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Conservation commission approves minutes, reviews permits and routine business
Summary
The commission unanimously approved May minutes, requested additional information on several wetland and dredge‑and‑fill permit applications, discussed a proposed solar ordinance and forestry stewardship, and agreed to seek funds next year to update the town NRI and conservation plan.
At its June 25 meeting, the Washington Conservation Commission handled routine business including approval of minutes, review of permit applications, committee reports, and other town conservation matters.
Jed Schwartz moved to approve the May minutes; Pete Martin seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The Permits Committee reviewed new and ongoing applications: 2026‑0137 (Cunningham, Highland Lake, TM 25‑48) — a wetland PBN request to repair a retaining wall for which the commission requested more application materials; 2026‑01054 (Lake Ashuelot Estates Association, Ashuelot Pond, TM 14‑165) — a Standard Dredge & Fill major impact permit for beach sand replenishment (56 cubic yards over 3,060 sq ft) for which the commission requested additional information and the full fee; earlier matters noted included 2025‑02953 (Donoghue, after‑the‑fact structures within 250 ft. of shoreline, approved) and 2025‑01289 (Anson, Standard Dredge & Fill, culvert access/permit approved with setbacks addressed).
Committee reports covered land protection interest in a Farnsworth Hill trail, progress drafting a proposed solar ordinance (Nan Schwartz, Pete Martin and Jean Kluk), and forestry stewardship work in the Rasmussen Forest (Tim Kendrick coordinating with the Forest Society). The commission discussed Adopt‑a‑Highway pickup and the Trails & Recreation Guide booklet; Pete Martin will send comments to Nan. Commissioners agreed to plan a funding request for next year’s Town Meeting to update the Natural Resources Inventory and conservation plan.
Other business noted that a ZBA variance for McLaughlin (Island Pond Road) was denied and that the Select Board has paused plans for the East Washington highway pit and sand pit access. Tim Kendrick said he is now a resident and expressed interest in joining the Conservation Commission; Chair Arin Mills said she will check residency requirements with the Town Clerk. The meeting adjourned at 8:28 PM.
