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Landscape architect submits mitigation plan after unauthorized tree clearing at Longlots Road property
Summary
An applicant revised plans after a contractor's unpermitted clearing in a regulated area; the commission approved mitigation plantings and required a corrected plan from the landscape architect and continued oversight.
The Inland Wetlands Commission approved a mitigation planting plan on June 16 after a contractor cleared vegetation in a regulated area at 437 Longlots Road before a permit was issued.
Barbara Wilson, a licensed landscape architect retained by the property owners, told commissioners the owners initially proposed grading and lawn work at the rear of the property but later decided not to move forward with that grading. Instead, following an unpermitted clearing performed by a tree crew hired directly by the owner, Wilson submitted a remediation and mitigation planting plan for the wetland and the upland review area. The plan focuses on replanting native trees, shrubs and groundcovers (Amelanchier canadensis, Nyssa sylvatica, Quercus bicolor, Juncus, cinnamon fern and others) and removing invasive re-growth, with plantings proposed to begin in fall 2025.
Wilson confirmed the tree removal was done prior to her engagement and without the required inland wetlands permit; stumps were not pulled and some downed wood remains. Director Kathleen Holland reported she had previously sent a warning letter in May 2024 and, after monitoring the site, issued a Notice of Violation and cease-and-desist on May 23, 2025. Commissioners discussed whether a revised plan was necessary to reflect the change in scope (the lawn grading is being withdrawn) and agreed it would be helpful for Wilson to submit a revised AutoCAD plan that deletes the withdrawn elements; Wilson offered to prepare that revision quickly. The commission included as conditions continued oversight by the landscape architect, submission of the corrected plan, and an as-built and final inspection report confirming compliance. Commissioner Sandy Redden moved to approve IW-25-24 (application referenced as IW2524 in transcript) with Director Holland's special condition and the revised plan submission; Commissioner Katie Owsley seconded and the vote was unanimous.
