NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
(2 seats available - 3 year term)
The Wellesley Natural Resources Commission oversees the use, preservation and protection of the town’s parks and conservation areas, serves as tree warden, sets policies for insect control and pesticide use, and protects the town watershed areas. The Commission also appoints the Wetlands Protection Committee and Trails Committee. Areas of Focus include: Park, Pond and Wetland Management, Tree Protection and Planting, Environmental Health, Natural Landscaping, and Sustainability Advocacy.
Bea Bezmalinovic
Q1. As you know, in 2019 the NRC passed a Climate Emergency resolution, and Town Meeting passed the Resolution to Address the Impact of Climate Change in 2020.
How do you envision the NRC supporting these resolutions in the three years of your prospective term? No other government agency is dedicated to preserving our tree canopy, watershed and wetlands. Given the recent attention to recreational initiatives, what do you suggest the NRC do to address the other responsibilities of the Board, namely natural resource protection?
A1. When I talk with Wellesley residents about their favorite places in Wellesley, they often name some of Wellesley’s most treasured spaces – the miles of trails, acres of open spaces, carbon sequestering forests, playgrounds, and recreational fields where teams, friends and family meet to play, and our ponds to name some popular destinations. Most of these spaces are under the care, custody, and control of the Town of Wellesley’s Natural Resources Commission.
I have been fortunate to have served on the Natural Resources Commission and to work with NRC staff. For those who may be unfamiliar with the NRC, the Wellesley NRC has the authority to oversee the use, preservation and protection of the town’s parks and conservation areas. The NRC fulfills the role of Park Commission managing parks and recreation lands for public benefit. We serve as tree warden, set pesticide policies on Town lands, and protect the town watershed areas. The NRC also appoints the Wetlands Protection Committee and Trails Committee. We coordinate closely with town partners including the Conservation Protection Committee, Climate Action, the Playing Fields Task Force, the Department of Public Works, Recreation, and Schools.
Over the past three years, I have been active in supporting the NRC’s Habit to Habitat initiative T Simon’s Park, which converts traditional lawn to native gardens and lawn alternatives. Native species typically require less water once established, provide food, and shelter for local wildlife, and have a better chance of survival than non-native plants. I hope that this technique will spread to other NRC spaces. The NRC team completed and disseminated a tree canopy assessment as part of our contribution to Wellesley’s climate action plan. The findings from the tree canopy assessment will guide the NRC’s current and future public shade tree investments so that the Town advances toward its goal of 55% canopy coverage by 2030. I was also active in conducting the field utilization study of Wellesley’s recreation fields and courts. Based on the study, the NRC will work with the DPW to implement field improvements.
If re-elected, I hope to continue to ensure that the NRC fulfills is critical role as steward of the Town’s natural resources. For example, I am excited to see the NRC develop a land preservation plan that identifies priorities for acquisition and protection and makes recommendations for replenishing the conservation fund. I will continue to support improvements at our recreational fields. I also look forward to supporting the NRC as it implements activities in its five-year plan, including pond dredging and improvements, small forest and tree plantings, and scenic road improvements.
As commissioner, and currently as chair, I strive to act as a steward for resources under our care, to listen to the different points of view about their use, and to prioritize initiatives that enhance the resilience of our environment and our community. I believe that NRC plays a critical role in building a more resilient Wellesley and look forward to advancing initiatives in support of that goal.
Kenneth Largess
Q1. As you know, in 2019 the NRC passed a Climate Emergency resolution, and Town Meeting passed the Resolution to Address the Impact of Climate Change in 2020. How do you envision the NRC supporting these resolutions in the three years of your prospective term? No other government agency is dedicated to preserving our tree canopy, watershed and wetlands. Given the recent attention to recreational initiatives, what do you suggest the NRC do to address the other responsibilities of the Board, namely natural resource protection?
A1. The Natural Resources Commission has a crucial responsibility to uphold and progress the mandates of the 2019 Climate Emergency resolution and the 2020 Resolution to Address the Impact of Climate Change. In fulfilling these obligations, it is imperative that the NRC operates with a balanced perspective, taking into account the diverse needs and interests of the entire community.
First and foremost, while enhancing efforts in conserving and expanding the tree canopy, the NRC must engage in open dialogue with residents, businesses, and other stakeholders. This will ensure that initiatives like urban forestry, community tree-planting drives, and policies on tree removal are not only environmentally sound but also considerate of the community’s aesthetic, economic, and social needs.
In protecting the watershed and wetlands, the NRC should implement comprehensive management practices that align with both environmental sustainability and community water needs. This includes promoting water conservation practices, supporting sustainable landscaping practices, and ensuring that development projects incorporate water-sensitive designs. Public education campaigns can be an effective tool in fostering a community-wide understanding of the importance of these natural resources.
Recognizing the community's growing interest in recreational initiatives, the NRC should prioritize the development of 'green' recreational spaces that provide opportunities for outdoor activity and education without compromising the integrity of natural resources. In doing so, the commission should seek robust community input to ensure that these recreational spaces meet the varied needs of different community members.
Moreover, the NRC’s commitment to engaging the community in conservation initiatives is paramount. By fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is heard, the commission ensures that its actions reflect the collective values and needs of Wellesley's residents. Educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and public forums should be tailored to cater to diverse groups within the community, ensuring widespread participation and ownership of local conservation efforts.
The NRC's role in supporting the 2019 and 2020 resolutions is not just about protecting and managing natural resources; it's about doing so in a way that respects, includes, and benefits the entire community. Through a balanced approach that integrates environmental stewardship with community engagement and consideration of varied interests, the NRC can foster a resilient, sustainable, and integrated community, where natural resources are treasured and the collective well-being of all its members is uplifted.
Steve Park
Q1. As you know, in 2019 the NRC passed a Climate Emergency resolution, and Town Meeting passed the Resolution to Address the Impact of Climate Change in 2020.
How do you envision the NRC supporting these resolutions in the three years of your prospective term? No other government agency is dedicated to preserving our tree canopy, watershed and wetlands. Given the recent attention to recreational initiatives, what do you suggest the NRC do to address the other responsibilities of the Board, namely natural resource protection?
A.1
The immediacy of the climate crisis compels the NRC to continue its leadership on climate action as the town’s principal advocate for sustainability. Their recent Tree Canopy Report prioritizes increasing overall tree canopy cover to reduce greenhouse gases, mitigate flooding, and support biodiversity. To that end, the NRC must ensure that beneficial tree canopy and other climate-mitigating factors are among the top priorities as Wellesley considers growth and development. Concord’s Assabet River Bluff project and Boston’s Mildred Avenue project provide current examples where sustainable living and affordable housing goals are jointly met by thoughtful planning. Wellesley can learn from these examples, and the NRC must champion this type of collaboration.
The NRC can also engage with residents directly to support a community that more fully embraces climate action. This can be accomplished by offering actionable strategies that can reasonably be incorporated into the daily lives of busy households, so that there is widespread adoption among Wellesley’s 28,000 residents. Already, NRC outreach highlights food waste composting at the RDF, the town tree planting program, and various home-efficiency programs. The NRC also leads by example with the Simons Park Lawn Conversion which converts an ordinary lawn into an ecologically functional landscape. These programs signify progress, but there is more to do. That is why the NRC can also partner with community organizations, such as Sustainable Wellesley, that bring knowledge and energy to community outreach.
The NRC is also responsible for some of Wellesley’s active recreation areas. Related initiatives earned widespread attention in recent years. The Morses Pond Improvement project is making progress, and I hope to move that project along swiftly. The NRC’s recent Field Use Report summarizes the capacity, utilization, and permitting of fields and courts to form a picture of surpluses and shortfalls. The Report makes recommendations for enhancing these facilities to increase utility and add supporting infrastructure that makes a real difference. While these recommendations are not yet perfect, the plan makes a strong case for investing in existing active recreation areas as the way to meet our needs. I sincerely appreciate the importance of our fields, courts, and recreation areas and hope to advance improvements that respect our natural resources.
(2 seats available - 3 year term)
The Wellesley Natural Resources Commission oversees the use, preservation and protection of the town’s parks and conservation areas, serves as tree warden, sets policies for insect control and pesticide use, and protects the town watershed areas. The Commission also appoints the Wetlands Protection Committee and Trails Committee. Areas of Focus include: Park, Pond and Wetland Management, Tree Protection and Planting, Environmental Health, Natural Landscaping, and Sustainability Advocacy.
Bea Bezmalinovic
Q1. As you know, in 2019 the NRC passed a Climate Emergency resolution, and Town Meeting passed the Resolution to Address the Impact of Climate Change in 2020.
How do you envision the NRC supporting these resolutions in the three years of your prospective term? No other government agency is dedicated to preserving our tree canopy, watershed and wetlands. Given the recent attention to recreational initiatives, what do you suggest the NRC do to address the other responsibilities of the Board, namely natural resource protection?
A1. When I talk with Wellesley residents about their favorite places in Wellesley, they often name some of Wellesley’s most treasured spaces – the miles of trails, acres of open spaces, carbon sequestering forests, playgrounds, and recreational fields where teams, friends and family meet to play, and our ponds to name some popular destinations. Most of these spaces are under the care, custody, and control of the Town of Wellesley’s Natural Resources Commission.
I have been fortunate to have served on the Natural Resources Commission and to work with NRC staff. For those who may be unfamiliar with the NRC, the Wellesley NRC has the authority to oversee the use, preservation and protection of the town’s parks and conservation areas. The NRC fulfills the role of Park Commission managing parks and recreation lands for public benefit. We serve as tree warden, set pesticide policies on Town lands, and protect the town watershed areas. The NRC also appoints the Wetlands Protection Committee and Trails Committee. We coordinate closely with town partners including the Conservation Protection Committee, Climate Action, the Playing Fields Task Force, the Department of Public Works, Recreation, and Schools.
Over the past three years, I have been active in supporting the NRC’s Habit to Habitat initiative T Simon’s Park, which converts traditional lawn to native gardens and lawn alternatives. Native species typically require less water once established, provide food, and shelter for local wildlife, and have a better chance of survival than non-native plants. I hope that this technique will spread to other NRC spaces. The NRC team completed and disseminated a tree canopy assessment as part of our contribution to Wellesley’s climate action plan. The findings from the tree canopy assessment will guide the NRC’s current and future public shade tree investments so that the Town advances toward its goal of 55% canopy coverage by 2030. I was also active in conducting the field utilization study of Wellesley’s recreation fields and courts. Based on the study, the NRC will work with the DPW to implement field improvements.
If re-elected, I hope to continue to ensure that the NRC fulfills is critical role as steward of the Town’s natural resources. For example, I am excited to see the NRC develop a land preservation plan that identifies priorities for acquisition and protection and makes recommendations for replenishing the conservation fund. I will continue to support improvements at our recreational fields. I also look forward to supporting the NRC as it implements activities in its five-year plan, including pond dredging and improvements, small forest and tree plantings, and scenic road improvements.
As commissioner, and currently as chair, I strive to act as a steward for resources under our care, to listen to the different points of view about their use, and to prioritize initiatives that enhance the resilience of our environment and our community. I believe that NRC plays a critical role in building a more resilient Wellesley and look forward to advancing initiatives in support of that goal.
Kenneth Largess
Q1. As you know, in 2019 the NRC passed a Climate Emergency resolution, and Town Meeting passed the Resolution to Address the Impact of Climate Change in 2020. How do you envision the NRC supporting these resolutions in the three years of your prospective term? No other government agency is dedicated to preserving our tree canopy, watershed and wetlands. Given the recent attention to recreational initiatives, what do you suggest the NRC do to address the other responsibilities of the Board, namely natural resource protection?
A1. The Natural Resources Commission has a crucial responsibility to uphold and progress the mandates of the 2019 Climate Emergency resolution and the 2020 Resolution to Address the Impact of Climate Change. In fulfilling these obligations, it is imperative that the NRC operates with a balanced perspective, taking into account the diverse needs and interests of the entire community.
First and foremost, while enhancing efforts in conserving and expanding the tree canopy, the NRC must engage in open dialogue with residents, businesses, and other stakeholders. This will ensure that initiatives like urban forestry, community tree-planting drives, and policies on tree removal are not only environmentally sound but also considerate of the community’s aesthetic, economic, and social needs.
In protecting the watershed and wetlands, the NRC should implement comprehensive management practices that align with both environmental sustainability and community water needs. This includes promoting water conservation practices, supporting sustainable landscaping practices, and ensuring that development projects incorporate water-sensitive designs. Public education campaigns can be an effective tool in fostering a community-wide understanding of the importance of these natural resources.
Recognizing the community's growing interest in recreational initiatives, the NRC should prioritize the development of 'green' recreational spaces that provide opportunities for outdoor activity and education without compromising the integrity of natural resources. In doing so, the commission should seek robust community input to ensure that these recreational spaces meet the varied needs of different community members.
Moreover, the NRC’s commitment to engaging the community in conservation initiatives is paramount. By fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is heard, the commission ensures that its actions reflect the collective values and needs of Wellesley's residents. Educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and public forums should be tailored to cater to diverse groups within the community, ensuring widespread participation and ownership of local conservation efforts.
The NRC's role in supporting the 2019 and 2020 resolutions is not just about protecting and managing natural resources; it's about doing so in a way that respects, includes, and benefits the entire community. Through a balanced approach that integrates environmental stewardship with community engagement and consideration of varied interests, the NRC can foster a resilient, sustainable, and integrated community, where natural resources are treasured and the collective well-being of all its members is uplifted.
Steve Park
Q1. As you know, in 2019 the NRC passed a Climate Emergency resolution, and Town Meeting passed the Resolution to Address the Impact of Climate Change in 2020.
How do you envision the NRC supporting these resolutions in the three years of your prospective term? No other government agency is dedicated to preserving our tree canopy, watershed and wetlands. Given the recent attention to recreational initiatives, what do you suggest the NRC do to address the other responsibilities of the Board, namely natural resource protection?
A.1
The immediacy of the climate crisis compels the NRC to continue its leadership on climate action as the town’s principal advocate for sustainability. Their recent Tree Canopy Report prioritizes increasing overall tree canopy cover to reduce greenhouse gases, mitigate flooding, and support biodiversity. To that end, the NRC must ensure that beneficial tree canopy and other climate-mitigating factors are among the top priorities as Wellesley considers growth and development. Concord’s Assabet River Bluff project and Boston’s Mildred Avenue project provide current examples where sustainable living and affordable housing goals are jointly met by thoughtful planning. Wellesley can learn from these examples, and the NRC must champion this type of collaboration.
The NRC can also engage with residents directly to support a community that more fully embraces climate action. This can be accomplished by offering actionable strategies that can reasonably be incorporated into the daily lives of busy households, so that there is widespread adoption among Wellesley’s 28,000 residents. Already, NRC outreach highlights food waste composting at the RDF, the town tree planting program, and various home-efficiency programs. The NRC also leads by example with the Simons Park Lawn Conversion which converts an ordinary lawn into an ecologically functional landscape. These programs signify progress, but there is more to do. That is why the NRC can also partner with community organizations, such as Sustainable Wellesley, that bring knowledge and energy to community outreach.
The NRC is also responsible for some of Wellesley’s active recreation areas. Related initiatives earned widespread attention in recent years. The Morses Pond Improvement project is making progress, and I hope to move that project along swiftly. The NRC’s recent Field Use Report summarizes the capacity, utilization, and permitting of fields and courts to form a picture of surpluses and shortfalls. The Report makes recommendations for enhancing these facilities to increase utility and add supporting infrastructure that makes a real difference. While these recommendations are not yet perfect, the plan makes a strong case for investing in existing active recreation areas as the way to meet our needs. I sincerely appreciate the importance of our fields, courts, and recreation areas and hope to advance improvements that respect our natural resources.