Warren Conservation Commission Committee

Members:  Wendy Brennen, April Dembeck, Jane Harrison (Corresponding Secretary), Jeanne Leffers (Vice-President), Lester -Butch- Lombardi (President), Keith Morton, and David Weed (Recording Secretary)
 

 
 

2022 ANNUAL REPORT of ACTIVITIES

Beautification

  • Assisted by Warren’s DPW, organized the 30th annual Town-wide Earth Day clean up. Volunteers collected 1100 nip bottles from Warren’s roadsides
  • Improved the Heritage Park East Conservation Area by clearing trails, building two bridges to cross streams, and laying 224 linear feet of boardwalk to span wet areas

Education

  • Sponsored a public informational Tree Walk at the Audubon Refuge with forester Doug Still
  • Coordinated with the Town Planner to receive updates on projects with environmental impact
  • Expanded photos and content on the Warren Conservation Commission website: www.warrenconservation.org

Advocacy

  • Supported State environmental legislation and enforcement of Warren’s environmental ordinances
  • Coordinated with WLCT on conservation goals for Warren
  • Provided 2 advisory opinions to the Town.
  • Maintained informational signs at Conservation Areas

Protection

  • Fledged 7 osprey from the Conservation Commission’s four nesting structures
  • Documented Bald Eagle presence in Warren
  • Monitored easements and rights of way to assure public access to Conservation Land and prevent misuse of public property
  • Continued compiling Public Property Monitoring Reports to document conditions on Conservation Land
  • Inspected areas of citizens’ complaints and referred them to state agencies

2021 ANNUAL REPORT of ACTIVITIES

Beautification

  • Assisted by DPW, organized the 29th annual Town-wide Earth Day clean up using all Covid precautions
  • Planned wooden walkways for the trail system at Heritage Park East Conservation Area

Education

  • Installed a sign marking the Conservation Area off Birch Swamp Road
  • Coordinated with the Town Planner to receive updates on projects with
    environmental impact
  • Expanded photos and content on the Warren Conservation Commission website: www.warrenconservation.org

Advocacy

  • Supported grant funding for removal of the Kickemuit River Dam
  • Advocated for Bike Path bridge replacement over the Warren and Barrington Rivers
  • Reviewed two development proposals
  • Maintained informational signs at Conservation Areas

Protection

  • Fledged 5 osprey from the Conservation Commission’s 4 nesting structures
  • Installed 2 woodpecker nests
  • Monitored easements and rights of way to assure public access to Conservation Land and prevent misuse of public property
  • Continued compiling Public Property Monitoring Reports to document conditions on Conservation Land
  • Inspected areas of citizens’ complaints and referred them to state agencies

2020 ANNUAL REPORT of ACTIVITIES

Beautification

  • Organized the 28th annual Town-wide Earth Day clean up as a series of mini family cleanups

  • Supervised an Eagle Scout Project to open a trail system at Heritage Park East Conservation Area, bridging wet areas

  • Worked with the Conservation Commission intern, the DPW, and Boy Scouts to clean up the Brown
    Street Conservation area and to install a sign mapping pathways through the area

  • Recruited volunteers to maintain plantings at Metacom Avenue and the Baker Street Scenic Waterfront Overlook

Education

  • Supported the Conservation Commission intern who produced a 15 minute, two-part video for 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students about Ospreys and people’s role in protecting the birds.

  • Staffed a Conservation Commission table for three Sundays at the Warren Walkabout, distributing Open Space brochures and running a contest to rename the Brown Street conservation area as Belcher Cove Pathway

  • Instituted reading of a Land Acknowledgement Statement at the opening of Conservation Commission meetings

  • Expanded photos and content on the Warren Conservation Commission website: www.warrenconservation.org

Advocacy

  • Commented on the East Bay Bike Path Extension Study and the proposed Tree Ordinance revisions

  • Participated in the Kickemuit River Dam Study Group

  • Advocated for a plastic straw program

  • Reviewed three development proposals

  • Maintained informational signs at Conservation Areas

Protection

  • Installed a barn owl house and a screech owl house

  • Monitored easements and rights of way to assure public access to Conservation Land and prevent misuse of public property

  • Continued compiling Public Property Monitoring Reports to document conditions on Conservation Land

  • Inspected areas of citizens’ complaints and referred them to State agencies

2019 ANNUAL REPORT of ACTIVITIES

Beautification

  • Organized the 27th annual Town-wide Earth Day clean up, assisted by the Public Works and Fire Departments and many individuals, organizations and businesses. 

  • Obtained donated t-shirts and refreshments

  • Worked with DPW to install a blue stone bench at the Hugh Cole Well

  • Supervised an Eagle Scout Project to create a trail system at Heritage Park East

  • Recruited volunteers to maintain plantings at Metacom Avenue, and the Baker Street Scenic Waterfront Overlook

  • Initiated a wildflower planting site on Market Street coordinating with the Tree Commission and DPW

Education

  • Cooperated with Providence College students to survey Heritage Park West and Brown Street conservation areas, to conduct camera trappings of area wildlife, and to blaze 2 trails from the Bike Path to Belcher Cove.

  • Presented a public education program with a speaker on pollinators

  • Installed “Drains to the River” sidewalk stickers to educate residents about run-off

  • Expanded photos and content on the Warren Conservation Commission website: www.warrenconservation.org

Advocacy

  • Supported Warren’s Resilient Rhody: Municipal Resilience Program and Shared Use Path Bridge applications

  • Reviewed Conservation sections of Warren’s draft Comprehensive Plan

  • Participated in the Kickemuit River Dam Study Group

  • Commented on one DEM Wetlands and two CRMC applications

  • Maintained informational signs at Conservation Areas

Protection

  • Installed a composite Osprey nesting platform, Warren’s 4th Osprey pole

  • Monitored easements and rights of way to assure public access to Conservation Land and prevent misuse of public property

  • Continued compiling Public Property Monitoring Reports to document conditions on Conservation Land

  • Inspected areas of citizens’ complaints and referred them to State agencies

2018 ANNUAL REPORT of ACTIVITIES

Beautification

  • Organized the 26th annual Town-wide Earth Day clean up, assisted by the Public Works and Fire Departments and many individuals, organizations and businesses. 

  • Obtained donated t-shirts and refreshments

  • Worked with Boy Scout Troop 25 to clean the Brown Street Conservation area

  • Supervised an Eagle Scout Project to install a bench and clear pathways at the Fatima Avenue Park

  • Recruited volunteers to maintain the plantings at 2 adopt-a-spots: Metacom Avenue, and Kyalin Avenue

Education

  • Cooperated with Providence College students on research projects in the Brown Street Conservation Area and Heritage Park East and West

  • Advised boy scouts on proposed Eagle Scout projects

  • Expanded photos and content on the Warren Conservation Commission website: www.warrenconservation.org

Advocacy

  • Supported passage of Warren’s Plastic Bag Ordinance

  • Participated in the Land and Water Conservation Summit, the Kickemuit River Dam Study Group, and the Climate Change Workshop

  • Reviewed and commented on two CRMC applications

  • Maintained informational signs at Conservation Areas

Protection

  • Tracked Osprey population at 3 Conservation Commission platforms, observed a new nest at Brown Street with 2 fledglings

  • Monitored easements and rights of way to assure public access to Conservation Land and prevent misuse of public property

  • Initiated Public Property Monitoring Reports to document conditions on Conservation Land

  • Inspected areas of citizens’ complaints and referred them to State agencies

 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT of ACTIVITIES

Beautification

  • Organized the 25th annual Town-wide Earth Day clean up, assisted by the Public Works and Fire Departments and many individuals, organizations and  businesses                

  • Obtained donated t-shirts and refreshments

  • Worked with Boy Scout Troop 25 to clean the Brown Street Conservation area

  • Recruited volunteers to maintain the plantings at 3 adopt-a-spots: Metacom Avenue, Baker Street Scenic Waterfront Overlook and Kyalin Avenue

Education

  • Installed informational signs at Conservation Areas

  • Coordinated with the Warren Land Conservation Trust to install and monitor a Purple Martin nesting array

  • Advised boy scouts on proposed Eagle Scout projects

  • Expanded photos and content on the Warren Conservation Commission website:  www.warrenconservation.org

Advocacy

  • Provided advisory opinions to the Planning Board on proposed projects with potential environmental impact

  • Spearheaded efforts to prioritize construction of the Kickemuit River Bike Path Bridge

  • Reviewed and commented on three Coastal Resources Management Council applications

Protection

  • Inspected areas of citizens’ complaints and referred them to appropriate State agencies

  • Monitored easements and rights of way to assure public access to conservation land and prevent misuse of public property

 

2016 ANNUAL REPORT of ACTIVITIES

Beautification

  • Organized the 24th annual Town-wide Earth Day clean up, assisted by the Public Works and Fire Departments and many individuals, organizations and businesses

  • Obtained donated t-shirts and refreshments

  • Worked with Boy Scout Troop 25 to clean the Hugh Cole Well and Brito areas

  • Monitored placement of a blue stone bench at the Hugh Cole Well

  • Maintained plantings on Metacom Avenue, at the Baker Street Scenic Waterfront

  • Overlook and on the East Bay Bike Path just north of Market Street

Education

  • Mentored Providence College students doing an Osprey habitat evaluation, an update of the 1988 wetland report, and a wildlife presence survey using trap cameras

  • Attended Warren Land Conservation Trust meetings

  • Researched sites to locate owl nests and bat boxes

  • Expanded photos and content on the Warren Conservation Commission website:  www.warrenconservation.org

  • Participated in the State Land and Water Conservation Summit

Advocacy

  • Provided advisory opinions to the Planning Board on proposed projects with potential environmental impact

  • Spearheaded efforts to prioritize construction of the Kickemuit River Bridge replacement for the Bike Path

  • Reviewed or commented on Coastal Resources Management Council applications

Protection

  • Inspected areas of citizens’ complaints and referred them to appropriate State agencies

  • Monitored easements and rights of way to assure public access to conservation land and prevent misuse of public property

 

2015 ANNUAL REPORT of ACTIVITIES

Beautification

  • Organized the 23rd annual Town-wide Earth Day clean up, assisted by the Highway and Fire Departments and many individuals, organizations and  businesses                

  • Obtained donated t-shirts and refreshments

  • Provided a RI  Red Maple for the Tree Commission’s Arbor Day celebration

  • Monitored placement of a bike rack at Sepe Pavilion and a bench at the Hugh Cole Well

  • Maintained plantings on Metacom Avenue, at the Baker Street Scenic Waterfront Overlook and on the East Bay Bike Path just north of Market Street

Education

  • Attended ERICD workshop on pollinator habitats

  • Attended WLCT meetings

  • Researched sites to locate owl nests and bat boxes

  • Expanded photos and content on the Warren Conservation Commission website:  www.warrenconservation.org

Advocacy

  • Provided advisory opinions to both the Town Council and Planning Board on proposed projects with potential environmental impact

  • Spearheaded efforts to prioritize construction of the Broken Bridge replacement for the Bike Path

  • Supported the National Grid Path

  • Reviewed or commented on Coastal Resources Management Council applications

Protection

  • Supported repair of the leaking sewer line on the Kickemuit River

  • Inspected areas of citizens’ complaints and referred them to appropriate State agencies

  • Monitored easements and rights of way to assure public access to conservation land and prevent misuse of public property

 

2014 ANNUAL REPORT of ACTIVITIES

Beautification

  • Organized the 22nd annual Town-wide Earth Day clean up, assisted by the  Highway and Fire Departments and many individuals, organizations and  businesses                

  • Obtained donated t-shirts and refreshments

  • Provided a bike rack for the Pete Sepe Pavilion and adjacent Bike Path

  • Maintained plantings on Metacom Avenue, at the Baker Street Scenic Waterfront Overlook and on the East Bay Bike Path just north of Market Street

Education

  • Hosted a nature walk and talk with Scott Turner at the Audubon Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge

  • Completed storm-drain labeling project on Market Street with “Drains to the River” stickers

  • Expanded photos and content on the Warren Conservation Commission website: www.warrenconservation.org

Advocacy

  • Reviewed or commented on three Coastal Resources Management Council applications

  • Provided advisory opinions on proposed projects with potential environmental impact

  • Supported the Broken Bridge Bike Path extension and the National Grid Path

  • Supported open space bond

Protection

  • Inspected areas of citizens’ complaints and referred them to appropriate State  agencies

  • Monitored easements and rights of way to assure public access to conservation land and prevent misuse of public property

 

  2013 ANNUAL REPORT of ACTIVITIES

Beautification

  • Organized the 21st annual -- and most successful -- Town-wide Earth Day clean up, assisted by the Highway and Fire Departments and many individuals, organizations and businesses

  • Obtained donated t-shirts and refreshments

  • Maintained plantings on Metacom Avenue, at the Baker Street Scenic Waterfront Overlook and on the East Bay Bike Path just north of Market Street

Education

  • Completed storm-drain labeling project on Child Street with “Drains to the River” stickers

  • Continue to repair and return vandalized informational plaque at the Hugh Cole Well

  • Expanded photos and content on the Warren Conservation Commission website: www.warrenconservation.org

Habitat Restoration

  • Researched Diamondback terrapin population on the Palmer River in Warren, including enhancing a Warren nesting area.

Advocacy

  • Reviewed or commented on six Coastal Resources Management Council

  • applications

  • Provided advisory opinions on proposed ordinances to the Town Council and the Planning Board,

  • Supported the Broken Bridge Bike Path extension and the National Grid Path

  • Supported open space bond

Protection

  • Inspected areas of citizens’ complaints and referred them to appropriate State agencies

  • Monitored easements and rights of way to assure public access to conservation land and prevent misuse of public property

  •  

2012 ANNUAL REPORT of ACTIVITIES

Beautification

  • Helped the Town Planner and neighbors to complete development of the Company Street Scenic Waterfront Overlook

  • Organized the 208h annual -- and most successful -- Town-wide Earth Day clean up, assisted by the Highway and Fire Departments and many individuals, organizations and businesses

  • Obtained donated t-shirts and refreshments

  • Enhanced recycling efforts for this event

  • Provided plantings for the Route 114 entrance to Town; maintained plantings on Metacom Avenue, at the Baker Street Scenic Waterfront Overlook and on the East Bay Bike Path just north of Market Street

Education

  • Continued storm-drain labeling project with “Drains to the River” stickers

  • Expanded photos and content on the Warren Conservation Commission website: www.warrenconservation.org

Habitat Restoration

  • Completed installation of the 4th osprey platform in Warren

  • Because of continuous vandalism, put plans to enhance the Fatima Drive Park on hold

Advocacy

  • Commented on Coastal Resources Management Council dock applications

  • Provided advisory opinions on proposed developments and proposed ordinances to the Town Council and the Planning Board

  • Supported open space bond

Protection

  • Monitored illegal brush cutting and tree felling along the bike path

  • Inspected areas of citizens’ complaints and referred them to appropriate State agencies

  • Monitored easements and rights of way to assure public access to conservation land and prevent misuse of public property

  • Advocated for protection of existing and establishment of new public rights of way to the water 

  • Supported open space bond

Compliance

  • Monitored illegal brush cutting and tree felling along the bike path

  • Inspected areas of citizens’ complaints and referred them to appropriate State agencies

  • Monitored easements and rights of way to assure public access to conservation land and prevent misuse of public property

Outreach

  • Met with Walter Burke, Bristol’s Recreation Director, to discuss Bristol’s rights of way to the water marking program

  • For the third year, staffed a Warren Conservation Commission informational booth at the Quahog Festival

  • Attended Touisset Point energy meetings

 

2011 ANNUAL REPORT of ACTIVITIES

Beautification

  • Helped the Town Planner and neighbors obtain a $,3000 grant to develop the Company Street Scenic Waterfront Overlook

  • Organized the 19th annual — and most successful — Town-wide Earth Day clean up, assisted by the Highway and Fire Departments and many individuals, organizations and businesses

  • Obtained donated t-shirts and refreshments

  • Enhanced recycling efforts for this event

  • Provided plantings for the Route 114 entrance to Town; maintained plantings on Metacom Avenue, at the Baker Street Scenic Waterfront Overlook, and on the East Bay Bike Path just north of Market Street

Education

  • Hosted talks on detention/retention ponds by Dr. Janet Baldwin and Chuck Staton

  • Provided an informational briefing to the Town Council on Conservation

  • Commission Projects

  • Continued storm-drain labeling project with “Drains to the River” stickers

  • Expanded photos and content on the Warren Conservation Commission website: www.warrenconservation.org

Habitat Restoration

  • Following plans designed by NRCS, installed a bird bath and bird houses at the Fatima Drive Park. Planted 16 shrubs, all of which died

  • Initiated plans for the 4th osprey platform in Warren

Advocacy

  • Commented on Coastal Resources Management Council dock applications

  • Provided advisory opinions on proposed developments to the Town Council and Planning Board

  • Supported open space bond

Protection

  • Inspected detention and retention ponds

  • Monitored illegal brush cutting and tree felling along the bike path

  • Inspected areas of citizens’ complaints and referred them to appropriate State agencies

  • Monitored easements and rights of way to assure public access to conservation land and prevent misuse of public property

Outreach

  • Attended the FEMA Flood-planning meeting

  • Served on the RWU Comprehensive Plan Advisory Board

  • Commented at the DEM Watershed meeting 
  •  

2010 ANNUAL REPORT of ACTIVITIES

Beautification

  • Facilitated restoration of the historic Hugh Cole Well site with help from the Highway Department and descendants of Hugh Cole

  • Developed plans to create a scenic waterfront overlook at Company Street in cooperation with neighbors

  • Organized the 18th — and most successful — Town-wide Earth Day clean up, assisted by the Highway and Fire Departments and many individuals, organizations and businesses

  • Obtained donated t-shirts and refreshments

  • Enhanced recycling efforts for this event

  • Provided plantings for the Route 114 entrance to Town; maintained plantings on Metacom Avenue, at the Baker Street Scenic Waterfront Overlook, and on the East Bay Bike Path just north of Market Street

Education

  • Sponsored a well-attended program on Wildflower Gardening at the George Hail Library

  • Continued storm-drain labeling project with “Drains to the River” stickers

  • Expanded photos and content on the Warren Conservation Commission website: www.warrenconservation.org

Habitat Restoration

  • Obtained plans from the National Resources Conservation Service to develop the Town-owned lot on Fatima Drive as a suburban wildlife habitat

Advocacy

  • Commented on Coastal Resources Management Council dock applications

  • Provided advisory opinions on proposed developments to the Planning Board

  • Supported open space bond

Compliance

  • Supported ordinance to curb misuse of Town property

  • Initiated on-site evaluation of retention ponds

  • Monitored illegal brush cutting and tree felling along the bike path

  • Inspected areas of citizens’ complaints and referred them to appropriate State agencies

  • Monitored easements and rights of way to assure public access to conservation land and prevent misuse of public property

Outreach

  • For the 6th year, staffed a Warren Conservation Commission Informational Booth at the Quahog Festival

  • Appointed a liaison to the Tree Commissio

 

2009 ANNUAL REPORT of ACTIVITIES

Beautification

  • Organized the 17th — and most successful — Town-wide Earth Day clean up, assisted by the Highway and Fire Departments and many individuals, organizations and businesses

  • Obtained donated t-shirts and refreshments

  • Enhanced recycling efforts for this event

  • Maintained plantings at the intersection of Long Lane and Schoolhouse Road, on Metacom Avenue, and at the Baker Street Scenic Waterfront Overlook

  • Assisted the RI Rhode Runners to adopt a spot on the East Bay Bike Path just north of Market Street

Education

  • Sponsored a well-attended program on Oyster Farming at the George Hail Library

  • Began labeling storm drains with “Drains to the River” stickers

  • Expanded photos and content on the Warren Conservation Commission website: www.warrenconservation.org

Habitat Restoration

  • Continued efforts to develop the Town-owned lot on Fatima Drive as a suburban wildlife habitat

Advocacy

  • Reviewed and commented on Warren’s draft Comprehensive Plan

  • Commented on Coastal Resources Management Council dock applications

  • Provided advisory opinions on proposed developments to the Planning Board

  • Advocated for protection of existing and establishment of new public rights of way to the water in conjunction with the Harbor Commission

  • Supported open space bond

Compliance

  • Monitored illegal brush cutting and tree felling along the bike path

  • Inspected areas of citizens’ complaints and referred them to appropriate State agencies

  • Monitored easements and rights of way to assure public access to conservation land and prevent misuse of public property

Outreach

  • For the 5th year, staffed a Warren Conservation Commission Informational Booth at the Quahog Festival

  • Attended DEM workshop on Conservation Easements and RI Association of

  • Conservation Commissioners meeting

 

 

 
 

 

 

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