The Harwich Conservation Commission issued a significant financial penalty Wednesday evening, signaling a strict stance on unpermitted site work within town resource areas. Champion Tree Company was hit with a $5,100 fine for unauthorized activity behind a residence at 19 Standish Woods Circle. The enforcement action followed a recommendation from Conservation Agent Amy Usowski, who noted that the fine matches a previous penalty issued to the property owner for the same violation. Usowski informed the commission that she had attempted to contact the company without success prior to the hearing. Motion Made by S. Cyr to fine Champion Tree Company $5,100 for work performed without a permit, Seconded by W. Coulson; Motion Passed (5-0).

Waterfront recreation and seasonal tranquility also took priority as the commission considered a request for maintenance dredging and float relocation at 11 Riverbend Road. While the project was designed to move a dock 15 feet west to avoid property line conflicts, neighbor Narin Kahalen Westitch urged the board to protect the community’s summer access to the river. Under the local wetland bylaw, the value of recreation is protected, Westitch said, adding that Dredging in the summer season would impair the ability of the community to use the river. She cited past experiences where dredging equipment remained in the water for weeks during the busy Fourth of July holiday. In response to these concerns, the commission implemented a seasonal ban on in-water work. Motion Made by W. Coulson to approve the 11 Riverbend Road project with the stipulation of no dredging between Memorial Day and Labor Day unless authorized by the Harbor Master, and no on-site storage within the 50-foot buffer, Seconded by M. Coleman; Motion Passed (5-0). Charlie Agro of BSE Group, representing the owner, noted that the dredge volume was limited to 98 cubic yards to avoid triggering more intensive state certifications.

The commission also advanced plans for a new 24-by-24-foot accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at 50 Main Street Extension, navigating the town’s ongoing balance between housing growth and nitrogen management. Representative Dan Cron explained that the ADU would feature its own septic system and mitigation plantings to offset the removal of four trees. We doubled the increase in hardscape for mitigation next to the wetland, Cron stated, noting the project sits near a town-owned former cranberry bog. To ensure the resource remains protected, the commission required a split-rail fence to demarcate the 50-foot setback. Motion Made by S. Cyr to approve the 50 Main Street Extension project, Seconded by W. Coulson; Motion Passed (5-0).

Routine site improvements at 98 North Road also drew scrutiny regarding lawn maintenance standards. Contractor John Kerry presented a plan to enlarge a driveway by 473 square feet, noting he had been advised that any lawn would have to be a natural seed. Agent Usowski confirmed that while work had begun before a permit was issued, the owners were immediately in contact once notified of the oversight. Member M. Coleman called the proposal straightforward, while Member W. Coulson described it as pretty simple. Motion Made by W. Coulson to approve the plan for 98 North Road with a negative determination, Seconded by M. Coleman; Motion Passed (5-0).

The commission concluded the session with a broader discussion on the health of Harwich waterways. Member W. Coulson raised concerns about the local ecosystem's decline, asking, Are there grants to study why the eelgrass is all gone? It disappeared and the scallops went with it. Chair John Ketchum also questioned whether upcoming watershed management grants would address nitrogen levels, asking, What kind of attenuation of nitrogen is happening? in the Herring River system. Agent Usowski stated she is working with town staff to secure grants for stormwater and fish passage studies and plans to consult with the Center for Coastal Studies regarding the eelgrass disappearance. Additionally, Member S. Pilling highlighted ongoing work to refine local orders regarding the definition of nutrients and fertilizers.

In other business, the commission finalized orders of conditions for a seasonal removable pier at 19 Walkerwoods Drive and the reconstruction of a walkway at 32 Dunes Road. Motion Made by W. Coulson to close the hearing and approve the order of conditions for 19 Walkerwoods Drive, Seconded by M. Coleman; Motion Passed (5-0). Motion Made by J. Ketchum to approve the 32 Dunes Road project, Seconded by M. Coleman; Motion Passed (5-0).