There was a procedural question over how The Cove in Marion Trust might apply for a Notice of Intent with the Marion Conservation Commission for a project on Town-owned land, with the property overseen by the Conservation Commission itself.
This presented a hurdle for a proposed turtle habitat, or turtle garden, to be created in an open space wetlands parcel near Jenney Lane and westerly by Hammett’s Cove. On March 11, ConCom Chairman Norman Hills, unclear as to how to proceed, liked the idea of having one ConCom member sign the application along with the 43 other abutters and interested parties that make up the trust. That ConCom member would then recuse him or herself from the vote.
Town counsel told the commission that there had never been a precedent one way or the other regarding a procedure for an application under these circumstances, and the commission decided to go with Hills’ preference.
The plan, although not yet officially filed as a NOI, is to create a habitat area for Diamondback Terrapin and Eastern Box turtles. An area approximately 42 feet by 48 feet would be excavated and then refilled with 8 inches of clean, course sand.
Upon completion, a post and rope barrier would be erected and the surrounding open meadow would be subject to controlled mowing, with no mowing between June 1 and July 15, the typical nesting period.
Also during the meeting, the commission continued the Town of Marion’s NOI for the reconstruction of a 337-foot long, 4-foot high stonewall at Sprague’s Cove until April 8. The project is still awaiting a response from the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program.
The next scheduled meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission is March 25 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Town House.
By Jean Perry
