Last week a resident, Ms. Chandler, commented on the proposed amendment to the Erosion Control bylaw in a letter to the editor. The proposed bylaw has been carefully written to address most if not all of the concerns raised, noted as follows:
Erosion control is where the bylaw belongs: Removal of trees is a primary cause of soil erosion resulting in major runoff issues in new development and on individual properties, and can affect neighboring lots.
Regulation is purposefully limited to significant development; to new lot development and to homeowners where the Planning Board requires a minor permit. The proposed amendment gives the Planning Board the ability to discuss how trees will be managed in the permitting process.
Enforcement is limited to significant activities that require a Planning Board permit. Where no permit is currently required, the bylaw only asks homeowners to seek advice of the tree warden in cases where very large trees are being removed. The advice is not binding but the goal is that education will lead to better tree preservation.
The bylaw language has been significantly revised to reflect concerns of many residents since an early draft was made available and shared at a Planning Board meeting. Specifically, it was updated to minimize enforcement and make the homeowner portion educational and advisory.
Agriculture is explicitly exempt as is removal of hazardous, diseased, or dead trees. Hobbyist and forestry plans under Chapter 61 are included as agriculture. Our committee has a representative of a small farm and she has been comfortable with the amendment.
Lastly, I want to emphasize that this endeavor is not my personal endeavor but was initiated by the Harvard Climate Initiative Committee, which I chair. While I may be the public face of the amendment, I represent a hardworking, committed committee that seeks to protect the planet for future generations. We hope for the town’s support of our efforts.
Ellen Sachs Leicher
Warren Avenue
