01/24/2019 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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Maria Hickey, Maria Hickey Landscapes, represented the applicants. She stated she is a certified invasive plant expert in Massachusetts and Rhode Island and a lot of projects they do get involved with habitat restoration and invasive plant management. On this site they have a mature canopy which consists of pine trees, oaks, tupelos and a number of small seedlings. There is very little understory and less invasive vegetation. Based on the proposed project and the lack of the understory, they want to give back and provide a higher functioning habitat by planting an understory in his view corridor to consist of primary winterberry, plethora and blueberry which will provide food and shelter for nesting native birds and wildlife. She said she would like to address the phragmites along the shoreline cutting them and treating them at the appropriate time. It is a fairly straight forward proposal. The seedlings onsite don't have the capability to grow into a tree but it does present an opportunity to present an understory so they want to remove the seedlings and plant the native shrubs. She noted there are two trees of concern. One black oak is completely defoliated and diseased her concern is human safety and there is a leaning pine in the direction of the house and they would like permission to remove these two trees. The Agent showed pictures of the property and the work limit. Pieces of yellow tape delineate the vista corridor 108-foot width frontage. The planting of understory will be a net benefit to wildlife. He noted the plan is not done to scale but as long as width is demonstrated. In cases like this we would like to have staking to show this is where the corridor is and he agreed to take a look at the two trees mentioned. Dale McKay stated he would like to see how much of the seedlings will be removed.. The Agent stated he typically meets with the contractor to review the guidelines and what is to stay and what is to be removed. The Agent noted there is no mention of the phragmites in the plan and she said she would send over an amended plan. No comment from the public Motion; Mr. Sweet moved Close and Issue with the condition that any of the phragmites eradication be discussed with the Agent directly, seconded by Mr. Dalton. Vote 4-0 PREIPOST-HEARING AGENDA: There was a discussion on the joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen and Regulatory Boards regarding the wastewater treatment issue. It was agreed it was a good idea to get everyone together. Motion: Mr. Sweet moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Dalton. Vote 4-0