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HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 1 11142023\\planning\planningoffice$\IWC\Applications\2023\23 IWC 17 - 27 Willow Dr (Timber Harvest)\Staff\23 IWC 17 Staff Report 1 11142023.docx STAFF REPORT APPLICATION# 23 IWC 17 REGULAR MEETING – THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023 Prepared by Stacy Radford, Zoning & Wetlands Officer Applicant: Andrew Clark Property Owner: Jason Pelchat Address: 27 Willow Drive (Parcel ID: 017/018/00C), Uncasville, CT Date Submitted: November 13, 2023 Date Received by IWC: November 16, 2023 (Decision Required Date – January 20, 2024) Applicant Request: As of Right Determination for Timber Harvest Activity Description: Wetland Disturbance Area Approx. 1000 SF Watercourse/Waterbody Disturbance Area 0 LF Upland Review Disturbance Area 0 SF 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 a “Permitted operation and use”. Forestry is defined as farming or agriculture under C.G.S. 1-1q. - The property is located in the R-40 zone on about 27.35 acres, contains regulated wetlands & watercourses and is developed with an existing single-family residence. - The Applicant states the operation is to “thin crop trees that have matured following a previous timber stand improvement harvest implemented in the past 20 years”. Applicant further states that “we will also be removing dead oak and ash trees that have died due to spongy moth defoliation and EAB”. Additionally, the Applicant states that “one wetland/drainage crossing will be needed to facilitate the harvest operation”, due to what appears to be “drainage water and/or footing drain water” from the adjacent Hillcrest housing complex. “A portable bridge will be placed across the drainage to facilitate the crossing. Corduroy will be installed on either side of the bridge crossing to stabilize the approaches and will be removed and the approaches stabilized with hay bales and mulch. - The amount of forest products to be harvested is 24 acres, 40,000 board feet, 50 cords and trees to be harvested have been marked with blue paint. - An estimated start date of the timber harvesting operation is January 15, 2024 however, if during the harvest excessive rainfall occurs or the ground becomes soft, the harvest will be postponed until more favorable conditions prevail. - The site will be accessed from the existing driveway off of Willow Drive, as marked on the attached map entitled, “Timber Harvest Map Property of Jason Pelchat, prepared by Andrew \\planning\planningoffice$\IWC\Applications\2023\23 IWC 17 - 27 Willow Dr (Timber Harvest)\Staff\23 IWC 17 Staff Report 1 11142023.docx Clark and dated 11/9/2023.” The Applicant states that the primary haul/skid roads will utilize the existing road system that was originally established during the previous harvest operation. All temporary haul/skid roads that will be constructed will run along contours when possible and not against them. Upon completion of the harvest, permanent water bars will be installed and any sections of the haul/skid roads will be seeded and mulched to prevent further erosion problems. - 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 17, submitted by Andrew Clark behalf of property owner, Jason Pelchat for a Timber Harvest and more fully described in the Application, dated 11/9/2023 and Notification of Timber Harvest dated 11/9/2023 with associated Timber Harvest Map is a Permitted Use As of Right and, therefore, no permit is required.