Chatham Commission Debates Airport Tree Clearing and Vernal Pool Protection

In a recent meeting of the Chatham Conservation Commission, a significant topic of discussion was the proposed tree clearing at Chatham Airport and its potential impact on local wildlife habitats, particularly a nearby Vernal pool. The commission’s conversation also touched upon the necessity of the tree clearing in relation to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and concerns over whether the project could lead to an increase in the size or frequency of aircraft using the airport.

The debate over the airport project was multifaceted, with concerns raised about the number of trees to be removed and the impact on the Vernal pool’s environment. The airport consultant, Matt Karen, stated that the type four approach surface for which the trees were being cleared was approved by the FAA and was required per the grant assurances. However, some commission members and residents questioned the necessity of this approach surface, given the environmental implications and the congestion around the airport.

Furthermore, the commission pondered the commercial value of the trees slated for removal, discussing whether to assess a fee based on the number of trees rather than the area cleared. The commission agreed on the need to consult with Town Council for guidance on this matter and emphasized the importance of finalizing the removal methodology and marking trees to provide clarity on the project’s scope.

The management of invasive species around the Vernal pool was another issue. The commission considered a draft invasive species control plan, which proposed using herbicides and manual cutting to manage species such as European Buckthorn, Asiatic Bittersweet, and Porcelain Berry. Members discussed the plan’s details, including treatment schedules and monitoring standards, and expressed the need for a more detailed approach to ensure the effectiveness of invasive species management. The commission also discussed the timing of tree removal and invasive species treatment, with some advocating for an early start to prevent invasive species from gaining a foothold.

Additionally, the commission discussed the potential perpetual nature of invasive species management and the feasibility of requiring ongoing management beyond the initial three-year period. There was a consensus on the need for proper disposal of invasive vegetation debris and the consideration of the regrowth of invasive species from adjacent areas.

The meeting also addressed the airport’s reconstruction of a float, with the commission approving the replacement of styrofoam with plastic tubing. Concerns about the disposal of the styrofoam were addressed by the applicant, who agreed to outline a disposal plan. Moreover, the commission touched upon the Herring run maintenance project, requesting documentation related to annual maintenance before progressing with the discussion.

Apart from these topics, the commission covered a range of other agenda items, including the Chatham Conservation Foundation’s plans for a new building, updates on the Monomoy River Restoration Project, and the South Coastal Harbor Resiliency Project. Additionally, the commission granted a one-year extension for a project at 0 and Billings Road, approved a certificate of compliance for a property on Scattery Road, and discussed the issuance of a determination of applicability for repair work on Orings Road.

The meeting concluded with a discussion led by Thad Eldr on storm water management in conservancy districts, emphasizing the need for treatment measures to address environmental concerns and the impact of storm water runoff on saltwater estuaries. The commission agreed to continue the conversation and requested signatures for an undisclosed purpose.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.
Town Manager:
Jill R. Goldsmith
Environmental Commission Officials:
Janet Williams, Karen Lattin, Robert Ralls, Robert DelVecchio, Mary Sullivan, Elise Gordon, Cheryl Meservey, Eric Hilbert, Cory J. Metters (Select Board Liaison), Paul Wightman (Conservation Agent/North Beach Manager), Crystal Keon (Conservation Division Administrative Assistant)

Receive debriefs about local meetings in your inbox weekly:

Trending meetings
across the country:

Meeting Date
Filter by bodytypes
Agricultural Advisory Committee
Airport Advisory Board
Art and Culture Board
Beach Committee
Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Board of Elections
Board of Health
Borough Council
Building Committee
Cannabis Control Board
Cemetery Commission
Charter Revision Commission
Child and Family Services Board
City Council
City Identity Committee
Code Enforcement Board
College Board of Trustees
Community Appearance Board
Community Preservation Committee
Community Redevelopment Agency
County Council
Disability Advisory Committee
Economic Development Board
Elderly Affairs Board
Electric Advisory Board
Environmental Commission
Financial Oversight Board
Historic Preservation Commission
Housing Authority
Human Relations Committee
Human Resources Committee
Insurance Fund
Land Use Board
Library Board
Licensing Board
Mental Health Commission
Municipal Alliance
Open Space Commission
Oversight and Review Committee
Parent Advisory Board
Parking Authority
Parks and Gardens Commission
Parks Commission
Pension Board
Planning Board
Police Review Board
Port Authority
Property Assessment Board
Public Safety Committee
Recreation Commission
Redevelopment Agency
Rent Control Board
Rent Leveling Board
School Board
Sewerage Authority
Shade Tree Commission
Special Magistrate
Taxation & Revenue Advisory Committee
Tourism Board
Trails Committee
Transportation Board
Utility Board
Value Adjustment Board
Veterans Committee
Water Control Board
Women's Advisory Committee
Youth Advisory Committee
Zoning Board
Filter by County
FL
Bay County
Bradford County
Brevard County
Broward County
Clay County
Duval County
Escambia County
Gulf County
Hendry County
Highlands County
Hillsborough County
Indian River County
Lake County
Lee County
Leon County
Levy County
Liberty County
Manatee County
Marion County
Martin County
Miami-Dade County
Monroe County
Okaloosa County
Orange County
Osceola County
Palm Beach County
Pasco County
Pinellas County
Polk County
Putnam County
Santa Rosa County
Sarasota County
Seminole County
St. Johns County
Taylor County
Volusia County
Walton County
MA
Barnstable County
Berkshire County
Bristol County
Essex County
Franklin County
Hampden County
Hampshire County
Middlesex County
Norfolk County
Plymouth County
Suffolk County
Worcester County
MN
Anoka County
Becker County
Beltrami County
Benton County
Blue Earth County
Brown County
Carver County
Cass County
Chippewa County
Chisago County
Clay County
Cook County
Crow Wing County
Dakota County
Freeborn County
Goodhue County
Grant County
Hennepin County
Isanti County
Itasca County
Kanabec County
Kandiyohi County
Koochiching County
Lac Qui Parle County
Lyon County
Mcleod County
Morrison County
Mower County
Nicollet County
Olmsted County
Pipestone County
Polk County
Ramsey County
Rice County
Scott County
Sherburne County
Sibley County
St Louis County
Stearns County
Steele County
Waseca County
Washington County
Wright County
NJ
Atlantic County
Bergen County
Burlington County
Camden County
Cape May County
Cumberland County
Essex County
Gloucester County
Hudson County
Hunterdon County
Mercer County
Middlesex County
Monmouth County
Morris County
Ocean County
Passaic County
Somerset County
Sussex County
Union County
Warren County
NY
Bronx County
Kings County
New York County
Queens County
Richmond County
TN
Shelby County
Filter by sourcetypes
Minutes
Recording