FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE MANSFIELD
CONSERVATION COMMISSION

 What is the Conservation Commission’s role in Town?

The Conservation Department and Conservation Commission are responsible for permitting and enforcement of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the more protective Wetland Bylaw, Chapter 172. Under the Conservation Commission Act they are charged with the protection of a community’s natural resources. They are involved with open space acquisition and the management of conservation lands.
 

Why do we protect wetlands?

Wetlands provide many invaluable functions to a healthy ecosystem and to society. Under the Wetlands Protection Act there are eight interests that are protected:
         Protection of public and private water supply  
         Protection of ground water supply      
         Flood control  
         Storm damage prevention
         Prevention of pollution
         Protection of land containing shellfish
         Protection of fisheries
         Protection of wildlife habitat 
Additional interests under the Town Bylaw, Chapter 172:
         Biodiversity   
         Rare species habitat   
         Recreation     
         Agriculture and aquaculture    
         Water quality  

When am I required to file an application with the Conservation Commission?

Under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act Regulations (310 CMR 10.00) the Conservation Commission has statutory jurisdiction for activities within the 200 foot Riverfront Area of perennial streams and within 100 foot buffer zone to wetlands including, but not limited to inland banks, swamps, and marshes. The Mansfield Conservation Commission also has jurisdiction within the 100 Year Flood-plain and 100 feet from vernal pools under Chapter 15 of the Town’s General Bylaws.

There are two kinds of applications under these regulations. For small projects 50 feet and greater away from wetland resources a Request for Determination of Applicability may be filed. Examples of small projects that may fall under this category could be the construction of decks, sheds, and native landscaping.

The second type of filing is the Notice of Intent filing which is for more complex projects such as construction of commercial/industrial buildings, subdivisions, dwellings, removal of vegetation, regrading, and additions. These projects often require engineered plans showing the wetland resources on-site, abutter notification, and a public hearing.

Forms are available at the Conservation Commission’s Office or on the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection website: http://www.mass.gov/dep