Developers to revise plans after commissioners flag tree removal and rare-species review at Englehart property

Nicole Ferrara of LEC Environmental introduced a Notice of Intent for a project on the Englehart Conservation Restriction (northeastern part of town, referenced as the Balls Hill area). Ferrara said the site contains a mix of forested uplands and wetlands and is mapped within estimated habitat for rare wildlife; she reported the team initiated a joint streamlining review with Massachusetts Natural Heritage and expected comments in early September.

Ferrara said the applicants propose site grading and tree clearing within the 100-foot buffer, estimating they will clear about 7,300 square feet overall (lawn ~3,487 sq ft; native-planted area ~3,822 sq ft) and estimated about 75 trees greater than 6 inches DBH would be removed within the buffer. She stressed work would remain outside the 50-foot buffer and no structures or impervious surface would be located within the 50-foot zone.

Commissioners questioned mitigation sufficiency and asked for clearer tree-protection notes (which trees will be protected) and a mitigation table that adds up. Mass Audubon’s Renata Pamponi (commenting from Bruce’s Woods Wildlife Sanctuary) praised outreach and the planting list but urged the applicants to increase the percentage and caliper of replacement trees, reduce lawn area and clarify post-construction lawn-care methods (including whether chemical treatments would be used, given wetlands downslope). Ferrara and the design team said they would add tree protection notes, expand plantings outside the buffer for screening and continue the hearing to Sept. 11 while Natural Heritage comments are obtained.