Rochester Conservation Commission — June 16, 2026

The Rochester Conservation Commission met on June 16, 2026, to address a variety of environmental filings, land management plans, and wetland permitting matters. Key items included a presentation by Josh Burnside from SePRO regarding invasive milfoil and fanwort management options for Snippituit Pond, in which he recommended an integrated pest management approach incorporating chemical treatments such as Sonar and ProcellaCOR followed by diver-assisted suction harvesting (DASH). The Commission also reviewed a proposal by Botelho Custom Homes LLC on Robinson Road involving single-family home development and wetland restoration; commissioners voted in support of issuing an enforcement order for resource area restoration work in tandem with approving the Notice of Intent with conditions. In addition, the Buzzards Bay Coalition presented an ecological restoration and dam removal project along the Mattapoisett River at 0 Wolf Island Road, which was continued to July 7 pending a commission site visit.

In administrative actions, the Commission voted to issue a Certificate of Compliance for Sarjon Realty LLC at 15 Cross Road and approved continuances for several items, including the Massachusetts Coastal Railroad right-of-way, High Street Solar 1 and 2, Walnut Plain Solar, and a dock application by the Sullivans. The Commission addressed an unpermitted tree-cutting incident at 653 Walnut Plain Road by Michael Christie; members approved the Notice of Intent after the fact and separately voted to refund Christie's town filing fee portion. Commissioners also appointed resident Michelle Kirby as an associate member of the Commission, approved previous meeting minutes, authorized a $19.50 voucher for FileGuard, and discussed town abutter notification requirements and low water conditions across Snippituit Pond.

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