Conservation Commission approves limited tree cutting at Hearthstone Circle

WAYLAND — August 7, 2024 — Wayland conservators issue partial tree-cutting approval and face public heat over turf field runoff. The Conservation Commission unanimously granted a partial negative determination at 11 Hearthstone Circle, allowing the owner to cut trees only outside a 1976 conservation easement plus verified dead trees inside it — far short of the 21 trees requested. Member Luke Legere, who drafted the motion, said he could not see authorizing broader cutting "within this conservation area." Resident David Bernstein opened the meeting demanding action on artificial turf infill that has overflowed into wetlands near Wayland High School since September 2021, calling the ongoing leaching "outrageous." Chair Sean P. Fair said remediation has been "too slow" and pledged a formal agenda item Aug. 28 with consultant David Kelly of Meridian Associates. Hearings on 24 School Street, 124 Cochituate Road and 23B Bayfield Road were all continued.