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Conservation board weighs pollinator-pathway support and potential town-code changes
Summary
Members discussed how to encourage pollinator-friendly plantings while avoiding unintended increases in invasive species; the board agreed it can prepare recommendations for town-code changes or guidance documents for homeowners and the planning board.
The conservation board discussed the pollinator pathway program and how intentional native-plant gardens intersect with town code enforcement for property maintenance. Members agreed that an intentional pollinator garden differs from an unmaintained lawn full of invasive species, and they explored whether the board should draft recommended language for the town code or provide education and guidance for residents.
A staff member explained the process for changing town code: "we would have to go to the town code and make recommendations," and reiterated that the conservation board is an advisory body to the planning board. Members suggested alternatives such as promoting designated garden areas that would not violate existing height/maintenance rules, publishing planting guidelines, and coordinating review of the town's current landscape guidelines before proposing code edits.
The board asked volunteers to review existing pollinator-pathway guidelines and consider specific recommendations to present at the next conservation-board meeting.
