Whiting Reservoir Study Committee 3-2-21

Whiting Street Reservoir Committee Meeting

March 2, 2021
5:00 pm Zoom Meeting
Minutes

The Meeting was called to order by Sue Ellen Panitch at 5:02 pm
Committee Members in attendance were:
Marlene Connor Harry Craven Kip Foley
Jeff Horan Kate Kruckeyer Sue Ellen Panitch
Terry Shepard Glen Sullivan
Three individuals from the public attended the zoom meeting; nobody
had intentions of addressing the Committee.
Acceptance of Minutes
The WSR Committee unanimously accepted the minutes from the
February 2, 2021 meeting as presented.
Discussion with Mr. Eric Suher
Mr. Eric Suher attended the meeting as the Committee’s guest. His
property abuts the Whiting Street Reservoir. He was asked to explain
what happens on his property. Mr. Suher spoke in detail regarding his
hopes to expand the recreational opportunities that his property could
offer to the public of the Pioneer Valley. The immediate future for his
property is to return to offering summer concerts.
Mr. Suher stressed that the area needs to be better policed and a
security plan needs to be in place for successful recreational use of the
properties in and around the reservoir. The current access road is in

tough shape, and access to the road should be monitored and limited.
(Gate Installed)
Mr. Suher reiterated his desire to keep and to maintain the property for
a variety of passive recreational opportunities while being
environmentally responsible.
Creating a collaborative stakeholder’s group was also discussed as a
method of offering safe & controlled recreational opportunities. Mr.
Suher suggested that potential funding opportunities (grants &
foundations) existed to enhance the properties in & around the
reservoir if an entity existed to do just that.
Sue Ellen Panitch thanked Mr. Suher for joining us and sharing his
thoughts with the Committee.
Review of Permitted Activities at the Quabbin
Marlene Conor shared a link that was provided to her by Jennifer
Howard, Director of Land Protection for the Department of
Conservation & Recreation. Marlene listed fishing bicycling,
snowshoeing and picnicking as a few of the activities that were
permitted there. Access to the Quabbin is restricted and limited to
regular operating hours.
Jeff Horan said that small motorize boating is allowed.
Plan for Next Meeting
The WSR Committee determined that Jeff Horan will try to schedule a
representative from the Department of Fish & Wildlife for the March
16 th Meeting.

Representatives from Wykoff will be invited to the Committee’s April 6th
meeting
The Meeting was adjourned at 6:10 pm.
Respectfully submitted,

Teresa Shepard