In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the unauthorized removal of trees and subsequent wetland remediation efforts by property owners in New Canaan. Starting in January 2024, the owners cleared approximately 11 trees from the Upland Review area, mistakenly believing the area was not designated as wetlands based on online mapping resources. This led to the hiring of contractors to create an access way, which involved regrading and removing parts of a stone wall.

The New Canaan Inland Wetlands agent intervened, issuing a stop work order after the tree removal and initial site work were underway. The owners were required to submit a wetland remediation planting plan before any further work could proceed. The proposed plan aims to restore native vegetation to promote biodiversity, reduce erosion, and provide habitat for wildlife.

The remediation plan includes installing erosion controls, removing debris, and regrading the area to its original elevation. A variety of native trees and shrubs are set to be planted, including species such as red maple and oak, with the planting scheduled to begin in the fall of 2024. The owners also plan to manage invasive species and ensure the new plants are adequately watered for successful establishment.

During the meeting, officials discussed the inaccuracies of the wetland mapping that led to the confusion. It was noted that the mapping serves as a general guide and should be verified by a certified soil scientist, which was not done prior to the tree removal. The contractor involved in the initial work was criticized for not ensuring compliance with local regulations.

The meeting concluded with a consensus that while the actions taken by the owners were misguided, the proposed remediation efforts could lead to a positive environmental outcome, ultimately benefiting the local ecosystem.