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Commission recommends barriers after unauthorized vehicle access at Walden Woods turtle habitat
Summary
Milford's Conservation Commission was told April 23 that a Walden Woods condo association used vehicles across conservation open space, prompting the Town Engineer to recommend barrier installation to protect a turtle nesting area; the condo association contests the Commission's authority.
At its April 23 meeting the Milford Conservation Commission reviewed evidence that vehicles had crossed conservation open space at Walden Woods, disturbing an area identified as turtle nesting habitat. The Town Engineer said the disturbance is visible and that officials recorded evidence of vehicular access across the Open Space, following written notice to the condo association.
The Town Engineer told the commission that Trustees of Reservations staff joined a site walk on April 8 and "confirmed the existing disturbance is visible but not to an extent requiring restoration," and that the Town had also consulted the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Dick Churchill, identified in the record as president of the Walden Woods Condo Association, represented the association; the association is challenging the Commission's authority to enforce the conservation restriction, according to the Town Engineer.
Because the condo association continued to use the unauthorized path after written notice, the Town Engineer recommended installing a physical barrier along the open space to prevent future vehicular access. The Town Engineer also noted that the association engaged an environmental consultant who was on site during construction, and that the Trustees provided a written response that was read into the record.
The commission did not adopt a formal enforcement motion at the meeting but directed the Town Engineer to continue coordination with Town Council, the Trustees of Reservations, and wildlife authorities and to report back on next steps. The Town Engineer said he will keep the commission posted on further developments.
