The replication of these natural processes using infrastructure-based treatment and filtration is inferior to and more expensive than the incomparable benefits derived from watershed land protection”. The finest drinking waters in the world are a product of the natural filtering processes of the forested landscape. Jonathan read the following from DCR’s internal land acquisition strategy: “The management and maintenance of watershed lands in a natural condition is paramount to the continuous supply of pure water. The second statement addresses the importance of land management. The first is DCR’s mission statement: “Utilize and conserve water and other natural resources to protect, preserve and enhance the environment of the Commonwealth and assure the availability of pure water for future generations”. Jonathan Yeo spoke on DCR Division of Water Supply Protection land acquisition and began his presentation by reading two statements. He expressed hope that the Scientific Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) report would be out in the next few months and recognized that no matter what DCR does, there will always be some people opposed to the agency’s forestry work. Jonathan said it was very unfortunate that Environment Massachusetts has not done research on DWSP land management or visited DCR lands at Quabbin. Whit noted the timeliness of Jonathan Yeo’s presentation on DCR Land Acquisition given Environment Massachusetts’ recent letters on the need to ban logging at Quabbin. The summary for both meetings were approved by the committee. A motion to approve the summary of the Novemand JanuWSCAC meetings was made and seconded. Whit Beals, WSCAC Chair, asked that everyone in attendance introduce themselves. Paul Lauenstein – WSCAC, NepRWA, Lexi Dewey - WSCAC staff, Alice Clemente – WSCAC, Stephen Estes-Smargiassi – MWRA, Whit Beals – WSCAC Chair, Jerry Eves – WSCAC, TU, Andrea Donlon – WSCAC, CRWC, Mason Phelps – WSCAC, Martin Pillsbury – WSCAC, MAPC, Jim French – DCR, Jonathon Yeo – DCR, Martha Morgan – WSCAC, NRWA, Kathy Nelson – NRWA, Joel Zimmerman – DCR, Julia Blatt – MA Rivers Alliance The next WSCAC meeting will be on May 22nd at the MWRA facilities in Southborough.Īt the MWRA Facilities in Southborough directions If members have specific questions, please email them to the office so that Kathy can address them at the meeting. PLEASE RSVP AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO WE KNOW HOW MANY WILL BE ATTENDING.įEATURED PRESENTATION: Kathy Soni, MWRA Budget Director, will be discussing the FY13 proposed budget and the community assessments calculated after the budget is established. A CHOICE OF BOAT RIDE OR FORESTRY WALK WILL BE OFFERED AFTER THE MORNING MEETING. If you would like to receive WSCAC agendas and summaries by email, please email the WSCAC office at NEXT WSCAC MEETING WILL BE ON JUNE 28TH AT THE BLUE MEADOW CONFERENCE CENTER, QUABBIN RESERVOIR.
MWRA System Expansion Panel with MWRA staff Pam Heidell and Steve Estes- Smargiassi, Joe Favaloro, Director of the MWRA Advisory Board, and Michele Drury from the Office of Water Resources will be talking about the process and policies for admission of a new community to the MWRA water system. Long pants and bug repellent are optional but helpful in the woods.Īpproval of February, March and April Meeting Summaries
Some forestry sites are close to the road and several require some walking. Please be prompt and wear sturdy walking shoes. We will get back in the vans and drive to the Prescott peninsula for the second half of the tour. Lunch will be provided at the New Salem General Store. We will meet at 10:00 am in the Blue Meadow conference room and then drive up to New Salem for the first portion of the forestry tour.