The Planning Board held open a public hearing on a timber harvest operation proposed for property at 4754 Route 44 at its regular meeting Wednesday, March 13.
Town forester Christopher Prentis represented Turkey Hollow Inc. to speak about the plan. Because he is the forester for the harvesting work, Prentis indicated that he recognized that the project would need a certified forester to represent the project before the Planning Board.
The project affects about 10,000 square feet of land to be timber harvested.
“This is a forest management exercise,” Andrews said. “Timber harvest is not clear-cutting.”
Scenic protection was of interest to the Planning Board, noting that a small portion of the acreage to be harvested would be visible from a distance. Prentis indicated that if the Planning Board determines that the visible area would present a problem, he could avoid cutting in that area.
Prentis indicated that the trees being harvested are suffering from infestation by spongy moths, mostly oaks in that category, and diseased hemlocks.
Two alternate certified foresters who could serve in his stead were recommended by Prentis to the board, which agreed to continue the public hearing and interview both candidates at its next meeting Wednesday, April 10. Once the board selects a candidate, the Town Board must consider and approve the hire.
