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Public urges vernal‑pool questions on timber‑harvest applications; commission agrees to add form item
Summary
Public commenters urged the commission to ask applicants whether vernal pools exist on parcel(s); commissioners noted vernal pools are treated as inland wetlands and cited a 50‑foot buffer in local regulations, and agreed to add a yes/no question to future applications.
During public comment Michael Miller and Kathy Demurs asked the commission to add a specific vernal‑pool question to timber‑harvest application forms so operators cannot bypass protections for those features.
"I'd like to suggest that somebody ask a more specific question about are there vernal pools on the property?" one commenter said, urging the commission to require applicants to identify vernal pools because the town does not map them comprehensively. Commissioners and staff responded that vernal pools are treated as inland wetland resources under the town's regulations and noted the commission's forest‑practices rules specify a minimum 50‑foot buffer around vernal pools for commercial forestry (regulation cited in meeting as section 300‑3B).
The commission agreed to add a yes/no vernal‑pool question to future timber‑harvest applications and discussed options for follow‑up inspections and coordination with state forestry units if concerns arise.
