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Invasive species removal exemptions considered for updated wetland regulations

FILE PHOTO/COURTESY ED HARROW

The Conservation Commission last week considered implementing greater exemptions for invasive species removal as it continues revisions of the town’s wetland protection regulations.

At its June 30 meeting, the commission held a public hearing regarding proposed changes to the regulations. Chair Melissa Recos noted that the draft received comments from Lucas Environmental that members needed to review.

During the discussion, Recos brought up the requirements for removing invasive species. “We talk about invasives and whether people can just go ahead and deal with [them] or basically when they need to come to us,” she explained.

Under the existing regulations, the Conservation Commission can grant exemptions for removing invasive species by hand within resource areas and buffer zones if the work zone is less than 500 square feet and the commission is provided notice 10 days before work is conducted.

In the working draft of the revised regulations, Recos noted a preference for language that eliminated the need for individuals to appear before the commission at all. “I think it would be better to make it easier for people to remove invasives, and they shouldn’t have to come in front of us,” she said.

Member James Ciriello brought up that most invasive species occur in resource areas, and individuals might take action to remove them without consulting the Conservation Commission. “Is it going to occur to somebody, ‘Hey, I better go check with [the commission]?’ ” Ciriello asked.

He also proposed a maximum area requirement, where individuals would not have to notify the commission unless the removal area exceeds a certain square footage.

Commission members instructed conservation administrator Judy Day to incorporate their feedback into a new draft of the regulations to be reviewed at a later date.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

This week’s Real Estate Transactions list shows five homes sold, including one for more than $3 million.

Cynthia Lin, 40, of Hopkinton died July 1.

The Department of Public Works announced its schedule for roadwork throughout the month of July.

The Hopkinton Trails Club will host a guided walk to the Dickman cellar hole on Fruit Street on July 18.

Town meetings tonight include the Board of Assessors (5).

Photo of the Day

An individual dressed as the Wicked Witch is towed along by the Doucette family boat during the Lake Maspenock July 4 Boat Parade. The “Wicked” themed boat took first prize at the event.

PHOTO/COURTESY SABINE ST. PIERRE