Conservation Commission

Meetings

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.

Most Recent Agenda | View All

Minutes are available following approval.

Most Recent Minutes | View All

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.

Vacancies

The Conservation Commission currently has one open seat needing to be filled. If you are interested in learning more and applying to sit on the Commission, please email Laurel Schwab, Conservation Agent, at lschwab@watertown-ma.gov.

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
  • Colleen Egan
    43 Coolidge Hill Rd.
    Term Expires: February 15, 2021

Resources