CHESTER – In the wake of the discovery of the endangered Cricket Frog in the wetlands of Glenmere Lake in the Town of Chester, the state Department of Environmental Conservation has told the town planning board more environmental reviews are needed to prove no harmful effects of redevelopment of the property to the frogs.

Developers want to convert an old mansion on the property into the Glenmere Bed & Breakfast Inn, but the possible wintering habitat for the endangered species may be a problem for project, said DEC spokeswoman Wendy Rosenbach.

“New information came to light not that long ago indicating that there is possible Northern Cricket Frog habitat on the property where the proposed project is,” she said. “Now we are requesting that the project sponsor conduct a more extensive Northern Cricket Frog habitat study before they commence any work. We are asking the town to make sure they require that and we are also requiring that we get any kind of study so that we can review that.”

In an April 4 letter, the DEC told the town planning board to direct the project sponsor “to cease any construction, demolition, stripping, grading or filling anywhere on the property until a more thorough NCF study is completed.”