Wetland impact: East Stream

One of the biggest concerns of the area will be the impact on wetlands by proposed future 'developments'.   For example, one of the streams which flows into a waterfall is faced by the threat of a Lowe's building.  The impact to this stream alone is highly likely to exceed the 5,000 sf max. allowance in Massachusetts for impact on wetlands.

According to documents, the Lowe's impact on wetlands is said to be "4,585 sf".  

Refer to ENF report for numbers: www.env.state.ma.us/mepa/mepadocs/2010/010610em/nps/enf/14532.pdf

Refer Salem Citizens website for drawings and numbers:  salemcitizens.org/issues/Lowes/Front%20End%20Charts.pdf 

The summary of BVW "A", "B" and "C" in the image below equals 4,585 sf.

However...

...as one studies the amount of wetland vegetation within these given boundaries and measures the drawings, the amount of wetland affected exceeds 5,000 sf by a great number.  In my own personal investigation of the drawings, I've taken a conservative measurement to find the bvw wetland alteration is minimally 7,170± sf (excluding 'bank' area, and expanded work in buffer areas).  Others have found these numbers to be higher.  

A big question (for me at least) remains.  Are the flags in the field correctly drawn in plan?  It is discovered that some of the flags have duplicate numbers, and some of the measurements between the flags were shorter in distance than shown on the plan.  Theoretically, if this is true, this could possibly mean that the stream in plan is extended at the thinner portion, causing the top thicker end of the stream on paper to be excluded from the calculations of the affected area?  This is only a question.  The only way for me to understand the conditions in the field is to have someone verify the locations of the flags with a handheld gps locator that has an inch or less tolerance, or other method of survey.  But this investigation for me is not extremely important as we already discovered, that by measuring the drawings, the wetland alterations exceed the allowable limit by a great amount.

To measure the drawings:

Print the drawing below to scale (using the scale bar as a reference) and measure by using a series of triangles to calculate the affected wetland flagged area.  Or import the drawing into a drawing program, using the scale bar as reference, and then trace over the affected area using a polygon tool, resulting in a calculation of the area.  Use the drawing below found on Salem Citizens website (click here).

News: City of Peabody will look into the impact of Lowe's to Spring Pond

Salem News:

To read more click on article above.

peace

Bald Eagle sightings

An important message by a conservationist:

         "There have likely been sightings of a young bald eagle here.  Three different people have reported the sightings last week in the area.  Currently, there are nesting locations along the Merrimac River and the population is increasing.  Therefore the Bald Eagles are going to need to travel further & further to forage.  Spring Pond Woods and Lynn Woods are perfect given the large water land tracts, large water bodies and large pines."

Please keep a lookout for the Bald Eagle!!!   Please report sightings to Natural Heritage, Mass Audubon and/or please contact  peace@springpondwoods.com, tel. 617.418.3009, to let us know.

p.s.  I have to admit, I've been a big dumby to not think of this sooner.  I am no expert on birds, while this has been mostly Leslie Courtemanche's expertise.  After researching through images of what a juvenile bald eagle looks like (example left), I now believe one came into my sight a month ago.  I remember its cute spiky hair and orangey beak.  The bird seemed rare and different from the other birds usually seen in Spring Pond.  Mersini, an European flora naturalist, has seen the same bird, and has been telling me of an adult bird with a white head, and a brown and white body, possibly living off the path.  The description of the adult bird, sounds like a bald eagle. Many have seen hawks and turkey vultures flying around the area as well.  There may be an increasing amount of bird sightings on the Lynn and Salem side to come, since acres of woods on the Peabody side have burnt.

Bald Eagles are an endangered listed species in Massachusetts.  They like to live near large bodies of water, on mature trees... mostly pine.  Spring Pond Woods is noted by the City of Peabody as being an important regional wildlife corridor in Lynn, Peabody and Salem.  Keeping the night sky dark, and the woods intact is highly important (not laughable).

Our search continues through these cold months.

peace on

Request for photos from Lowe's in NH

Here is a request sent in by someone...

"If anyone is traveling to New Hampshire--please take a picture of Lowe's in Rochester, NH, Route 16 southbound lane so we can present it at the next Planning Board Meeting. They blew the top off a mountain, re-configured Route 16 and it is a disgusting MESS. Unbelievable traffic now and Lowe's rises above all else and half of the remaining mountain is rip-rap stone leading into a mosquitoe-infested detention pond. This is what Highland Ave. will look like. Go take a picture so we can show reality!"

The ANRAD

Some people have been looking for the ANRAD (Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation) for 488 Highland Avenue, to appeal.  (Here is the link to the document:  http://springpond.us/Reports/ANRAD.pdf )

If anyone wishes to file an appeal, it can be done by either 

a direct abutter to the project, 

an aggrieved person (someone who will be adversely impacted as a result of the construction), 

or a 10 citizen group in the community (if one of the residents had made public commentary before).

For more information on how to appeal, see:  http://www.mass.gov/dep/service/appeals.htm

Issues in the ANRAD report (in my opinion):

• The major wrong in this report is that there is more than 5,000 sq ft of wetland being affected, where only up to 5,000 is allowed.  
• The delineation of a wetland was made in a cold month, an improper time to make a determination.  Back on Dec. 11, 2008, in a meeting with the Salem Conservation Commission, Terry Gensel from ENSR/AECOM requested to classify the designation of a wetland as "intermittent rather than perennial so there will be no surprises to the buyer or seller.  "A site visit was okayed at this request.. in the cold month of Dec-Jan, an improper time to make a determination of a wetland http://www.salem.com/Pages/SalemMA_ConCommMin/2008Minutes/S022A5291
• There is no mention of Water Surface Protection Areas (related to water supply) or DEP Potential Vernal Pools, as seen from Mass GIS, which are near or in the project site.  

peace on

Letter: Lowe's project will steal the night sky.

Below is a letter to the editor, The Daily Item, Monday Oct. 25, by William Reilly.

Others and I have the same question about the night sky.  Not only are the stars becoming difficult to see, Spring Pond Woods is an important regional wildlife corridor.  It is important to keep these woods dark for the harmony of the wildlife and the community.  This project is already proposing to clear away a habitat, but to light the remaining area at night, is introducing further threat.

On July 15th, in a Salem Planning Board Meeting, open to the public, Lowe's discussed using lighting which will not illuminate the sky (but not on 4' poles), and Walmart discussed nothing about it.  I stood to argue, that the lights in the parking lot will not be illuminating an empty, asphalt parking lot, yet light will be shining down on metallic surfaces, such as glass and metal on vehicles, whereby reflecting light into the sky.  And as vehicles travel up the inclining roadway to reach Lowe's parking lot, the headlights will be shining in the night sky and direction of the forest... and as they travel around in the parking lots.

My question remains.  Even with precautionary lighting to reduce illumination in the sky, it is safe to say, the sky or nearby woods will not be dark, and how much will it be illuminated?

I have a question for you.  Most of your letter highlights several concerns, but it seems there is an argument in the last paragraph, which seems unfinished?  

Good work on raising the question.

peace on

Topo Study of the hills around Spring Pond

          There is concern of having commercial or industrial 'development', especially businesses which have a history of pollution offenses, to be allowed on the hills surrounding Spring Pond, Peabody's Drinking Reservoir.

Lowe's history of offenses

Lowe's was fined a penalty by Mass DEP in April 2010 for polluting groundwater in Pembroke: www.mass.gov/dep/public/press/0410lowe.htm
Lowe's developer penalized by Mass DEP in May 2010 for violation of a wetland: www.mass.gov/dep/public/press/0510lowe.htm
Lowe's fined $137,500 by EPA for failure to adequately control storm water run-off at 4 Mass construction sites: click here

Walmart's history of offenses

MassDEP Assesses $8,000 Penalty to Wal-Mart for Violating Hazardous Waste Management Requirements at Four Central Mass. Stores in May 2010. www.mass.gov/dep/public/press/0510walm.htm

What the reps of Lowe's/ Walmart presented

In the last Public Meeting on September 30, 2010, the reps for the proposed Lowe's/ Walmart refuted environmental concerns by saying there is no record or potential for endangered species and there is no concern of the project related to Spring Pond.  A flat site plan was displayed, showing no topography, with only showing a dimension line from the back of the project to Spring Pond.  There was no indication of Mass DEP Wetlands or the Mass DEP 'Potential Vernal Pools' on the drawing.  There was no mention of the latest Peer Review provided for the project, which mentions concern for Spring Pond.  ( Is this the best the Walmart/ Lowe's reps can do, to represent an environmental study of the site?  Topography and wetlands should not be ignored when researching a study of the site.)

Concerns for Spring Pond

A recent Peer Review warns of the concern, the project might have to Proctor's Brook which flows to Spring Pond.


A precedent environmental mistake in 1996, cost the City of Peabody to clean the sludge from the Coolidge Avenue Water Treatment Plant, which accumulated to the bottom of Spring Pond.


A further  study, by an ordinary citizen...

The 3d model of the site above and the 2d site plan below, was created using data extracted from Mass GIS, in the software program Vectorworks Designer: Architect, Landmark, Renderworks. 

peace on

Peer Review shows concerns for Spring Pond

The Peer Review, dated July 1, 2010, made by the consultant for the City of Salem, discusses the review of the Kennedy Development Group project for Wal-Mart/ Lowe's on Highland Ave (in Spring Pond Woods).


There are a lot of questions raised in the report.  Most are undetermined.  The biggest regional concern is for the City of Peabody's drinking supply... Spring Pond.  In the report,  it mentions the rear portion of the building site is located within the Proctor Brook catchment of the North River, which may be tributary to Spring Pond.  It is not surprising, these waterways were not presented by the Lowe's/Walmart reps at the latest Salem Public Hearing, as the presentation only argued the project has no affect on Spring Pond.


From the report:

A concern with the above report, should note- to not have the applicant confirm delineation.  Someone with no stake in this project should do this.

Furthermore:

A further study from Mass GIS of an old map, c1900, indicates the streams and brooks on site, connect to Spring Pond.  As shown, Walmart (the old Rich's) is now built on a marsh...thus the flooding issues?  One water way is indicated behind Walmart's Parcel, and the other waterway is downhill from the Lowe's/'camp pad' site.

I wonder if the name of Proctor's Brook originated from the history told of an old landowner, by Spring Pond?

References:  

Peer Review:  http://www.springpond.us/NECE1.pdf

Mass GIS OLIVER:  http://maps.massgis.state.ma.us/massgis_viewer/index.htm

Hawk siting... must be a 'sign'

This image of a hawk resting on a sign at the corner of Buchanan Circle and Western Ave, near the Lynn/ Salem line, was submitted today by someone driving by.  This must be a 'sign' of some sort where it landed.  Truly home prices will be reduced in this area, and where will the wildlife go?

Wetlands connected to Spring Pond

"A toxic dump in the rear of commercial lots is typical", a local Conservation Commissioner once said.  If this is "typical", how come commercial businesses are allowed near important waterways?

A big Lowe's commercial development is proposed to be constructed uphill from Spring Pond.  How much of an impact on wetlands connecting to Spring Pond, will this project have?  

Studying the history of the waterways, the streams from the hills historically connect to Spring Pond.  A historical map, c1900 shows just this. Today the streams appear to of grown, creating more wetland areas in the hills, with the exception of an old marsh being eliminated where Walmart now stands.  The streams are low or dry now in these drought summer months, to be able to make a determination.  Comparing the stream from the old map to the current map conditions, this gives concern that the proposed Lowe's lot, access road and retention pond is too near uphill from important waterways that potentially connect to Spring Pond.  I hope this raises concern to not repeat the precedent costs from 1996, where the City of Peabody had to pay to clean the sludge from the Coolidge Avenue Water Treatment Plant that accumulated at the bottom of Spring Pond.  Here is a map of the existing wetlands and streams, overlain with the proposed Lowe's/ Super Wal-mart development.

(Map created using the software Vectorworks Designer: Architect/ Landmark/ Renderworks, using data extracted from Mass GIS Oliver, and an image file of proposed development.)

There are many precedent environmental crimes to be concerned about.  Is it safe to say, award winning systems that corporations tout about, will fail again as they have in the recent few months?

• Lowe's was fined a penalty by Mass DEP in April 2010 for polluting groundwater in Pembroke:  http://www.mass.gov/dep/public/press/0410lowe.htm
• Lowe's developer penalized by Mass DEP in May 2010 for violation of a wetland:  http://www.mass.gov/dep/public/press/0510lowe.htm
• Lowe's fined $137,500 by EPA for failure to adequately control storm water run-off at 4 Mass construction sites:  http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/8b770facf5edf6f185257359003fb69e/24d5823b8d610b6685257382000a0ce3!OpenDocument&Start=5&Count=5&Expand=5
• Lowe's fined for dumping a pesticide next to a wetland, where employees dumped 12 bottles of Ortho Diazinon concentrate behind the store.  Each bottle could make 12 gallons of pesticide spray, classified as a significant spill:  Ft. Wayne News-Sentinel, Oct 27 1998
• In winter months, typically the sludge in dirty snow from commercial parking lots is shoveled toward the rear of lots.  In this case, the sludge could be shoveled toward the downslopes.  To add, one Lowe's parking lot was found to have elevated levels of PAH-benzo(a)pyrene in the asphalt:   source- Austin American-Statesman, Feb. 4, 2003
• Someone polluted in the rear of Walmart's lot in Salem, right here.  Hope the store was informed:  http://www.springpondwoods.com/2010/06/polluter-watch-dump-on-wetlands.html

Thanks to a few friends for sharing some of this info.

Peace on

Inconvenient Truths

Update:  Checking the links to the City of Salem website concerning the meetings mentioned below, on September 16, 2010 it is found that the links to the pages have been 'broken' or 'changed'.   This post will be updated soon with the meeting minutes attached.

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How to understand this?

How Salem is dealing with wetlands, in an appearing unrighteous fashion - helping development push through on pristine wooded, non-profit, open-space of camp ground.  5 questions remain.

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    Back on Dec. 11, 2008, in a meeting with the Salem Conservation Commission, Terry Gensel from ENSR/AECOM requested to classify the designation of a wetland as "intermittent rather than perennial so there will be no surprises to the buyer or seller." A site visit was okayed at this request.   (For meeting minutes click here)

• Q:    Can a waterway be determined by the Commission in one site visit, in a cold month of December for the advantage to the seller or buyer? 

• A:    No.  According to Mass DEP 310 CMR 10.00: WETLANDS PROTECTION  (click here)  "proving that a stream is perennial by direct observation requires multiple observations made in the late summer and early fall months over many years.."

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    Camp Lion's parcel was rezoned in 2009 by the City of Salem, resulting in giving the development of Lowe's and expanded Super-Walmart a go.  

• Q:  Was this done illegally as spot zoning? 

• A:  Hmmm....  From a statement mentioned in the Salem Public Hearing on Sept. 3, 2008, between Salem Council and the Planning Board, it states - "The catalyst for this ordinance amendment was the talk for the development of Camp Lion and Walmart."  (Meeting minutes click here ) 

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     In 2007, Salem proposed an Open Space and Recreation Plan to preserve open space.  In it, Camp Lion is inventoried. It states strategies on how to go about preserving open space like Camp Lion. One of the important things it mentions is to  "Revise local Wetlands Ordinance to include the implementation of conservation restrictions on parcels developed adjacent to resource areas" (Reference on page 99)

• Q:  Should we ask?:  Was Salem fully aware their local wetland ordinance needed to be updated in order to create more restrictions against development on open space... in 2009 when Salem rezoned Camp Lion's open-space parcel for development?   The Salem Wetlands Ordinance (from the 70's) did not become updated when the zoning was redone for "the catalyst" event.

• A:  We don't need to ask to know the answer now.

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     In the recent Salem Public Hearing on July 15th, 2010, the Development Group tried to say certain parcels, like Walmart’s lot need not apply for a wetlands special permit, because it was felt the property was not in a wetland/flood hazard district, according to the Salem local wetland maps (from the 70's that were not updated).   A person of the 'public', then commented at the hearing that the development should be following the latest wetlands maps by the DEP instead of the local Salem ones begin followed from the 70's... which does not have as much restrictions.

• Q:  Is it pretend time and no one told me?

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     Flooding and drainage:   Walmart's parcel is built on an old marsh.  Along with Highland Ave this area floods in a rainstorm. Please refer to the Mass GIS data layer for a historic map of c1900 showing a marsh in this area, or click here to view 3rd pdf.   The drainage system in both Salem and Lynn could not handle the water overflow.

• Q.  Why isn't this area on the Flood zone layer?  And why is there flooding shown just over the line in Lynn and Peabody, but not in Salem?  Refer to Mass GIS or click here to view 2nd pdf. 

• A.  Because it was not reported....  because?

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Anymore questions?

To download poster:  For best quality, click to open (zoom in), then right-click to save.

The Good, the Ugly. The EENF

from Feb-

CERTIFICATE OF THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ON THE EXPANDED ENVIRONMENTAL NOTIFICATION FORM

for the Proposed Lowe’s, Walmart and Meineke Expansions and Future Camp Lion Improvements Proposed by the Kennedy Development Group

letter by Secretary Ian A. Bowles on February 19, 2010

Read here:  http://www.env.state.ma.us/mepa/mepacerts/2010/sc/enf/14532eenf.pdf

some highlights:

(This letter was written in February, before receiving additional commentary.)

A request was denied to the Kennedy Development Group, and the group needs to prepare an Environmental Impact Report.  The request was denied based on the need to evaluate additional alternatives to minimize wetlands impacts. 

quote- "“Big box” stores such as the proposed Lowe’s and Walmart are large energy users and generate considerable traffic, both of which result in significant emissions of greenhouse gases that contribute to global climate change. Fortunately, both Walmart and Lowe’s have made public commitments to reduce energy use and minimize the environmental impacts of their stores nationwide."  
(A green building cannot replace the negative impact this development will cause on this rich environment, history and every other problem.)

Permitting Process:

• This project is undergoing MEPA review 
• subject to preparation of a Mandatory Environmental Impact Report
• requires an Access Permit from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT)
• requires a 410 Water Quality Certificate from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)
• may also require a Beneficial Use Determination (BUD) from MassDEP
• an Order of Conditions from the Salem Conservation Commission and a Superseding Order of Conditions from MassDEP if the local order is appealed)
• and subject to EEA/MEPA Greenhouse Gas Emissions Policy and Protocol
• a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Construction General Permit from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA)
• and a Section 404 Permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE)

(and jurisdiction under Chapter 91 too?  The drainage will likely affect Spring Pond and its connecting wetlands.  Spring Pond is a Mass Great Pond.  Any project affecting these waterways is subject to this jurisdiction.)

Environmental Impacts

Wetland impacts on intermittent stream  

(... see how the 'intermittent' was decided in a cold month of December.  Maybe we should back up here.)

And the project will generate 5,960 average trips daily with a total of 17,716 trips on an average Saturday!!!  

( Traffic is tight now on Saturdays.  This says Saturday's traffic will add 24.6 cars a minute, but could be more if the real facts from WakeupWalmart are picked up.  And the 5,960 additional cars on an average daily basis does not sound correct for both stores combined.  An average-size Walmart Supercenter generates around 10,000 cars alone per day.  Check the facts on WakeupWalmart.com )

Alternative Analysis
Comments from MassDEP and the MassAudubon request that alternative layouts be explored to avoid and minimize wetland impacts...  The replication of a wetland proposed close to the access road does not have an adequate buffer to protect it.

Stormwater management... (skip, we already know the proposal doesn't work)

Traffic Analysis

As said before it will generate a lot of traffic.  (But the state is following a general rule based on ITE Land Code 820 (Shopping Center)... How about the real facts for a 'Walmart Supercenter'?  Who wants to tell the state?  see above for traffic info. )

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

(Again a green building cannot replace nature.  The Mass Building Code is for new building or renovations.  Lets not confuse and make it ok to apply to a building replacing nature.  Lets not loop hole around this.)

quote from letter- " In general I support Lowe's request to develop a prototype store for Massachusetts."  

Please lets not make this site the prototype... This would be a shame!  It is saying it is ok to rip up a site with rich history, potential vernal pools, geological features, pristine woods, limited open space, wildlife habitat, etc. etc.  (Again, I understand this letter was written in Feb.) 

This development is not the kind of prototype the Public should want.

Write concerns to MEPA

     For the Proposed Lowe's, Walmart and Meineke Expansions, and Future Camp Lion Improvements, EEA No. 14532 

Contact info:

env.internet@state.ma.us
Ian A. Bowles, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA)
Boston MA 02114

Broken-hearted: broken nestling

Remember this recycled, used asphalt, toxic dump?  uphill from a stream and Spring Pond.  It has been patted down now.  Is the owner aware what their developer has done?
Just look at this cheap poison...

Google earth has a recent image of the clearing. (click map below to view).  If the clearing from the photo looks big, imagine nearly half of the front property of Camp Lion being cleared and blasted.  How many trees and nature's gems will be lost?

It is wrong the local paper wrote with complete ignorance, that this green gem is just a vacant lot...

Taking a closer look at the clearing in the rear, walking through with Leslie and Brian, on the edge of the clearing we noticed cut downed trees. Underneath one dead tree, there area few different type of hawks' feathers, near what appears to be a large bird's nest.  There were two young nestling Red-tailed Hawk feathers near to what we believe was a large nest.   I'm no expert, but the little feathers seem like the young who had them- could not fly.  Is it wrong to question if there was a hawk's nest here?  I hope if their was wildlife, it escaped before the ax came in.

We keep finding hawk feathers on the trails here.

Could there possibly be other large nests, in the area planned for destruction?  We found a few smaller nests, but it is hard to see if there are any big ones high up above the dense forest.  I hope this raises concern to investigate the area.  

I hope the owners are aware what has been done here.  

tear down paradise to put up a parking lot?

"vacant land", huh?

Apologies, but yesterday's walk was heart breaking.

Natural water flow study

This map is a study of water flow on the hillsides facing Spring Pond.  This map shows red arrows indicating water flow.

This is an overlay of a drawing showing a proposed ("super") commercial development and Mass GIS data layers showing: contours, Surface Water Protection areas, and wetlands .   A 3d site model was made from topographical information extracted from Mass GIS.  The arrows of drainage flow as shown, was then generated from the site model created in the software program Vectorworks Designer/Architect, drawn by yours truely (K.P.).  Please note, this map gives an overall idea of where rain water naturally flows down hill; the drainage arrows are based on a 120' grid.  

I hope the following concerns are not ignored:

1.  The drains on the Salem or Lynn side cannot handle more water flow.

2.  Water that flows and naturally fills a reservoir should not be diverted down a storm drain.

3.  A development should not use wetlands connecting to Spring Pond as basin.

4.  New England winters-  Where will the dirty snow from an enormous parking lot be shoveled, and where will the dirty snow pile up near... near the downslopes to Spring Pond?  (Peabody officials, if you are listening, you have a right like the rest of the public does to speak at the Salem Planning Board Meetings, to request a hearing of your own.)

5.  Chapter 91 - Spring Pond and its adjoining wetlands gives rights to all members of the public. 

Walking through a Pine Barren

This area is different than other areas around Spring Pond.  Once understanding where you are (a place we passed many times before without realizing), there is a whole new appreciation of the area.

The Pine Barrens system - This layer is part of the MassGIS Priority Natural Vegetation Communities dataset, which depicts the distribution of natural community systems identified by the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) as most critical to the conservation of the Commonwealth's biological diversity. 

According to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, Pitch Pine/Scrub Oak Communities, otherwise known as Pine Barrens, are severely threatened in Massachusetts. Typically there are several species of butterflies and moths that depend on scrub oak/pitch pine habitats. These species require large tract areas in order to provide ample food sources for their various life cycles.  Fragmentation and loss of habitat puts these species in jeopardy.

This area shows no record of species, but if endangered species are known to survive in Pine Barrens, how do we know for certain there is none here?


“Excessive drainage” of this pine barren naturally flows down hill into the many streams that flow into Spring Pond, and the water is typically filtered.

According to Mass GIS data, there are two Pine Barren communities located near Spring Pond.  One is mostly on Camp Lion's property, and is threatened by the development of a proposed "camp pad":  new pool, field, building, etc.  

The following is a list of  plants Leslie Courtemanche, Rich Randall and I came across on our walk through the Pine Barrens.  These plants create the natural community system we have today...

• Scrub Oak (bear oak)
• Pitch Pine
• Black Cherry
• Gray Birch
• Quaking (or Trembling) Aspen
• Canada Mayflower
• Highbush Blueberry
• Lowbush Blueberry
• Northern Bayberry
• Shagbark Hickory
• Pignut Hickory
• Sedges
• Ring Lichen
• White Pine
• Scotch Pine

The map above was created in the software program Vectorworks Designer/ Architect, using Mass GIS data extracted from OLIVER (as shown below). 

Wetlands: Little ponds and marshes

This little pond is behind Walmart, where wetlands connect, where Walmart... 'maybe/maybe not'- a rep said... proposes to build a retention pond on these waterways (Surface Water Protection areas) at the rear of the property.

This little marsh is to the left of the road, climbing up to Camp Lion's grounds from Highland Ave. A future road is proposed to carve near/on this.  Lowe's (as said from the last Salem Public meeting) proposes to use the wetlands to drain the parking lot... wetlands, which are designated as Potential Vernal Pools

...wetlands that stream to Spring Pond.  The slopes of this land are too complex for a large development. Please take a close look at the topography of the contours on the maps sloping down to wetlands of Potential Vernal Pools, which then slope down to Spring Pond.

peace