MARLBOROUGH — The City of Marlborough plans to remove trees from the embankment of the Fort Meadow Reservoir Dam in the coming weeks as part of a required dam safety compliance project.
According to a public notice issued by the city, the tree removal is being carried out in coordination with the Massachusetts Office of Dam Safety and is required to bring the dam into compliance with state regulations.
City officials said trees cannot remain on a dam because their roots can create pathways for water to travel through the embankment, and hidden seepage can weaken the structure over time. The notice also states that falling or decaying trees can leave voids that compromise stability and increase the risk of dam failure.
The city acknowledged that removing the trees will be noticeable and disappointing to some residents, noting that the trees have become a familiar part of the landscape and provide shade near the beach area during the summer months.
Officials said the city is exploring options for additional shade structures along the dam and evaluating long-term plans to replant trees elsewhere near the beach and away from the dam.
The tree removal work is currently scheduled to begin in April, weather permitting.
In the notice, the city said maintaining compliance with state dam safety regulations is essential to protecting residents, infrastructure, and the long-term use of the public space.
For questions about the project, residents are asked to contact the Marlborough Department of Public Works Engineering Division at (508) 624-6910 ext. 33200 or tdipersio@marlborough-ma.gov.
