| July: No Meeting | August: Picnic Meeting | September |
| October | November | December |
Attending were Brian Yates, Robin Dexter, Evan Westrate, Bill Tedoldi, Vaunita Schnell, Bob Burke, and Nina Koch
Brian opened the meeting by wishing all a Happy New Year and then opening all the return mail from our yearly mailing. There were more than 30 responses and checks. Few of those who responded volunteered to pursue a specific interest.
Brian gave the financial report. We have $11,633.26 in the bank.
Brian reviewed the status of the Eliot street closing, still scheduled for July 1-December 31, 2016. There are still issues of design and adherence to historical probity. The design comes before the Newton Upper Falls Historic District Commission at 7:30 on January 14, 2016. Brian urges everyone who can to attend.
Brian announced that the Commonwealth has appropriated $250,000 to repairt the Echo Bridge Railings. The estimated cost is $850,000. We could not come up with a solution to the shortfal, but agreed that no repair at this time would be better than a plastic one. The difficulty of saving the old heavily rust-damaged railings was emphasized.
Bob Burke reviewed the issue of hemlock health following the special meeting held with Jason Lupien last November. (See our home page to read about it.). A tentative plan is to have Lupien Arborists provide the labor at no cost as a volunteer project on Arbor Day, April 29, 2016. The Friends would be asked to supply the insecticide that would kill both the adelgids and the hemlock scale. The need to obtain DCR approval was emphasized. The Friends in attandance agreed that an expense of perhaps $1,000 would be appropriate. The target trees are those in 'Hemlock Grove' by the Stone Building and a few specimen trees. Lupien will also fell some dead trees that pose a risk of falling on and blocking trails. We reviewed the need to see how well it works before committing to annual treatments, which would be needed to save the trees long term. Brian asked if there was a way to make young, apparently healthy trees to thrive. No one was sure how healthy they are or how to enhance their pest resistance.
Evan and Karen Osborn have been in contact with Lisa Barstow of the DCR, continuing their effort to have new fencing installed at the Stone Building. They are planning to have an on site meeting with a DCR vetted contractor. The goal remains a 1:2 private:public funding partnership with a target budget of $20,000.
We decided to wait on setting a date for the spring cleanup.
We congratualted Evan and Bob on their efforts on behalf of the park and Brian on his return to excellent health.
Adjournment was at 8:33:42
Respectfully Submitted,
John Mordes, Interim Secretary
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Present were Brian Yates, Site Supervisor Ericia Aubin, John Mordes, Harry Saunders, Evan Westrate, Robin Dexter, Lee Fisher, Jean Fisher, and Bob Burke
Brian reviewed the final site plans for the Eliot Street Bridge reconstruction to start July 1. There were no serious objections.
Brian announced that the Echo Bridge temporary railing reconstruction is up in the air. Authentic railing replacement is prohibitively costly and would not meet contemporary safety standards. At least one Historical Commission has disapproved a recent proposal.
The Friends have $12,018 in the bank, with plans to invest in the new stone building railings and possibly insecticidal treatment of a few hemlocks to preserve them.
Evan Westrate updated us on the fence. He has spearheaded the effort and will be meeing next week with Eriсa, Lisa, and Alex (an engineer) from the DCR. The plan for a public private partnership is still on track
Spring cleanup was set for Saturday, April 30, the same day as Arbor Day and Earth Day.
Bob Burke updated us on the possible volunteer effort by local arborists to treat some of the hemlocks in the gorge with insecticide to preserve them. He asks everyone interested to meet at the Needham end of Echo Bridge on Saturday February 6 at 9:30 a.m. Erica and Lee emphasized that any plan has to be carefully thought through as it could be a waste of money, though Bob is hopeful that the local commercial arborists might be very generous in this volunteer effort. It was agreed that only trunk injections and not sprays or soil tratments would be permissible for Hemlock Gorge. In any event, DCR and Historical Commission permissions will be required.
We applauded Evan and Bob for their efforts on behalf of all of us.
We adjourned at around 8:30
Respectfully Submitted,
John Mordes, Interim Secretary
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The secretary was away. No one took minutes..
Respectfully Submitted,
John Mordes, Secretary in Absentia
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Present were Vaunita Schnell, Brian Yates, John Mordes, Robin Dexter, Evan Westrate, .Bob Burke and Jason Lupien
The main order of business was the proposal initiated by Bob Burke and Jason Lupien to treat some or all of the hemlocks in the reservation to kill both the adelgids and the elongated hemlock scale that is afflicting the trees. As noted at previous meetings, Jason has proposed an Arbor Day volunteer program in which his firm, Lupine Landscaping, Inc. would treat the trees at no cost if the Friends could pay for the 'Transect' (Dinotefuran) insecticide. The trees would be treated by systemic injection, subject to approval by the DCR. The cost for materials would be no more than $6,138, and unused material would be refunded. The treatment would probably be effective up to two years, at which time re-application could be considered if the first was successful. In addition Jason would fell any trees beyond saving and work to clear the trails of obstructing fallen trees. Jason will also try to enlist other local arborists to participate in the program. Those present agreed to the trial, and Brian will pursue the plan and continue to negotiate with Jason and the DCR. If everything works out, the park will be closed on Arbor Day, Friday April 29 for reasons of safety as insecticide application and tree pruning proceed.
The second major issues was the announcement by Evan that he and Karen Shanely have met with the DCR contractor and obtained a firm quotation for new fencing at the Stone Building. Fencing identical to that installed by the MWRA at the route 9 highway exit by the spillway would be too expensive, but pictures of the proposed fencing, which meets code, was though acceptable by everyone. The cost would be about $22,000 inclusive of installation, and in a 1:2 public partnership the Friends' share would be about $7,300.
Brian announced that we have $12,518 in the back, leaving us about $1,000 short of funding both projects. Everyone involved agreed to try to proceed with an effort to close the funding gap with pleas for minor reductions in pricing and an appeal for special donations.
The cleanup date was finalized as Saturday April 30.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
John Mordes, Secretary of Sorts
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Present were Brian Yates, Site Supervisor Erica Aubin, DCR manager Marti Rudi, Vaunita Schnell and John Mordes
JM opened the meetin with a discussion of his discoveries regarding the deteriorated state of the roof of the stone building. A sample of a deteriorated shingle that had blown off was circulated. Marti Ruci of the DCR volunteered that the DCR may have some shingles suitable for use on the roof and will report back to Erica and the Friends.
It was announced that Ken Gooch, arborist at the DCR will be treating the Hemlocks in the Reservation. Through the efforts of Bob Burke, a plan had been made to treat the hemlock trees in the Reservation with an insecticide on Arbor Day, April 29. Jason Lupien of Lupient Tree Service was organizing the program to prvovide the labor at no cost, if the Friends could purchase the insecticide. See the minutes of our April meeting (see above). Unexpectedly, the DCR announced that they had decided to undertake the treatment at no cost to the Friends. Ken Gooch of DCR and two USDA staff will in fact treat the trees on May 23. Accordingly nothing happened on Arbor Day.
We reviewed the Friends Spring Cleaning--Charles River Cleanup, Saturday April 30. Modest turnout but very successful
Erica announced that the DCR has softened its views on replanting hemlocks and may try replanting the native Eastern variety.
The closure of the Eliot Street bridge for repairs was discussed further, but no action was taken.
It was pointed out that there are dead trees in the property along the Route 9 exit ramp. JPM reported that Mark from the DCR, who assisted in the cleanup, will mark them for removal.
The meeting was adjourned by acclaim at 8:31.
Respectfully Submitted,
John Mordes, Permanent Interim Secretary
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Present were four representative from the DCR: Erica Aubin (Hemlock Gorge Site Supervisor, Lisa Barstow (DCR Director of Community Relations), Ken Gooch (DRR Forest Health Program Director) and Marti Rudi (DCR Boston Regional District Manager); also present were Friends' President Brian Yates, Bob Burke, Jean Fisher, Evan Westrate, Bob Ellertsen, Robin Dexter, and John Mordes
Before the formal start of the meeting, we had some discussion about invasives and our response to them.
Each of the DCR representatives was introduced.
Marti shared with us his scope of responsibilities as District Manager.
Ken Gooch then gave a highly informative presentation about what had started as our Arbor Day Project. It was he who treated a large number of hemlocks on May 9. He was able to do so at no cost to the Friends becuase received a $15,000 grant from the U.S. Forest Service and assistance from a representative of the.USDA, Phil Lewis, who assisted with the design of hte treatment pland and calibration of the injection procedure. This consisted of drilling into the roots of the trees and injecting them with Imidacloprid. Hemlock Gorge was the fistt property to be treated in this way by the DCR. Imidacloprid is a systemic insecticide which acts as an insect neurotoxin and belongs to a class of chemicals called the neonicotinoids which act on the central nervous system of insects, with much lower toxicity to mammals (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imidacloprid ). This is different from the the 'Transect' (Dinotefuran) insecticide that Jason Lupien had proposed to use. Ken told us that that the elongated hemlock scale is now more aof a problem for the tress than the adelgid. This may be due to the cold winter killing some adlegids giving the scale the opportunity to outcompete the adelgids, though there are still some adelgids in the reservation. Imidacloprid is effective against both adelgids and scale, but less effective against the scale. To address this Ken will be returning to the reservation use a different spraying procedure to apply dinotefuran to tree trunks. Ken used GPS to record the location of at least some of the treated trees. The Forest service grant is for two years. The nsecticide was donated thfough Rich Coles of the USDA who took over from Mark McClure who conducted some of the earliest scientifici investigations of the adelgid. Now that the DCR has the equipment needed to treat the hemlocks, and because the cost of the insecticides is low, the limiting factor for long term control will be labor and the DCR budget.
Ken also shared that unhappy news that there are other hemlock pests in Massachusetts. The Hemlock Borer goes after weakened tree. The Hemlock Looper is an inchworm that eats leaves. Neither is a major factor in Hemlock Gorge. He also told us that the ladybugs that we applied years ago to control the adelgid probably failed due to their inability to to adapt to the cold New England weather.. He also told us that the Asian Longhorn Beetle has still not reached eastern Massachusetts. It has the highest priority for pest control in Massachusetts; the state has spent $112 million on controlling it far.Finally he also told us that there is a growing problem with pine tree pests.
Erica asked about replacement tree species. Prospects for them would be good if the control program could be continued long term Ken mentioned that young hemlocks need full sun to thrive. Erica suggested that once dead trees are removed, there might be spaces for replanting.
With respect to shingles for the Stone Building, Erica has talked to contractors about re-roofing. Initial opinions suggested that the shinges to be historically correct might have to be hand hewn. This generated a proposal with an absurd cost in the tens of thousands of dollars. Marti is going to do shingles inventory and try to assist us in getting the project moving. .
The eyebrow windows on the stone building, which at this time have neither glass nor screens, has referred by Erica to DCR maintenance
Lisa Barstow then updated us on the Stone building fence project, on which she has been working diligently with Evan. The good news is that the paperwork for a public (DCR)-private (FHG) collaboration is in.The plans look good and close to final. Initial reviews with the DCR Commissioner havs passed muster. However, there were 39 applications like ours. Fortunately,.Lisa is championing our project. Still, we were informed that this year the budget for DCR is down 30%. Commissioner Roy may want to hold back some of the budgeted $1.5 million in partership matching funds. Final decisions will be made some time after July 8.
Evan asked about the new forest land created by movement of Rte 128 exit. It's not clear who will "own" it, the DCR or the highway department. Our DCR representatives are going to look into it.
Everyone was reminded to write to Jerry Riley in regard to Feast of the Falls tickets.
Finally, Bob Burke suggested that we provide modest funding for a certificate or plaque of appreciation for Jason Lupien for having taking the initiave for the Arbor Day project that led to everything described above. This was met with enthusiastic and unanimous approve.
The meeting adjourned at about 8:45.
Respectfully Submitted,
John Mordes, Interim Secretary
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This meeting was canceled.
Respectfully Submitted,
Bonnie Pearson, Secretary
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To be continued.
Respectfully Submitted,
John Mordes, Secretary pro tempore
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Present were Bob Ellertson, Brian Yates, Erica Aubin, Evan Westrate, Robin Dexter, and John Mordes
Bob opened a discussion of strategies for controlling brush along Quinobequin road near Rte. 9.
It was noted that several trees on the reservation have been cut down. Still more need attention. Some will be removed but others will be left to decay.
Brian inquired if further tree insecticide injections were planned. Erica had no new information but is certainb the Ken Gooch will follow up.
Erica pointed out that DCR has concern about volunteers at the cleanup using chainsaws. This is not condoned or permitted. She also informed us that former Site Supervisor and then DCR manager Kevin Hollenbeck has a new assignment. We will have to meet the new people who have taken his place. She also said that despite budgetary issues, the public-private partnership program is still active.
Repairs to the stone building roof have no date for completion. Brian wondered if the USGS tenant in the building might be persuaded to help out.
The railings restoration project is progressing. Brian will be applying for Newton Conservation Commision support and Community Preservation Act fundin.
Brian will confer with Karen Osborn about the December meeting.
The meeting adjourned somewhat before midnight.
Respectfully Submitted,
Bonnie Pearson, Secretary
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Present were Jean and Lee Fissher; Bob Burke; Robin Dexter. Sheila Purdy, John Mordes, Brian Yates, Karen Osborne (our host for the meeting, Paul Roberts, Evan Westrate; Vaunita Schnell; Charlie Fisher and Betsy Noatt
The Meeting began with everyone turning to and getting the year-end mailing organize.
Evan Westrate then announced that the DCR has approved our public-private partnership proposal to replace the fencing by the Stone Building. The Friends will contribute $7,000 and the state $14,000 to the project. We all congratulated Evan on his tenacious work on behalf of all of us in bringing the project to a successful conclusion. Further details will be forthcoming in the new year.
Lee Fisher then gave us an update on his work organizing the Echo Bridge Railings project. It is a major undertaking estimated to cost around $1.4 million. The existing pipe work will be replaced with color-matching galvanized steel. The Posts and Rosettes will be cast iron treated to resist corrosion. Finally a safety panel will be added to the original configuration to meet contemporary safety regulations.
The sources of funding will be diverse. The bridge is 2/3 in Newton and 1/3 in Needham, and the respective communities will be asked to contribute perhaps $500,000 and $250,000 from Community Preservation Funds. The Commonwealth has already allocated $250,000, as we have reported previosuly. The MWRA, which will be overseeing the construction will contribute perhaps $240,000 in the form of time allocated by its staff to the project. In addition, however, to make the project a success private donations will have to be solicited. Ideas for recognizing contributors include names on the BWW rosettes and park benches to be positioned at either end of the bridge (modeled after the Greenway in Boston over the Big Dig).
Lee also will work to get Trip Adviser and other travel sites to make Hemlock Gorge/Echo Bridge a recommended "Destination" for travelers. Lee is also working to get an EchoBridge.org or EchoBridgeRailings.org website up.
Dr. John also reported that our website is being migrated from Front Page to MS Dimesion Web 4 by our ISP for reasons of site security.
We adjourned with thanks again to Karen for the refreshments and holiday cheer at about 9:45.
Bonnie Pearson, Secretary
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