Commission reviews Pelham Farms site visit; discusses wetland path, vegetation clearing and mosquito-control access

On April 2 the Dennis Conservation Commission reviewed a recent site visit to Pelham Farms. Staff and commissioners said the farm largely matched prior RDA approvals but emphasized the need for an as-built surveyed plan to confirm fence placement and other field conditions before the commission decides whether to lift or modify the enforcement order.

A staff member said, “we took a tour of the farm” and reported that on-the-ground conditions will be compared to the previously approved RDA plan. Commissioners said an as-built plan will allow the commission to confirm whether elements match approvals and to determine whether previously imposed enforcement actions should remain or be modified.

Commissioners also discussed a walking path through wetlands where extensive vegetation clearing and wood chips were observed. One commissioner stated, “They cleared vegetation,” and commissioners debated whether mosquito control or property owners performed the clearing and whether the path should be abandoned, limited to minimal maintenance, or allowed to remain for pedestrian access. Staff indicated the farm may propose limited vertical clearing to maintain the existing width of a corridor, and noted potential involvement from an invasive-species company (Blue Flax) for bamboo removal.

Next steps: the farm will provide an as-built surveyed plan for staff and commission review; the commission will evaluate the path and any mitigation measures once the plan is submitted.