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1. 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. Contact the Conservation Commission at 508-261-7378  for more information.

2. 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:

• Flood Control
• Prevention of Pollution
• Protection of Fisheries
• Protection of Ground Water Supply
• Protection of Land Containing Shellfish
• Protection of Public and Private Water Supply
• Protection of Wildlife Habitat
• Storm Damage Prevention

Additional Interests

Additional interests under the Town Bylaw, Chapter 172:

• Agriculture and aquaculture
• Biodiversity
• Rare species habitat
• Recreation
• Water quality

Contact Us

For more information contact the Conservation Commission at 508-261-7378.

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

Under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act Regulations (310 CMR 10) 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.

Applications

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:
  • Additions
  • Commercial/Industrial Buildings
  • Dwellings
  • Regrading
  • Removal of Vegetation
  • Subdivisions

Projects

These projects often require engineered plans showing the wetland resources on-site, abutter notification, and a public hearing.

Forms

Forms are available at the Conservation Commission’s Office or on the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection website.