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Commission approves special permit for Kiwanis Pond dredging and spoil redistribution at New Canaan Nature Center
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission granted a special permit for dredging Kiwanis Pond at the New Canaan Nature Center, approving on-site redistribution of most spoils, mechanical removal of an invasive phragmites stand, and restoration with native seed mix and meadow plantings.
The New Canaan Planning and Zoning Commission on April 29 approved a special permit for dredging Kiwanis Pond at the New Canaan Nature Center, permitting grading of more than 1,000 cubic yards and disturbance over 10,000 square feet in order to restore the pond and manage an adjacent stand of invasive phragmites.
William Pollock of Keith Simpson Associates, the authorized agent for the town, described the Kiwanis Pond as heavily silted and generally 2–3 feet deep in places; the pond was created in the mid-1960s and, according to presenters, has not been dredged since. The project will mechanically dredge accumulated silt, divert inlet flow during work, and spread most spoils on an upland acre near Owen Oak Ridge to be restored as a wildflower meadow. Material containing phragmites will be removed from the property to avoid reintroducing invasive plants elsewhere.
Pollock and presenters said contractors can access the pond via an existing gravel construction road north of the Presbyterian Church parking lot and that the work will include targeted mechanical removal of about a quarter-acre phragmites stand adjacent to a boardwalk. The disturbed areas will be restored to existing grade where feasible, seeded with native meadow mix and tree plantings, and monitored for regrowth of invasives. The nature center does not use herbicides, and presenters said follow-up mechanical removal and monitoring is planned for any re-sprouting patches.
Commissioners stressed educational and ecological benefits. "This is the pond where the young population of Buchanan learn about ponds as taught to them by the nature center," one speaker said, supporting restoration for educational programming. Commissioners asked about spoil testing for contaminants; presenters said, given the pond—s local watershed and location, they do not anticipate contamination but agreed to monitor and consider testing if warranted.
The commission voted to approve the special permit under section 6.4 g 0.1 with no recorded conditions; the motion passed by recorded vote.
