According to Jose Juves, spokesperson for Massport, "We've been engaged in the process of communicating with the towns. We want to work cooperatively with the local communities."

But, reportedly, the conservation commissions of the four towns have requested that Massport delay its filings, on the basis that it has not included public participation in creating an airport-wide Vegetation Management Plan. "They have asked for a meeting with the conservation commission, but they have not scheduled it yet," Elizabeth Bagdonas, Bedford's conservation administrator, tells GlobeSt.com. "We know they have a plan to cut on their property and we've been told they will file notices, but we haven't seen anything."

Juves reports that the vegetation needs to be cut down for safety reasons. "It's necessary for the operation of the airport," he says.