Conservation Commission Agenda (linked)

FIFTEEN ROPE FERRY ROAD WATERFORD, CT 06385-2886
Date: January 16, 2025
To: Waterford Conservation Commission
From: Maureen FitzGerald, Environmental Planner/y7—
Re: Proposed Timber Harvest —
140, 160R 238 & 240 Rope Ferry Rd
Consistency with Section 4.1a — Permitted Use as of Right
A review of the temporary wetland and stream crossing locations indicated on the site plan accompanying
this application was conducted on January 15, 2025, The crossing locations over stream sections are
perpendicular to the channel and in sections with gentle gradients and reduced slopes at the approaches.
The temporary wetland crossing locations are at the upper reaches of forested wetlands without surface
flow.
The notification of timber harvest was prepared by a certified forest practitioner. Wetland and stream
crossings are proposed to be protected using wooden timber mats. The crossings are located on existing
dirt trails and were employed in a prior timber harvest conducted in 2006. All crossing locations were
noted to be ina stable, non-erosive condition.
At the time of inspection only a portion of the area had been marked for selective tree removal. I
contacted the forester and he replied that the remainder of the 197 acre harvest area will be marked and
harvested. The harvest plan is to remove 250,000 board feet and 330 cords of fire wood. This is similar
in volume to the selective timber harvest permitted in 2006 which was 299,000 board feet.
Based on this site review, the proposed timber harvest and temporary stream crossing activity meet the
criteria for an agricultural use permitted as of right in inland wetlands and watercourses under Section
4.1a of the Waterford Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Regulations.