Commission Approves 33 Red Pine Drive Access Path with Conditions; Limits on Tree Removal

Tom and Lynn Stapleton told the conservation commission they want to formalize an existing informal footpath from their house to Aned's Pond and install two short runs of steps to reduce erosion. The applicants said the route is about 100 feet long and would start as a 5‑ft width then transition to a 4‑ft path within the 50–100 ft buffer.

Stapleton described local conditions, noting an elevation drop “from about 45 foot elevation down to about 20,” a roughly 25‑foot decline that supports the case for terraced steps. He said the plan would remove three small saplings (1–3 inches diameter) and possibly one larger damaged tree located about 35 feet from the high‑water mark to improve view and access. Staff recommended approval with conditions including limited pruning, an on‑site meeting with the contractor or pruner to define allowable trimming, and an as‑built showing the final path alignment.

Commissioners discussed buffer rules (town bylaw vs. conservation bylaw) and confirmed the path must be no wider than 4 feet where it passes through the conservation jurisdiction. The commission voted to approve the project subject to staff‑recommended conditions and a negative determination noting the path’s encroachment into the bordering vegetated wetland. The decision includes directions to meet with staff before pruning and to specify any tree removals on the as‑built plans.