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State DOT cleared to remove beaver dam at Richardson Pond after conservation commission raises few objections
Summary
The Barrington Conservation Commission discussed a Department of Transportation request to remove a beaver dam at Richardson Pond that is blocking drainage near a Route 9 project. Members said they generally avoid dismantling dams but indicated no objection given current flooding concerns and DOT's role in the road work.
The Barrington Conservation Commission discussed a request from the state Department of Transportation to remove a beaver dam at Richardson Pond that has raised water levels near the Route 9 Goodwill trailhead and a DOT work area. Members said they generally do not advocate destroying beaver dams but acknowledged this particular dam appears to be blocking flow and creating a drainage issue that could affect the DOT project.
Commission members debated legal and practical limits on altering beaver structures and whether the state has authority to act. One participant noted the commission’s usual preference to avoid intervening in beaver activity but said the dam was “blocking the flow of the water” and that DOT wanted to “determine the drainage coming into the pond.” Members asked the town administrator to confirm whether state crews would use heavy equipment and whether approvals were needed.
The commission did not object in principle to DOT removing the dam and discussed advising DOT to proceed while coordinating with town staff on access and environmental precautions. The group asked the town administrator to confirm communication with DOT and to report back on what equipment and safeguards the state planned to use.
Next steps: town staff will confirm DOT’s plan and any permit or access conditions; the commission requested that the administrator CC the commission on the outreach and to follow up if problems arise.
