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Litchfield approves restoration plan for Litchfield Estates and orders $156,600 bond, five-year monitoring
Summary
The Litchfield Board of Selectmen approved a revised restoration plan for Litchfield Estates on July 13, requiring a five-year monitoring program, replacement of dead trees during that period, and a town request for a $156,600 bond to guarantee the work. The vote was 5-0.
On July 13 the Litchfield Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to approve a revised restoration plan for the Litchfield Estates clear-cut site and to request a $156,600 bond to secure five years of monitoring and plant replacement.
George Levesch, chair of the Litchfield Conservation Commission, told the board the revised plan expanded the original proposal substantially. "They came to us with a plan which was much more comprehensive than the original plan," Levesch said, describing the commission's review and the added requirements that were put on the plan. The commission asked for annual reporting by Dec. 31, invasive-plant monitoring and removal over a five-year period, and replacement of any trees that die during that time.
Chad Brannon, civil engineer and principal owner of Fieldstone Land Consultants, said the consultant team and a landscape designer increased the planting counts to improve long-term success. "The total number of trees with the modification... is a 127 trees," Brannon said, and he described a matrix of shade trees (maples, oaks, white pines), understory trees and about 60 shrubs (including highbush blueberry, winterberry and dogwood) intended to restore canopy and understory habitat.
Levesch raised a separate concern about invasive knotweed on parts of the property outside the restoration footprint, saying staff and the building inspector were informed and that knotweed typically must be buried deeply or treated to prevent re-propagation. "They have an invasive knotweed. I think it's Japanese knotweed," Levesch said, and he emphasized that this issue is separate from the revegetation plan but would need to be addressed during site work.
Board members pressed for clarity on the bond’s duration and enforcement. The selectmen’s motion, passed 5-0, directs town staff to request a $156,600 bond and authorizes the chair to sign the letter to the bond company; the vote followed a motion to approve the plan as recommended by the conservation commission.
According to the consultants, the planting work is expected to begin this fall, with contractors arranging nursery orders and installation to maximize survival. Fieldstone and the commission agreed on a five-year monitoring schedule to catch and replace dead material and to remove invasives as they arise. The restoration plan, the commission’s letter of support, and the bond request will be documented in the selectmen’s file.
