Otis-Lyme PropertyProposed Division & Building Lots

Future Lands, LLCJohn C. Lepore, MASLD

P.O. Box 608Bernardston, MA 01337

(413) 512-0644

Mudd Pond, Otis-Lyme

Proposed Division & Building LotsOverviewOtis-Lyme property offers robust open space with several high points and the potential for fabulous vistas with vibrant wetlands below. Numerous upland game signs were seen on two August visits throughout the site where beech (Fagus grandifolia) and various oaks (Quercus sp.) with an understory of striped maple (Acer pensylvanicum) appear to be much of the attraction. Wetlands and woodlands provide a haven for a huge number of upland migratory birds. This unique land is blessed with a healthy diversity of native wildflowers and wildlife.

Proposed Property DivisionThe property could be divided into two nearly equal sections offering privacy and personal access. The north section would have access from Stebbins Road onto the recently upgraded Loggers Road. Stebbins Road joins Dimmock Road north of the property. Logger’s Road access was greatly improved from a recent forestry operation with widening for about ½ mile and bridge improvement over Cone Brook on Stebbins Road. Entrance from Giles Road for the south section crosses a wetland and while a full size vehicle cannot cross the bridge at this time, it appears to have solid cement footings, which could be utilized. This would require inspection by an engineer to confirm this condition. The Woods Road, which at one time connected the two parts, has largely overgrown, except where regular ATV use has controlled vegetative growth. There are many old logging roads stemming off Woods Road.

Building LotsThe proposed property division would segment the land into two distinct sections. The north and south section each offer three possible building lots options ranging from 7 to 10 acres. Site selection was made on several criteria:

• Potential for “viewscape” of both vistas and inviting local landscapes, such as wetlands

• Safe road access, especially over higher elevations where steep slopes create access and erosional issues

• Absence of endangered species

• Clearance from wetlands• Flatness for home

construction: Even locations offer more options for such as passive solar construction, photovoltaic panels, family activities, etc.

In general, property orientation takes advantage of existing roads and slope for road access. Each location has a unique set of qualities described on the following pages.

Otis-Lyme Property

Ü0 1,000 2,000500

Feet

Future Lands, LLCJohn C. Lepore, MASLD

P.O. Box 608Bernardston, MA 01337

(413) 512-0644

Proposed Division & Building Lots

Loggers Road

Woods Road Giles Road

Stebbins Road

North SectioN

South SectioN

HaydenSwamp

MuddPond

Stebbins Road

LegendProperty Boundary Public RoadPrivate RoadBuilding LotProposed AccessProposed DivisionWetland

Cone Brook

North Section Building LotsLot 1 N

• 9.7 acres; peak elev. 1780 feet• Overlooks full length of Hayden

Swamp to the south• Takes advantage of existing

Loggers Road from Stebbins Road

• Gentle road access from north or northeast corner of lot from Logger Road

Lot 2 N

• 10.7 acres; peak elev. 1900 feet• Highest point on the north section,

offering the potential for views in multiple directions, depending on clearing preferences and building location

• Wood Road could connect to the Loggers Roads from the lot’s south side corner, allowing the sun to melt ice more effectively on a gentler slope

Lot 3 N

• 7.2 Acres; peak elev. 1800 feet• Overlooks Hayden Swamp to the

east• Being the second highest area in

the north section, it could offer views in multiple directions depending on clearing and siting preferences

• Could connect to the Loggers Roads from the lot’s northwest corner

Otis-Lyme Property

Ü0 500 1,000250Feet

Future Lands, LLCJohn C. Lepore, MASLD

P.O. Box 608Bernardston, MA 01337

(413) 512-0644

North Section & Building Lots

Lot 3 N

HaydenSwamp

Loggers Road

Stebbins R

oad

Dimmock Road

Otis

North SectioN

LegendProperty Boundary Public RoadPrivate RoadBuilding LotProposed AccessProposed DivisionWetland

Lot 1 N

Lot 2 N

Cone Brook

South Section Building LotsLot 4 S

• 10.8 acres; peak elev. 1885 feet• Overlooks Mudd Pond to west• Great opportunity for a hunting

camp with waterfowl and upland game

• An older logging road comes within 1000 feet of property’s edge

• Appealing ledges and boulder fall on east side

• Gentle road access from northeast connecting to Wood’s Road

Lot 5 S

• 7.9 acres; peak elev. 1906 feet• Beautiful view from northeast

to east on side of Kingsbury Mountain along property boundary

• Appealing ledges and boulder fall on east side

• Access could be from northwest corner swinging to the northeast onto Woods Road

Lot 6 S

• 9.6 acres; peak elev. 1650 feet• Appealing ledges and boulder

falls surround an intriguing flat area on the southwest corner side

• Higher elevations to west and northwest offer protection from summer storms thunderstorms and cold winter winds

• Access could be directly from the north side to Woods Road

Otis-Lyme Property

Ü0 500 1,000250Feet

Future Lands, LLCJohn C. Lepore, MASLD

P.O. Box 608Bernardston, MA 01337

(413) 512-0644

South Section & Building Lots

Lot 5 S

HaydenSwamp

Stebbins Road

MuddPond

Woods Road

Giles Road

Kingsbury Mountain

South SectioN

Otis

LegendProperty Boundary Public RoadPrivate RoadBuilding LotProposed AccessProposed DivisionWetland

Lot 6 SLot 4 S

Additional Recommendations• Since some animals find human activity disruptive to their ecological needs, a wildlife corridor

analysis might reveal the optimal places for roads and building sites.

• A computer generated elevation “viewshed” analysis would optimize specific the locations for vistas.

• Since many building lots reside at high locations, a computer generated wind analysis would reveal the best locations for windmills. Viewshed analysis could position windmills favorably.

• To maintain the high flora and fauna diversity and resilience, a monitoring plan for invasive plants and animals should be designed.

• A land management plan would provide insights for optimizing human use and sustainable design management along with healthy regenerative woodlot harvesting for many generations. It would address the issues noted above, plus help the owners with specific goals.

Future Lands, LLCJohn C. Lepore Masters of Art Sustainable Landscape Design P.O. Box 608Bernardston, MA 01337(413) 512-0644