Woodland Park condominium manager gets OK to remove 11 hazardous trees near Swan Street wetland buffer

The Lowell Conservation Commission on Jan. 3 approved a Negative 3 determination allowing Woodland Park Condominium Association to remove 11 trees near the wetland buffer at 80–122 Swan Street and 20 Woodland Ave.

Eric Kingsley, property manager for Woodland Park, told the commission the association seeks removal of 11 trees, most dead or diseased, that pose a threat to people and property. He said the trees are scattered across a heavily wooded property and that several — including a group of four dead trees near the 200 Swan Street units — are clearly hazardous. An onsite arborist assessed the trees and identified those that present risk; Kingsley said the plan is to leave stumps and root systems in place and not to grind stumps out.

Commissioners asked whether removal would create noticeable openings and whether replanting would be considered. Kingsley said the area is generally wooded and that four adjacent dead trees would create a visible change, but most removals would not create large open swaths. He said the association could present replanting options to its board of trustees; Bill Lund introduced himself as a Woodland Park board member during the discussion.

Commissioner Lapuette moved for a Negative 3 determination; Commissioner Belli seconded and the commission voted in favor. The commission noted the application included an arborist evaluation and that the work will leave root systems intact. The applicant was advised to coordinate with the commission office for any required written exemption documentation from the arborist.

The removal is limited to the 11 trees identified in the application; standard erosion-control measures and any conditions set by the commission will apply if work involves disturbance within the buffer.