Weston Conservation Commission approves beaver trapping along Warren Avenue

WESTON — August 22, 2023 — Weston Conservation Commission authorizes beaver trapping along Warren Avenue and approves $30,000 stewardship endowment request. The commission voted four to one to allow Beaver Solutions, the town's contracted wildlife firm, to breach a dam near the Weston Affordable Housing property and trap the resident beaver colony after flooding overtopped the Gun Club Lane culvert and required a nearby footbridge to be rebuilt three times in 18 months. Member Glenn Butcher, who made the motion, said he did so "however reluctantly" and called for the town to establish written thresholds before approving future removals. Weston Forest and Trail representative Kristen Barbieri echoed that concern, warning of a "slippery slope" given at least three additional beaver dams elsewhere in town. Separately, Stewardship Coordinator Emily Shadler won unanimous approval to apply to the Community Preservation Committee for $15,000 endowments on each of two CPA-funded conservation properties — Case Estates and Wellington Farm — with a September 12 application deadline. A contested garage construction hearing at 169 Ridgeway Road was continued to September 5 after commissioners expressed doubt that replacing large established trees primarily with shrubs would constitute a genuine improvement to the regulated riverfront area under 310 CMR 10.585.