NORWALK — The Norwalk Conservation Commission and Inland Wetland Agency on Dec. 9 approved several bond releases and reductions tied to corrective-action permits while retaining portions of bonds where plant survival or site stabilization remain incomplete.

Commission staff summarized inspections of multiple properties that were subject to corrective-action planting plans or fill removal. For one property, staff reported that 50 shrubs were required but inspectors found 28 surviving shrubs at the November 2025 inspection. "Their most recent inspection found a total of 28 shrubs," said Alexis, the senior environmental officer who presented the site reviews and photographs.

Because bond calculations separate components for planting survival, invasive-plant management and sediment/erosion control, the commission took a parcel-by-parcel approach. For the lot identified on the agenda as 6S16-486 (75 Butch Lane), staff said the total bond was $12,067, including $7,107 held for two full growing seasons of plant survival, $3,750 for a three-year invasive-plant management hold, and $1,210 for sedimentation/erosion control. Commissioners voted to release $5,190 now and retain the remainder until additional shrubs establish and the portion of buffer treated as lawn is managed as required by the permit. The motion passed unanimously.

At 77 Witch Lane (agenda entry 6S16-487), inspectors found a buffer with more than an 80% survival rate for required plantings; the commission approved release of eligible amounts while retaining the three-year invasive-management hold of $3,750.

A corrective-action site near Westport Avenue (S19-546) that had earlier recorded bamboo plantings next to a cell tower was determined to have no evidence of bamboo migration and adequate replanting. The commission approved release of the remaining bond for that site and asked that any temporary silt fencing be removed.

On West Eastwood Road (S23-61318), staff reported high survival of planted stock but observed that parts of the buffer were being mowed and areas of bare soil remained near the wetland. Commissioners agreed to release the bond except for the portion held for site stabilization and seeding (about $910), and directed that the owner cease regular mowing of the buffer so natural vegetation can establish.

Other items: the commission approved full bond releases on Princes Pine Road (S23-6159) and West Rocks Road (S23631207) after staff confirmed plant survival and buffer establishment. For Edith Lane (S2362420), staff said a large volume of unauthorized fill had been removed, the site stabilized, and the commission approved release of the portion held for excavation remediation.

The meeting also included a brief recognition for longtime member Ed, who commissioners said will end his term in January and is not seeking reappointment after roughly 23 years of service. Alexis, the senior environmental officer, said staff will circulate the 2026 meeting schedule and inland wetlands training information to commissioners.

The commission adjourned after about an hour. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Jan. 13, 2026; a public hearing on a map amendment at Manresa Wylds will be scheduled once submittals are complete.