Public Meeting on Eversource’s Local Clear-cutting Plans

Source: Responsible Grid

In response to the extensive clear-cutting that Eversource proposes in our area, Senator Jo Comerford and Representative Mindy Domb worked to secure a community meeting with Eversource.  The meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 14, from 6-8 p.m in the Town Room of Amherst Town Hall, 4 Boltwood Avenue, and over Zoom. The public is encouraged to attend, learn, and make its voice heard.

Meeting Information,

• Topic: Eversource’s clear-cutting proposal for project titled “WT-11 Transmission Right-of-Way Reliability Program (TRRP) Project”
• Date & Time: April 14, 6:00-8:00pm
• Location: Town Room at the Amherst Town Hall
• Zoom link: https://amherstma.zoom.us/j/82928590640
• Who should attend: Everyone who is interested

Remote Viewer “Advance Questions Form”
Note, for those watching remotely, there is no remote participation option, so you will not be able to share thoughts or ask questions unless you are in person. You are able to submit questions in advance using this form. 

Background
In a project that’s currently under review with the state, Eversource proposes to clear-cut 278-acres in our eleven Western MA towns. This project has generated a lot of public concern, in part because it affects sensitive areas, including the convergence of Amethyst and Buffam Brooks. Yet, it’s just one of about 20 similar projects that Eversource plans in Western Massachusetts over the next seven years, totalling approximately 2000 acres. So, although the official comment period for the project under review closed in November, Senator Comerford and Representative Domb will host this additional chance for the public to raise concerns. 

Eversource’s proposed clear-cutting runs along their powerlines, widening the cleared corridor within their right-of-way. The intent is to prevent trees from contacting powerlines, which is of course a worthy goal. But Eversource’s proposal targets huge numbers of trees that, by their own figures, wouldn’t reach the powerlines. The indiscriminate cutting would unnecessarily damage state-designated Priority Habitats for rare species and other natural habitats; state-designated Outstanding Water Resources and drinking water supplies, wetlands, and riverfront areas; and Article 97 Open Space and other sensitive and recreational lands.