Commission approves Leland Wilde nature‑center permits, will review pollinator seed mix

The Norfolk Conservation Commission voted to close the public hearing on the Leland Wilde project and approve agent‑recommended special orders and conditions after the applicant addressed peer‑review comments and obtained Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program clearance. Andrew Gorman, representing the applicant, said the project is sited in a heavily regulated area with floodplain and bordering vegetative wetlands and described revisions made in response to Beta Group comments.

Gorman said the team revised landscaping to use native species and added screening vegetation, and noted the project will include rain barrels of about 55 gallons to water plantings. "We also received, since our last meeting, our approval with natural heritage and endangered species program," Gorman said, and agreed the commission should be able to vet the final wildflower/pollinator seed mix as a special condition. Commissioners pressed for dimensions and controls for a small ancillary shed in a Natural Heritage Area; the applicant said the shed is less than 300 square feet and will include perimeter sediment controls and a construction‑access path.

After discussion the commission moved to close the hearing for the application (DT240-0685) and then voted to approve the agent‑suggested special orders and conditions; the motion passed on recorded 'aye' votes from members present. The commission said it expects the applicant to forward planting lists and the final seed mix for commission review before work proceeds.