The Conservation Commission at its June 25 meeting endorsed a project initiated by the Sippican Lands Trust (SLT) that will use herbicides at the Brainard Marsh to target what the trust calls one of the worst invasive species – phragmites.
The commission applauded the effort and acknowledged that the effort will help restore the marsh to its original state.
There were some concerns about how that area is a recreation area where people walk and swim. Commissioners asked for signage and asked if there was a risk of over spraying and drifting to other areas.
SLT representatives said that these herbicides are applied by certified professionals and there would be signage. Representatives also said that they apply the herbicides in August or September over a three-year period. The work aligns with an order of conditions from the state Department of Environmental Protection.
SLT said the spraying is conducted in a conservative way so the herbicides drip down and do not spread into other areas.
Conservation Commissioners and SLT members noted that the town has tried pulling the phragmites from the marshlands, but that effort is slow and not as effective as using herbicides.
Town Planner Doug Guey-Lee shared some of the same concerns as Commissioners and asked that the Conservation Commission receive documented reports of the work and progress.
At a light meeting in terms of agenda, the commission briefly discussed changes that were made to a development at 28 Wareham Road. Commissioners noted that there were changes from the original plans but conceded that nothing was impactful. The commission issued a certificate of compliance to the applicant.
The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, July 9 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Department.
Marion Conservation Commission
By Jeffrey D. Wagner