Gardner conservation commission continues hearing on gravel‑pit stabilization at Ebenezer Keys

At a meeting of the Gardner Conservation Commission, members reviewed a notice of intent filed by consulting firm BSC Group on behalf of North County Land Trust for a gravel‑pit stabilization and grassland restoration project at the Ebenezer Keys Conservation Area off Keys Road and voted to continue the public hearing to the 27th while the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) file number and comments are pending.

The proposal, presented by Paul Martin of BSC Group, would redistribute existing sand and gravel mounds on site to create rolling sand‑plain grassland habitat and reduce erosion. "This is a pretty interesting and neat project to be working on," Paul Martin said, describing plans to move roughly 37,000 cubic yards of material within the property, install sediment and erosion controls along bordering wetland areas, and avoid hauling material off site.

The nut graf: Commission members and nearby landowners said the restoration aims to recreate rare sand‑plain grassland habitat and improve conditions for species named in the presentation — the grasshopper sparrow and the upland sandpiper — while reducing informal motorized use of the site.

Details presented to the commission said some tree clearing has already occurred on certain mounds; that clearing is outside the commission's jurisdiction. The work that falls under the commission's review is primarily grading and soil redistribution in the wetland buffer zone. The project team told the commission there is no plan to import material to the site and no intent to carry material off site; after grading the plan is to allow about two years for natural revegetation to assess where targeted native grass seeding might be needed, with only limited supplemental plantings anticipated within the first year.

Paul Martin said the site's soils are coarse and not highly prone to fine‑sediment transport, and that a preexisting stormwater basin sized for earlier development captures a large portion of the site. He described erosion and sediment controls to be placed along the vegetated wetland buffer to prevent sandy material from entering wetland areas.

Members asked about public access and motorized recreation on the site. Presenters and public commenters said informal use, especially dirt bikes, has occurred but that North County Land Trust has taken steps to reduce that traffic, including limited tree plantings and outreach. "There has been a dramatic reduction in ATB traffic out there," said Hamil Russo, a nearby landowner who disclosed he is on the board of directors for the Economy Trust. "I support it wholeheartedly." Walter Mayo, a former director with the County Land Trust, told the commission the land trust has invested in parking, kiosks and cleanup work since acquiring the property and called the site "a gem for this community."

Commission members asked for clarification on the operation and maintenance plan language, noted interest in community engagement and volunteer opportunities, and discussed whether additional hearings would be needed after DEP provides comments. The project team indicated it may return with a more complete DEP review and that the commission could hold another hearing; the commission voted to continue the public hearing to the 27th pending DEP's file number and comments.

Formal actions at the meeting included approval of the Dec. 9, 2024 meeting minutes and a motion to continue the Ebenezer Keys notice of intent to the 27th. The commission also adjourned the meeting after brief new‑business discussion; commissioners noted they are short on members and asked others to help ensure quorum at upcoming meetings.

The commission did not vote on or approve any work permits at this meeting; the hearing was continued for further review and DEP comment.