Selectboard approves temporary access permit for forestry work on Legal Trail 6 with emergency-access condition

The Selectboard voted unanimously to approve a draft Temporary Access Permit for New England Forestry Consultants to operate on Legal Trail 6 (Honey Brook Road), with an additional condition requiring the contractor to maintain emergency-vehicle access for the duration of the permit (effective Aug. 4, 2026'Dec. 31, 2026).

Scott Henkels read a July 30 letter from Fred Glanzberg of New England Forestry Consultants and noted the town had accepted the State's survey and visual representations of proposed improvements. Multiple residents and the contractor discussed on-site operations: Ashley Denk said overhanging branches observed on the recent road walk would be trimmed and debris removed, while resident Melissa Zoerheide asked how the town and contractor would prevent logging operations from blocking driveway access and limiting emergency response. Contractor Derek Aldrighetti suggested the project include a communication plan with a schedule for truck traffic and noted that the maximum legal gross vehicle weight is 99,000 pounds.

Resident Reuben Sotak requested documentation of road condition before work begins and asked whether a before-and-after comparison would be performed; the board urged the contractor to collaborate with landowners and recommended New England Forestry Consultants seek a permit extension to avoid spring operations that could harm the trail. Kevin Gish moved to approve the permit with the emergency-access maintenance condition; Ted Austin seconded and the motion passed unanimously.