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Deep River wetlands commission schedules site walk, advances Canfield Woods ordinance
Summary
At its April 9 meeting the Deep River Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission scheduled a special site walk for a long‑running enforcement matter, received enforcement updates on multiple properties, and reported a draft ordinance to formalize Canfield Woods parcels will go to the town meeting.
Chairman Tanner Steeves presided over the Deep River Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission meeting on April 9, 2026, where the commission scheduled a special site walk for an outstanding enforcement matter, heard Wetlands Enforcement Officer Bruce Driska’s updates on several properties, and advanced a proposed ordinance amendment affecting Canfield Woods.
The commission unanimously approved minutes for its February 12 and March 12, 2026 meetings after motions by Commissioner Susan Board and seconds from Commissioner George Atwood (both votes recorded 5‑0). Wetlands Enforcement Officer Bruce Driska reported on multiple enforcement and compliance matters. For 1H Sylvan Terrace, Driska said a pre‑construction conference has occurred, a stone tracking pad and sedimentation and erosion controls will be installed, and Howard Tree will use a crane from the street for tree removals; Driska added he will be notified before tree cutting begins. At 245 Kelsey Hill Road, Driska said equipment with GPS tracking was used to install silt fencing and that he will continue to monitor the site. At 439 Main Street cleanup efforts continue; the state highway right‑of‑way has been taped off and the area remains wet following winter conditions. Old equipment at 27 Bahr Road is being removed and staged for pickup, and at 95 Rattling Valley Road a construction fence will be erected before work approaches the wetland setback so no activity will occur near the wetlands. Driska also reported he investigated a complaint by Bob Ghinder about tree clearing on the Mt. St. John property on Kirtland Street, photographed the site, and found no violation because clearing was limited to invasives cut to ground level and no work occurred in the wetland area.
Driska told the commission the enforcement matter involving property owner John Shail at 75 Rattling Valley Road has been pending for over a year; after consulting Attorney Perry, the commission scheduled a special meeting and site walk for May 6, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Driska also relayed an email from the ZEO and the Building Office about a proposed addition at 46 Bridge Street and said the commission’s permit (CIWC permit) will be required for that work. The commission noted the library garden project had been completed with no concerns.
Under reports, Chairman Steeves said he presented a proposed amendment to the ordinance formalizing the parcels of Canfield Woods to the Board of Selectmen; the amendment will be included for a vote at the next town meeting, and the commission will continue to refine wording related to fines. He added the commission will review trails within Canfield Woods to determine whether one trail should be eliminated.
The meeting concluded when Commissioner George Atwood moved to adjourn, Commissioner Susan Board seconded, and the commission voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:39 p.m. Recording Secretary Nancy Howard filed the meeting minutes.
