LEOMINSTER — The Leominster Conservation Commission on Oct. 28 approved a request from Craig Tallent of 16 Wildflower Road to remove several dead and leaning trees near his home after confirming the work would not disturb nearby wetlands.
The city’s conservation agent, Jesse Averka, told commissioners he had visited the property multiple times and verified that the trees in question were within a safe distance from the resource area.
“The furthest tree that he wants removed is probably five or six feet into the brush,” Averka said.
Commission member Stephanie Quinlan asked how close the trees were to the flagged wetland area, and Averka estimated the distance to be approximately 20 feet.
“When we had the big windstorm the other day, the dead branches were just starting to hit the roof, falling off,” Tallent told the commission. “So, we’re just trying to get rid of those.”
Averka recommended issuing a “Negative 2 Determination,” meaning the work would not adversely impact the wetland. He also advised the homeowner to leave the stumps in place to prevent soil disturbance and maintain root structure for slope stability.
“He’s going to leave the stumps in, too,” Averka said. “That’s kind of a big thing.”
After brief discussion, the commission voted unanimously to grant the determination, which allows for Tallent to remove the hazard trees on his property with the condition that all stumps remain intact.
