Land Bank tables $80,000 plan to remove bamboo hedgerow at Field of Dreams

The Nantucket Land Bank Commission voted to table a proposal to remove an invasive bamboo hedgerow at the Field of Dreams after discussing cost and alternatives.

Staff presented an estimate for full excavation and removal that would cost approximately $80,000, most of which the staff said is driven by excavation and removal of the bamboo root mass. The cost would be split with the co-owning trust. Commissioners debated whether to spend the money to remove the root mass or to install containment barriers similar to fixes used on other Land Bank properties.

“Most of the expense is in the excavation and removal of the bamboo root mass, which is what we found to be the most useful way to treat these species,” staff said. Commissioners noted lower-cost barrier approaches used elsewhere on the island and asked staff to investigate that option. One commissioner said a barrier approach had been effective at another preserve and favored containment over full removal.

After discussion, a motion to table the removal proposal was offered and seconded. Commissioners John, Neil, Mark and Allen voted aye on the motion to table; the item was tabled for further investigation and site visits.

Staff said the Land Bank adheres to a preference for native plantings and the removal would better align the hedgerow with that objective, but commissioners emphasized cost-effectiveness and neighbor screening when considering alternatives.

The commission asked staff to inspect the site, present containment cost estimates and return with recommendations before committing to large-scale excavation and removal.