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Resident urges use of state enforcement to curb invasive bamboo in Preston
Summary
A Preston resident urged the Conservation Commission to use state enforcement channels to address invasive bamboo, citing a potential $100-per-day penalty and noting some Connecticut towns have enacted total bans. Commissioners said they would seek clarity on which local officials have authority to act.
At its April 27 meeting, the Preston Conservation and Agricultural Commission heard from a resident who urged use of existing state enforcement options to address invasive bamboo growing on private property.
Theresa M. Groff of 180 Middle Road told the commission that “the tree warden, first selectman, state trooper, and head of conservation commission all have authority according to CT state law to send [a] letter to [an] offending address and they must respond or face $100 per day fine to the state of Connecticut along with legal action.” She added that owners could report the problem to their insurance companies and that some Connecticut towns — Bozrah, Newtown, Orange and Glastonbury — had adopted total bans on bamboo.
Chairman Gary Piszczek said the commission had contacted the Eastern Connecticut Conservation District and NRCS earlier but had not reached a resolution; commissioners discussed whether enforcement would instead be handled by a Tree Warden or the Zoning Enforcement Officer. Commissioner Lynwood Crary noted a regulatory exception: plantings established before 2013 may not be included under some enforcement regulations.
Piszczek said he would pursue further guidance and contact state-level resources, including officials involved with an emerging PZC Native Plant Ordinance, to clarify enforcement options for Preston. The commission did not vote on a formal enforcement action at the meeting.
The commission’s next steps include identifying which local or state official has the legal authority to issue notices and whether local ordinances are needed to supplement state law. The commission is expected to follow up with state contacts and report back at a future meeting.
