Southborough planning board approves National Grid FY26 vegetation management plan after map, pruning and wetlands questions

The Town of Southborough Planning Board on April 20 approved National Grid's fiscal year 2026 Vegetation Management Plan (VMP) for circuits in the southern part of town after questions about a mislabelled circuit map, pruning practice quality and how larger trees and wetland areas are handled.

The vote followed a consolidated meeting with the town's tree warden, Chris LaRoy, and National Grid staff. Jay Littrell, a Planning Board member, called the roll and confirmed a quorum before the discussion began. "I'm Bob Moran. I'm a community engagement manager with National Grid," National Grid said during introductions, and Eric, identified as National Grid's forestry supervisor, described his assumption of oversight for the four towns previously covered by another supervisor.

Why it matters: The VMP authorizes routine trimming and limited removals along identified circuits and sets expectations for contractor conduct and town notification. Residents and board members raised concerns about map accuracy, adherence to pruning standards and the process for removing trees 8 inches in diameter or larger'issues that affect scenic roads, wetlands and neighborhood aesthetics.

Board members and residents pressed National Grid on several specific points. Resident Mimi Brascio noted she did not see a citation to Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR) in the packet and asked that future submissions include the regulatory references so the public can see which state rules are being followed. Brascio also pointed out a labelling error on a circuit map (page…