Hubbardston Conservation Commission closes four wetlands hearings in single meeting

HUBBARDSTON -- May 5, 2026, Hubbardston Conservation Commission closes four public hearings and directs a fifth property owner to file wetland paperwork at its May 5 meeting. The commission voted unanimously to issue orders of conditions for a canine-training pond expansion at 231 Gardner Rd and for a Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game project at Comet Pond that will resurface a 1970s-era parking lot, improve stormwater drainage, and install a seasonal floating fishing pier for just over $100,000, with construction by contractor Precise Paving set to begin after Memorial Day and close the public ramp through the end of June. Terrance Smith, Acting Director of the Office of Fishing and Boating Access, told the commission the floating pier itself will not be installed until spring 2027 but is fully funded through current-year savings. The commission issued a negative determination for a seasonal dock requested by Christopher Ford, finding the Wetlands Protection Act does not apply to the project. A long-running hearing for a new home at 43 Birches Rd was closed without prejudice after owners Stan and Elizabeth Suchocki learned an unauthorized party had told DEP to close their file; GRAVS Engineering will submit a fresh NOI after the owners complete an ANR plan before the Planning Board. Chair Bryan LaRochelle also reported that a site visit to a Kruse Rd property found earthwork in two mapped wetland areas and directed the owner to file an after-the-fact Notice of Intent.