ATHOL – Brent Landry of Boy Scout Troop 8 told the Conservation Commission Tuesday night that he is “looking to leave my own mark,” by replacing the existing lookout tower in the Bearsden Conservation Area as an Eagle Scout project.
He said he would build a whole new “sturdy and safe” structure the same size and weight as the existing one which is about 20 years old. Bracing, cross pieces and an extra horizontal railing would be added to make the pressure-treated wood structure more secure. Wraparound benches would be placed inside the platform.
Landry said he would like to get the project done soon and have the concrete poured before the ground freezes, and that he will take care of getting the materials. “It’s going to look good,” he said. The Commission approved the project pending approval from the building inspector with a stipulation added by Vice-Chair James Smith that Landry levels out the young growth of trees around the area.
The lookout tower, accessible by foot, is located near Sheep Rock in the northwest corner of the Bearsden Conservation Area and overlooks the Millers River and the railroad, according to Commission member J.R. Greene. “It’s a fairly limited vista,” he said.
Wetlands agent Ward Smith said he received a letter from Mark Wixted, project manager for Bohler Engineering requesting approval to move the wetland barriers 1 ½ feet closer to the wetland area to give more room to do the water and sewer lines at the Templeton Road and Exit 18 convenience store and gas station construction site. Clearing for the water and sewer lines will begin next week. The Commission will conduct a site visit after member Dennis Killay said he wasn’t sure that the project “is exactly what we talked about.”
Following Associate Conservation Land Agent Bill Wheeler’s report in July that about $5 million in MassTrails grants were awarded to dozens of trail projects, including 10 Franklin County towns, the Commission will do more research about what the grant money is for and will invite Town Planner Eric Smith to the next meeting to help explain programs that the town may be eligible for.
A Request for Determination of Applicability approved at the Feb. 26 meeting and submitted by Keith Dodge to build a single family house and a septic system on Petersham Road was continued to next month’s meeting for Dodge to present his plans for the project.
The next Conservation Commission meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 6 p.m. in the Town Hall.