Douglas Conservation Commission Approves 48 Shady Lane Home With Eight-Tree Planting Condition

DOUGLAS -- April 6, 2026, Douglas Conservation Commission approves single-family home on White Reservoir after months of debate over flood-zone setbacks. The commission voted 4-0 Monday to issue an order of conditions for applicants Linda and Douglas Ward for a home at 48 Shady Lane (DEP file 143-1130), with a special condition requiring eight native trees, preferably oak, be planted within the 25-foot no-disturb zone to replace four trees being removed. Engineer Mark Allen of Allen Engineering and Associates and wetland scientist Tom Schutzer of Goddard Consulting argued that in more than 17 prior projects around White Reservoir, the commission had never applied 25-foot no-disturb or 50-foot no-build setbacks from the FEMA flood zone boundary, only from the physical bank of the pond. Commission agent Sam acknowledged that history but said Town Counsel's reading of the Douglas Wetlands Bylaw supports applying those setbacks, leaving the broader policy question unresolved for future applications. The commission also voted 4-0 to extend an enforcement order against a South Street horse farm to June 15, halting $200-per-day fines while the property owner provides documentation of agricultural use and wetland conditions.