TO:             Board of Selectmen
FROM:       Carter Terenzini, Town Administrator
RE:             Administrator’s Weekly Report
DATE:        March 29, 2018
CC:             All Departments


Conservation Commission:
Adm. Asst. filed a “determination of applicability” for Lot 66, Rainbow Drive; assisted resident with information with regard to a “cease and desist” notice received from ConCom. Adm. Asst. tasked with researching the role of ConCom Chair in the absence of a Conservation Agent. Adm. Asst. continues to prepare documentation for a ConCom “manual”. Prepared agenda and paperwork for ConCom meeting of 04/16/18

from the Massachusetts conservation commission web site;

Commissions' Legislative Authority

In Massachusetts, conservation commissions' 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 at https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws

State law sets no age, citizenship, residency, knowledge, or experience requirements for conservation commission members, although there may be local requirements. The tasks of a commission require a great deal of study, learning, and thought by its members, who become expert by patience and work. Appointments to a conservation commission should not be made or taken lightly.

The overriding factors governing appointments should be a candidate's interest in doing the conservation job needed by the town: open space and wetlands protection. Since this goal requires a continual, firm commitment to conservation, persons who have no conflict of interest and who relate well to others should be selected. The commission should represent a variety of interests, skills, and backgrounds.

An engineer, a biologist, a naturalist and a lawyer may prove especially helpful. Knowledge of soils is useful. For purposes of coordination of efforts, well-qualified individuals who are members of other boards may be appointed to serve a term.

More than 100 conservation commissions have permanent full-time employees, many of whom are conservation professionals providing invaluable support to volunteer Commissioners. More than half of the commissions have some level of staffing.