I've visited the site and I observed newly-graded soil at the edge of the wetland, several recently-cut tree-trunks that possibly came from off-site, and a thick layer of recently-deposited wood chips on the embankment overlooking another part of the wetland.

I'm contacting the owners' son because I believe he will have the most knowledge as to what's going on, along with the ability to remedy the situation.

I've also asked the Zoning Enforcement Officer to evaluate the site for possible zoning concerns.

To be continued....

I met on-site with the owner's son. Subject to the owner's permission, he will hay-mulch the exposed soil that abuts the wetland with weed-free straw during the week of August 3rd (Two piles of woody debris will also be moved from the wetland side of the dirt road to the upland side prior to the hay-mulching).

The area of disturbed soil will then be planted with a conservation seed mix during the upcoming growing season that runs from August 15th to October 15th.

Some planting of trees or native vegetation in the upland buffer area that was wood-chipped is also anticipated, but the type and timing has yet to be determined.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Some piles of woody debris were moved or consolidated and hay-mulch was then deposited on exposed soil that abuts the wetland. This activity took place before the tropical storm that struck during the week of August 3rd.

I'm leaving this item open with the expectation that additional protective measures for the wetland should follow as we move into the fall growing season.

I recently spoke with the owner's son after re-visiting 215 West Todd Street. He agreed to re-apply hay-mulch on any exposed soil in the area that abuts the wetland.

This case needs to be reopened. There is a rice logging continuing. I took video of the activity today and spoke with one of the workers. While they may deny it, this is destruction of the wetlands and a commercial enterprise in a residential area. The constant buzz of chainsaws and wood chippers is a nuisance. This has been reported multiple times. The town needs to begin issuing fines for non-compliance and leave this case open.

The item was never closed.
I'll contact the owner's son, and I'll ask the zoning enforcement officer to meet me at the site to evaluate the activity that you've described.
I assume that you took your video from the right-of-way. Can you post or forward the video ?

Thank you. Please provide an email address and I will forward video.

My e-mail address is tvocelli@hamden.com

I recently re-visited 215 West Todd Street for an on-site meeting with the Zoning Enforcement Officer and with Luke Reynolds & his parents (Craig & Mary Reynolds are the owners-of-record).

I did not observe a "destruction of the wetlands." I did observe hay-mulch on exposed soil near the wetlands, and I asked that additional hay be deposited as needed in order to arrest sedimentation.

Luke Reynolds also agreed to file wetland de minimis requests if he wishes to install an anti-tracking pad at the entrance or if he wishes to remove dead or storm-damaged trees near the entrance.

The ZEO will research (from a zoning perspective) the production of firewood and the existence of an historic sawmill.

I'm leaving this matter open so that I can re-assess the necessity for the springtime planting of a conservation seed mix in the area that abuts the wetland.