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Commission approves 11‑acre forest regeneration near Blueberry Hill Road with inspection and culvert protections
Summary
The commission approved a forest regeneration/improvement harvest on Bristol Water Department land at Blueberry Hill Road with conditions including silt fence, a recommended timber mat over the culvert, four inspections and a $100 enforcement inspection fee; Connwood Foresters will provide photos and meet with staff before work begins in summer 2026.
The Harwinton Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission unanimously approved an 11‑acre forest regeneration and improvement harvest on land owned by the Bristol Water Department near Blueberry Hill Road, with conditions intended to protect nearby wetlands and an existing culvert.
Matt Gallagher of Connwood Foresters told the commission the project is intended as a regeneration and improvement harvest, not a clearcut: mature trees will be removed in selected areas while best‑formed trees will be retained as legacy and parent seed stock. Gallagher said harvesting areas will avoid wetlands and that silt fence will be installed where work is close to wetland boundaries.
Commissioners expressed specific concern about a preexisting culvert at the wetland crossing and the potential for heavy machinery to compromise it. Commissioner Todd Werner suggested placing a timber mat over the pipe to protect it; Gallagher agreed. IWZEO Don Truskauskas said he anticipates making four inspection visits during the operation, and the commission required collection of an enforcement inspection fee of $100 (the Wetlands Regulations specify a fee of $100 for 3–8 inspections). Werner moved to approve the activity as a use of right with that fee condition; Matthew Perry seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Gallagher said work is expected to begin in summer 2026 and last about three months; he offered to meet staff on site before operations begin and to submit photos documenting conditions during the work. The commission recorded an email received March 3, 2026 in which Gallagher clarified the culvert is a stone culvert (not concrete) and attached a photo of the culvert.
