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Commission raises questions about planned irrigation, drainage and fertilization at town recreation fields
Summary
Conservation commissioners reviewed proposals for irrigation, drainage and fertilization at town recreation fields and asked the Recreation Department to arrange a site walk and a contractor presentation to assess potential impacts to mapped vernal pools and wetlands.
The Redwood Conservation Commission reviewed proposals submitted by Hillside Landscaping for irrigation, field drainage and fertilization of town recreation fields and raised questions about potential impacts to vernal pools and adjacent wetlands.
Commission members said they had received copies of a hillside landscaping proposal dated March 10, 2025, and a fertilization proposal dated February 24, 2025. The Recreation Department reported the project cost estimates as roughly $4,000 for irrigation/drainage work and $11,970 for the first year of fertilization.
Why it matters: commissioners said the recreation property contains mapped vernal pools and other wetland features and that any landscaping or chemical applications near those features warrant careful review. Commissioners suggested practical, proportionate steps before escalating to engineering studies: schedule a site walk with the Recreation director and the contractor; mark and flag vernal pools and other sensitive areas; request the contractor explain materials and application procedures; and, if necessary, ask the Select Board to review the contract and any permitting decisions.
Questions from commissioners included whether the landscaper holds required certification to apply pesticides/herbicides and what specific products would be used. One commissioner observed that hiring an engineer would raise costs and suggested the commission first ask Hillside Landscaping to present details in person. Another proposed a flagged site visit to compare the contractor plan with the commission's wetland mapping and management plan.
Next steps: commissioners asked Recreation Director Andrew Gray to invite Hillside Landscaping and the contractor to a future commission meeting or to a site walk so members can assess proximity to vernal pools and identify buffer areas. The commission will collect evidence of potential negative impacts before deciding whether to elevate concerns to the Select Board or request further technical study.
