Bedford Conservation Land Steward Handbook

This page is a quick reference for stewards. If you have comments or suggestions about things that could be added to this page, please contact Bedford Conservation Land Stewards .

FORMS

• Steward Enrollment Form - Use this form to apply to be a steward.
• Field Report - Use this form to complete your Spring or Fall survey.
• NOI - Instructions for completing a Notice of Intent to construct a bog bridge

How often should I complete a Field Report?

Usually, the Steward Co-chairs will send you a Field Report form each Spring and Fall. As you conduct your field survey, you should be looking for interesting flora and fauna and you should look for maintenance issues. YOU are our eyes and ears and the Bedford Conservation Commission depends on your faithful monitoring of the conservation area to which you have been assigned.

What do you do if you find encroachments or abuse of conservation land?

If you become aware of a problem and it is Field Report time, include the problem details in your report. These reports are collated and forwarded to the Bedford Conservation Commissioner for follow up. If there is an abuse issue, the Commissioner will be checking with the Town legal advisor, the Conservation Commission, and other appropriate personnel so that the problem is handled in a fair and expeditious manner. Please do not approach the abuser yourself. If you become aware of a problem outside of your normal survey period, please contact one of the Co-chairs of the Bedford Conservation Land Stewards immediately.

What kinds of things might be management issues?

Trash and paint ball paraphernalia--- Paint balling is allowed in certain areas of Bedford. It is not allowed on conservation land.

Downed trees --- Downed trees that do not block a walking trail are often left to decay in place. Many animals and insects depend on these trees as part of their life cycle or for shelter. If a downed tree is blocking a trail, please report it.

Diseased trees --- Please be sure to report diseased trees. The Bedford Arbor Resources Committee (BARC) is actively monitoring young chestnut trees and treating them when appropriate.

Wet paths --- If the water flow of your area changes, please report it and if possible note the source of the problem.

Missing or damaged signage --- Please report this and if you are interested in repairing signage, please let us know.

Damaged bog bridges or unsafe bridges --- Please report immediately.

Condition of benches and other structures --- Check their condition regularly and make sure that they are built securely.