Needham commission approves limited, monitored copper‑based treatments at Forbes Pond

The Needham Conservation Commission on May 7 approved an order of conditions that allows a licensed applicator to use a copper‑complex herbicide (the draft order names the product Natique) for limited spot treatments at Forbes Pond, but only under a set of monitoring and access restrictions intended to protect water quality.

The commission reviewed a circulated draft order that describes annual treatment as up to two applications per season, with any single treatment covering no more than about four acres (the pond totals about eight acres). The order requires pre‑treatment notification to the conservation office at least two business days in advance, water quality sampling at the beginning and end of the growing season, and an annual progress report (first due October 2026) accompanied by before‑and‑after photographs. The order also establishes a 25‑foot natural buffer (no‑mow zone) and prohibits hydro‑raking; removed material must be taken offsite daily and not stockpiled inside the 100‑foot buffer.

Chair Dave Herer read the primary attributes of the draft order, saying, “the herbicide proposed to be used is the natique,” and staff explained that Water and Wetland will serve as the licensed applicator and prepare an implementable vegetation management plan. Commissioner Clary asked specifically that up‑to‑date safety data sheets be submitted and kept on file; the commission added a special condition requiring submittal of safety data sheets for any product used and that any change in chemical composition be reported.

The commission also voted to grant a waiver allowing limited work within the 25‑foot buffer and to waive the permit fee in recognition of the project’s restoration objective and anticipated staff workload; commissioners recorded affirmative roll‑call votes. The order requires that any significant deviation from the approved treatment or monitoring plan be returned to the commission for review and approval.

The commission emphasized monitoring and documentation as the path forward: treatments must be accompanied by water sampling and plant surveys, and if mechanical removal is later deemed necessary the applicant must submit a plan showing access and offsite disposal locations. The order will remain subject to the town zoning special permit for work in the aquifer protection district, which must be presented to conservation staff prior to any treatments.

The commission concluded the agenda items for Forbes Pond by adopting the order of conditions and recording the related votes; the treatment program will proceed only under the conditions set in the order and with annual reporting to the conservation commission.