New owner says contractor cut 28 trees near Recreation Road cemetery; board to review survey and consider police report

A resident who recently took possession of property adjacent to the Recreation Road Cemetery reported that a contractor had cut dozens of trees on the riverbank and said the town survey shows the trees were not on town-owned land. The resident said about 28 tree stumps remain and that the bank had previously been stabilized by the trees.

"There's 28 tree stumps that were cut on the front side of that cemetery," the resident said, urging the board to check property lines and consider whether a police report might be appropriate. Board members reviewed a recent deed survey, discussed obtaining an estimate of timber value, and suggested talking directly with the person whose crews performed the cutting to establish facts before taking enforcement steps.

The board directed staff to obtain a copy of the filed survey for review, asked the resident to provide any evidence or photos, and said the town could seek a police report and an appraisal if the survey confirms unauthorized cutting on privately owned land affecting town resources.