News
Unwanted tree huggers
Invasive plants creeping into Andover lands, killing trees
Like so many communities around the state, trees in Andover are being invaded by pesky plants that could grow up the tree and kill it. And, even more of these invaders are expected in the future as more invasive plants are migrating north, according to a local hydrogeologist.
"Unfortunately, I can go almost anywhere undeveloped in town and find invasives," Suzanne Robert, a hydrogeologist for the Mass. Department of Environmental Protection who lives in Andover, wrote in an e-mail to the Townsman when asked about the town's plant invasion.
Johnson has teamed with Conservation Director Bob Douglas to get a handle on the tree-threatening problem. Douglas said the teaming is a pilot program that will also include local Boy Scouts. The volunteer Scouts will identify the invasive plants and the samples will be studied. The vegetation will be tracked as investigators hope to find out why the invasive plants pick the land locations they do.
Meanwhile, Johnson will be taking classes and be trained on the early detection of invasives in August and September. The proposed plans call for getting the public involved.
"Bob and I are also setting up training for the public for the early detection of new invasive species — there's a whole new set of plants (aquatic and terrestrial) that are migrating north with the effects of climate change," Johnson wrote.
One of the first locations in town to be studied is at the corner of Lupine Road and School Street, across from Andover Small Engine.
"It's only a small plot that has various invasives, not a showstopper infestation," Johnson wrote.
She's also got her professional eye on a parcel next to the Shawsheen River on Stevens Street, "...adjacent to the mill pond that will be drained when the dam comes down, as that area will be opened up to the migration of the already established invasive plant populations on the river bank. I have counted over six different invasives on that plot alone," she wrote.
Douglas said the Stevens Street study "will be a multiyear effort," and he hopes a local Scout troop would adopt the parcel for the duration of the experiment (estimated to be four years).
"These pests are poisoning our trees," Douglas said. "Gosh, we want to do something about this, now. We don't want to wait on this."
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Want to lead? Apply tomorrow
Selectmen expect to appoint a fifth member this month and interested citizens can apply for the seat vacated by Jerry Stabile Jr. starting tomorrow.
Continued ...
Citing the demands of his career, Stabile announced his intent to resign earlier this month, five months after being re-elected to a three-year term. His last day as a selectman was this Tuesday, Aug. 31, during which he participated in a closed-door session to negotiate Town Manager Buzz Stapczynski's contract. -
Following investigation and retirements -Who's overseeing the DPW?
With the public works director and water treatment plant supervisor suddenly retired, Assistant Town Manager Steve Bucuzzo has taken over as acting public works director as police conduct a criminal investigation on possible employee misconduct at the plant.
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STATE PRIMARY: Casinos, health-plan choice split senate candidates
The Townsman asked the candidates for Andover's state senate seat three "Yes/No" questions. Candidates then had an opportunity to further explain their answers. The state primary, to choose one Democrat and one Republican who will be on the general election ballot is Sept. 14.
Continued ... - STATE PRIMARY:17th Essex rep. GOP hopefuls split on casinos
- STATE PRIMARY: 18th Essex state rep. candidates on casinos, health plan choice, affordable housing
- Resident runs to unseat Tsongas
- Signs of a moving campaign season dot town streets
- Town Talk
- Less than two weeks to state primary on Sept. 14
- Obituary policy
- Thursday, August 26, 2010
- Selectmen to appoint 5th member
- Residents vote on new school Dec. 6
- STATE PRIMARY: Senate candidates show much agreement on sales tax issue
- STATE PRIMARY: Sales tax views from Republicans, Democrats who want to be 17th Essex's new representative
- STATE PRIMARY: 18th Essex State Rep. candidates on sales tax
- TV show on town centers features Andover
- State senate, rep. candidates to appear at League forum Aug. 30
- Town Talk: Booted resident back at meetings, other items of note
- Drive-up food drive: Speedy, easy way you can fight hunger
- Community development account upped by $25K
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Want to lead? Apply tomorrow
