At the heart of the meeting was an extensive discussion regarding the water levels in Jennings Pond, influenced by the existing beaver dam. The commission noted that the weir boards were at their maximum height, which facilitated a steady outflow from the pond. Despite the drought conditions, there was a recommendation against breaching the beaver dam. The drought had lowered water levels across Natick, including the Charles River and Lake Cochituate, which were observed to be six inches to a foot below their standard watermarks. Anticipated rainfall was unlikely to sufficiently alleviate these conditions, as the area was still one and a half to two inches below the necessary levels to counteract the drought.

The commission discussed the balance between maintaining healthy water levels in the wetlands and the potential negative effects of drawing more water from these areas. Historical context was provided about previous breaches of the dam, which had resulted in a temporary rise in water levels. The commission was informed of the substantial beaver population in Natick, with multiple lodges in Town Forest and Jennings Pond, and additional lodges in Pick Pond.

The conversation also touched upon a separate human-made dam breaching project, for which all necessary permits and approvals from regulatory agencies were in place. The project was scheduled to begin mobilization on June 27th, with in-water work allowed to commence on July 16th. The commission selected Flynn, a contractor experienced in dam removal, to handle the project, and weekly construction meetings were planned to ensure coordination among all parties involved. Concerns about public access to the construction site were discussed, and measures were decided to allow for commissioner observation while maintaining public safety.

In addition to these water management discussions, the commission reviewed the order of conditions for the development project on Peterson Road. The applicant, Joe, confirmed satisfaction with the documentation, which detailed various administrative aspects of the project. A mitigation planting area of 850 square feet was to be installed along the rear property line between the yard and the wetland resource area. The project complied with the town’s stormwater bylaw, with specific conditions for the installation of mitigation plantings by qualified professionals during designated seasons. A memo from the professional responsible for the installation was required, and all mitigation plantings had to survive for at least one year to qualify for a certificate of compliance.

A minor issue was raised concerning the ongoing water ban, which could potentially impact the watering of the mitigation plants. The commission assured Joe that, as a permit requirement, the plants could still be watered during the ban. Additionally, three trees slated for removal were to be replaced, either within the mitigation planting area or elsewhere on the property. The commission also established conditions regarding the marking of the rear fence line and ongoing responsibilities related to the stormwater management plan.

The meeting included updates on a site visit to Jennings Pond, where the beaver dam was reportedly holding back about two feet of water. Photographs presented were difficult to interpret due to their size, but it was noted that the water levels upstream of the dam were relatively normal, despite the trail conditions being wet but not flooded. The functioning of the flow leveler at the dam was discussed.

As the meeting drew to a close, there were additional discussions about an unrelated wooden structure at Fisk Pond, which was in disrepair and raised concerns about public access and safety. This structure was confirmed to be under the jurisdiction of the Department of Conservation and Recreation and was officially closed to the public.