Commission keeps enforcement order open for 36 Nicole Terrace, debates native species for restoration

The Gardner Conservation Commission continued an enforcement order for work at 36 Nicole Terrace and discussed the proposed restoration planting palette and monitoring requirements after unauthorized disturbance to a wetland buffer.

The applicant provided revised planting drawings and said shrubs and trees were ready to be installed; the river birch and white spruce specified in the submittal were discussed at length by commissioners and the conservation specialist. One commissioner questioned white spruce as a good local fit and suggested native alternatives such as red maple or white pine. The applicant agreed to adjust the plan and to consider yellow birch or high-bush blueberry in appropriate locations. The planting stock arrival was reported as imminent, with shrubs expected to arrive on Saturday and planting scheduled to follow.

Commission staff said the enforcement order requires monitoring for two years; commissioners clarified that monitoring will include a report during the growing season documenting survival and planned replacements. The commission voted to continue the enforcement order with the expectation of an as-built report and monitoring schedule, and set a follow-up to review progress at a future meeting.

The commission also instructed the applicant to avoid introducing invasive material in planting stock (preference for bare-root stock and locally sourced nursery stock) and to stake equipment limits to keep machinery out of the wetland.