Harwich is facing a potential setback in its efforts to restore Hinckley’s Pond, as the Conservation Commission reviewed a $138,000 funding request to determine why a previous 2019 alum treatment is failing to control phosphorus levels. Conservation Agent Amy Usowski informed the commission that the town is currently out of compliance with our own order of conditions regarding the pond’s health. While the 2019 treatment was intended to mitigate toxic algae blooms, recent data and visible scum suggest the pond is not responding as predicted. Usowski has submitted an application for Community Preservation Act funds to hire experts from UMass Dartmouth for a comprehensive diagnostic assessment, noting that the pond needs to be looked at to guide future management and infrastructure decisions.

The commission also weighed a significant initiative from the Harwich Conservation Trust and the Real Estate and Open Space Committee to transfer dozens of town-owned parcels into more permanent environmental protection. Michael Lach, representing the Harwich Conservation Trust, explained that the project seeks to move land with significant natural resource value from Select Board control to the Conservation Commission or Water Department. Dave Callahan, Chair of the Real Estate and Open Space Committee, noted that many of these parcels protect vital water supply recharge areas, though he acknowledged some uncertainty regarding a specific parcel on Queen Anne Road that has historically flooded. The ponds have dropped significantly since then... so that’s a questionable one at this point, Callahan said, suggesting the site might eventually be better suited for conservation than development.

Chair John Ketchum expressed a desire for the transfer list to be as specific and definite as possible, suggesting that any parcels with question marks be excluded for now to provide the Select Board with a clearer proposal. Member Wayne Coulson supported the move, stating it sounds it makes a lot of sense to me to get them put in places where they belong. Member Sophia Pilling added that if there’s free land in such a developed area like it would be great to keep it green. The commission tasked Usowski with drafting a formal letter of support for the project for their next meeting.

Infrastructure needs also took center stage as the commission reviewed a Notice of Intent for a new sewer pump station at 15 Wales Road, a critical component of the Phase 3A Great Sand Lakes sewer project. Acting Town Administrator Anthony Schiavi described the project as a critical part of the infrastructure, consisting of a 61-square-foot shed to house a backup generator. During the site visit, however, the Conservation Agent discovered significant illegal dumping of yard waste and vegetation on the lot. Usowski recommended the town remove the debris and install signage to prevent future lawn creep and dumping. Resident Selene Federi inquired about the relocation of a fire hydrant and the use of native plantings to screen the station. Motion Made by J. Ketchum to continue the hearing to October 15, 2025. Motion Passed (6-0-0).

Residential environmental stewardship was addressed through several private applications. Daniel Sweeney sought permission to remove invasive poison ivy and bittersweet from his property at 29 North Road by hand. I noticed that I had poison ivy down there earlier this year and bittersweet and it became worse and worse over the years, Sweeney told the board. Motion Made by W. Coulson to approve the project with a negative two and three determination. Motion Passed (6-0-0). At 6 Darte Drive, representative Dan Ojala presented plans for a new single-family home on a virgin lot abutting a pond. To prevent encroachment into the wetland buffer, the commission mandated the installation of large stone markers every 20 feet along the 75-foot no-disturb line. Motion Made by W. Coulson to approve the project with a negative three determination. Motion Passed (6-0-0).

The board also touched upon the draft 2025 Local Comprehensive Plan, where Chair John Ketchum raised concerns about a proposed fertilizer bylaw that names the Select Board as the sole responsible party. Ketchum argued that the Health and Conservation departments should be included in that oversight, noting I don’t think [the Select Board only] is correct. The commission also issued an Order of Conditions for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at 8 Cranberry Way, with Usowski emphasizing erosion control and site cleanliness as primary requirements for the project. Motion Made by W. Coulson to accept the Order of Conditions for 8 Cranberry Way. Motion Passed (6-0-0). Finally, a dredging and dock project at 31 Mill Road was delayed to allow the Waterways Committee further review of a new 75-foot overwash bulkhead. Mark Burgess, representing the applicant, explained that the bulkhead protects the soil from eroding away from the marsh during dredging activities. Motion Made by W. Coulson to continue the hearing to November 19, 2025. Motion Passed (6-0-0).