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Conservation Commission issues permit for removal of three willow trees at 56 Lincoln Rd; replacement plantings required
Summary
The commission granted a negative determination and a permit for removal of three declining 16‑inch weeping willows at 56 Lincoln Rd, with proposed native replacement plantings and confirmation from Sudbury Valley Trustees that the conservation restriction allows the work.
The Wayland Conservation Commission on March 4 issued a negative determination of applicability under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and approved a permit under Chapter 194 for tree removal at 56 Lincoln Rd (D‑1053).
Applicant Stephanie Smart proposed removing three 16‑inch caliper weeping willows that are non‑native and in poor health. Heather Heimarck of HighMark Land Design presented a plan that would leave stumps and root systems in place and replace the trees with native species including river birch, Atlantic white cedar, shagbark hickory and swamp oak. Heimarck told the commission she had contacted Sudbury Valley Trustees, the holder of the property's conservation restriction, and was told removal for maintaining vistas was permitted under the restriction.
Commissioners asked whether tree removal might affect pond water levels; property owner Allen Vander Meulen said the pond had been dry for several years and that he believed the willows were not the controlling factor. Vice Chair Shannon Fischer asked if herbicide would be used to prevent regrowth; Vander Meulen said he preferred manual cutting and was hesitant to use chemicals.
Commissioner Luke Legere moved and Commissioner Clifford Lewis seconded a motion to issue a negative determination under the State Act and a permit under Chapter 194; the roll‑call vote was 7‑0 in favor.
The permit allows the removal subject to the approved replacement planting plan; specifics on required maintenance and monitoring were not detailed in the transcript and are to be reflected in the issued permit.
