For Immediate Release Contact: Tracy Lawrence
January 31, 2007 617-626-4995
STATE TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETING TO PRESENT FINAL
CHESTNUT HILL RESERVATION RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN
In partnership with the Executive Office of Environmental
Affairs (EOEA), the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today
announced it will hold a public meeting to present the final Chestnut Hill
Reservation Resource Management Plan (RMP). The meeting will be held Tuesday, February 13,
2007 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., in the Murray Conference Room at Boston College’s Yawkey Center, Campanella Way, in
Newton. DCR will present an overview of
the final RMP and details on Phase I of the RMP’s
implementation. Light refreshments will
be provided.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with the community
in the implementation of important improvements to the Reservation,” said
Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles.
“The RMP’s completion would not have been
possible without the support of the community and our private partners, and we
look forward to working with these same community members and partners to
implement the plan.”
“The final Chestnut Hill RMP reflects DCR’s careful consideration of the extensive public comment received on the draft plan last year and close coordination with the RMP Working Group,” said DCR Acting Commissioner Priscilla Geigis. “I’m pleased with the result, and very grateful for the public’s engagement on this issue.”
The Chestnut Hill Reservation RMP was revised after the public comment period to reflect concerns raised by numerous community members on two specific issues: the removal of some of the parking on Chestnut Hill Driveway and the use of Reservation lands by the Reservoir Community Gardens. After reviewing various options, DCR determined that the parking along the Driveway should be maintained whenever possible, provided there is flexibility for making changes that balance access, safety, recreation and parking needs. The final RMP also calls for negotiating a formal agreement with the Community Gardens.
The public meeting will also include an overview of Phase I
projects that will be implemented this year through funding from the EOEA
Office of Public Private Partnerships and community benefits funds from the
Waterworks Park development. These projects
include removal of the 1929 fencing along Beacon Street, rehabilitation of
pathways throughout the Reservation, vegetation management, and stonewall
repair. Details on the scope and
schedule for these projects, including opportunities for public participation,
will be outlined at the public meeting.
DCR will also present a Vegetation Management Plan (VMP), which was
developed by DCR’s consultant in parallel with the finalization of the RMP.
DCR also acknowledged the members of the Chestnut Hill Reservation RMP Working Group, comprised of representatives from various residential organizations, civic groups and local and state governments, for their participation in the planning process. Funding for the RMP was provided by the EOEA Office of Public Private Partnerships, with contributions from Boston College and Waterworks Development, LLC. The Chestnut Hill Reservation RMP was the first RMP developed by DCR with involvement from private partners.
Directions to the meeting and the final Chestnut Hill Reservation Resource Management Plan are available from the DCR RMP Program website at http://www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/rmp/rmp-chHill.htm. The RMP was adopted by the DCR Stewardship Council in November 2006.
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