Lenox decides the future of the town’s water supply lands

Last May 2, scores of Lenox Town Meeting voters raised their hands to vote “yes” in response to the question, “should the Town place its watershed lands under a permanent conservation restriction?”

The vote came after 45 minutes of debate on the floor. Proponents argued that the 949-acre parcel on Lenox Mountain land was an invaluable asset that deserved the permanent legal protection of a CR. Opponents argued that the Town had proven itself to be a worthy steward of the land, and needed no outside help or additional legal safeguards.

No one questioned the skill or dedication of the Water Department, which cares for the land and produces nearly 1 million gallons of remarkably pure drinking water every day.

Nor did anyone contest the significance of the land.  As the centerpiece of Lenox Mountain, all-but-surrounded by conservation land managed by BNRC, Mass Audubon and the town itself, the land is universally recognized not only for its water production, but for its scenery and wildlife.

No, the debate boiled down to this:  Do we want to tie our hands in favor of conservation, or do we want to keep all options open?

At the Town Meeting, the “yes” voters lowered their hands.  A calculator was put to work, a number was written down, and the moderator asked all those voting “no” to raise their hands.

To pass, the question needed a two-thirds majority.  The “no” voters appeared to be in the minority – but were there two “yes” votes for every “no”?

The calculator was put back to work.  The moderator leaned toward the town counsel at the podium.  They appeared to double-check the math.  The moderator cleared his throat.

“350 votes were cast,” he announced.  “To pass, the article required approval by 234 voters.  The vote was 238 in favor, 112 opposed.  The article passes.”

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The CR on the Lenox Watershed will be jointly held by the Lenox Conservation Commission and BNRC.  It will allow for the continued use, management and expansion of the public water supply, including creation of new reservoirs and wells.  It will prohibit residential, industrial and commercial development.  BNRC and the Conservation Commission are currently working with the Town to complete the surveys, baseline documentation and final legal approvals.

The Watershed Study Committee, which worked through nine drafts of the Conservation Restriction before agreeing to final terms, included the following members: Selectman John McNinch, moderator; Neal Carpenter and David Lane, Lenox Conservation Commission; Jeff Vincent and Rick Fuore, Lenox Public Works Department; Warren Archey, Eugene Chague, Jo Anne Magee and Thomas Romeo, Lenox residents; Deborah Caine, Richmond resident; Tad Ames, Berkshire Natural Resources Council.

At this writing, BNRC staffers have invested over 200 hours in the project, entirely underwritten by you, our members and friends.  Lenox voters made the decision – but without your support, it is unlikely the voters would have had that opportunity.

The post 1 Million Gallons, 949 Acres, 350 Voters appeared first on Berkshire Natural Resources Council.