Conservation Commission
The primary function of the Conservation Commission is to preserve and protect the local wetland resource areas, as defined in the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. Since colonial times, Massachusetts has lost nearly one third of its wetlands. The loss of wetlands means the loss of important benefits they provide. This includes the protection of water quality and water supplies, stormwater and flood damage prevention, and the protection of wildlife and plant habitat. Our goal is to protect the community's natural resources for present and future generations.
The Conservation Commission is composed of appointed town officials who serve as unpaid volunteers. The Commission meets as needed for the conduct of regular business and for public hearings. Check the bulletin board in the entry hall of Sawyer Hall for posted meetings or call the Chair to be added to an agenda (see below for contact info.).
Commission's Legislative Authority
In Massachusetts, Conservation Commission's authority comes from several sources: the Conservation Commission Act (MGL Chapter 40 section 8C) for open space protection; the Wetlands Protection Act (MGL Chapter 131 section 40) for protecting wetlands and waterways (Commissions have real power - they issue the permits); and the home rule provisions of the state constitution for non-zoning wetlands bylaws. All state statutes can be found in the Massachusetts General Laws on the state web site.
Contact Info
Phone: 413-337-4934
FAX: 413-337-8542
No meetings currently scheduled.
Members
5 of 6 seats. 1 year each seat.
- Brian DeVriese, Chair.
- Bill Lattrell, Consultant.
- Heather Row, Member.
- Pam Porter , Member.
- Susan Draxler, Member.
- VACANT
Previous meetings:
- Thu, Jul 31, 2025 at 07:00 PM -- 18 Jacobs Road
- Thu, Sep 8, 2022 at 07:00 PM -- 18 Jacobs Rd. Cafeteria
- Thu, Aug 29, 2019 at 07:00 PM -- Heath Town Hall
- Thu, Jun 20, 2019 at 07:00 PM -- Heath Town Hall
- Thu, Jun 14, 2018 at 07:00 PM -- Heath Town Hall
- Show 2 More...