Littleton Conservation Commission Rejects Underwater Survey, Eyes In-Kind Lake Remediation

LITTLETON — April 7, 2026 — Littleton Conservation Commission declines to pursue underwater survey of unpermitted Lake Matawanakee dredging, eyes in-kind restoration instead. At the April 7 Zoom meeting, the commission voted unanimously on all formal actions, including 5-0 approval of a Notice of Intent Order of Conditions for a septic replacement at 17 Worcester Ave. (DEP #204-1032), and 5-0 support for Eagle Scout Gian Modica's project to install a wooden swing sign and blaze trails at Webster Woods. On the two enforcement orders tied to unpermitted dredging by residents at 8 Blood Road and 2 and 6 Blood Road on Lake Matawanakee, co-chair Chase Gerbig and member Kyle Maxfield reported finding coarser sediment, exposed gravel, and apparent excavator tracks in roughly four feet of water during a chest-wader site visit — evidence consistent with dredging — but the commission elected not to pursue bathymetric survey quotes or peer review. The commission will instead consult Town Counsel on accepting in-kind contributions such as equipment and trucking time toward broader lake restoration, with both enforcement orders to remain open until restoration expectations are formally documented. Conservation Agent Tim Pearson confirmed Littleton is pursuing an Inter-Municipal Agreement with Westford for herbicide treatment on Lake Matawanakee this summer.