Next Muskrat Marsh  Meeting

March 8^th at 10am.

Bulfinch main building

 

For suggestions, team members should let Ingeborg, Stew or Ellen know of your concerns or additions.

 

 

Update:
*Ingeborg presented a most positive view of our restoration project Feb. 24^th  for the FAR-Lesley Panel discussion in Power Point format.

*Articles in newspapers about the panel and the restoration project. Copies will be available at the meeting.

*Possibility to have restoration project presented to Conservation Commissions for their deeper invovlement. e.g. Cambridge Conservation Commission.

*Ingeborg has received support for the surveys of the gauges

 

 

Suggested Agenda for next meeting:
Using Task List and compilation of materials.

Please bring original packet from first meeting which contains maps and FAR proposal.

 

1)       Lay out each one's data on a large paper form with large poster board PAD and easel.

2)       Known facts and information FIRST

3)       Volunteer tasks revisited

4)       Time Line clearly delineated simultaneously on separate poster board PAD and easel.

5)       Volunteer tasks revisited including observers and compilers of information

6)       COST tasks revisited

7)       Appointing Team to develop Baseline Report

8)       May be first on the agenda.: Parameters of the project must be delineated. Scope of planning.

General area that the project will cover for its focus. This is determined by FAR proposal to the

WRP of the state. .

 

 

 

 

Suggestions added to original Tasks from first meeting

 

1.        Topography in the marsh.  Ingeborg has it.
 
2. Note vibrant marsh area near Acorn Park Rd. Ingeborg . observations
 Ellen will do observations at Acorn Park Drive and throughout the uplands area with the docent training groups. Stew could also do observations, as he lives near the area and has been out there for years.

3. Function of relocated storm drain pipe daylighted into constructed pond at edge of marsh. Ingeborg and others

4. Confirm groundwater perched conditions with clay under layer, discharge or recharge.  See tasks below. (Possibly Marc Macqueen of Nat. Riparian Stream Team- if desired, or other qualified assistance such as City of Cambridge)

5. Is there backwater in the marsh that contributes to stagnation. Needs observation- Perhaps Stew would take this role as will Mormimoto and students if asked??

6. Electronic version 40-60 scale of subsurface and engineering data of a.) Bulfinch, b.) DCR,
c.) Mugar, and d.) O'Neill properties with GIS references.  Ingeborg H. a; Elsie F.  c. All those who have material such as John Walker and Ellen Mass

7. Compile these into a comprehensive base map. FAR has   access to a good webmaster who would make a separate website for this marsh restoration project.  This would be a central place for data base compiling from anyone who was inputting into the project in a productive way. .Also, an expert scanner would be available..

8. Using GPS obtain elevations to fill in gaps in base map.  Tim S.

9. Use flow meters at culverts.  Dave M. with Tim S.

10. Use staff gauge for elevations.  Dave continue what Ingeborg has begun.

11. Record groundwater-surface water relative to rain.  Dave and Ingeborg.

12. Using pizometer, study groundwater close to surface; does it flow.  Dave with Cory B. later in spring.

13.  Obtain groundwater depths with Tremble submeter and GPS.  Dave and Tim.

14. Survey the swampy area and prepare maps of a) depth to groundwater, b) plant communities, c) features, d) soil types and locations of fill, using auger.  b.) Ellen M. and volunteers when plants start emerging, begin before May 1.  d.  Ingeborg and volunteers.

15. Do a floodplain management study. See attached map.

16. Do a soils analysis.- volunteer or NRST

17. Ask Arlington to do a study of their culvert conditions and flow from the Arlington side. Ellen Reed may consider  this.
B. Organizing towards restoratio

GENERAL OVERVIEW
2. Outline the project on a large paper

3. Enumerate steps and schedule in a time line.

a. as soon as snow melts to mid or late summer  -  feasibility study from results of Ingeborg's survey team and Lesley University

b. late summer to October - here is what is needed and feasible

c. to end of  '05, by agency review and public meeting, get consensus

d. 6-8 months following, engineering and cost

e. throughout, fundraising

4. Work on a budget.

5. Determine who is the sponsor, the owner of the project, who will select a project manager. 

FAR appoint a subcommittee to look at options and make recommendation.