Bedford Minuteman
Thursday, October 10, 2002

Hanscom wetlands, wildlife and water resources remain stable

By Barbara Forster / Correspondent

Not much has changed at Hanscom Air Field in the last five years - at least when the subjects are wetlands, wildlife, and water resources.

According to information presented by Massport during a workshop in Bedford Town Hall on Thursday, Oct. 3, natural life at the field is fairly constant. Yet important differences exist since Massport studied conditions five years ago.

The Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program has certified three vernal pools since 1995; they are in Concord to the west of Runway 11-29. The Upland Sandpiper, a state listed endangered species, and the Grasshopper Sparrow, a threatened species, have been observed on the field.

In 1996, after consulting with the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Massport agreed to adjust the mowing schedule during critical portions of the nesting seasons of the two birds. The changed worked. Between 1996 and 1998, the Audubon Society noted ³increased nesting success of the birds. However, the mowing schedule was modified again in 1999 due to the significant number of bird strikes by aircraft.

The Audubon Society is also interested in existing areas of shrub vegetation around the perimeter of the field property and the habitat it provides for certain declining wildlife species. The field sparrow, brown thrasher, prairie warbler, the indigo bunting, and the blue-winded warbler are part of this group.

In the clean-up category, seven of eight Massport tenant sites on the field were closed because of oil spills or hazardous materials related to facility operations. No new sites have been listed since 1995. Only one listed DEP disposal site is open. Remedial efforts should start soon.

The Massport study looks at various water resources including the Shawsheen River in Bedford and Elm Brook in Bedford, Concord, and Lincoln. However, Bedford wells are not part of the document.

"There is no mention of the Cambridge water supply or water flowing to the north," said Lisa Baci, the environmental consultant hired by the four Hanscom towns.

Copyright by TownOnline.com and Herald Interactive Advertising Systems, Inc. ==========
**NOTICE: In accordance with 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.** ==========