NEWS VOLUME 8 NEWS NUMBER 1 FALL 2008

The Arlington Land Trust is a Arlington Adopts Subdivision Controls community-based nonprofit own Meeting in 2008 took a major step forward in shaping Arlington’s future develop- organization established in ment by enacting an updated—and groundbreaking—set of controls on small-scale 2000 to protect undeveloped Tresidential subdivisions. Replacing a nineteenth-century Board of Survey process that gave the Town essentially no land in Arlington. As a oversight of subdivisions of fewer than six units, this new law creates a fair and efficient review membership organization, system that levels the playing field between developers and the community. It gives the Town leverage to guide development that is appropriate to the land, addresses the concerns of neigh- ALT accepts donations and bors, and respects the size and scale of nearby dwellings. welcomes volunteers With the urging and support of Land Trust file a subdivision plan and lock in current to support its work. members, the Board of Selectmen brought zoning status for eight years—and then, to to Town Meeting an updated Board of Survey build something that in no way resembles process that is the first of its kind in the the original plan. Arlington Land Trust Board Commonwealth. The Board of Selectmen, with the assis- President Arlington has long operated under a two- tance of attorney Jay Wickersham, a former Clarissa Rowe tier subdivision control process: a good and Arlington resident and head of MEPA thorough review mechanism by the Planning ( Environmental Protection Vice President/Clerk (Redevelopment) Board for subdivisions of Act), developed a creative rethinking of the Ann LeRoyer six units or more, and an arcane Board of Board of Survey law. It incorporates and Treasurer Survey process for smaller subdivisions. The builds upon the most valuable provisions Brian Rehrig latter process cast the Board of Selectmen as of Subdivision Control, in a form that is the presiding Board of Survey, and limited its simpler, more efficient, and in the end more Directors authority to review only the location, direction, powerful for the community. Nellie Aikenhead width, and grade of roadways. No review of The new law makes the Arlington Rede- Nora Frank utilities, stormwater and drainage, or broader velopment Board the reviewing body. The Chris Leich environmental impacts on the site or the com- ARB has far more experience and expertise Ben Reeve munity was possible, and there was no way to in development matters than the Selectmen, Ted Siegan require the developer to meet with neighbors and is already the board that reviews devel- Nathaniel Stevens about his plans. opment proposals of six units or more. The Arlington Land Trust News Subdivision Control, the provision of Chapter law provides for the promulgation of rules 41 of state law adopted by most municipalities, and regulations by the ARB that govern the Editor is a mechanism that attempts to provide such content of what must be submitted, the de- Ann LeRoyer oversight, but it does so in a broad-brush sign and construction of site improvements, Contributors manner better suited to managing 50-acre and the board’s procedures and review Nora Frank suburban developments than to the unique standards, including requirements for public Brian Rehrig challenges of a mature community such as hearings and input. Critically, it provides that Clarissa Rowe Arlington. It is cumbersome and expensive the scope of the ARB’s review emphasize David E. White both for town and developer, and it has major environmental impacts including stormwater flaws. One glaring example—and a reason storage requirements, the appropriateness often given in the past for not adopting Subdi- of the design to the land, and mitigation of vision Control in Arlington—is a grandfathering traffic impacts. provision that allows would-be developers to Continued on page 4.

Arlington Land Trust, Inc. P.O. Box 492, Arlington, Massachusetts, 02476 Phone: 781-643-3156 Email: [email protected] Challenges Continue in the Alewife Area By Rep. Will Brownsberger

or the past five years, Arlington, Belmont, and Cambridge officials and citizens have been work- ing together to identify and implement projects to control flooding in the Alewife area. Much of Fthe necessary work is being done under the direction of the state Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). The following notes summarize a September 25 meeting at the State House regarding the status of flood control and other projects in the Alewife area (with some more recent updates). Attendees included Arlington Selectman Clarissa Rowe, the current chairman of the tri-community working group; most of the Alewife and Mystic River region legislators; and key members of DCR’s management team. I am grateful to DCR Commissioner Rick Sullivan for his continuing attention to this wide range of concerns.

Alewife Reservation Mystic Lakes Dam Blair Pond state agencies, the Executive Master Plan DCR is well along in designing DCR is currently doing depth Office of Energy and Environmental The plan is partially implement- the repair and reconstruction mapping to design their ap- Affairs and Division of Capital ed in the area of the Arthur D. of the Mystic Lakes Dam to ad- proach to dredging the pond to Asset Management. The DCR Little parking lot, but is waiting dress safety reasons due to the alleviate sedimentation prob- General Counsel is attending to for Cambridge CSO work in the dam’s weakened condition. The lems. It may or may not be pos- the movement of the documents area across Little River from renovations will also create a fish sible to move materials within through these approvals. the lot. The proposed Belmont ladder and allow active manage- the pond as opposed to trucking Uplands acquisition was vetoed ment of the upper lake for flood materials off-site. This decision Craddock Bridge by Governor Patrick, and without storage purposes. DCR hopes to will affect permitting issues and Reconstruction those funds DCR does not feel put out an ENF before the end of the timeline. No deadlines were Design for this project in Med- it has the financial ability to the year. One inevitable negative set, but the work appears to be ford Square is proceeding under acquire the property. Imple- impact of the reconstruction moving forward. the direction of Mass Highway. mentation of the master plan in will be the removal of trees Engineers from the tri-commu- the area toward Little Pond will on the dam. The trees are all McCrehan Pool nity group will be meeting with occur as a later phase. volunteers and their roots create It was agreed that DCR would Mass Highway engineers this fall Regarding the proposed bike- faults in the dam that diminish review the possibility of allocat- to confirm that the new design path segment in the Sunnyside its strength. It is expected that ing staff resources to participate will maximize channel width area of Arlington, DCR is plan- construction will start in Fall in a visioning conversation about and minimize the likelihood ning to organize more conversa- 2009 and take approximately the pool—to inventory short- of obstruction by debris. Many tions with town officials this fall two years. term needs as well as longer- believe that debris problems to resolve differences about the term possible goals. (November at this bridge (last removed in location of the bike path. (No- Dredging and Debris update: Pool neighbors met and 2003) raised the water level in vember update: A Conservation Removal in the Little River sent to DCR a list of short-term the larger flooding events of the Commission hearing was held and Alewife Brook suggestions.) preceding decade. in early November; discussions The ongoing concern about continue.) maintaining a free-flowing chan- Bikepath Right-of-Way Note: This article is adapted from nel in these waterways is well The transfers and easements to Rep. Brownsberger’s report Amelia Earhart Dam recognized by both DCR and create the right-of-way for the published in the Arlington DCR feels that the FY08 and community groups. Currently, Belmont to Alewife bikepath are Advocate and Belmont Citizen- FY09 budget earmarks to study DCR is testing the materials in all approved by the grantors. The Herald on October 9, 2008. For the dam suffice to move forward the channel bottom to identify actual documentation received more information, contact www. to address (a) the feasibility possible hazardous materials has to be approved by two other willbrownsberger.com. and cost of installing a fourth (including debris from the pump; and (b) the feasibility and homeless population) and to advisability of changing pumping define the process to be used Arlington Land Trust Annual Meeting protocols at the Amelia Earhart in clearance and/or dredging. Dam to control flooding. DCR DCR cannot order large crews of Monday, January 26, 2009 expects to announce an RFP in people to work in the channel, 7:00–9:00 pm late 2008. (November update: even for branch removal, before Robbins Library Community Room This funding was stricken by the assessing risks. They expect to 700 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA Governor’s 9C cuts; Commis- make findings this fall and to Guest speaker Rep. Will Brownsberger will address the topic “Making sioner Sullivan has not yet stated define a course of action from Land Conservation a Priority in the Alewife Area.” Refreshments will be whether he plans to go forward there. provided, and a short business meeting will follow his talk. with the project.) 2 Arlington

Lake St. Rte. 16 Envisioning a Future for the Mugar Site

Somerville After Governor Deval Patrick vetoed funds for the acquisition Route 2 Mugar Site of the Belmont Uplands and Sil- ver Maple Forest in Belmont and Cambridge last summer, legisla- Massachussetts Ave tors and local officials mobilized Alewife Brook to continue to look for ways to Cambridge save both the Uplands and the Mugar property on the Arlington side of Route 2. During negotia- Belmont Rindge Ave. tions with the Governor, Rep. Will Brownsberger, Arlington Select- man Clarissa Rowe, and others Updated FEMA Maps emphasized the importance of both parcels to the ecological Show Expanded Flood Zones balance of the area, once known as the “Great Swamp.” he U.S. Federal Emergency Management Michael Rademacher were available to answer Agency (FEMA) this fall took a step closer to technical questions about the draft maps and about Reinforcing the regional impacts Tcompletion of updated flood maps for com- whether citizens need to purchase flood insurance. of land conservation and flood munities in the Mystic River Watershed, including Every homeowner in the expanded areas and abut- control, the new draft FEMA Arlington and its neighbors. The new maps have ters to these areas were notified of the meeting by maps show that most of the a significant impact on residents of some areas of mail, and more than 150 people attended. Mugar site is now in the flood Arlington, and may have important implications for Another important issue addressed at the public way, which will make it more dif- the future development potential of the Mugar site. forum was the procedure by which homeowners ficult to build any development Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) are deter- might contest a property’s inclusion in the flood on that site. Before the FEMA mined by FEMA to have a 1-in-100 chance of zone. An SFHA is defined by applying the “100- maps become final in the spring flooding in any given year, which is often referred year flood” elevation to a detailed topographic of 2009, ALT plans to approach to as the “100-year flood zone.” It comes as no map of the area; parcels shown as lying below that the Mugar family to renew surprise to many residents who have experienced elevation are included in the SFHA. No mapping is discussion of conservation op- flooding in recent years that the remapped SFHAs perfect, however, and FEMA recognizes that there tions for the site. It is our hope in East Arlington are significantly larger than those are limitations of scale and definition in the source that the increased challenges to shown on the current Flood Insurance Rate Maps maps they used. development of the parcel will (FIRM), which date from 1982. A homeowner who questions the results can help spur the owners to consider Property owners in flood zones who have request a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) by the benefits of a below-market mortgages provided by federally regulated lenders submitting certain mapping and survey informa- “bargain sale” or outright dona- are required to purchase flood insurance, so many tion to FEMA and ask that the property be removed tion to the Town. more homeowners may be affected by this rule from the SFHA. In most cases, the applicant will once the new maps are finalized. The owners of need to hire a licensed land surveyor or registered In the meantime, to facilitate homes in the newly designated flood areas can professional engineer to prepare an elevation new ways of thinking about be “grandfathered” into the lower rates available certificate for the property. the site, ALT is considering a now, until the FEMA maps are formally adopted by All FEMA designations are referenced by schematic landscape plan that Arlington Town Meeting in the spring of 2009. Arlington’s local zoning bylaw, and by the regula- envisions the Mugar property as During the public comment period conducted tions of the Conservation Commission. These local public parkland with flood stor- by FEMA, the Town of Arlington engaged an outside regulations can govern what (if any) development age as a major component of its consultant, a specialist in FEMA maps and data, or other disturbance is permitted in affected areas. design. We plan to convene a to review the draft material. Although he found Both the zoning bylaw and the ConCom regulations public discussion of these ideas that the proposed mapping was generally sound, will have to be updated to reflect the new maps, to gather the experience and he gave the town some comments on certain areas once they are made final. vision of the community, and we where he thought the data was incomplete, and the The updated FEMA maps are available for view- will be talking with the Mugar town has requested further clarification from FEMA. ing at www.arlingtonma.gov/fema, or at the development team and town In September Arlington officials also held a office of the Town Engineer on Grove Street. Con- officials about this alternative public meeting for citizens affected by the changes cerns about how the new maps may affect property use of the land. in the maps. Massachusetts FEMA officials, Home- values in those areas can be addressed to the Town land Security representatives, and Town Engineer Assessor’s office. 3 Support Land and Water Symmes Project Stalls, Forest Plan Goes On with a New License Plate t the end of August, after a noisy summer of blasting, all construction stopped at the Symmes site. The developer, JPI of Texas, is in negotiations with a regional bank to secure further construction Afinancing, but to date no financing has been obtained. The majority of the JPI Symmes project staff has been laid off, although JPI has stated their commitment to completing the Symmes project and other construction projects in Massachusetts. The Arlington Redevelopment Board is wrestling with how to encourage JPI to finish the project, and whether to invoke the late penalties in their joint agreement. This delay may result in a deferral of building permit revenue that was expected in FY2009. Meanwhile, as part of the agreement that governs The resulting Forest Management Plan will form the conservation restriction to be imposed on the the basis for future stewardship of the wooded open You can help fund land conserva- open spaces of the parcel once development is spaces of the site. The plan will lay out “recommen- tion in Massachusetts by signing up complete, ALT and the Conservation Commission dations for maintaining and improving the health (both future holders of the CR) have begun the of the Summer Street Woods and Buffer Areas and for the new Land and Water license process of creating a Forest Inventory and Forest for ensuring their perpetual effectiveness as habitat, plate from the Massachusetts Envi- Management Plan. Over the summer urban for- buffer, and public green space.” We look forward to ronmental Trust. Like the other Trust ester George Ackerson held a public meeting and helping form a “Friends of Symmes Woods” group plates (right whale, fish and wildlife, conducted several informal walks with interested to assist in long-term stewardship, and welcome Blackstone Valley) whose proceeds “friends of the woods” to gather experience and the participation of neighbors in creating the plan. fund important environmental work, concerns about the plant communities at the site, Please contact [email protected] for and he is now completing the inventory phase. more information. this plate will specifically fund the permanent protection of watershed lands in the Commonwealth. Arlington Open Space and Before the Registry of Motor Vehicles will produce the plates, Recreation Plan Approved Continued from page 1. 3,000 people must order a plate he Arlington Open Space and Recreation Plan Update for This law is not a panacea for (numbers 1 to 3,000!) and actually 2007–2012 was approved by the Division of Conservation prevention of subdividing lots send a check. (If M.E.T is not able TServices of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental and shoehorning new houses; it to place 3,000 orders, your check Affairs, as required for all municipalities, and was presented to the can only govern subdivisions that will be returned.) Board of Selectmen and Town Meeting in May 2008. require one or more roadways to provide frontage and access Go to www.masslandandwater.info, The Plan and accompanying reational facilities; and historic to the subdivided lots. Under print the application, mail it in with Appendix were prepared by the sites and cultural landscapes. Massachusetts zoning, “approval Arlington Open Space Committee 3. Coordinate and strengthen not required” (ANR) lots can your check, and get your friends with consulting assistance from local and regional planning be created without any review to do it, too. These great-looking Ralph Willmer, a project planner and management of open spaces if they meet the requirement of license plates are the Trust’s primary with Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, in conjunction with various Town having sufficient frontage and Inc. of Watertown. source of revenue, and through departments, commissions, and area. So, for example, the classic them M.E.T. has distributed $16 The Plan includes a long list of volunteer groups, and work “double lot”—if it has two times million to hard-working environmen- open space and recreation ac- closely with nearby towns and the frontage and square footage tal organizations across the state for complishments over the past five regional entities and with state as in the required zoning—can projects that enhance and protect years, and outlines many specific and federal officials and agencies. still be subdivided without local objectives and actions to be ac- control. We cannot solve that water quality. 4. Increase public aware- complished over the next five years problem at the local level; only ness, accessibility, and to address the following goals: long-overdue statewide zoning This Land and Water plate will community stewardship allow the Trust to fund its new land reform can alter that right. 1. Acquire undeveloped of the Town’s open spaces and We applaud our Board of conservation program in wetland lands for permanent protection recreational facilities. Selectmen for its creative leader- as open space in neighborhoods and watershed communities across The complete plan is posted on ship in developing this new throughout the Town. the state. And, your vehicle will the Open Space Committee page legislation, and our Town Meet- proudly display your commitment to 2. Preserve, protect, and en- of the Town Web site (www. ing for adopting it. This home the environment with an attractive, hance existing open spaces, town.arlington.ma.us), and rule petition must be approved low-number plate! including watersheds, water printed copies are available in by the Legislature, but action is bodies, and natural areas; parks, several Town departments and expected shortly, and the new playgrounds, and outdoor rec- the Robbins Library. law will take effect upon passage. 4 MEMBER PROFILES Elizabeth Island –

From the CFO’s seat at Mass Audubon, Banks Poor Status Quo has a bird’s-eye view of conservation. “We have to act at every level—nationally, regionally, statewide, and rom the perspective of the yellow warbler, locally—to achieve real preservation. Protecting open eastern kingbird, warbling vireo, and space in a community as densely populated as Arling- Fother species that nest on Elizabeth Island, ton is particularly important, both for the wildlife in nothing much has changed in 2008. The island town and for the residents. I know the Arlington Land remains in its natural state, and home to more Trust is doing great things at the local level and I am than 100 species of birds that nest or swim proud to be a member.” nearby, or just stop off during migration. The threat of loss remains, however, as the Bancroft Poor island continues to be marketed for sale with High Haith Road no limitations on its use and no restrictions that would maintain its visual character and wildlife habitats. We had hoped to report to you this year on the permanent protection of this centerpiece of Spy Pond. Our conversations with the island’s owner continue cordially, but we have thus far been unable to reach common ground on financial arrangements for the acquisition and conservation of the island. We were heartened by the support demon- strated by the state’s Conservation Partnership Program in awarding to ALT a pledge toward acquisition. Without a concluded purchase arrangement with the owner, however, we had to forego the pledge this year. The state has strongly encouraged us to continue our efforts and to apply again for the substantial assistance (up to $75,000) that this program can provide. We are grateful that, even while marketing Spending time outdoors as a family has been a long-term pastime and priority for the island for sale, the owner has continued her the Bernsteins—and they appreciate all that the town has to offer. Monica says, long-standing tradition of permitting public “One of the great things about living in Arlington is being so close to the city but access. We expect to meet with her again near not being in the city. Arlington is so green. We support Arlington Land Trust because the end of the year, and look forward to there is still open space here in town that can be saved. And open space is calming continuing the conversation. and welcoming, no matter how small.” Monica and David Bernstein Norfolk Road

“I’ve lived in Arlington for 51 years, love this town, and feel very fortunate to live in New England. We have explored saving open spaces and the rights of the public to use such spaces, including protecting an island off the Maine Coast. I know from personal experience that, as hard as you try, an individual can’t always protect the land she loves. That’s why it is so important to support conservation organizations like the Arlington Land Trust that bring resources and support to key open space initiatives.” Grace Dingee Claremont Avenue

5 Easements on Small Parcels Special Conservation Funds Photo by David E. White An “easement in gross” is a restriction he Conservation Stew- on land use that runs with the deed on ards Fund is providing the property, binding subsequent own- support to update the book ers. Although not technically perpetual T Walking the Open Spaces of (like a state-approved conservation Arlington. First published in restriction), it can protect the land for 1994, this guide to local open thirty years and is renewable for suc- spaces is being revised and cessive twenty-year extensions by the expanded by members of the Land Trust, which serves as “holder” Arlington Conservation Com- or enforcer of the easement. mission, land stewards, and The Arlington Land Trust has other volunteers. The book will developed a template for preparing be published in both print and easements in gross to simplify the electronic form in 2009. process for local landowners. The costs to place an easement on your The Friends of Arlington’s land, including fees for legal document Great Meadows have been preparation and filing at the Registry Member Don Miller introduces Great Meadows to others active in a number of outreach during one of his third-Saturday nature walks. of Deeds, can range from $500 to projects this year. Member Don $1,500 depending on the complexity Miller has led a regular third-Saturday nature walk, following the seasonal changes through this year. A of the restriction. Because this type of location of special interest has been the re-growth in the wooded area near Infinity Pond that burned in the easement is not technically permanent, April 2008 fire. An outreach project with the Waldorf School has involved students in setting up beehives and there are no income or estate tax ben- collecting honey. The number of visitors and public awareness of the Great Meadows continues to increase. efits to the homeowner. There may be Some of the upland meadow areas are growing in with trees and shrubs, and thus may no longer pro- local property tax considerations, if a vide a diversified habitat necessary for species such as the American Woodcock. Frances Clark also cited formerly buildable parcel is reassessed this concern in her 2001 report, Resource Inventory and Stewardship Plan. The Friends have engaged as unbuildable during the term of Jeff Collins of Massachusetts Audubon to look at some of these areas and make recommendations for the easement. For more information, restoration projects that will maintain their open nature. Any actual work will be discussed in public contact [email protected]. meetings and will need approval of town officials. Donors Receive Tax Credits for Land Conservation he Environmental Bond Bill—legislation signed by Governor example, the donor could receive the 2008 Farm Bill, the federal Patrick in August 2008 to fund state land protection and other a $2,000 credit toward his state program extends only through Tenvironmental programs over the next five years—includes a income tax each year for the next 2009. The national Land Trust long-awaited state income tax credit for landowners who donate quali- ten years. Alliance and other advocates are fying conservation or agricultural land to a municipality, the state, or a This state action supplements encouraging citizens to contact nonprofit conservation organization. the federal income tax incentive their members of Congress to that allows conservation easement make this easement incentive Effective in January 2010, this unfragmented wildlife habitat, donors to deduct a larger portion permanent. For more information, program still needs legislative agricultural and forest products, of their income over a longer visit www.landtrustalliance.org/ approval; it is being considered archaeological and historical period of time. Passed as part of policy/taxincentives. in the informal session of the resources, scenic vistas, and legislature this fall. The incentive recreational opportunities may be complements the capital funds eligible. All donated lands must provided by the Environmental be permanently protected. Thanks to you! Bond, and will enhance the ability The Act grants a state income The Arlington Land Trust thanks its members and friends for their of the state and land trusts to credit based on 50 percent of the generous contributions during 2008. Some of these donors also preserve natural areas. appraised fair market value of the support dedicated funds for the Friends of Arlington Great Meadows Under the Act, the Massachu- land. For example, if the donated and the Arlington Conservation Stewards Fund. setts Executive Office of Energy property is valued at $40,000, the and Environmental Affairs must landowner receives a $20,000 first determine whether lands credit towards his state income proposed for donation are in tax. The credit cannot exceed If you would like to support the Arlington Land Trust the public interest for natural one’s annual tax liability; how- and help make a difference in our community, please resource protection. Lands that ever, it may be carried forward contact [email protected]. protect drinking water supplies, for ten consecutive years. In this 6 Patrons ($200 & more) J. Richard Sladkey & Sophia Sayigh Jeff & Christine Thielman Kenneth Larsen Sue & Henry Bass Ed & Brenda Starr Robert Tosi, Jr. Laura Leibensperger Martin & Marjorie Cohn Nathaniel Stevens Alice Trexler Elizabeth Logan John & Mary Deyst Allan & Barbara Tosti Inge Uhlir Richard K. Madden Nora Frank & Walter Houseman Lenore & Howard Winkler Bruce & Susan Wheltle Melanie Mahin Lisa Fredman David Wright Laura Wiener & Josh Lobel Steve Makowka & Jolie Spring Beth Ann Friedman Neal & Jean Winston Karen Mathiason Elizabeth Karpati Supporters ($50-$100) John & Patricia Worden Walter & Emily Mayne Chris & Carole Kasper Eric & Barbara Baatz Kevin McGann Christopher M. Leich Beate Becker Members (up to $50) Kenneth Miller Ann LeRoyer Brad Bennett & Barbara Schwartz Daniel Abramson & Penley Knipe Bill & Margot Moomaw Harry P. McCabe Claudia Bermudez Mary Albon Pearl Morrison Stephan Miller & Terry Dash Jacob & Nancy Bloom Carole & Tom Allen William & Leola Moss Cathleen Pfister Duke Briscoe Becky Anthony Patricia Muldoon Ellen & Bill Reed Andrew Brody Andrew Anway Lisa J. Mullins Brian Rehrig Dix Campbell Christine Aquilino Joris Naiman & Lesya Struz Pito Salas Neil Clark Michael Berarducci Barbara Noble Ann Reinke Strong Kathleen Colwell Bill & Madelon Berkowitz Patrick O’Mahony Mike Tabaczynski Marianne & David Curren Colin & Susanne Blair William O’Rourke Roger Tobin & Bonnie Payne Bill & Barbara Donnelly Barbara Boyle Edward R. Owen Doris Lowy & Paul Zigman Gail DuBois Mary Brooks & Chris Lockery Robert Parr David White Paul Fichera Will Brownsberger Walter Phillips Harold & Carol Forbes Philip Budne Kenneth Ravitz Friends ($100-$200) Jan & Bill Ford Sally & Michael Chvany Lisa & Stephen Reynolds Anonymous & John Page Russ Cohen Stan & Cathy Rezendes Nellie Aikenhead Catherine Garnett Nina Coil Carolyn Ricker & Bob Aimo Edie Allen Jon Gersh John Coles Diane M. Rizzo Linda & Mike Atlas Myron Gildesgame Lavinia & John Connors George & Sally Rogers Charles & Nancy Barry David Gillman Jim & Kate Cubeta Robert Rogers John Bartenstein Gregory Ginet Jane Culbert & Henry Olds Stroker Rogovin David & Monica Bernstein Nate Goldshlag Frank Cunningham David Rubin Lisa Bielefeld Camilla B. Haase Roger Dempsey & Linda Chase Richard Rubinstein & Eric Kurtz John Bilafer John Hickman & Lisa Berezin Tim Driskell Greg Ruccio & Eileen Eisele George Blaszczynski Helen & Rudolph Kass Sharon Duncan Robert & Sharon Russell Gregory Bowe Maria Kelleher Ralph Elwell Penny Sander & Rufus Seder Michael Burns Colleen Kirby Andres Estrada David & Ruth Schreiber Susan Chapnick & Mark Bowers Christian Klein Ron Feldman & Gloria Leitner Eugene Schwartz Anthony Clayton Janet Kovner Steven Fleming Alan Schweitzer Grace Dingee Tom Lincoln Louise Fletcher Christine Scypinski Richard Duffy Denise & Dan Long Julie Frohlich Phillip Sharff DeAnne B. Dupont Ken & Suzi Lubar Andrea Golden & Barry McManus Greg Shenstone Kathy & Peter Feinmann James E. Lyle Martine Gougault Nathan T. Sidley Roberta Ferriani & Timothy McGrath Diane Mahon Alison Goulder Nancy & John Sweeney Maryanna Foskett Don Miller Karen Grossman Richard & Patience Terry Juliet Fuhrman & Stanley Wolf Peter Morgan Tim Grove & Ann Marie Reilly Elizabeth Thompson Sally & Richard Goldberg Roger & Barbara Moulton Mark Halliday Martin & Carol Thrope Marie Goldstein Jennifer & Bradford Parker Susan Hargrave Mark Tracy Helena & Bertrand Halperin Carol Phipps & Keith O’Boyle Nancy Harman Katherine Tranquada Peter & Jane Howard Oakes Plimpton & Patricia Magee J. William Harris Corinna Vanderspek Elly & Herb Kagan Mary & Bancroft Poor Charles & Mary Anne Hayes Barbara Wagner Alexandra Lee Jon Ross & Mary Young Bernice & Victor Jones Jacquelyn H. Ward David & Persis Levy Suzanne Rothschild & John Charles & Carol Kalauskas June Wendroff Margaret Metzger Baynard Marcie Kaplan Ralph Willmer Mary Winstanley O’Connor Barbara Saran-Brunner Liz Karagianis Saskia Oosting & Andrew Ward Robin Schoenthaler Mary Ellen Kiddle Corporate Sponsors George & Carolyn Parsons Dolores Schueler Kevin Knobloch Babson Capital Mgmt Dan Raizen John & Sara Sharp Judy Kocur Bank of America Doug Rosner & Erin Higgins Ted Siegan Carol Kowalski Fields Pond Foundation Sandra Ruggiero Beryl Simon Marie Krepelka FM Global Foundation Howard Sard & Rowena Nelson Herb & Lil Swanstrom Judy Larsen & Todd Quinto Sun Employee Matching Gifts 7 UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday, March 28, 2009 Saturday, March 28, 2009 ANNUAL MEETING 9:00 am –1:00 pm 8:00 am – 4:30 pm Monday, January 26, 2009 EcoFest 19th Massachusetts Land 7:00–9:00 pm Arlington Town Hall Auditorium Conservation Conference Robbins Library Community Room 730 Massachusetts Avenue Worcester, MA 700 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington Arlington, MA This annual training and network- Guest Speaker David Epstein, a meteorologist at ing event provides land trust Rep. Will Brownsberger WCVB-TV who reports a weekly volunteers, board members, staff, “Extreme Garden Makeover,” will municipal commission members, Making Land Conservation a Priority speak on lawn alternatives and and others interested in land in the Alewife Area ecological gardening. He wrote the conservation with the information, book Gardens of New England with skills, and connections needed to photographer Michael Hubley. Will Brownsberger has been a tireless advocate for the Alewife be most effective. The theme of area for many years. He was a Belmont Selectman from 1998 to Committees, groups, and vendors this year’s conference is Finding 2007, when he was elected to the 24th Middlesex District seat involved in ecological gardening, Common Ground: Land Conser- representing parts of East Arlington, Belmont, and Cambridge. He landscaping, and related activities vation and Civic Engagement. succeeded Anne Paulsen, who retired following many productive will have tables to publicize their Workshops on a variety of related years advocating for similar issues in the House of Representatives. works or hawk their services. Pub- topics are presented for all experi- Born in and raised in Watertown, Will has lived in lic committees may request tables ence levels. Belmont since 1992 with his wife and three daughters. Will holds free of charge, but private vendors will be asked to pay a fee. For more information and to a JD degree from and a BA from Harvard receive the conference brochure College. He is an attorney who has focused primarily on criminal For more information, contact Ruth when it is available, email: justice—as a prosecutor, an academic, and a defense attorney. Yannetti at the Arlington Depart- [email protected] Previously he managed software development on Wall Street. ment of Public Works: ryannetti@

town.arlington.ma.us

02472

Arlington, MA Arlington, P.O. Box 492 Box P.O.