Conservation Commission Approves Stone Ford, Solar Order of Conditions at December Meeting

HADLEY -- December 9, 2025, Hadley Conservation Commission cleared three matters and continued two others at its December 9 meeting. The commission voted unanimously to issue a negative 5 and 6 determination for a proposed stone ford crossing at Phelps Farm, accepting a USDA-recommended design, geotextile fabric topped with stone across a 14-foot-wide, 12-inch-deep swale, over a conventional culvert, with conditions requiring erosion controls and equipment inspection before work begins. The board also voted unanimously to close out a certificate of compliance for 16 Rocky Hill Road, file 170-226-16, carrying forward a perpetual condition to preserve permanent monumentation along the 100-foot riverfront boundary. For 88 Shattuck Road Phase 2, a ground-mounted community solar array subject to Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program restrictions protecting spade-foot toad habitat, the commission voted 3-0 with one abstention to issue an order of conditions limiting heavy equipment access on the southeastern portion of the site to November 1 through March 31 annually. Notices of intent for 143 Mill Valley Road and 41 Russell Street were both continued to January 13, 2026, pending peer review. Conservation Agent Kayla announced Hadley has joined four neighboring towns in receiving a Fort River Forward Culvert Assessment MVP Grant administered by the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, with a paid community liaison position, a $3,000 annual stipend, now open to applicants.