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Residents press committee over clear‑cutting; members agree to research tree/clear‑cutting bylaw
Summary
Residents raised alarms about recent clear‑cutting at multiple local sites; the committee agreed to research disturbance and tree‑protection bylaws, consider adopting a tree committee, and put the topic on a future agenda for detailed review.
Multiple residents told the committee they were concerned about recent clear‑cutting at Bob Prole Road/Old Bass, on Scargo Hill Bridal, and at the bottom of Signal Hill and asked whether a clear‑cutting bylaw exists.
A resident asked directly, “do we have a clear cutting bylaw? If we do, where is it?” Committee members responded that the town has disturbance rules and that clear‑cutting over 7,500 square feet typically requires a permit; members recommended researching model tree‑bylaws and forming a tree committee to protect specimen trees and neighborhood buffers.
Members noted some clearing had been permitted as part of future recharge and sewer projects and discussed whether trees were allowed in recharge areas. The committee agreed to place clear‑cutting and a potential tree bylaw on a future agenda and to gather examples of effective bylaw language from other towns.
