On Tuesday, May 20 the Rochester Conservation Commission began its meeting by addressing a request for determination of applicability filed by John Scheub.
Scheub was present to discuss a shed on his property that he would like to expand from its current 12- by 8- foot size to a 12- by 24-foot size. The committee agreed that a fence around the structure would be a good idea so there wouldn’t be any more encroachment. It was determined that 30 inches around the perimeter of the shed would suffice for maintenance. Scheub stated that “that would work great.”
This particular property rests within 25 feet of Snipatuit Pond, which concerns the committee since Snipatuit Pond is considered a “no-touch zone.”
With the stipulation that Scheub remove any debris from beyond a rock-wall barrier at the edge of his yard and comply with the fence around the perimeter of the shed, the committee agreed that a notice of intent would not be required.
The next item on the agenda was a notice of intent filed by Don Stimer regarding the removal of non-native and invasive plants, known as phragmites australis. These common reeds are overtaking the wetland near Stimer’s property at 14 Bishop Rd. in Rochester.
Chris Polatin of Polatin Ecological Services, LLC joined Stimer in presenting a plan of action to the board members. Polatin explained the stages involved in the removal of the phragmites with the help of a poster-board with pictures.
The stages include an “initial herbicide application” followed by “phragmites reduction-mowing,” then “removal” and lastly a “follow-up herbicide application.” This would be kept-up by ongoing “stewardship and maintenance.”
The wetland property being considered is only between a quarter and a half-acre of land.
Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon asked about the potential impact on the water with this plan saying, “it’s in the Mattapoisett Valley Watershed.”
Polatin replied that “we will have to get some additional info.”
ConCom member Rosemary Smith asked Stimer, “Do your neighbors have issues?”
Stimer responded that the phragmites are moving in their direction.
ConCom member John Teal suggested that as little fertilizer as possible be used on the property and Farinon asked to “please forward the chemicals you’re going to use” as well. Stimer agreed.
Polatin, when asked by the committee what plans he had for the property once the phragmites were reduced, replied that “I don’t think that we should have too much of a vision for this natural system.”
Teal stated, “I agree with you. Let nature do the job.” Only in the event of nature failing should there be any interference. Teal said that especially at the start he would “absolutely suggest no planting.”
Polatin explained that “we’re probably going to want to get more expertise on the water quality issues.” A continuance for this proposed wetland enhancement was granted by the committee.
The minutes from the previous meeting were accepted and a few positive remarks were made about a portable sawmill demonstration that was held on May 9 and which a few committee members attended. Farinon said that it was “an excellent event” and Smith said that she “learned a lot about communication in advance of anything.”
The next meeting of the Rochester Conservation Commission is scheduled for June 3 at 7:00 pm at Town Hall.
By Sarah Taylor