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Conservation Commission
Description
The Conservation Commission includes up to seven volunteer Commissioners appointed by the Town Manager, with approval by the Town Council, for three-year terms.
Meetings
- Meets monthly at 7 pm on the first Wednesday of the month
- Location: Phillip Pane-Lower Hearing Room in Town Hall
- Filing and Meeting Schedule for 2021
Meetings are open to members of the public, who are welcome to comment on business before the Commission and bring concerns to the Commission’s attention.
Agendas & Minutes
Agendas are available prior to the meetings.
Minutes are available following approval.
Most Recent Minutes | View All
Responsibilities
- Administering the State’s Wetlands Protection Act (GL Ch 131 §40)
- Administering and Enforcing the Watertown Wetlands Ordinance 2008 (PDF)
-Rules and Regulations for the Administration of the Watertown Wetlands Ordinance, Adopted October 2010 - Protecting the Town’s natural resources
- Reviewing plans for activities, including new development and redevelopment, that may affect our wetlands
- Imposing conditions to ensure that those activities do not cause erosion or pollution that would harm the waters or wetlands
- Seeking opportunities to increase and improve open space in the Town
- Managing open spaces (PDF) under its jurisdiction
- Encouraging good management of the parklands along the Charles River
- Participating in developing a new open space plan for Watertown every seven years
- Submitting to the Town Manager, each year prior to December 31st, a recommended plan for maintenance and educational activities for Whitney Hill Park. A copy of the report is available in the link below.
- Writing the Whitney Hill Annual Report
Relevant Projects
Greenough Boulevard Expansion Greenway Project
Members
- Leo G. Martin, Chair
683 Main Street
Term Expires: February 15, 2020 - Charles C. Bering
508 Belmont Street
Term Expires: February 15, 2022 - Maria P. Rose
45 Edward Road
Term Expires: February 15, 2020
- Patrick W Fairbairn, Ph. D.
20 Marcia Road
Term Expires: February 15, 2022 - Jamie O'Connell
251 Common St.
Term Expires: February 15, 2020
Resources
- Watertown's Wetlands Protection Ordinance (PDF)
- All Cities and Towns in Massachusetts have a Conservation Commission, which is authorized by the Massachusetts Conservation Commission Act (MGL Chapter 40 §8C)
- Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissioners
- Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
-
Conservation Office
Physical Address
Conversation Office, Third Floor
149 Main Street
Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: (617) 972-6426
-
Laurel Schwab
Senior Environmental Planner
-
Susan Jenness
CC / HC Clerk