Conservation Board Rejects Fine For Trail Group
Townsend's Conservation Commission voted down a $100 fine against Squannacook Greenways for placing fill near Harbor Pond, while approving a septic permit waiver at 2 Bayberry Lane.
Conservation Commission · Meeting of October 14, 2026
Townsend's Conservation Commission voted down a $100 fine against Squannacook Greenways for placing fill near Harbor Pond, while approving a septic permit waiver at 2 Bayberry Lane. The enforcement vote failed 0-3 with one abstention after Chair James Gates recused himself over his ties to the trail project; Vice Chair Michael Potsaid, Clerk Abigail Farley and Commissioner Kim Greenough voted no, and Sandra Lord abstained. A Squannacook Greenways representative identified only as Bill said the group "did not... one goddamn dime of Townsend money being spent on this trail," defending the crushed-stone work as safety maintenance.
Separately, the commission unanimously issued an order of conditions for a 2 Bayberry Lane septic replacement after waiving a requirement to show all six wetland flags on the plan. Commissioners also interviewed consultant Matt Marrow about serving as interim conservation agent, citing a four-year staffing gap, and tabled an officer reorganization to October 28.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,356 words
Source: the Conservation Commission meeting of October 14, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
Members read the rest of this story and every Townsend meeting we cover, in full.
Become a memberAlready a member? Sign inA 30-day free trial needs a payment method. After it, your membership renews at the price shown at checkout until you cancel, which you can do anytime from your account. Subscription terms
Share this story
Know someone in Townsend who follows town government? Share Townbrief Townsend: they can sign up free.