Dover Conservation Commission Approves Two Wetland Permits, Hires Dam Repair Reviewer

DOVER — April 23, 2025 — Dover Conservation Commission unanimously approved two wetland permits and adopted new safety protocols after a conservation agent was threatened during an enforcement inspection. The commission issued a negative determination for a driveway replacement at 1 Conrich Lane — featuring 2,200 square feet of new native plantings against a 145-square-foot driveway addition — and an order of conditions for a house reconstruction at 283 Denim Street. The board approved a $3,400 peer-review contract with consultant Paul McManus for a small dam repair on Fuller Pond at 8 Pagan Lane, continued to May 14. Conservation Agent Janet told the commission she "was afraid for my own safety" after the owner of 29 Saddle Ridge Road surrounded and threatened her during an inspection of landscaping done in violation of an enforcement order; the commission chair confirmed Dover's police chief has agreed to provide officers on 15-minute notice for future enforcement visits. The commission also voted to spend roughly $2,000 on biological flea beetles to control cypress spurge at Springdale Meadow, versus an estimated $50,000 herbicide alternative, and approved Janet's March invoice of $10,943.75 drawn from trail maintenance reserves and the Wetlands Protection Act fund.