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Commission issues favorable jurisdictional ruling for timber harvest to remove dying ash
Summary
Andrew Clark presented a timber‑harvest plan to remove dead and dying ash and other trees at 266 Old Canterbury Turnpike; the commission issued a favorable jurisdictional ruling that the activity is allowable under Connecticut statutes and no further permit is required from the commission.
Andrew Clark presented a proposal for a mechanized timber harvest on a privately owned property that contains roughly 1.6 acres of wetlands. Clark said the work aims to remove dead and dying ash and other trees affected by emerald ash borer, using mechanized harvest methods and brush/skid trails that do not require stream or wetland crossings.
Clark described the harvest operations as limited ("no more than one third of the basal area") and said the landing would be at the former house site with gravel access already improved. He noted the operation would generally be short in duration (an estimated three weeks, weather permitting) and said he would coordinate access permits with the department of public works if required. Clark also discussed anticipated hours of work and said neighbors would be notified in advance when crews would be on site.
Commission staff recommended a jurisdictional ruling confirming the activity is an allowable use and not a permitable activity under the commission's regulations. The commission moved to send a favorable jurisdictional ruling under Connecticut statutes; the motion carried on a recorded voice vote.
Clark said he would be in touch with staff to finalize the letter documenting the ruling.
