Conservation Commission

Vacant position on the Chesterfield Conservation Commission
The Conservation Commission currently has a vacancy for a three-year term. Membership on the Commission is by appointment through the Select Board. It is a volunteer position. Duties include serving as the issuing authority for permits under the Wetlands Protection Act.Knowledge of the law and knowledge of the
biology of wetlands can be obtained at no expense through the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions. We conduct site visits and hearings in the process of issuing permits. In addition, the Commission acts as a voice for land conservation in the community by providing information and support about land protection to landowners and the community at large. Soon the Commission will be an agent of the renewed Open Space Plan. We meet monthly on the third Monday of the month. If interested contact me at: conservationcommission@townofchesterfieldma.com.
 
John Follet, Chair

 

Email the Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission is a town board consisting of five members appointed by the Select Board to serve three year terms. The Commission meets monthly on the third Monday at 7:00 pm, at the Town offices. The mission of the commission is twofold. First and foremost, it is to oversee local compliance with The Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and The Massachusetts Riverways Protection Act. Both Acts regulate and limit activities in or near wetlands for their protection, and assign jurisdiction to Conservation Commissions.  Filings concerning activities in or near wetland areas are submitted to both the Commission and the state Department of Environmental Protection.

The other mission of The Conservation Commission is to promote the acquisition and maintenance of conservation lands. As part of that goal, the Conservation Commission can assist landowners who are thinking about conserving land for future generations. Commission members can provide local contacts and possible opportunities for conservation of land through private non-profit organizations or with federal or state agencies. If you have an interest or know someone in town who is thinking about land conservation in any form, please call a commissioner who can help you understand your options.

Local requirements for protecting streams and wetlands are established under state law. Please consult the brochure Living with Wetlands to see if the law applies to a project you may be considering on your land that is in or nearby to wetlands. See the DEP website for particulars about that law and its application.

 

Board Members

Name Title
John Follet Chair
Julia Freegood Member
Doug Fraser Member
Sherill Redmon Member
Ann Pickrell Member