The Falmouth Conservation Commission convened on November 13, 2024, to discuss significant site improvements and enforcement issues affecting local properties, with a focus on environmental management and community impact.

One of the primary topics was a proposal for site improvements at a property near Great Pond. The plan includes the removal of existing concrete structures and the installation of a pervious patio, which aims to enhance drainage and reduce runoff in the area. The project will decrease hardscape by approximately 285 square feet in the A zone and 27 square feet in the B zone, converting nearly 1,600 square feet of solid concrete into permeable surfaces. This change is expected to improve water management and benefit the local ecosystem.

Additionally, the proposal includes an invasive species management and restoration plan, which is crucial for maintaining the health of the surrounding environment. However, the commission noted that a previously proposed dock reconstruction has been removed from the current plan and will require a separate filing in the future.

Commission members expressed concerns about a historically used boat storage area on the property, emphasizing the need for delineation to protect newly planted vegetation. They also discussed the importance of coordinating the invasive management plan with the latest revisions to ensure effective restoration efforts.

In a separate enforcement hearing, the commission addressed unpermitted construction activities at 22 Deer Pond Road. The property owner, Joshua O'Brien, was found to have installed a dock, shed, and patio without the necessary permits. While the dock has been removed, the commission is working with O'Brien to mitigate the impacts of the unpermitted patio and walkway, which encroach closer to the water than allowed. The commission stressed the need for proper mitigation measures to comply with environmental regulations.

The meeting concluded with a motion to continue discussions on the site improvements until December 11, allowing time for further revisions and community input. The commission remains committed to balancing development with environmental stewardship, ensuring that community needs are met while protecting Falmouth's natural resources.