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Alton Select Board probes clearing that appears to exceed approved 14 acres at Hidden Springs
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Summary
Board members and staff reported the Hidden Springs clearing appears to total about 22.7–23 acres versus an approved 14‑acre AOT permit; staff said the logger laid orange flagging and the board directed an investigation into the permit, flagging and possible penalties.
Select Board members told the meeting they believe the clearing at the Hidden Springs site exceeded the acreage authorized in the project permit. Conservation members and staff said the board originally authorized clearing up to 14 acres, but a field walk and review of aerials and photos indicate about 22.7 acres were cleared.
"I came up with 22.7," Public Works staff said after walking the site, noting that some of the gravel landing had been previously cleared by the town but that fresh cutting extended beyond the limits. A board member said the logger "way overstepped his boundaries" and suggested there should be a penalty. Another member asked whether the flagging had been done by the logger and whether the logger had the proper authority to set limits.
Staff described the orange flagging as laid out by the logger and said the blue flagging marking wetlands and 100‑foot buffers had been placed by others (Ty and Bond). The contractor bid reported stump‑grinding and stumping fees per acre, and staff said stumping had not yet occurred; the AOT (Alteration of Terrain) permit on file referenced disturbance levels and was written to reflect the planned scope. Board members requested copies of the AOT application and the logger’s authorization documents and said they will investigate whether additional enforcement or corrective action is required.
What the board directed
- Staff to obtain and circulate the AOT permit and the contract/bid paperwork for the Hidden Springs work. - Review the logger’s flagging, licensing and authorization to act as the on‑site flagger. - Determine financial/administrative remedies for any unauthorized clearing and whether stump‑grinding invoices align with actual disturbance.
Quote
"He's way overstepped his boundaries on this, literally. And there should be some penalty associated with it." — Board member (S4)
Next steps
Staff said they will pull the permit documents, confirm the precise disturbance amount on the AOT application and follow up with the logger and conservation commission. The board framed this as an active investigation and asked staff to report back with documentation and recommended actions.
