Waterford commission denies homeowners' request to expand maintenance into Perkins Farm conservation easement

Brooke and Gina Guetti asked the Waterford Conservation Commission on April 23 for approval to have a landscaping company maintain additional portions of the Perkins Farm Road conservation easement adjacent to their property (12 Perkins Farm Road) and to pay that contractor to do so.

The commission reviewed the 2024 Consent Order governing maintenance and noted that the easement was created as a condition of subdivision approval to be maintained in a natural state. Chairman Richard Muckle reminded the applicants that the Consent Order allowed maintenance of five feet beyond the property line but said the broader suburban‑style maintenance the Guettis requested is inconsistent with the easement's restrictions. Commissioner Keith Kriet cited the statutory definition of a conservation restriction and said the commission would consider a maintained natural management plan but would not approve lawn‑style upkeep inside the easement.

On a motion by K. Kriet, seconded by D. DeNoia, the commission denied without prejudice the March 15, 2026 maintenance proposal; the vote was recorded 4-0-1, with Chairman Muckle abstaining. The commission advised the Guettis they may research examples of maintained natural areas and submit a natural management plan for consideration. Commissioners also said cutting to control invasives is allowed within five feet of the property line. Commissioner Kriet asked that a soccer net and dog-training flags observed in the easement be removed.

The denial is without prejudice; the applicants may submit a revised plan consistent with the easement and state conservation‑restriction guidance.