Conservation Commission Votes on Willard's Woods

Lexington residents, many holding "Friends of Willard's Woods" signs in support of off-leash dog rules, crowded into Cary Hall for last night's Conservation Commission meeting and decision on dog walking in Willard's Woods.

The Commission, chaired by Joyce Miller, voted that dogs could be let off-leash in the woods on weekdays but must be leashed on weekends. The Commission voted to put the regulation in place starting Sept. 1, and all but two members voted in favor of the new rules.

Member Charlie Wyman said it could take several months to organize a permit system, and that he did not feel ready to vote. He wanted clarification on who would enforce the new regulation, and when signage would be available.

Member David Langseth said he felt the need to take action and that the commission's best option would be to wait until Sept. 1 to put the regulation in place. He said he hoped Willard's Wood walkers could work on dog-walker education during the next few months, while member Stewart Kennedy said a clear decision would ease preparations for the regulation.

Commission members promised to provide information on the regulation to the community through local media and kiosks in Willard's Woods.

Also last night, the commission made a negative determination of applicability with permission for homeowners at 175 East St. to replace asphalt with flag stones. It also made a motion to continue a hearing regarding a notice of intent for 10 Stedman Road to make changes to the drainage system.

Michael Martignetti, a steward at Five Fields, sought the commission's authorization to use $1,000 from the Sousa Trust to maintain Juniper Hill. Peter Hench, who goes for walks on Juniper Hill, noted the area is overgrown with bushes and poison ivy before the Commission authorized up to $1,500 for maintenance there.

The commission also voted to have a member attend the July 22 Hanscom Area Towns Committee meeting, and approved a Department of Public Works request for a one-year extension for order of conditions on 201 Bedford St.

The next Conservation Commission meeting will take place on July 13.