Warren Conservation Committee

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 23^rd 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 22^nd 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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