Conservation Commission approves Eversource swap of brush piles for rock piles and osprey platforms

SUDBURY -- September 23, 2024, Sudbury Conservation Commission greenlights Eversource swap of brush piles for rock piles and osprey platforms. The commission on Sept. 23 unanimously approved a minor modification to the order of conditions for the Mass Central Rail Trail underground transmission line (DEP file 301-1287), cutting required brush piles from 60 to nine and substituting two rock piles for snake habitat, two additional osprey nest platforms at Hop Brook crossings, 106 plantings at eight locations, and added invasive removal in segment 14. Marc Bergeron of Epsilon Associates said the revisions "will help offer diversity to habitat for wildlife along the segment in Sudbury." Conservation Coordinator Lori secured commitments to use larger stones, extend the ledge feature from six feet to roughly 21 feet, and shift toward shade-tolerant plantings. Chair David Henkels called the consultant's work "very, very good." Installation is targeted for the end of October.