NEWS & UPDATES
NEW!! CLICK FOR VIDEO OF Frogs in VERNAL POOL at Robinson!!
notified by Chief Forester Jim DiMaio to halt studies at the park IMMEDIATELY!!
* DCR Stonewalls Studies by the Friends!! Feb. 2007
The friends group, after doing species inventories and studies at Robinson, is
Here is the text of his email (exactly as received) :
"I need to make it very clear, you have no authgorization to conduct work,
data gathering, events, etc. in Robinson SP unless officially authorized.
I have never authorized you or any Friends group to conduct work, data
gathering, events, etc. You need to apply for a special use permit immediately
with your plans for any "work", "data" gathering, events etc. to DCR officially
for our review and approval. This is the process and you, Friends, and all need
to follow the rules. They are the same for everyone including UMass, Harvard
Forest, etc. In the meantime, you need to cease until there your request for
special use is reviewed. This is routine, please consult with Bob Leverett
who has a number of Specieal Use-MOUs with DCR to conduct work on DCR lands.
[name witheld] should be able to assist you in getting you the form(s) for
you to complete that includes your requests. Please submit them to DCR and
Attn: Jim DiMaio ASAP, so I can officially review your request. I hope
you understand the situation and comply fully."
NEWS!!! As of April 15, after applying on 1/6, STILL NO PERMIT!!!
At a meeting with DCR in March, we were informed "A permit should be no problem".
THREE vernal pools have been CERTFIED, with four more that are qualified outside the proposed harvest area.
NEWS!! 6/09/2007 Permit in hand for the bio blitz. We had been assured
that it was in process by EOEEA. Thanks to everyone for getting this accomplished.
Presentation done at Stewardship Council Meeting on 6/7.
A powerpoint presentation was done before the Stewardship Council, showing some
of the issues with the proposed harvest. It refers to some of the documents
on this site. This presentation was done in response to a report filed by the Chief
Forester, glossing over the harvest, and misrepresenting what is happening
at Robinson. This was refuted to the council this time in person, with picures
and documents.The chief forester has also stated to various environmental
groups that "A few trees were marked wrong, we will fix that". A few? 100,200,300?
Look at all the marked birch in the park and see for yourself.
A couple of DCR staff, including the chief forester, objected to the presentation.
They did not however, address any of the serious issues, but focused on the recent
pine work, and denied stating that "there were no vernal pools at Robinson". There were numerous people present when those statements were made at the park, as well as at the public meeting.
Didnt they say that over 800 acres were harvested in 1980, and that the group
"had the wrong facts" when that was disputed as well? To sum it up, that was proven false.
* DCR Letter To Abutters (a few) Jan 2006
Letter to the Abutters claiming the harvest is JUST red pine plantations* DCR Issues list page 1 Nov 2006
DCR's list of "issues" presented to the friends' group* DCR Issues list page 2 Nov 2006
DCR's list of "issues" presented to the friends' group* Letter from Dr. Frelich Jan 2007
Letter from Dr. Frelich, reknowned forest ecologist, after a visit and assessment in response to the issues* DCR document - 1980 Harvest Dec 2006
DCR Document detailing the harvest alleged in the issues list above to be "75% of the park"* Dr.Capen Letter Pg1 Nov 2006
Report detailing how Richard stated the real reason for the extended harvest, and the goal of the harvest"* Dr.Capen Letter Pg2 Nov 2006
Here Capen details the conversion of the forest to favor oak, for timber value"* Dr.Capen Letter Pg3 Nov 2006
Last Page of Cape Report "* Another RECORD! Oct 2006
The state's Tallest Tulip Poplar(s) are located and confirmed in Robinson.
They overshadow the closest at other localities by over 18ft.!!!
* BIO BLITZ June 21 2007!!! The "Friends" are sponsoring a
"BIO BLITZ", a comprehensive park study, on June 21, 2007.
More Details Soon.* DCR & FORSP announce delay in logging project till Nov. 2007
More info. here: Press Release on Logging Delay* We are encouraging people to bring their cameras when they visit the park in case they see something that might be of use to us (anything rare, unusual, etc.).
* Dr. Frelich issues opinion on Robinson:
Noted forest ecologist Dr. Lee Frelich issued a statement supporting Robinson to be included as a reserve. The complex riparian zone, and the unique tree species, as well as habitat for rare species such as the Eastern Box Turtle support this position. Dr. Frelich spent a couple of days during the Holyoke Forest summit examining the park, and finding record height tulip poplar and other species.
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Sincerely,
Tom Philbin
Conservation and Recreation Campaign
