The Yarmouth Golf Division will begin an aggressive herbicide treatment program to reclaim three irrigation ponds currently choked by invasive Phragmites following approval from the Conservation Commission on Thursday. The project, which aims to reverse years of organic matter accumulation and pond deterioration, will require the immediate establishment of a five-foot native buffer zone around the treated areas to prevent future encroachment.

Golf Division Superintendent Josh Lion told the Commission that the three ponds have become increasingly unmanageable. We have three ponds on the golf course that have been overrun with Phragmites and that's kind of led to the deterioration of the pond with organic matter getting in the pond and sort of excessive growth of other nuisance species, Lion said. The town has contracted with Solitude Lake Management to handle the chemical application. Dominic, a representative from Solitude, explained that the treatment involves applying herbicide to the foliage, allowing it to translocate to the root system over four weeks before the dead stems are hand-cut. Member Bradford Bower questioned the sequence of the work, noting he believed cutting before application might be more effective. I was just wondering if that's the best method... to cut it and then apply the herbicide to that fresh cut to get down to the roots, B. Bower said. Dominic clarified that the herbicide requires active foliage to be effectively absorbed and transported to the roots.

Conservation Agent Britney pushed for stricter restoration requirements than originally proposed, asking for specific monitoring metrics and the immediate use of a native seed mix. I think we would prefer to use that seed mix from the get-go instead of just saying 'if needed' to establish a buffer on the bank where none exists now, she said. Motion Made by J. Frost to approve the project pending special conditions regarding monitoring and the requirement that the Phragmites area plus a five-foot buffer be seeded. Motion Passed (6-0-0). Member Elly Tierney was present for the unanimous vote.

The Commission also addressed significant unpermitted work at 54 Heritage Drive, where a patio was constructed between 500 and 600 square feet larger than what was originally approved in 2008. Agent Britney recommended a 2:1 mitigation ratio for the extra hardscape. Surveyor Ron Cadillac noted that several original plantings had died and suggested the property's landscaper develop a new plan. The discussion turned to irrigation when homeowner Deborah Salvuchi mentioned she utilized a private well for her lawn. Vice Chair Paul Huggins cautioned that private wells do not exempt homeowners from the reality of the town's water crisis. I'm going to say, we get the water from the same place. All comes from the same aquifer. So even though you have a well and you have every right to use your private well, you are using the water that the whole town uses, P. Huggins said. Chair David Bernstein agreed, noting that the Commission required a formal mitigation plan from the landscaper before the case could move forward. Motion Made by J. Frost to continue the hearing to November 6, 2025. Motion Passed (6-0-0).

A similar compliance hurdle arose at 18 Curve Hill Road, where a 1996 permit required a backyard meadow that was instead replaced by a lawn. Attorney Jennifer Ryzac, representing a homeowner currently in assisted living, emphasized the urgency of clearing the title for a pending sale. Ideally what would be best for us would be obviously a COC with a complete certificate... so that the buyer can close on this transaction, J. Ryzac said. Agent Britney proposed issuing a Certificate of Compliance with ongoing conditions, which clears the title while legally requiring future owners to maintain the required native meadow. Motion Made by J. Frost to approve the Certificate of Compliance with ongoing conditions regarding meadow maintenance. Motion Passed (6-0-0).

Infrastructure repairs were approved for 39 Prince Road, where WRS Engineering proposed replacing a failing timber bulkhead with a new vinyl structure. Larry Demurs, representing the Zozy family, explained that the work would follow the existing footprint. Everything will be done by land. First, removal of old materials, then helicals put in and driven sheets, L. Demurs said. Agent Britney requested revised plans to show specific buffer strip dimensions to ensure the replacement does not further encroach on the salt marsh. Motion Made by P. Huggins to accept the project with special conditions and a revised plan. Motion Passed (6-0-0). The Commission also approved a separate Certificate of Compliance for an older bulkhead project at the same address after B. Bower moved the item. Motion Made by B. Bower to approve the Certificate of Compliance for SE83-122. Motion Passed (6-0-0).

In other business, the Commission discussed more aggressive ways to communicate water restrictions to the public. Following a recent trend of the Commission demanding Select Board intervention on irrigation, P. Huggins suggested borrowing a tactic from neighboring towns. In Chatham, they have signs up... that tell folks there's a water restriction ban... we or the select board and the water department need to be more aggressive on getting the word out, P. Huggins said, noting that A-frame signs on main roads might reach residents who miss social media updates. J. Frost also took a moment to thank the staff for their recent work on a milling project, stating I think Britney and Joe did a wonderful job on the conditions. Member Patricia Mulhearn ensured the accuracy of the public record by requesting a correction to the previous meeting's minutes. There was one word... where it says insurance should be assurance, P. Mulhearn noted. Motion Made by P. Mulhearn to approve the minutes as amended. Motion Passed (6-0-0). Agent Britney also reminded residents that the annual Fall Cleanup and Coast Sweep is scheduled for November 1.