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Richmond conservation panel finalizes comments on proposed ANR wetlands rule changes
Summary
The Richmond Conservation Commission reviewed and edited a comment letter on state ANR wetlands rule changes, agreed to reinsert language about vernal pools and amphibian migration, and Sam Pratt said he would submit the letter before the January 14 deadline.
The Richmond Conservation Commission reviewed a draft comment letter on proposed changes to the state ANR wetlands rules and agreed to send the commission’s edited version to the state before the public-comment deadline.
Commissioners discussed a question of language about vernal pools. Trevor Brooks urged restoring a sentence referencing vernal pools and their role in amphibian spring migrations; he proposed language stating that "vernal pools not mapped are vulnerable to rule changes and amphibian spring migrations would be jeopardized." The commission agreed to reinstate that language and several editorial suggestions submitted by Janette Malone.
Sam Pratt said he would submit the final version to the state rulemaking addresses immediately after the meeting to meet the January 14 deadline. Commissioners noted the rules could affect mapped and unmapped wetlands and discussed using this rulemaking as a prompt to assess local zoning and town plan protections for wetlands.
The action is procedural—the commission will forward its comments to the ANR rulemaking docket. The commission did not take a formal vote on a motion but reached consensus to send the edited letter; Sam Pratt will send it and CC the commission.
