Dover Conservation Commission Approves Wildwoods Trail Reroute, Continues Dam Permit Review

DOVER -- May 28, 2025, Dover Conservation Commission unanimously approved a reroute of the eroded Whistler Trail in Wildwoods and accepted a land management plan for Springdale Meadows at its May 28 meeting. Volunteer trail coordinator Greg presented plans to bypass a 22-degree slope running directly down the fall line, proposing a roughly 100-foot side-hill reroute up to 10 feet wide constructed entirely by hand; conservation agent Janet said the project would be a "diminimous impact" because it redirects an existing trail further from wetlands. The commission continued a notice of intent hearing for dam modifications at 8 Pegan Lane to June 25, directing applicant consultant Anthony Damiano of GZA GeoEnvironmental to submit revised plans showing updated coffer dam details, erosion control provisions, and a turbidity management note, with peer reviewer Paul McManus flagging that contractors must "do whatever it takes" to prevent turbid discharge into the adjacent pond or stream. The commission also voted unanimously to extend conservation agent Janet's contract at the FY26 town meeting-appropriated figure of $88,000, approved a May consulting invoice of $9,950 pending release of a $35,000 reserve fund transfer, and approved a peer review fee estimate for 90 Claybrook Road.