HomeMy WebLinkAbout23 IWC 1 Staff Report 1 010423H:\IWC\Applications\2023\23 IWC 1 - 24 Route 82 Timber Harvest\Staff\23 IWC 1 Staff Report 1 010423.docx
STAFF REPORT
APPLICATION# 23 IWC 1
REGULAR MEETING – THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2023
Prepared by Meredith Badalucca, Zoning & Wetlands Officer
Applicant: Austin Harmon, Hull Forest Products, Inc.
Property Owner: Jabez Financial, Inc
Address: 24 Route 82 (M/B/L 060-003-000), Oakdale, CT
Meeting Date: January 19, 2023
Received by IWC: January 19, 2023 (Decision Required Date – March 25, 2023)
Applicant Request: As of Right Determination for Timber Harvest
Activity Description:
Wetland Disturbance Area 0 SF Watercourse/Waterbody Disturbance Area 0 SF
Upland Review Disturbance Area Not stated
STAFF COMMENTS:
- Application is for an As of Right Determination for a Timber Harvest in accordance with
Montville Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Regulations Section 4.1.a and C.G.S. Section 22a-
40.
- Under the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Act C.G.S. Section 22a-40 and Montville
Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Regulations (“Regulations”) Section 4.1.a, farming is as
“Permitted operation and use”. Forestry is defined as farming or agriculture under C.G.S. 1-1q.
- The property is located in the R-120 zone on about 14.24 acres, contains regulated uplands,
wetlands and a stream. The property has approximately 753 feet of frontage on Route 82 and is
currently undeveloped.
- The Applicant states the operation is “A selection harvest with group selections. Open areas
for campsites and other recreational activities. Remove trees of poor health and quality while
promoting residual tree health. Remove some of the forest canopy to reveal sunlight on the forest
floor and promote natural regeneration.”
- The site will be accessed from a temporary, eventually permanent, driveway that is being
constructed by the landowner.
- There are no wetland, drainage or stream crossings proposed, however, there will be trees
removed in the upland review area.
- The amount of forest products to be harvested is approximately 12 acres total for 26,230
board feet and 74 cords and trees have been marked with blue paint.
- It is estimated that 2 months of good working weather will be required to complete this
project. An estimated starting date for the harvesting operation is February 1, 2023.
H:\IWC\Applications\2023\23 IWC 1 - 24 Route 82 Timber Harvest\Staff\23 IWC 1 Staff Report 1 010423.docx
The Commission will need to make a finding as to whether or not the proposed activities are “As
of Right” activity and, therefore, do not require a permit.
There is no proposed relocation of watercourses with continual flow or filling or reclamation of
wetlands or watercourses with continual flow associated with the proposal associated with the
timber harvest and, therefore, staff recommends approval of the proposal as an “As of Right”
activity.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR ACTION:
If the Commission is inclined to approve this application, the following language for a motion of
approval is suggested:
M O T I O N # 1 (A Motion to Approve)
After giving due consideration to all relevant factors, including those in Section 4 of the
Montville Inland Wetland Regulations and Section 22a-40 of the Connecticut General Statutes, I
move that Application# 23 IWC 1, submitted by Austin Harmon of Hull Forest Products on
behalf of property owner, Jabez Financial, Inc. for a Timber Harvest at 24 Route 82 (060-003-
000), Oakdale CT, as more fully described in the Notification of Timber Harvest & supporting
documents, including a Timber Harvest Map dated December 2022, received 1/3/24, is a
Permitted Use As of Right and, therefore, no permit is required.