages and abilities will enjoy a system of well-maintained trails in Conway that offer opportunities for bird watching, wildlife viewing, hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. In addition, the town will have been successful at attracting state and federal grants towards the development of recreational programs for elders, youth and adults that support residents’ respect and appreciation for their heritage and the natural world. Even though the majority of residents live far apart they gather through the seasons at the Festival of the Hills, Memorial Park, the Town Field and the Conway Pool. These places provide opportunities for residents to mingle, and share news and events and resources.

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Section 7: Analysis of Needs

The Conway Open Space and Recreation Plan incorporates the inventory of the natural, scenic, and land based recreational resources that are available in Town (Section 4), identifies the most important parcels of land that contain these resources (Section 5), and based on the community’s general goals (Section 6), makes comparisons between the current status of the resource inventory compared to the desires of the community (Section 7). In section A. Summary of Natural Resource Protection Needs, the environmental values that have already been addressed in Sections 3, 4 and 5 are summarized. In the B. Summary of Community’s Needs, residents’ recreation and open space needs are identified, using the 2012 Open Space and Recreation Survey, comparisons with the 2006 Survey, two Public Forums, and specific elements of Section 3, Community Setting. Finally, in the Management Needs subsection, the obstacles to the effective resolution of these needs are addressed including organizational barriers and the most significant land use conflicts concerning open space and natural resource use.

A. Summary of Resource Protection Needs

Water Quality. Sensitive water resources, such as rivers, streams, floodplains, and aquifer recharge areas overlap with many potentially harmful land uses. Overwhelmingly, survey respondents feel it is important to protect open spaces for water/conservation needs. Almost 90% of respondents felt preserving open spaces to protect water quality was the most important or significantly important issue to them.

The March 14, 2013 forum participants discussed the town’s aquifers and the fact that there is no public water supply in town. The Planning Board representative at the forum mentioned that this issue is on their list of long-term issues to address. There are many private wells, especially shallow wells, which are likely to be located near potential sources of contamination. The risk of contamination is greater for shallow wells than deep wells. In addition, many homes in the town center use a common spring water system. Springs are very vulnerable to contamination and some residents don’t know exactly where the source of their water supply originates. Forum participants discussed exploring what actions could be taken to assure water quality and

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groundwater protection and whether the town should sponsor a subsidized water testing program. Forum participants also identified an additional water quality issue that the town should consider, including: learning more about how climate change might affect us and will we continue to have a water-rich environment or should we be better prepared for periods of drought?

Participants at the March 14, 2013 public forum identified two priority actions items: floodplain management along the South River and providing residents with information on Best Management Practices (BMPs) for construction projects and farm activities.

Farmland. Many survey respondents (76%) consider the loss of farmland as one of the most significant threats to Conway’s rural character. An overwhelming majority (88%) believe it is important to preserve the farmland in town. The community should continue to explore how it can support the economic viability of local farms to prevent the loss of these “jewels” to development. Participants at the March 14, 2013 public forum prioritized a local farmers’ coop and community gardens as potential action items that would help to preserve farmland.

Wildlife Habitat. Most survey respondents agree that one of the greatest threats to Conway’s rural character is the loss of wildlife habitat (78%). A majority of respondents (90%) said that it is important to preserve open space for water and conservation needs. As with water quality, the overlap of land uses adds pressure to wildlife habitat: certain waterway corridors also contain roads and development; backlot development potentially encroaches on the deep-woods habitat. Corridors need to be identified and mapped for a range of species, exploring the effects of growth trend projections on food, cover, breeding, and nesting for these species. Public forum participants identified several priority action items, including: identifying sensitive habitat and wildlife corridors for preservation; identifying areas for development that would have the fewest impacts on wildlife habitat; and evaluating linkages and core habitat areas that extend beyond Conway's borders and collaborating with neighboring towns, land trusts and state agencies to protect these lands from development.

Forests. Residents value the ecological, aesthetic, recreational, and economic values of the forestlands in Conway. Over 89% of respondents said that preserving forests was important to them. A large portion of wooded lands in town lie within state forests under some degree of protection. The Town needs to explore ways to prevent the potential loss of the remaining forests from hillside clearing for development and from forested farmland removed from production and sold for development.

Scenic Quality. Hills and ridgelines, large areas of woodland, rivers and streams, open agricultural fields contribute significantly to Conway’s character. According to the majority of respondents (78%), it is important to preserve these scenic roads and vistas. Many people experience this character from their cars as they drive to and from work, errands, and leisure activities. In addition, the roads themselves, particularly the unpaved minor roads, provide recreational opportunities for hikers, bikers, equestrians, and casual walkers. Thus, the view from the road is an important aspect of the town’s open space. In addition, the fact that the roads parallel and cross areas of significant ecological, historic, agricultural, and scenic value suggests that the roads themselves have resource protection value. The public forum participants stressed that the town needs to explore how development patterns and road improvements and

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maintenance are in conflict with the roadside scenery and habitat, and give consideration to roads as natural resources. Potential action items articulated by the participants include:

 Protect road frontage and develop back-lots where habitats and corridors are not destroyed; and  Maintain existing trails to limit additional deforestation.

Forum participants discussed the designation of scenic roads in town to help preserve visual assets  Should we have a designated scenic roads bylaw?  Are stone walls protected (outside road right of way)?  Publicize idea of frontage conservation restrictions  The Town Assessor should soon have GIS layer mapping road right-of-ways. This could be a useful tool.

B. Summary of Community’s Needs

Recreational Needs: The current survey indicates that the Conway Swimming Pool, the ball field behind Town Hall, the Conway State Forest and the South River State Forest are the recreational resources that are most popular in town. Discussions during the Public Forums indicate that trail use is very important, too. This is a complex issue, as approximately 90% of the trails in Conway are on private land, with the remaining 10% existing as discontinued roads in the state forests. The Conway Snowmobile Club, through permission from private landowners, uses the private trails during winter months in exchange for their maintenance.

A significant amount of work is needed to rehabilitate the Conway Swimming Pool dam and dredge the Conway Swimming Pool. This facility is privately owned and over the years, the organization has raised funds for minor repairs, rebuilding of the docks, maintenance, and water quality tests. The pool is open only for the residents of town, who pay a small fee for a user tag each year. The pool group sponsors a yearly ice fishing derby for children and offers swimming lessons in the summer if enough people sign up to cover expenses. There is no regular lifeguard on duty. Occasionally, individuals who like ice skating will keep a patch cleared of snow in winter. The facility also has picnic tables.

The pool was closed in 2010 after structural issues with the earthen dam that impounds the pond were discovered. Before the pool can be reopened, the dam needs to be repaired, the pool dredged and the beach sand replenished. As of May 2013, the total cost of improvements is estimated to be $563,000, which includes improvements to make the facility handicapped accessible. To date, the Committee has raised $515,365, of which $123,000 came from town Community Preservation Act funds and $235,000 from the M&M Germain Trust Fund for accessibility improvements at the pool. The Committee is hoping to reopen the pool for summer 2014.1

1 www.conwayswimmingpool.org.

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Photo credit: Ben Barnhart Conway Pool, Conway

At the two Public Forums, participants offered valuable information regarding the recreational needs of the town. There are many ideas for future uses of the currently undeveloped 11 acre town-owned field on the South River. A river restoration and flood mitigation project is planned for 2013-2015 and residents who attended the Public Forums and other meetings expressed interest in using the property for a community garden, walking trails, and other passive recreation. The town’s Planning Board and Parks and Recreation Committee will continue to engage residents in conversations about appropriate options for recreational use of the property.

Photo credit: Michele Turre Town Field

The town’s Parks and Recreation Committee also recently completed a Needs Assessment. The members are actively working to engage the residents in the process to improve the Town Field

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(drainage and other issues) and maintain trails in town. Other recreational needs derived from the Needs Assessment and forum participants include:

 Bike paths/routes  Walking paths/dog walking paths  Community gardens  Pavilion on South River property  Snowmobile trails  Hiking trails  Cross country skiing trails  Camping area Photo credit: www.townofconway.com

Forum participants expressed their concerns about the logging in the Conway State Forest. Another concern with the state forests is that many residents would like to use the state forest trails but do not know where they are or how to access the trails. A potential impediment to implementing a more comprehensive trail system in town was discussed. Currently, there are trails on private property that are used with the permission of the landowner. However, if the trails were more widely publicized and more people used the trails then the landowners are concerned about their potential liability. The community needs to engage in a dialogue regarding trail use and maintenance, accessibility, and ownership before any further infrastructure and stewardship program can be established.

Needs of Special Groups

The Conway Parks, Recreation & Trails Committee’s primary mission is to create and oversee recreational activities for townspeople of all ages in order to promote community as well as healthy lifestyles. The committee works hard to provide seasonal events for varying age groups and interests, provide oversight of the maintenance and/or improvements to the existing town field property and town-owned common areas and future town recreational areas, and provide oversight as needed to Conway Youth Sports. The committee has organized many events over the years that draw a variety of residents. The town installed a playscape in 2009 at the Town Field for use by youth and constructed a skating rink in 2011 at the Town Field that is used by youth and residents of all ages.

An attempt was made to assess the needs of special groups, such as the elderly and the disabled, during the two Public Forums. The response rate for the survey was very low but some good ideas were offered at the forums, including:

 Elderly and disabled access is the greatest recreational need.  The town needs more accessible trails.  The 11 acre town-owned property on the South River was suggested as one possible site for an accessible trail, which could be easily accessed from Rte. 116.

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 Conway Station Road, which provides access to the South Station area on the Deerfield River, was suggested as a good area to develop for handicap access. A picnic area could be developed. Parking is an issue, however. The south side of road is State Forest and the north side of road is privately owned so conversations would have to be initiated. TransCanada owns land along the Deerfield River and under the power lines. The town could collaborate with them to develop better access to the river.

As the population of Conway continues to age, as is the trend in Town and throughout the Country, there may be more pressure placed upon the Town to provide open space and recreational activities for older citizens. Any future development of land or facilities for open space and recreation should include careful consideration of access for older citizens, as well as for the handicapped. These needs should be also addressed as a matter of course under ADA requirements. However, specific programs could be specifically targeted at those citizens with special needs.

Cultural and Historic Needs. Conway is blessed with an abundance of cultural and historic buildings and landscapes. Over 75% of the survey respondents said that it is important to preserve these resources. Public forum participants suggested that an inventory of these resources be compiled and prioritized for protection. Also, a series of self-guided walking trails that loop through these cultural and historic resources could be established.

C. Summary of Management Needs

Implementing the 2013 Open Space and Recreation Seven-Year Action Plan will require the support of the community and the oversight of an active Open Space Committee and an active Parks, Recreation and Trails Committee. Perhaps the most pressing management need is community support of these two committees along with the other committees and groups in town that have been working diligently on a variety of projects and activities that provide a foundation for and directly support the Seven-Year Action Plan. In particular, the recent work of the Planning Board, Community Preservation Committee, the Parks, Recreation and Trails Committee, and the Friends of the South River, which is described below, is particularly noteworthy and should continue to be supported by residents. An Agricultural Commission was established in 2007 but has not been active. The town should explore ways to provide support to the members of the Agricultural Commission so that they become more actively engaged in the implementation of the Seven-Year Action Plan.

The survey results indicate that most residents will support the town in various pro-active strategies to protect Conway’s natural resources. However, there is one change of opinion from the 2006 survey. In that survey, most respondents were in favor of zoning changes that would support conservation or recreation (85%) while in 2012, 69% of respondents favored zoning changes to preserve open space. Twenty percent (20%) of the respondents were neutral on this question, which indicates that there is some ambivalence about using zoning as a tool for open space (resource) protection. Perhaps more outreach is needed to help inform residents of the type of zoning and other land use protection options that are available to the town. The Planning Board, working with the Franklin Land Trust, Friends of the South River, and the FRCOG, could

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convene a series of forums to provide information and answer residents’ questions. An ongoing outreach program, using The Visitor and the town’s website, should be developed.

Since the last OSRP update, an official Planning Board, independent of the Selectboard, was established. The town assembled a Master Plan Committee in 2005 to develop an official 10- year plan. The committee disbanded after creation of a first draft, and the Planning Board has since taken on the role of long-term planning for growth and development. The draft Master Plan was recently completed in 2013 and should be used in conjunction with this plan to help guide the future growth and development of the town and the protection of its natural, cultural and recreational resources.

Since the town passed the Community Preservation Act in 2004, twelve projects have been undertaken. The Community Preservation Committee continues to work to identify and address issues of open space and recreation and recommend funding for eligible projects.

Project Name: Description

Historic Assessor Records Preserve historic records of the Town Assessor

Historic Assessor Records Continue preservation of historic assessor records

Install signs to mark the Historic District in the Historic District Marker Signs center of town.

Physical renovations to alleviate water and mold Historical Society Museum Moisture Abatement in the building

Town's share of agricultural preservation Natural Roots Farm restriction

For the restoration of the Old Boyden School House, to be opened to the public for educational Old Boyden School House purposes

To preserve/restore approximately 50 grave markers at the historical Pine Grove and Pine Grove and Howland Cemetery Restoration Howland Cemeteries

For tree and limb removal at Pine Grove and Pine Grove and Howland Cemetery Restoration Howland Cemeteries

Preservation of Swimming Pool Land Purchase of conservation restriction on land used for Conway Swimming Pool

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Project Name: Description

Major structural repairs to historic church and Repairs to United Congregational Church community center

Totman Farm Town share to purchase agricultural preservation restriction Town share to fund the South River Restoration South River Restoration Project

 Providing seasonal events for varying age groups and interests.  Providing oversight of the maintenance and/or improvements to the existing town field property and town-owned common areas and future town recreational areas).  Collaborating with other related town committees.  Providing oversight as needed to Conway Youth Sports.

In 2010 the Parks, Recreation and Trails Committee used budgeted funds to work with the Conway School of Landscape Design to review the historical use of Memorial Park and to provide alternate solutions for its continued maintenance and beautification. Four different sets of plans were developed along with an excellent assessment of the area. The Committee is not choosing to fully implement any one plan at this point, but instead is using parts of different plans to beautify and improve the maintenance of Memorial park.

At Town Meeting in 2011, the town appropriated $5,000 for the Parks, Recreation, and Trails Committee to study drainage repair and overall recreation field improvements in town. This project is complete. In 2012, the town approved $90,000 for the engineering and permitting required to move forward with construction and applying for available grant monies. On July 27,

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2012, the town also closed on the property at 37 Academy Hill Road, which will be included in the overall planning.2

Conway Recreation Area Conceptual Plan3

The South River runs through Ashfield and Conway, Massachusetts. The Friends of the South River is an informal group of citizens working to preserve this remarkable resource. The mission of the Friends of the South River is to promote the restoration, protection and ecological integrity of the South River and its adjacent farm and forest lands, unique habitats, and special landscapes.

Goals4 . Conserve land that is vital to the health of the South River ecosystem, provides access to the River and future trails for recreation, creates opportunities for sustainable agriculture, and safeguards the diversity of wildlife in the watershed. . Seek measures to control erosion that threatens structures, farmland, businesses, and riparian and riverine habitat. . Protect important habitats using best management practices for exotic species that have invaded and threaten native species in the ecosystem. . Protect and restore endangered species, including fisheries.

2 http://www.townofconway.com/committees/parks-recreation/parks-improvement-project/ 3 http://www.townofconway.com/committees/parks-recreation/parks-improvement-project/ 4 http://www.friendsofthesouthriver.org/

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. Involve landowners and community residents in long-term efforts to restore and protect the ecological integrity of the South River. . Recognize the significance the river has played in history.

The group has a great website www.friendsofthesouthriver.org that is filled with useful information, and has sponsored several activities to raise awareness of the South River and encourage residents to be actively involved in protecting the resource. Some of these activities include a river cleanup, a Spring potluck gathering, a gathering and presentation of “A River Run Through Conway”, and supporting the efforts of the town and the FRCOG to implement a fluvial geomorphic and habitat assessment project and a restoration project for the river.

Regional Strategies for Open Space, Natural and Recreational Resource Protection A variety of state and regional studies have been done which can help the Town of Conway further identify local recreation and land protection priorities. The Commonwealth completed The Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), Massachusetts Outdoors 20065 a five-year plan. SCORP plans are developed by individual states to be eligible for federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants and serve as a tool for states to use in planning for future needs and uses of outdoor resources for public recreation and relaxation.

The SCORP provides information about use of and demand for outdoor recreational resources in the Connecticut River Valley region that may be relevant to Conway’s open space and recreational planning efforts. When assessing resource use in this region, the SCORP notes that rivers and streams, historic and cultural sites, lakes and ponds, forests, coastal beaches and shorelines, and mountains, all have 40% participation rates or greater. When reporting on satisfaction levels of users of resources in this region, residents report being most satisfied with historic and cultural sites, mountains, and trails and greenways resources. Somewhat lower than statewide levels of satisfaction were reported in this region for rivers and streams, and lakes and ponds. Rivers and streams were the area where Connecticut Valley Region residents who use these facilities were least satisfied overall. When considering new recreational and open space projects, the Town may want to consider the following response from regional residents about future needs and interest from the SCORP:

“In contrast to demand (or present use patterns), respondents in this region place the highest priority for new facilities on road biking (14.5%), walking (13.9%), swimming (13.8%), playground (11.3%), hiking (10.0%), and mountain biking (10.3%)”.

5 http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/eea/dcs/massoutdoor2006.pdf

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The 2012 Draft SCORP includes the following information about Western Massachusetts:6  Hiking is a popular activity  Residents of Western Massachusetts have to travel further to their recreation destination.  Residents of Western Massachusetts are most likely to drive to recreation, perhaps due to the travel time involved to access facilities or the lack of available public transportation.  When asked what facilities respondents would like to see more of, Western Massachusetts residents more often mention hiking trails than other regions.

Route 116, which runs through the center of Conway, was designated as a State Scenic Byway in 2009. FRCOG staff and a group of interested residents from the towns along the byway are currently working on a Corridor Management Plan. The purpose of this plan is to expand economic, tourism and recreational opportunities along the Byway while educating people about the Byway and preserving its unique scenic qualities, natural resources, historical structures/places, industrial and agricultural heritage and community character. The Corridor Management Plan will be completed by August 1, 2013.

6 http://www.mass.gov/eea/

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Section 8: Goals and Objectives

Conway has weathered many changes in its 200+ year history. From its quiet beginning as a subsistence farming community supplemented by a few necessary mills, the town swelled to meet the demands of the era of waterpower, becoming an Industrial Age manufacturing hub. When the demand for water-driven industry declined, Conway shrank back to a farming community of a different nature, one oriented toward marketable products such as maple syrup, dairy products, beef, and hay; and incomes were supplemented by off-farm work. Today, as the population slowly climbs toward its Industrial Age peak, Conway sees 76% (2010 census) of its work force commute out of town to local educational institutions as well as service and manufacturing industries. Yet through these changes, Conway has remained a community with a predominately rural character. Farms, working landscapes of fields and woodlands, and country roads provide a lifestyle that contrasts favorably with the stresses of contemporary city life, and accounts in part for the high percentage of town residents who are self-employed on their Conway property, often in “cottage industries.”

Conway is a relaxed, safe neighborly place in which to live, work, and raise a family. In a world of increasing suburbanization and decreasing wilderness, Conway is a desirable address, offering both nature and proximity to the cities of the Connecticut River Valley. It is this very desirability that necessitates and drives this plan, for as new residents move in and build, their sheer numbers threaten to disrupt the very character they came to find. In light of the possibility of losing the qualities currently in existence, Conway residents have indicated five goals on which to focus their energies. These goals and objectives were formulated from the results of the 2012 Conway Open Space and Recreation Plan Survey and were reviewed and modified through the public meetings of the Open Space & Recreation Plan Update Committee, the two public forums, and associated public comment. To help achieve this Open Space and Recreation Plan’s goals and objectives, a Seven-Year Action Plan is included in Section 9. The Action Plan includes responsible parties and potential funding sources as well as projected start dates. Implementing the action plan without higher taxation rates or restricting private property rights is a balancing act of the highest order. Those who implement this plan will strive to keep these interests at heart as they work with their neighbors to plan for Conway’s future.

Goal 1: Ensure that Conway continues to look and function as a rural community. Goal 1 maintains the essence of Conway as it exists today, in its scenic beauty, without suburban sprawl and uniformly dense housing, with viable farms and home occupations as a livelihood. The information gathered from Open Space and Recreation Survey, the Public Forums, and public meetings all indicate clearly that the desire of the people of Conway is to maintain its rural character. Maintaining the rural character of the town cannot be a passive process. To be successful, residents must be actively engaged in formulating and implementing strategies to protect the rural nature of the town.

Objectives Related to Goal 1:

. Conway supports its remaining farms and working landscapes.

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. Prioritize areas in Conway with significant cultural, historical, scenic, archeological and natural resources so that town officials and residents can act efficiently when a parcel of land containing such resources becomes available for protection. . Encourage landowners interested in protecting their land from development to work with Franklin Land Trust, with state and federal conservation agencies, and with the Town of Conway. . Explore revisions to Conway’s zoning bylaw that would result in greater protection of valued natural and cultural resources and, which could also help to ensure any land development provides benefits that reflect the town’s natural resource conservation goals. . Work to protect scenic views from Conway’s roads.

Goal 2: Ensure that the Town of Conway maintains or improves the quality of its rivers, streams and sources of drinking water. Goal 2 ensures the purity of the water supply. Septic effluent as well as new development may constitute a threat to the quality of Conway’s drinking water. It is therefore essential that aquifer recharge areas, springs and locations of private wells be identified and mapped and that all potential threats to water purity in any form are prevented from contaminating water supplies.

Objectives Related to Goal 2:

. Work to promote watershed-wide planning and water quality protection initiatives. . Work to protect the water resources that provide Conway residents with drinking water.

Goal 3: Ensure that the Town of Conway includes a wide variety of wildlife habitats that provide food, cover, water and open space for native species. Goal 3 protects wildlife habitats—food, cover, water, and open space—as development increases. Conway’s rural character is inextricably tied to its abundance of wildlife. Town residents enjoy opportunities for fishing, hunting, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The Conway of 1830 did not see such opportunities, and now that the grass-covered hills of that era have reverted to forest and wildlife has returned, residents want to protect the abundance they have.

Objectives Related to Goal 3:

. Wildlife habitats are identified, prioritized, and protected. . Assist landowners who wish to practice good habitat management techniques.

Goal 4: Ensure that trails on public lands are used with respect and maintained by the community. Goal 4 assures accessible community trail infrastructures and stewardship. This goal represents an opportunity for a new level of interaction among residents, for users must not

2013 Conway Open Space and Recreation Plan • Section 8: Goals and Objectives Page 8-2 only commit to responsibility for the resources they request, but sit down at the table together, both to seize the benefits and tackle the problems that multi-use trail systems present.

Objectives Related to Goal 4:

. Work with a variety of user groups to develop a coordinated strategy for trail development and stewardship.

Goal 5: Ensure that Conway maintains or improves the quality of and access to the Town’s recreational resources. Goal 5 provides adequate access to designated Town facilities dedicated to recreational uses for Conway residents. This will include current and future access to areas for hiking, swimming, team sports such as baseball and basketball, skating and more opportunities for elderly and handicapped residents.

Objectives Related to Goal 5:

. Assess recreational needs for all residents, including elders, youth, and those with disabilities.

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Section 9: Seven-Year Action Plan

The Seven-Year Action Plan is intended to provide concrete steps towards implementing the goals and objectives discussed in previous sections of this Open Space and Recreation Plan. The Action Plan restates the goals and objectives followed by recommended actions, potential funding sources, the board or group responsible for implementation, and projected start dates. By implementing the recommended actions, each of the objectives will begin to be realized. Based on the public input received during this process and the work of the Open Space and Recreation Plan Update Committee, priority actions are highlighted in the Action Plan table. The Action Plan Map at the end of this section is a graphical representation of the prioritized action items for the town.

Successful implementation will require the participation of existing town boards, committees and staff, including, but not limited to: the Open Space Committee; Parks, Recreation and Trails Committee; Board of Selectmen; Planning Board; Conservation Commission; Historical Commission; and Agricultural Commission. Successful implementation will also require the collaboration between the town and other local and regional entities working in the town and the surrounding area such as the Friends of the South River, Franklin Land Trust, the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Accomplishing the actions identified in this section will require time and commitment from dedicated volunteers. Where money is required, it may be sought from state and federal governmental agencies, private non-profit conservation agencies, foundations, and individual donations in addition to municipal funds. A broad base of community support for the Open Space and Recreation Plan should facilitate the fundraising that may be needed to implement the action items.

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Conway Open Space and Recreation Plan – Seven-Year Action Plan NOTES / STATUS OF ACTION POTENTIAL RESPONSIBLE BOARD/ PROJECTED GOAL/OBJECTIVES ACTIONS ITEM IF CARRIED OVER FROM FUNDING SOURCES GROUP START DATES 2006 GOAL 1: Ensure that Conway continues to look and function as a rural community.

Conway supports its remaining At Town Meeting, vote to re-establish the town Conservation Fund and New in 2013. None needed Agricultural 2014 farms and working landscapes. set aside funding each year for agricultural and forestland conservation Commission, Select projects. Board, Conservation Commission Explore ways the town can support and encourage the Agricultural New in 2013. Volunteers Select Board, Open 2013 Commission to be more active. Space Committee

Evaluate the feasibility of establishing a local farmers’ coop. New in 2013 Volunteers Agricultural 2014 Commission, local farmers Broaden publicity for events that feature locally-grown and produced New in 2013. Volunteers, local Agricultural Commission 2014 products to attract attendees from area towns. farmers

Prepare a Conway Farm Guide brochure and update it periodically. New in 2013. Volunteers Agricultural 2014 Commission, local farmers, volunteers Consider hosting a farm tour to highlight farm products and strengthen New in 2013. Volunteers, local Agricultural Commission 2013 the connection between farmers and potential and/or existing customers. farmers

Evaluate whether there is a way in which some of Conway school New in 2013. Volunteers Agricultural 2015 children’s recreational needs could be met through field trips to farm or Commission, Open forest operations. Space Committee, Conway Elementary School Staff Consider adopting a Right-to-Farm bylaw. New in 2013. Volunteers Agricultural 2014 Commission, Planning Board, Mass. Department of Agricultural Resources

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NOTES / STATUS OF ACTION POTENTIAL RESPONSIBLE BOARD/ PROJECTED GOAL/OBJECTIVES ACTIONS ITEM IF CARRIED OVER FROM FUNDING SOURCES GROUP START DATES 2006 Prioritize areas in Conway with Use the Criteria for Open Space Protection discussion in Section 5 of this New in 2013. Town, Volunteers Open Space Committee, 2013 significant cultural, historical, plan to develop a list of criteria for Conway which, if identified on a Conservation scenic, archeological and natural parcel being offered as a donation or for sale in Town, would signify Commission, resources so that town officials and priority for action. If the parcel is under Chapter 61, 61A, or 61B, this Agricultural residents can act efficiently when a could trigger the town’s official consideration of its right-of-first-refusal Commission, Franklin parcel of land containing such to acquire or otherwise seek to conserve a parcel of land. Land Trust resources becomes available for protection. Using the Criteria for Open Space Protection for Conway (developed New in 2013. Town, District Local Open Space Committee, 2013 above) and the GIS maps in the Conway Open Space and Recreation Technical Assistance Historical Commission, Plan, identify general areas of conservation interest that would be (DLTA) funding Conservation considered to be priority areas with significant cultural, historic, scenic, through Department Commission, Franklin natural, archeological, and natural resources. of Housing and Land Trust Community Development

Develop a protocol for how the town would consider using its right-of- New in 2013. Town, Volunteers Open Space Committee, 2014 first-refusal (or assigning the right to a conservation land trust or Select Board, Franklin conservation agency) regarding Chapter lands that are put up for sale for Land Trust development. Meet with local land trusts to better understand the details of New in 2013. Town, Local land Open Space Committee, 2014 conservation restrictions and easements and provide training for Town trusts Select Board, boards and other interested parties. Conservation Commission, Franklin Land Trust Include an ongoing “what’s new in land conservation in Conway” article New in 2013. Town, Volunteers Open Space Committee 2013 in The Visitor (Conway’s Newsletter) and on the town’s web site. Prepare an inventory of and a plan to protect significant historical New in 2013. Town, Volunteers Historical Commission, 2015 landscapes and buildings in Conway. Open Space Committee Encourage landowners interested in Invite Franklin Land Trust to a town forum to provide a presentation on New in 2013. Town, Volunteers, Open Space Committee 2015 protecting their land from their current activities and on the assistance they have to offer to Conway Franklin Land Trust and Select Board development to work with Franklin landowners. Land Trust, with state and federal conservation agencies, and with the Town of Conway. Produce handouts and/or sponsor meetings about information on Carried over from the 2006 Town, Volunteers Open Space Committee, 2014 conservation easements, purchase of development rights, tax abatement, OSRP. Still a relevant Action Board of Assessors, estate planning, limited development techniques, etc., for landowners, Item. Conservation foresters, realtors, and others. Commission and Agricultural Commission

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NOTES / STATUS OF ACTION POTENTIAL RESPONSIBLE BOARD/ PROJECTED GOAL/OBJECTIVES ACTIONS ITEM IF CARRIED OVER FROM FUNDING SOURCES GROUP START DATES 2006 Explore revisions to Conway’s Request that the Franklin Regional Planning Board – or Citizen Planner New in 2013. UMass Extension Planning Board 2013 zoning bylaw that would result in Training Collaborative (CPTC) - to present a program on zoning bylaws Citizen Planner and Open Space greater protection of valued natural for the conservation of natural and cultural resource and encourage Training Committee and cultural resources and that could Conway residents to attend the meeting. Collaborative, also help to ensure any land FRCOG development provides benefits that Explore alternative zoning regulations as a means to protect scenic Note: Planning Board is District Local Planning Board, FRCOG 2013 reflect the town’s natural resource views, farmland, forests, and wildlife habitats. currently working with the Technical Assistance conservation goals. FRCOG on Smart Growth Zoning (DLTA) funding bylaw update that is funded with through Department DLTA monies. of Housing and Community Development

Work to protect scenic views from Explore the possibility of adopting a Scenic Roads Bylaw. New in 2013. District Local Planning Board, FRCOG 2014 Conway’s roads. Technical Assistance (DLTA) funding through Department of Housing and Community Development

Explore the possibility of adopting zoning regulations that would New in 2013. District Local Planning Board, FRCOG 2014 encourage environmentally friendly light industry uses and/or that would Technical Assistance increase densities in the town center as a way to diversify and strengthen (DLTA) funding the town’s tax base. through Department of Housing and Community Development

GOAL 2: Ensure that the Town of Conway maintains or improves the quality of its rivers, streams and sources of drinking water. Work to promote watershed-wide Support the work of the Friends of the South River by publicizing and New in 2013. Town, Volunteers Friends of the South 2013 and ongoing. planning and water quality participating in the outreach and resource protection efforts of the River, Open Space protection initiatives. Friends of the South River. www.friendsofthesouthriver.org Committee, Parks, Recreation and Trails Committee Implement additional priority restoration and flood mitigation projects New in 2013 MassDEP s.319 Friends of the South 2013 identified in the Fluvial Geomorphic and Habitat Assessment project for Nonpoint Pollution River, Select Board, the South River. grant program, Conservation MEMA Hazard Commission, Open Mitigation Grant Space Committee, Program, Natural Planning Board

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NOTES / STATUS OF ACTION POTENTIAL RESPONSIBLE BOARD/ PROJECTED GOAL/OBJECTIVES ACTIONS ITEM IF CARRIED OVER FROM FUNDING SOURCES GROUP START DATES 2006 Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)

Identify surrounding towns with land contributing to the recharge of Carried over from the 2006 MassDEP 604b Board of Health, 2014 Conway’s aquifers or whose water supply depends upon recharge areas OSRP. Still a relevant Action Water Quality Conservation within Conway. Seek joint funding with these communities and Item. Management Commission, Friends of complete a detailed hydrologic study to identify more accurately the Planning Grant the South River, Franklin boundaries of primary and secondary aquifer recharge areas. Regional Council of Governments Determine and map any potential threats to primary recharge area of Carried over from the 2006 MassDEP 604b Board of Health, 2014 aquifer, such as (if any) underground fuel tanks; inadequate or failing OSRP. Still a relevant Action Water Quality Conservation septic systems; commercial, industrial or agricultural sites which store or Item. Management Commission, Select use potential contaminants; and illegal dump sites. Establish a timeline Planning Grant Board, Planning Board, for clean-up of sources of contamination when identified. Friends of the South River, Franklin Regional Council of Governments Convene annual or semi-annual meetings among Conservation Carried over from the 2006 Town, Volunteers Conservation 2013 Commissions and Boards of Health of towns that share water resources OSRP. Still a relevant Action Commission, Board of with Conway to discuss common concerns, threats to ground and surface Item. Health water, and inconsistencies with protection measures. Work to protect the water resources Establish an Aquifer Overlay District as part of the town’s zoning Carried over from the 2006 Town, Volunteers Planning Board 2014 that provide Conway residents with bylaws. OSRP. Still a relevant Action drinking water. Item. Map the locations of private wells and springs in town; inventory New in 2013. MassDEP 604b Board of Health 2013 potential sources of contamination; develop water quality protection Water Quality strategies. Management Planning Grant Research shared sewage treatment technologies for the town center. Carried over from the 2006 Town, Volunteers Board of Health, Select 2014 OSRP. Still a relevant Action Board Item. Publish and distribute an annual flyer to residents regarding safe disposal Completed but should continue. Town, Volunteers Board of Health 2013 of common household contaminants and safe alternatives to these toxins.

Adopt bylaw restricting excavation of sand and gravel to a minimum of Carried over from the 2006 Town, Volunteers Board of Health, Select 2014 10 feet above seasonal high water table and primary recharge areas. OSRP. Still a relevant Action Board Item. Distribute information to residents about Best Management Practices New in 2013. Town, Volunteers Conservation 2013 (BMPs) for construction and farm activities. Commission, Agricultural Commission

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NOTES / STATUS OF ACTION POTENTIAL RESPONSIBLE BOARD/ PROJECTED GOAL/OBJECTIVES ACTIONS ITEM IF CARRIED OVER FROM FUNDING SOURCES GROUP START DATES 2006 GOAL 3: Ensure that the Town of Conway includes a wide variety of wildlife habitats that provide food, cover, water and open space for native species. Using the Plant and Wildlife Habitat maps in this plan, identify critical Carried over from the 2006 Town, Volunteers Conservation 2013 Wildlife habitats are identified, areas for protection and opportunities to develop linkages to other OSRP. Still a relevant Action Commission prioritized, and protected. protected open space in neighboring towns. Item.

Compile data on occurrences of invasive plant species (including This Action Item is carried over Town, Volunteers, Conservation 2015 Japanese knotweed, Oriental bittersweet, stiltgrass, and garlic mustard from the 2006 plan. Work has Deerfield River Commission, Friends of and insect invasions in the region; evaluate the threat to the South been done recently by the Friends Watershed the South River River and local forests; develop mitigation proposals to suggest to of the South River and the Association, Friends landowners. Deerfield River Watershed of the South River Association. Partner with other organizations to sponsor community trail walks with This has been a successful Trustees of Parks, Recreation and 2013 naturalists and wildlife biologists. endeavor over the past years at Reservations, Town, Trails Committee the Bullitt Estate (owned by the Volunteers Trustees of Reservations) and should continue.

Encourage volunteer groups to become public advocates of wildlife Carried over from the 2006 Volunteers Parks, Recreation and 2015 habitats (Forest Stewardship Program, National Wildlife Federation OSRP. Still a relevant Action Trails Committee, Backyard Habitat Program, lectures, photo displays, slide shows, Item. Conservation nature walks). Use presentations for schools, clubs, town gatherings, Commission and landowners to alert residents to safe and appropriate interaction with wildlife. Promote awareness of domestic cat and dog predation on wildlife.

Contribute monthly or quarterly articles to The Visitor about seasonal Carried over from the 2006 Volunteers Open Space Committee, 2014 wildlife habitats, natural history, and special considerations regarding OSRP. Still a relevant Action Conservation these topics. Item. Commission

Work with private landowners and the state to ensure that the Forest New in 2013. Volunteers Open Space Committee, 2013 Cutting Plans are implemented properly. Tree Warden

Assist landowners who wish to Convene workshops for landowners to discuss corridor connections, Carried over from the 2006 MassWildlife’s Conservation 2014 practice good habitat management rare and endangered species, hazards to wildlife, and long-range plans OSRP. Still a relevant Action Forest Stewardship Commission techniques. for habitat management. Item. Program and http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/habitat/grants/lip/lip_home.htm Landowner Incentive Program, NRCS

GOAL 4: Ensure that trails on public lands are used with respect and maintained by the community.

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NOTES / STATUS OF ACTION POTENTIAL RESPONSIBLE BOARD/ PROJECTED GOAL/OBJECTIVES ACTIONS ITEM IF CARRIED OVER FROM FUNDING SOURCES GROUP START DATES 2006 Work with a variety of user groups Explore access, infrastructure, and stewardship of trail systems on public Carried over from the 2006 Volunteers Parks, Recreation and 2015 to develop a coordinated strategy for land in State Forests. Involve state and local agencies so that needs of OSRP. Still a relevant Action Trails Committee trail development and stewardship. the community for trails on public lands are achieved. Item.

Seek revenue for logging done on public land in Conway, and apply Carried over from the 2006 Volunteers Select Board, 2013 these funds to trail projects. Explore whether revenue from the OSRP. Still a relevant Action Conservation reinvigorated town Conservation Fund could be used to fund trail Item. Commission, Parks, projects. Recreation and Trails Committee Host seasonal hikes, ski/snowshoe, and other community activities on Carried over from the 2006 Volunteers Parks, Recreation and 2013 public land. Use these events to familiarize residents with trails, meet OSRP. Still a relevant Action Trails Committee landowners whose property trails may cross, and learn proper trail Item. etiquette and maintenance techniques.

GOAL 5: Ensure that Conway maintains or improves the quality of and access to the Town’s recreational resources. Assess recreational needs for all Develop and distribute a questionnaire to discover needs of these The Parks, Recreation and Trails Town, Volunteers Parks, Recreation and 2018 residents, including elders, youth, groups. Committee completed a recent Trails Committee and those with disabilities. needs assessment. It is recommended that the assessment be done again in 5 years. Continue to assess the need for and implement improvements to existing Carried over from the 2006 Town, Volunteers Parks, Recreation and 2013 recreational facilities, including improvements for ADA accessibility. OSRP. Still a relevant Action Trails Committee Item. Continue to support the efforts of the Conway Swimming Pool New in 2013. Volunteers Conway Swimming 2013 organization to maintain, improve, and make the facility handicapped Pool, Inc. accessible.

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Section 10: Public Comment

The successful implementation of this Plan will depend upon the active involvement of citizen volunteers and other town committee and board members to help the Open Space Committee complete many of the action items included in the Action Plan.

Public feedback was sought throughout the entire open space and recreation planning process. The text and maps included in the Plan reflect these enhancements. A more direct request for feedback on the maps and Seven-Year Action Plan was made at the Public Forum held at the Conway Town Hall on March 14, 2013. Participants were encouraged to review the draft maps and note any additions or changes directly on the maps. Participants were also encouraged to review and prioritize the proposed action items listed on large post-it note sheets, which were displayed around the room. The Action Items were grouped according to nine categories that reflected the town’s five goals. A lively question and answer session followed the PowerPoint presentation delivered by staff from the Franklin Regional Council of Governments and a Committee member recorded comments and thoughts expressed by the participants.

Following the forum, draft copies of the Open Space and Recreation Plan were made available for review by the general public at the Conway Town Hall for approximately 2 weeks. A notice that the draft plan was available for review and comment was also posted on the town’s website. Comments received from the survey and during the two public forums and the review period have been incorporated into various sections of the Plan, including: Section 6 – Community Vision, Section 7 – Analysis of Needs, Section 8 – Goals and Objectives, and Section 9 – Seven Year Action Plan. When comments were incorporated or specifically used to refine the Plan, the origin of the comments (survey, public forums) was noted in the text.

Copies of the final version of the Conway Open Space and Recreation Plan were sent to the following boards and organizations for review and comment:

 Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services (DCS)  Conway Select Board  Conway Planning Board  Conway Conservation Commission  Conway Parks, Recreation and Trails Committee

Letters of support were received from several entities and are included in the appendix.

Public Comments recorded at the Public Forum held on June 27, 2012 and incorporated into this plan include:

The open space and recreation goals affirmed by the forum participants were the same as those in previous OSRPs and included one addition (in italics).

 Ensure that Conway continues to look and function as a rural community.  Ensure that Conway maintains or improves the quality of its rivers, streams, and sources of drinking water.

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 Ensure that Conway includes a wide variety of wildlife habitats that provide food, cover, water, and open space for native species.  Ensure that trails on public land are used with respect and maintained by the community.  Ensure that Conway maintains or improves the quality of and access to the Town’s recreational resources.

A summary of the information gathered from the forum is presented by topic, below.

Zoning and Land Use Regulations – opinions were divided as to whether the current zoning and land use regulations were working well to protect open space, natural resources and the character of the town.

Healthy Tax Base – there is concern about rising property taxes and the cost to the community from residential development. Concerns were also expressed about the town owning land and taking it off the tax rolls.

Recreational Resources in Conway – a significant amount of work is needed to rehabilitate the Conway Pool dam and dredge the Conway Pool. There are many ideas for using the currently undeveloped town-owned field on the South River – a community garden, walking trails, etc., which the town’s Parks and Recreation Committee is currently exploring in addition to concerns about safe access to the property. Concerns were expressed about the logging in the Conway State Forest.

The town’s Parks and Recreation Committee also recently completed a Needs Assessment. The members are actively working to engage the residents in the process to improve the Town Field (drainage and other issues) and maintain trails in town. Other recreational needs derived from the Needs Assessment and forum participants include:

 Bike paths/routes  Walking paths/dog walking paths  Community gardens  Pavilion on Rose property  Snowmobile trails  Hiking trails  Cross country skiing trails  Camping area

A potential impediment to implementing a more comprehensive trail system in town was discussed. Currently, there are trails on private property that are used with the permission of the landowner. However, if the trails were more widely publicized and more people used the trails then the landowners are concerned about their potential liability.

Environmental Challenges – there were many expressed by participants, including:

 The 11 acre town-owned property on the South River is currently being used as a staging/dumping area for steel, asphalt and other construction and demolition debris.

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 There are significant environmental constraints to developing new recreational facilities in Conway, including: lack of flat land for ball/soccer fields, steep slopes, wildlife habitat and abundance of streams (setback requirements).  The town center, which straddles the South River, is not served by a municipal sewer. The lots have no room left for new, larger septic systems.  Invasive vegetation, such as Japanese Knotweed, stiltgrass, Oriental Bittersweet and garlic mustard are a concern along the South River.  Possible ground and water contamination at the Town Garage.  Town’s future water needs – water is leaving Conway to supply other towns (Deerfield and Northampton) and the lack of public access to these watershed lands surrounding these water supplies.  The number of junk cars, trash, etc. on private property. There are significant dump sites along the South River and elsewhere. Concerns were expressed about the town’s lack of effort or ability to enforce regulations that prohibit this activity.

Notes and Public Comments recorded at the Public Forum held on March 14, 2013 and incorporated into this plan include:

Walls were hung with maps (Land use, water resources, etc.) and with oversized post-its seeded with possible areas of activity. Attendees were given a sheet of five sticker dots to mark the issues they felt should be given priority.  FRCOG staff summarized previous Open Space Plan and explained cycle and purpose of having a plan.  Summarized some of the activity than came out of the previous plan. Some that audience mentioned as successful: o Bullitt estate hikes with Naturalists o Off road bike trails map is on town web site o Trails committee needs more participation http://www.townofconway.com/committees/parks-recreation/ o CPA involvement in preserving open space (APRs on Totman and Natural Roots. o Flag mountain area, previously proposed for development now expected to largely go under protection o New playground, skating rinks, parking lot for town ball field. Plan for drainage improvement.  One goal that was not attended to was a bylaw for gravel pits.  Ongoing issues that need better understanding: o Land assets and tax revenue: Land preservation does not have negative impact on revenue. o Conway has considerable acres of undevelopable land (steep ledge, parcels to small to divide). o Citizens should define areas that could sustain development and encourage, even recruit for those areas. o Recommendation from audience to consider "core habitat areas". o Wildlife corridors in southern areas of town. o Look beyond Conway's town lines at state/regional picture  Discussion of Aquifers

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o No public water supply in town (planning board has this on their list of long-term issues to address) o Many private wells are not located (esp shallow wells) o Risk of contamination greater with shallow wells than deep o Many homes in town center use common Spring water system (sporings more vulnerable to contamination?) o What actions could be taken to assure water quality and group water protection? Should we have a subsidized water testing program? What is relationship of conservation to water quality? o How might climate change affect us - will we continue to have a water-rich environment? How can we be prepared for periods of drought?  Discussion of Scenic Byways designation and preserving visual assets? o Should we have a designated scenic roads bylaw? o Are stone walls protected (outside road right of way) ?  Publicize idea of frontage conservation restrictions (example, Norman French property?)  Lee Whitcomb (town assessor) should soon have GIS layer mapping road right-of-ways. This could be a useful tool.  Which demographic groups are underserved? o Elderly and disabled access is greatest need. o More accessible trails: . 11 acre town-owned property on the South River suggested as one possible site for accessible trail. . Also South Station area. . Parking for trail access needed (affects all) . Suggestion to make Conway Station Road area a focus for protection:  South side of road is State Forest  On north side of road, private land owners may not wish to sell land at this time  Town has first right of refusal on Totman land: Be prepared in advance to move, should the opportunity arise.  Utility company owns along Deerfield River/ under power lines. Work with them for better access?  South station picnic area suggested.

Ideas and priority action items (highlighted) that were recorded on the large post-it notes:  Farmland: Local farmers’ coop; community gardens  Forestland: mechanisms to limit forest development; value of working forests  Special Groups: handicapped access; horseback riding  Recreation: elder recreation opportunities; protected trails; safe bike trail network; establish new walking trails (loops).  Wildlife habitat: identify sensitive habitat and wildlife corridors for protection; identify development areas (fewest wildlife impacts)  Water quality: floodplain management; BMPs for construction or farm activities.

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 Scenic qualities: protect frontage/develop back-lots where habitats and corridors are not destroyed; maintain existing trails to limit additional deforestation; identify historical resources.  Taxes: consider increased densities for downtown; encourage light industrial businesses (environmentally sound).

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Section 11: References

Please note: In addition to the following references, other sources are cited in the body of the text or as footnotes.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Bureau of Resource Protection – Drinking Water Program. 310 CMR 22.00 Drinking Water Regulations. 2001.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Watershed Management. 314 CMR 4.00: Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards. 2000.

_____. Massachusetts Year 2012 Integrated List of Waters. 2012.

_____. Deerfield River Basin Water Quality Assessment Report. 2000.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program. BioMap Initiative. 2003.

_____. Fact Sheets on Species of Special Concern, Rare and Endangered Wildlife, and Threatened Plants in Conway, Massachusetts. 2004.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Employment and Training. Employment and Wages in Conway. 2010.

_____. Labor Force, Employment and Unemployment in Conway. 2010.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs. Deerfield River Watershed. Website. 2012.

_____. Massachusetts Geographic Information System. 1985, 1999 and 2005 Land Use Data.

_____. The Open Space Planner’s Workbook. 2001.

Franklin County Commission. The Franklin County Rural Historic Landscape Preservation Plan. 1992.

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), 2011. http://soils.usda.gov/technical/handbook/contents/part622.html

Natural Resource Inventory for Franklin County, University of Massachusetts Cooperative Extension. May 1976.

U.S. Bureau of the Census. Census 2010 Population Data. 2011.

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_____. Census 2010 General Demographic Characteristics. 2011.

_____. Decennial Census of Population and Housing. 1990, 2000, 2010.

_____. Franklin County Poverty Status. 2010.

_____. Franklin County Towns Journey to Work Tables. 2010.

_____. Per Capita and Median Household Income. 2010.

_____. U.S. Census of Population. 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010.

United States Department of Agriculture. Natural Resources Conservation Service. National Soil Survey Handbook. 2001.

United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service. Soil Survey Franklin County Massachusetts. 1967.

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Appendices

Appendix A: Letters of Support

2013 Conway Open Space and Recreation Plan • Appendices

Appendix B: Meeting Sign-Ins and Agendas

2013 Conway Open Space and Recreation Plan • Appendices

Appendix C: Public Survey and Public Forums

2013 Conway Open Space and Recreation Plan • Appendices

Appendix D: ADA Self-Assessment Report

2013 Conway Open Space and Recreation Plan • Appendices