02:02:43A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to addressing concerns about a wetland restoration project and compliance with previous orders. The commission examined a replanting plan originally approved in 2018, revealing discrepancies in the number of trees and shrubs planted versus what was initially proposed. During a 2021 inspection, it was noted that some plants had become overgrown and were no longer visible, raising concerns about adherence to the original restoration conditions, particularly condition number 45, which required monitoring by a wetland scientist.

01:03:04The commission expressed skepticism about previous efforts to maintain the wetland area, citing an instance where dead trees were painted green. This highlighted the ongoing debate about compliance with restoration requirements and underscored the need for verification from a qualified wetland scientist. The commission ultimately decided to deny a request for a Certificate of Compliance, advising the applicant to resubmit the request once they secure the necessary documentation to confirm the health and presence of the required plantings.

02:04:16Simultaneously, the commission approved a proposal to allocate funds for a pollinator habitat as part of Earth Day initiatives. The initial proposal for planting native plants was reduced to $43,324 from an original $58,963, thanks to a 25% discount. This expenditure was approved unanimously through a roll call vote, with funds drawn from the Haw Fund. The pollinator habitat was highlighted as a primary initiative for Earth Day.

02:21:16In addition to the pollinator habitat, the commission discussed the Mackie Purchase Order (MACPO), funded from the timber rights fund. With a current balance of $30,874, the commission approved an increase of $2,000 to the MACPO to support ongoing conservation land improvements. This funding will aid in constructing boardwalks and catwalks in areas requiring wetland protection, addressing stability issues in recently logged areas, and enhancing public access.

01:40:51The meeting continued with discussions on various other projects, including a situation at 7-Eleven Massav, where construction plans required adjustments due to changes in footings and drainage systems. The commission emphasized the importance of maintaining erosion controls and ensuring proper disposal of debris. Challenges with administrative documentation surfaced.

44:48Concerns about sediment and erosion at a construction site prompted discussions on implementing immediate measures to mitigate these issues. The commission proposed creating a diversion trench to redirect sediment-laden water toward a forebay, emphasizing the importance of addressing sediment washout and maintaining the integrity of the wetland buffer zone.

Further discussions involved updates on the Chase Road Conservation Area, where unauthorized tree cutting on town-owned land raised concerns about property boundaries and land usage conflicts. A positive note was struck with the resolution of an encroachment issue on Chase Road, where a barn or detached garage had been removed from town forest land, highlighting effective conflict resolution motivated by property sale.

The commission also reviewed ongoing grants, including one with Mass Trails aimed at improving parking areas, and acknowledged approvals for plans concerning the Table Rock property and Reo parcel. These efforts aim to secure future funding for developing proper parking facilities and enhancing access to a historically significant wildlife viewing platform within the Cry area.