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Town continues plan to remove Japanese knotweed at Greenough Conservation Land; hearing continued
Summary
The commission reviewed a revised plan to remove invasive Japanese knotweed at 812 Maple Street using livestock grazing, glyphosate-based herbicide, smothering and multi-year native restoration; commissioners requested a detailed spatial plan, cost estimates and ongoing monitoring and continued the public hearing to April 23.
The Carlisle Conservation Commission on April 9 reviewed an updated invasive-species control and ecological restoration plan for Greenough Conservation Land at 812 Maple Street. Conservation Administrator Meghan Sullivan summarized edits to the Notice of Intent (DEP File #125-1208), including confirmation that the Carlisle Conservation Foundation will allow treatment on its parcel and specification that glyphosate-based herbicides are included in the toolset alongside livestock grazing and smothering techniques.
Noelle Beland and Sarah Wasserman presented a native restoration plan divided into three work areas: Area 1 (the largest, including the former barn location), Area 2 (entirely within the 100-foot buffer and containing woody plants), and Area 3 (adjacent to wetland and potentially saturated). The plan lists native wetland species and plant quantities based on prior approved restorations and plant availability at Bigelow Nursery; staff said active restoration would follow successful invasive treatment and could be a multi-year effort, possibly taking a couple of years to establish.
Commissioners asked for more detail before approving the overall project. Commissioner Sylvia Willard requested a detailed spatial planting plan showing locations, spacing, cost estimates, and maintenance procedures during establishment. Commissioner Brian Murphy raised concerns about the proposed native meadow mix, noting past issues where seed mixes labeled “native” included species not locally appropriate. Staff also said they would coordinate with stakeholders to monitor for Britton’s violet and incorporate erosion controls through the Department of Public Works if needed.
The hearing was continued to the commission’s April 23 meeting to allow submission of the requested spatial plan and cost/maintenance information. No final treatment authorization or schedule was approved at the April 9 meeting; staff indicated treatment phases could begin only after the commission has the additional details and after coordination with landowners and partners.
