Franklin OKs $35,000 for Town Forest Permits

Conservation Commission · Meeting of August 13, 2026

Franklin Conservation Commission backs $35,000 in Town Forest permitting, weighs tougher tree rules. Members voted unanimously to spend up to $35,000 to have BETA Group permit new footbridges and a stream restoration at the Franklin Town Forest, bundling the two projects to save roughly $15,600 over separate permitting. Director of Conservation Breeka Li Goodlander said she'll pursue a Southeastern New England Program grant worth up to $10,000 to offset construction.

In a nearly two-hour discussion, the board debated adding a three-year wetland-monitoring standard condition and tighter tree-canopy protections, with Goodlander cautioning, "I want to remind the commission of the power that you have today," and member Richard Johnson asking, "Why do you want to put handcuffs on yourself?" The commission also raised Goodlander's BeaverCON 2026 travel budget from $1,500 to $2,000 and continued three wetlands permit hearings, including 23 Anchorage Road and 110 Populatic Street, to Aug. 27 by 7-0-0 roll call votes.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 3,195 words

Source: the Conservation Commission meeting of August 13, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.