Ayer Conservation Commission advances draft wetland bylaw overhaul toward public hearing

AYER — March 12, 2026 — Ayer Conservation Commission moves toward public hearing on sweeping wetland bylaw revisions. Conservation Agent Heather Hampson presented a tracked-changes draft of the town's wetland regulations at the March 12 meeting, proposing new filing fees for Notices of Intent starting at $25 for single-family lots, a 200-foot no-disturb buffer around vernal pools, a 60 percent native species planting requirement, and a new no-build zone from 50 to 75 feet from resource areas. Chair Jessica Gino urged the commission to keep the rules "user-friendly for ordinary residents," cautioning against language that could suggest routine yard work requires a permit. The commission also heard that the town's proposed 71 Sandy Pond recreational site — featuring a splash pad, canoe launch, fitness court, and pavilion — is expected to go before the Select Board in April, pending funding and Town Meeting approval. The panel continued a public hearing on the Sawyer May LLC Orion Park Drive roadway project to March 26 and scheduled a site walk for March 21 at 8:30 a.m.