In mid-June the City took ownership of the “Owner Unknown” property and it is now officially part of the Mill River Greenway-Leeds. The parcel abuts existing conservation land on its northern border at the confluence of Beaver Brook. Chartpak property abuts it’s southern border. Leeds Civic Association holds the Conservation Restriction and will help steward the area. It has been a popular spot that has been abused and over used for many summers. The LCA has partnered with Friends of Northampton Trails (FNG) and the Inclusive Group (IG) to remove trash during the summer as the carry in-carry out policy takes hold. We understand getting people to assume personal responsibility for their own trash might take some time. The LCA, FNT and IG volunteers have been rotating every third weekend to clean up the conservation area and bike path. Collected trash is being picked up and hauled away by the Planning Department. The LCA posted temporary carry in-carry out signs in English and Spanish on-site and on the bike path. The Planning Department and LCA are working on permanent on-site signage listing rules such as: no alcohol, fires, glass, camping, loud noise, and carry in-carry out. The Planning Dept hired a UMass work-study student to be a part-time river ranger and help educate users about the conservation rules. The Connecticut River Conservancy has begun weekly water testing for eColi. The LCA and friends will continue to advocate to make this area a safe place where people can enjoy the river while respecting the ecosystem and not disturbing the surrounding community. The City’s support and engagement is much needed for it to be a success.