Sharon commission approves plan to restore forested wetland at 15 Guinea Road

The Town of Sharon Inland Wetland & Watercourse Commission on June 8 approved a remediation plan for 15 Guinea Road designed to recreate a forested wetland and restore ecological function.

Kyle Turoczi of Earth Tones, LLC presented the proposal, which calls for removing invasive plants, recontouring the site, planting two trees and 10 shrubs, installing a protective rock delineation and fencing, and using erosion-control measures including silt fence and double‑staked hay bales. Turoczi told the commission work is expected to begin in about three to four weeks and will use a mini excavator on tracks.

A soil‑science review from Cynthia Rabinowitz of the Northwest Conservation District was filed with the application. Rabinowitz wrote that the plan “outlines in detail the goals of the remediation and the sequence of actions needed to recreate ecological functionality of the restored wetland.” The commission noted a three‑year monitoring agreement between the homeowner and Earth Tones, LLC will track restoration progress.

A neighbor from 12 Guinea Road provided a statement of concerns shortly before the meeting; the commission discussed those concerns and asked questions of the applicant. The portion of the application related to remediation at 12 Guinea Road was tabled until the next regular meeting so the commission could further consider neighbor input.

After discussion, the commission voted to approve the remediation application for 15 Guinea Road as presented (motion by Robin Zitter, second by Sharon Tingley; all in favor). The approval includes the erosion-control and delineation measures described in the application and the three‑year monitoring plan.

The commission’s decision allows the applicant to proceed with site work following any required pre‑work notifications; the commission will review monitoring reports as scheduled. The commission’s next regular meeting is July 13, 2026.