Inspectors raise concerns over recent tree cutting and water discharge near wetland

During the recent Conservation Commission meeting on March 27, 2025, in Southborough, MA, members discussed several environmental concerns regarding local properties. A key focus was on a recently cut tree, approximately 12 inches in diameter, located just outside a designated no-road zone. Commission members expressed the need for clarification on whether the tree was damaged and required removal or if it was cut for other reasons.

Additionally, the commission addressed the presence of a long plastic drain pipe discharging water above a slope leading to a wetland area. Questions arose about the source of the water and its potential impact on the wetland ecosystem.

Another point of discussion involved the accumulation of hard tree court material at the base of a slope near the proposed site for a new tennis court. This material, which requires regular maintenance, was found to have been improperly dumped, raising concerns about its proximity to the wetland line. The commission recommended that this material be removed by hand to prevent further contamination of the wetland area.

These discussions highlight the commission's ongoing commitment to monitoring and protecting Southborough's natural resources. The outcomes of these deliberations will guide future actions to ensure environmental integrity in the community.