Silver Maple Forest

As noted previously, Governor Patrick did not sign House 701. He did commit to conduct the appraisal contemplated by House 701. I am satisfied with this outcome — the bill would have accomplished nothing more. Confirmation of the appraisal commitment has now arrived in the form of the attached letter from Secretary of Environmental Affairs, […]

Rep. Brownsberger, I want to thank you for your efforts in trying to preserve open space in your district, and for trying to prevent construction in a location that is inappropriate for multiple reasons – floodprone and in floodplain, inadequate sewer capacity, not physically near either schools or businesses. However, I think everyone realizes that […]

Hi Will, This is an enormous step in the right direction! Silver Maple Forest should be protected under the National Historic Preservation Act. I’ll be in touch with next steps…

Senator Tolman and Representative Brownsberger announced today the passage of House 701, a bill which would kick start the conversation about state acquisition of the Silver Maple Forest property, also known as the Belmont Uplands.

The Silver Maple Forest should be considered an “ACEC” — an Area of Critical Environmental Concern for flood control. It is rare open space in an urban area, an ecologically valuable site which once gone, cannot be recreated.

While our rare silver maple forest is within hours or days of being permitted for clear cutting as a town or city christmas gift to its citizens, some actions and public visibility is required so that the decision makers in the crime will be able to take responsiblity for it. There is a way out, […]