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Debate over invasive‑species removal at 58 Westwood Road divides Falmouth Conservation Commission
Summary
At the March 25 meeting the commission heard a lengthy, technical dispute over a notice of intent from the owners of 58 Westwood Road proposing mechanical removal of dense invasive roots and wholesale restoration. Staff supported more limited manual removal in sensitive dune areas; the commission closed the hearing and took the matter under advisement for further review.
The Falmouth Conservation Commission on March 25 heard a contentious, hours‑long debate over a Notice of Intent from Robert and Cara Martin seeking invasive‑species removal and restoration at 58 Westwood Road.
Attorney Brian Wall and landscape contractor Maria Hickey told commissioners the property is densely infested with non‑native vines and deep, widespread roots that, they said, cannot be reliably eradicated by hand removal and spot herbicide treatment. Hickey said machines positioned on the lawn — a tracked excavator with a boom long enough to reach into the vegetated buffer — would remove roots down to the depth necessary to prevent rapid reinfestation, allow addition of fresh…
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