James and Holly Vogel of 42 Hiller Road came before the Rochester Conservation Commission on February 3 to discuss the need to remove storm damaged trees and fallen logs on property that provides mental and physical health services to children of all ages.
Wellspring Farm Learning Center provides what James Vogel called “experiential therapy” in a natural farm setting for persons with a variety of health challenges. Vogel said that the trees in question are having a negative impact on the manner in which the property may currently be used for various therapies, such as hiking through the woods, which can be especially difficult for persons with mobility issues.
Vogel said that removing the trees is a safety concern and that only damaged and fallen trees would be removed. He required a Request for Determination of Applicability from the commission, as some of the trees in question are within the 100-foot buffer zone and 25-foot no touch zone.
“I know they are very environmentally sensitive and will only take those trees that need to be taken,” said Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon. The commission rendered a negative determination, allowing the work to proceed without the requirement of filing a Notice of Intent.
Also of significance during the meeting was a letter that Farinon said the Town received from FEMA advising them of its final determination on revised Flood Insurance Rate Maps.
The only additional flood area FEMA identified was a small parcel near the Freetown line situated next to the New Bedford water treatment plant.
Farinon said the Town needed to adopt the maps to avoid residents losing their flood insurance or the Town losing out on FEMA funding in the future. She will continue to work with the town administrator and town counsel to draft an article for Town Meeting.
Farinon also reminded the commission members that they need to complete conflict-of-interest law training, an online program, before the March 6 deadline.
The next meeting of the Rochester Conservation Commission is scheduled for February 17 at 7:00 pm in the Rochester Town Hall meeting room.
By Marilou Newell
