A primary focus of the meeting was the Town Forest Committee’s proposal to use foliar spraying of herbicides to manage invasive plant species like swallow-wort in areas 2601 and 2602 within the town forest. Jeff Lamson, chair of the Town Forest Committee, described area 2602 as being heavily infested, making manual removal impractical. While the committee has allocated $50,000 for this initiative, the commission raised concerns about the environmental impact of herbicide use, especially near sensitive areas like vernal pools. One member suggested that alternative methods, such as cut-and-dab techniques, should be explored further. The conversation emphasized the need for careful application by licensed professionals and included a request for a data sheet on the herbicides’ chemical properties.

The commission also discussed potential replanting strategies post-treatment to prevent the return of invasive species. While no immediate replanting plans were set, the topic remains under consideration. The dialogue underscored the challenge of managing invasive species effectively while safeguarding the surrounding ecosystem.

In addition to the forest management discussion, the commission reviewed the MassDOT-administered Safer Routes to School project. Project Manager Michael Dubbie outlined plans to install a shared-use path along Longfellow Road to Birch Meadow Drive, improving pedestrian and bicyclist safety. The project includes narrowing roadways and extending crosswalks to promote slower vehicle speeds. Commission members inquired about the project’s environmental implications, particularly the management of invasive species like Japanese knotweed observed during a site visit. Dubbie assured members that invasive species management would be part of the contractor’s responsibilities.

The project faced scrutiny regarding its impact on parking spaces along Birch Meadow Drive and Oakland Road, where approximately 10 to 15 spaces may be removed to extend crosswalks for safety. Discussion also centered on the storm drainage system, with commissioners seeking clarity on the connection of new catch basins to the existing system and potential sediment flow into resource areas. Dubbie confirmed that new catch basins with deep sumps would meet water quality standards, and sediment management would be a priority.

The commission also addressed a proposal for a gravel driveway near wetlands on Forest Street. Concerns were raised about its potential environmental impact, with suggestions made to conditionally approve the project pending submission of a plansting plan. The members emphasized the necessity of native, deer-resistant shrubs and stipulated a survival rate for new plantings to ensure long-term mitigation.

Finally, the meeting covered tree removal protocols, with a focus on mitigating environmental impacts through various options, such as creating wildlife habitats from tree stumps or replanting trees. The commission’s policies aim to streamline the permit process while ensuring ecological protection, with discussions revealing potential areas for improvement in the online application system.