Local Wetland Meeting Gets Swamped with Drama: Commissioners Debate the True Value of Mud 🌳🪑
The Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission gathered on October 16, 2024, to dive deep into Batterson Park’s proposed renovations. With discussions about wetland impacts, trail designs, and the park’s future, commissioners weren’t afraid to get their boots dirty—literally and figuratively. Watch the full meeting here 🎥.
What You Missed at the Meeting 📝
The Proposal: Bringing Batterson Park Back to Life
The ambitious renovation plan aims to transform Batterson Park into a year-round community destination. Key features include a new event lawn, birdwatching platforms, an accessible fishing pier, and a multi-use trail connecting various parts of the park, including the southern boat launch.
Presenters from BSC Group provided detailed information on the park’s layout and the stormwater management strategies designed to protect the park’s ecosystem. Paul Drumey, representing the City of Hartford, spoke about the funding secured for the project—$10 million, thanks to new legislation tied to the Passport to Parks program.
“This legislation finally gives us the operational funding we need to move forward,” Drumey said. “It’s been a long time coming, but now we can finally bring this park back to its former glory.”
Here’s a breakdown of the key issues discussed:
1. Wetland 3: A Muddy Situation
Wetland 3 was a hot topic, with commissioners debating whether the planned disturbance was justified. Located near the core development area, the wetland is set to be impacted by about 600 square feet of construction, including parking expansions.
Jesse Harris from BSC Group explained, “We’re looking at roughly 600 square feet of impact in Wetland 3. We’re committed to offsetting that impact through wetland restoration in other areas, including over 17,000 square feet of impervious surface removal.”
Commissioner Mark Simpson expressed concern: “I’m worried that we’re nudging ever closer to that brook. This is a commercial application, and it’s different than a residential one. We need to be cautious, especially given the potential for runoff to affect the water quality.”
2. Vernal Pool? Treat It Like One 🐸
The suspected vernal pool stirred significant discussion, as these unique wetlands are critical breeding habitats for amphibians and are protected under local regulations. Ethan Sneesby, a soil scientist from BSC Group, admitted they hadn’t been able to fully assess the vernal pool due to dry conditions during site visits.
“We think it’s safest to treat it as a high-value vernal pool,” Sneesby said, “and ensure adequate protections are in place.”
Commissioner Andre Simons, who knows the area well, backed this approach. “It’s better to assume that we’re dealing with a vernal pool and give it the necessary protections. I’ve walked that path myself, and it’s a unique spot.”
The Commission plans to evaluate the vernal pool more closely during the site walk, with particular attention to its potential habitat functions.
3. A New Entrance or Trouble? 🚗🛣️
The proposal includes constructing a new park entrance off Batterson Park Road, citing concerns with the existing access point’s narrow lanes and mature oak trees that would be disrupted if expanded.
Rob Newton from BSC Group justified the new entrance, noting, “It’s just not feasible to widen the existing entrance without significant disruption to those mature trees and the adjacent wetland.” He added that a vegetated swale would be added to capture runoff before it reaches the wetlands.
However, some commissioners were not convinced. Commissioner Richard Kelsey questioned, “Why not explore all options with the existing entrance before disturbing another upland review area?”
The upland review area is a buffer zone surrounding wetlands that helps protect against development impacts. In Farmington, activities within 150 feet of wetlands are regulated to ensure water quality and habitat integrity.
4. Trails and the Boardwalk: Paving the Way 🚶♀️🌿
The proposal includes an eight-foot-wide paved multi-use trail, stretching over a mile to connect different parts of the park. While many were enthusiastic about the potential for recreation, there were concerns about long-term maintenance.
Commissioner Kelsey raised the issue of tree roots: “We know from the Rails to Trails experience that tree roots will eventually buckle the pavement. What’s the plan to prevent this from becoming a safety hazard in a few years?”
Newton responded that while they could not completely eliminate this risk, they would implement routine maintenance and design the trail to minimize direct tree impacts. The boardwalk, intended to replace an existing path that floods regularly, would use precast concrete for durability, providing visitors with a closer wetland experience while maintaining hydrological flow.
Jesse Harris highlighted the boardwalk’s low-profile design: “It’ll be just high enough to avoid seasonal flooding but not so high that it disrupts the natural view or feels out of place in the landscape.”
What’s Next?
The Commission plans a site walk on October 27 at 9:00 AM, where they will review the park’s conditions and proposed development areas firsthand. Commissioners will use this opportunity to see Wetland 3, the suspected vernal pool, and the proposed new entrance area.
A public hearing is expected on December 4, 2024, depending on the site walk findings. Given the significant area of disturbance—over 4,000 square feet of wetland impact—it is likely that the project will be classified as a significant activity, necessitating further public input.
Stay updated with Conservation Commission events here.
Community Call to Action 🚨
Farmington residents: This is your park, and we want your voice in the conversation! The Commission needs your feedback, especially regarding the proposed new entrance and wetland preservation strategies. Plan to attend the public hearing on December 4 to share your thoughts on Batterson Park’s future.
Curious about wetland regulations? Check out our coverage on what makes vernal pools so important to local ecosystems.
Sponsor Shoutout! 🙌
A huge thank you to Farmington Storage, for supporting The Farmington Mercury! Whether you’re moving, decluttering, or need extra space for your gear, they’ve got secure storage solutions. Located at 155 Scott Swamp Road, give them a call at 860.777.4001.
☕️ Yours Caffeinatedly, Jack Beckett
Senior Writer at The Farmington Mercury, and proud connoisseur of all things coffee and conservation. Whether it’s tracking down the latest on wetland regulation or savoring the perfect espresso, I’m here for it. Have a story tip or want to chat? Reach out on Twix (formerly known as Twitter) or swing by our contact page.
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