Stockbridge commission schedules site visits and flags multiple tree-removal and shoreline complaints

At its July 14 meeting the Stockbridge Conservation Commission scheduled several site visits and discussed enforcement follow-up for shoreline and tree-removal concerns.

Commissioners noted a tree‑removal request for the Desisto property that will be on the next agenda; members said they will arrange a site visit to review dozens of flagged trees (one item mentions 51 trees on a future agenda). The commission also discussed at least two shoreline complaints at Mackinac Road addresses (23 and 19 Mackinac Road), including reports of clear-cutting to the water and new riprap or boulders placed along the shore. Staff and members agreed to contact property owners and arrange site visits so the commission can inspect compliance with prior orders of conditions.

Separately, the chair said staff finally obtained a contact for White Pines and has emailed that party about fencing that may not conform with town rules; the commission will request the property representative attend a future meeting if compliance is not demonstrated. Commissioners also reviewed recent site visits where tree plantings were observed to be successful and discussed practical steps for continuity on large projects, such as ensuring multiple commissioners attend the same site visit to keep institutional knowledge.

The commission set follow-up actions and indicated several items will return on future agendas once site visits and compliance checks are completed.