Conservation Commission

Overview

In accordance with the Charter passed at ATE, April 22, 1992, Chapter 6, Section 4, Paragraph 1, with the Board of Selectmen as the appointing authority. And, in conformity with MGL, Chapter 40, Sec. 8C, membership is to be not less than three members and not more than seven, with one-third of members' terms expiring each year and their successors appointed for three-year terms.

The Conservation Commission administers the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and Rivers Protection Act. The Conservation Agent of the Conservation Commission has information on obtaining local, state or federal environmental permits. Any work within 100 feet of a wetland, including clearing, filling, grading, building or altering broadly defined will require a permit. Any work within 200 feet of a river or perennial stream also requires review by the Conservation Commission. Vernal pools are also within the jurisdiction of the Conservation Commission.

The Commission's mission is to protect public interest, including public and private water supplies, ground water, flora and fauna and their habitat, and areas for passive recreation. It also endeavors to prevent or reduce flooding, and prevent erosion and pollution. It does this by overseeing any activity that may alter a resource area or its buffer zone. Resource areas include any bank, freshwater wetland, beach, marsh, wet meadow, bog, swamp, estuary, creek, river, stream, pond, lake, or vernal pool or any land under said waters. They also include bordering land subject to flooding (consisting of the 100-year floodplain) and isolated land subject to flooding.

Meetings

Members

  • Carol Girard-Irwin, Chair-2 Year Term
    Appointment expires June 30, 2027
  • Linda Noons-Rose, Vice Chair
    Appointment expires June 30, 2026
  • Denise Mullen
    Appointment expires June 30, 2028
  • Clint Kershaw
    Appointment expires June 30, 2028
  • Robert White
    Appointment expires June 30, 2027
  • Danny Cavallari
    Appointment expires June 30, 2028
  • Sharon Basco Koch
    Appointment expires June 30, 2026

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval. View the previous and most recent agendas and minutes via the calendar below.