Lowell ratifies two wetlands enforcement orders
Lowell's Conservation Commission ratified enforcement orders against a state agency and a local homeowner over unpermitted tree cutting near protected wetlands.
Conservation · Meeting of August 26, 2026
Lowell's Conservation Commission ratified enforcement orders against a state agency and a local homeowner over unpermitted tree cutting near protected wetlands. Chairman Bradley Buitenhuys said photos from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation's own consultants showed trees "cut and piled" inside the Merrimack River near Rynne Beach, demanding DCR's head of maintenance appear at the commission's September 9 meeting and that debris be removed immediately. Commissioners also ratified a separate order against Epirus Drive homeowner Jigarkumar Bhagat for cutting trees within a wetland buffer, continuing his case to September 9 for a site visit.
In routine business, the board approved three Boott Hydropower canal-wall repairs at Broadway Street, Kearney Square and Pawtucket Street, a Pemberton Street septic replacement, a Boston Gas main swap and two residential tree-removal requests, all 4-0. Attorney Brian Winner said his client, Vicki O'Neil, will likely withdraw a stalled Old Ferry Road home application rather than fund a third-party review.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 3,535 words
Source: the Conservation meeting of August 26, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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