Commission splits 3-1 on amended wetlands plan
The Townsend Conservation Commission approved an amended wetlands restoration plan on a divided roll call and continued a storm-washout repair to August 26. Members Michael Potsaid, James Deroian and James Gates voted to approve the amended plan over the dissent of member Brian Pinkerton.
Conservation Commission · Meeting of August 12, 2026
TOWNSEND — The Townsend Conservation Commission approved an amended wetlands restoration plan on a divided roll call and continued a storm-washout repair to August 26. Members Michael Potsaid, James Deroian and James Gates voted to approve the amended plan over the dissent of member Brian Pinkerton. The applicant's engineer, identified only as Frank, said the project must respond to a Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program stop-work letter by August 31, engaging consultants identified as LEC Consultants and an ecologist referred to as Danwell.
Squannacook Greenways representative Alicia reported a rail-trail washout from a storm the prior Monday, with Babin Landscaping already installing erosion-control measures; the commission continued that item "so that the work can be done within the wetlands" through an enforcement order rather than a full permit process. The board also voted to recommend returning former member Kim Greenough and a volunteer identified as Colby to the Select Board for appointment to the commission and the Transportation Committee, respectively, and accepted outgoing agent Colby's resignation effective August 13.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,236 words
Source: the Conservation Commission meeting of August 12, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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