Invasive Species Removal Plan Sparks Controversy at Public Hearing

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed plans for invasive species management and residential redevelopment, focusing on ecological restoration and regulatory compliance.

The meeting began with a presentation on the treatment of invasive species, specifically phragmites and knotweed. The committee has previously collaborated with Solitude, utilizing a combination of glyphosate and imazimox. This year, they plan to separate treatments for knotweed and mugwort from phragmites, requesting permission to use three herbicides: glyphosate, triglopyr, and imazimox. All proposed herbicides are approved for use in aquatic areas, and the project qualifies as an ecological restoration limited project, covering approximately 4.8 acres. A waiver for invasive species removal within resource areas was also discussed, with the committee noting that a waiver is automatically applied under current regulations.

Following this, the meeting shifted to a residential redevelopment project at 256 Poultice Road. The project involves relocating a house and making various site changes, with plans refined since the original approval. The commission reviewed updated landscape plans, which had not been circulated prior to the meeting. Concerns were raised regarding certain plant species listed in the plans, specifically two types of grasses undergoing consideration for invasiveness. The commission suggested that the landscape architect revise the plan to exclude any non-native or potentially invasive species before resubmission at the next meeting.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to close the public hearing, reflecting a collaborative approach to environmental management and community development.