Wetlands Restoration, Certified Arborists, Land Disturbances, and Training Focus of Mid-September Conservation Meeting.
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The Gardner Conservation Commission meeting of September 14th focused on various local environmental and land-use issues. The board discusses ongoing enforcement orders and repair updates for properties on Crawford, Linwood, and Clark Streets, emphasizing the need for wetland delineations and site visits. A significant portion of the dialogue involves a homeowner’s request for tree removal on Brookside Drive and the commission’s insistence on hiring a certified arborist to ensure ecological protection. Administrative matters are also addressed, including professional development funding for an upcoming conference and the status of hiring a new conservation agent.
86 Linwood Street (Cease and Desist): The Commission reviewed the status of repairs and plantings at 86 Linwood Street, an enforcement matter continued from July 2026. Mr. Duffy (homeowner) has hired a contractor to install required plantings. While the Commission noted that the initial work looked “good” in photographs, a dispute remains regarding tree height. Dispute Over Specifications: The Commission originally requested six-foot trees. The homeowner reported difficulty locating trees of that height, finding only three-to-four-foot specimens. The Commission “pushed back,” reiterating the requirement for taller trees. The applicant is currently reaching out to New England Wetlands and other sources to locate compliant stock. The enforcement order was continued to allow the homeowner more time to source the specified trees.
400 Clark Street (Soil Dumping and Vegetation Cutting): A new enforcement order was issued regarding unauthorized soil dumping and vegetation removal. The property owners have hired John Dick, an environmental scientist from Salem, to handle delineations and restoration. Research into the property revealed a 2019 order of conditions related to a detention basin intended to prevent overflow from Wilderbrook. This order was previously registered under “Clark Street” generally rather than the specific 400 Clark Street address.
282 Brookside Drive (Tree Removal): The hearing for Aean Ibram regarding the removal of approximately seven trees within the 200-foot riverfront buffer was continued. The primary point of contention is the Commission’s requirement for a Massachusetts Certified Arborist (MCA) or ISA certified professional to oversee the work. The applicant provided a late-hour email stating that arborist licensing is voluntary in Massachusetts (unlike Connecticut or Rhode Island) and claimed that local companies lacked these specific credentials. However, Commission members clarified that while the certification is voluntary, it has existed since the 1930s and represents a necessary standard of expertise. Members quickly identified several certified companies in the immediate region (e.g., Sterling, Worcester, Holden, Winchendon).
Conservation Agent Recruitment: Jason Stevens (acting for the department) provided an update on the search for a permanent Conservation Agent. The search has been narrowed down to top candidates, and follow-up questions have been sent. An offer is expected to be extended shortly. The Commission anticipates the new agent may start before the September 28 meeting, bringing much-needed “institutional knowledge” and “longevity” to the role.
