Farm proposes short timber bridge for trail; commission issues negative determination with conditions

Representatives of a local farm presented plans to realign a foot trail and replace a collapsed culvert with a short timber bridge that would tie into existing trail networks and reduce wetland impacts.

Dan Schmidt, a farm director, described a proposal to situate the bridge on a raised, previously used fence line and to span the channel without placing piles in the active stream. He said the plan calls for simple timber construction: two supporting timbers and a 4‑foot‑wide plank deck, with minimal channel disturbance.

Commission staff asked clarifying questions about span, whether supporting sonotubes would be placed in the channel, and railing needs. Staff noted for projects within 60 feet of wetlands the commission commonly requires an "as‑built" survey of the foundation once it is constructed. After discussion, a commissioner moved "pending receipt of additional information, move to issue a negative determination number 2 and number 3" with two standard conditions: a preconstruction site visit with Natural Resources staff and a post‑construction letter confirming the work complied with the RDA and stated conditions. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.

The commission recorded several implementation details: the bridge will aim to avoid in‑channel footings where possible, temporary erosion control will be used during construction, and staff will review final sketches if the applicants choose to provide them before construction.

Next steps: applicants to schedule a preconstruction site visit and submit a post‑construction compliance letter to the commission.