Conservation Commission orders replanting and signage after unpermitted tree removal on Konkapot Road

The New Marlborough Conservation Commission voted unanimously on April 16 to issue an enforcement order for unpermitted tree removal on a Konkapot Road property (Jacquier, Map 414, Lot 42). No owner representative appeared at the meeting; an affected abutter, Jeff Stockwell, was present and inquired about erosion control impacts.

Commissioner J. Schreiber moved the enforcement order and F. Friedman seconded. The Commission approved multiple conditions designed to restore the riverfront and prevent future disturbance: replant a minimum of 25 native trees 4–6 feet in height within 100 feet of the river, or alternatively replant at a 1:1 ratio equal to the number of unpermitted trees removed as calculated by a wetland scientist or other qualified professional. Plantings must occur in the 2026 growing season, be monitored for two growing seasons for survival and replaced if unsuccessful. The inner 100-foot riverfront (inner riparian zone) must remain undisturbed and free of development or landscaping that alters the area absent an order of conditions. The property owner must install ten signs, spaced equidistantly along the 100-foot boundary of the riverfront area, mounted on rebar or equivalent posts, that read "Do Not Enter: Conservation Area." The Commission reserved the right to conduct a site visit after planting and sign installation.

The minutes note that the damage affected another property owner; Commission staff recommended issuing the enforcement order. The enforcement order establishes required remedial work and long-term protective signage; the minutes do not record a compliance schedule beyond the planting season requirement and two-season monitoring condition.

The Commission’s action is a formal enforcement step; additional remediation details and calculations (for 1:1 replacement) will require input from an environmental consultant or wetland scientist as specified by the order.