Conservation B(l)og 2 - Event Recap, Future Outlooks, Hunting Information
What a whirlwind of an October! From the Harvest Festival, to Touch-a-Truck, to the Health Fair, to the DelCarte Event… Thank you to everyone that stopped by our booths and tables.
A special thank you to everyone that attended our DelCarte event this past Saturday. We painted pumpkins, went on a woods walk, and planted native, drought tolerant species. We also ate ice cream, bagels and donuts – yum! For everyone that helped make this event a success and for everyone that continues to support DelCarte – we thank you.
Franklin loves Wetland Resource Areas for many reasons!
Our most sincere thanks to the Department of Conservation and Recreation Service Forester, Mike Downey; Franklin Department of Public Works personnel, Natalie Regan-Lampert, Derek Adams, Jake Standley, and Doug Martin; Franklin Agricultural Commission; C&C Ice Cream; and Boy Scout Troop 126 for their advocacy and volunteer work.
What else is new with Franklin Conservation?
DelCarte Biodiversity and Buffer Zone Restoration Project
Did you notice the new trees or fence at DelCarte and are wondering what they are for? They’re for the Biodiversity and Buffer Zone Restoration project we recently designed for the DelCarte Conservation Area. The goal of the Project is to increase the biodiversity of the native aquatic-terrestrial and pollinator-plant system via the revegetation of native flowering plants with different bloom times and source types for three native at-risk bumblebee (Bombus spp.) species and the installation of designated Turtle Nesting Habitat.
By protecting established native vegetation, removing existing invasive vegetation, and revegetating with 27 additional native shrubs, trees, and herbaceous species, we hope this area will provide nectar and pollen sources throughout the entire growing season for the at-risk species. The area will also support 19 other butterflies including the Eastern monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), and other insects, large and small mammals, and terrestrial and water birds.
Hunting
We’ve been fielding many calls regarding to hunting. As a reminder, hunting and/or trapping of any kind is not allowed within Conservation Land at any point throughout the year. This also includes any Wetland Resource Areas regulated under the Franklin Wetlands Protection Bylaw (Chapter 81). Pursuant to Chapter § 125-20, hunting or discharging a bow, firearm, or air rifle within the limits of any playground, park, or town-owned property is strictly prohibited.
Where in Franklin is hunting allowed?
Hunting is allowed anywhere in the Franklin State Forest, but must be greater than 150 feet from any highway and greater than 500 feet away from any dwelling or building in use, unless authorized by the property owner.
Hunting is allowed on private property, so long as written permission to do so from the home or property owner is obtained. Persons intending to discharge a firearm or bow should still see Franklin Bylaw Chapter § 125-20 and ensure their activities will not result in a violation of Town Code and must maintain the aforementioned distance to roadways and dwellings.
If you are looking for more information on what areas of Franklin allow hunting, you can contact the Franklin Police Department at 508-528-1212. For all other questions regarding to laws and regulations about hunting and trapping in Franklin or across Massachusetts, please contact the MA Environmental Police at 800-632-8075. General hunting regulations can be found here.