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1200 Wildhurst Trail <br />Application for a CUP <br /> <br />Let me provide context regarding our requested CUP and the construction of a retaining <br />wall on our property at 1200 Wildhurst Trail in Orono. The decision to build the wall was <br />driven by concerns about erosion, slope stability, and the health of mature oak trees <br />located along the hillside. <br />Our east-facing property sits on sloped terrain. The lower part of our property near the lake <br />has a far steeper slope. In this lower area, we had observed gradual soil movement and <br />erosion over time, particularly during heavy rain. On the southern half of the hillside, we did <br />not see as much erosion because the uphill run-off is diverted away from the hillside and <br />down an asphalt path. On that half, we were able to use natural vegetation for hillside <br />stabilization. This is a different scenario on the northern half of the hillside where there <br />were several areas of exposed roots caused by erosion. We were advised that leaving that <br />northern half of the hillside unaddressed would pose risks to the long-term stability of the <br />slope and the viability of the existing landscape. It was recommended we use a retaining <br />wall for stabilizing the northern half of the hillside. <br />A key factor in our decision to build the wall (and its positioning) was the preservation of <br />three red oak trees growing on the hillside. These trees are an important natural feature of <br />the property, and we wanted to ensure their root systems remained protected and <br />undisturbed. A retaining wall helps stabilize the soil around these trees, reducing the <br />likelihood of root exposure or slope failure that could jeopardize their health. The wall also <br />helps capture uphill runoff up, which is absorbed into the soil and used by the trees. <br />A major challenge of the project was how to construct a wall that contributes only <br />positively to the health of the mature trees. Because these oak trees are located at the <br />property line, we were thankful that our neighbors at 1186 Wildhurst Trail shared our <br />concerns about the trees and supported constructing a retaining wall partially on their <br />property. This positioning would not only avoid any disruption to both of our oak trees <br />during construction, but would also capture run-off for the ailing oak tree on their side of <br />the property line. (Those neighbors have since retracted their support for a retaining wall. <br />Hence, no letter of support from those neighbors in our application.) <br />We consulted with experts who recommend and support our efforts to address the erosion <br />issues, contribute to slope stability, and improve the health of the trees. These <br />professionals have confirmed that the retaining wall was constructed using appropriate <br />materials and methods to meet common engineering standards and to ensure long-term <br />129 <br />PC <br />Exhibit D