Conservation Commission

Including Conservation Agent

Mission Statement

The West Newbury Conservation Commission is a 5-member, 1-associate member board appointed by the West Newbury Select Board for terms up to 3 years in length.

The Conservation Commission is responsible for all matters delegated by Massachusetts General Law and the Town Bylaws. Most importantly, the Conservation Commission has jurisdictional authority under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (G.L. Ch. 131 sec. 40) and regulations thereunder (310 CMR 10.00) to review and permit projects within wetland resource areas, 100-feet of wetlands, and within 200-feet of rivers and perennial streams.

The Conservation Commission also:

  • Works with the town and local land trusts to ensure the long-term protection and stewardship of the town's natural resources and open spaces by acquiring properties in fee simple and holding conservation restrictions on properties;
  • Provides outreach and education on wetlands and natural resources to West Newbury residents through its webpage on the town website, presentations, brochures, and site walks with landowners;
  • Advises and collaborates with other town boards, committees, commissions, and departments on matters pertaining to wetlands, land use, land management, and protection of the town’s natural resources and open space.

Why Wetlands Matter

Wetlands and their bordering lands are valuable to the community. Among other values they protect the public drinking water supply, store flood water and prevent storm damage, filter pollutants and slow erosion, and provide wildlife habitat. Buffer zones extending 100 feet from the edge of wetlands and resource areas extending 200 feet from the edges of rivers and perennial streams are protected for these purposes. The Wetlands Protection Act (G.L. Ch. 131 sec. 40) (“the Act”) was enacted in 1972 and regulations under the Act (310 CMR 10.00) were enacted shortly after. The Act recognizes the values provided by wetlands and their buffer zones and gives local Conservation Commissions responsibility to implement the Act. Despite these efforts, more than half of the original wetlands on the continental United States have been lost to commercial, agricultural and residential development and 1,250 acres have been lost in Massachusetts between 1991 and 2005.

How to Navigate this Webpage 

Please use the links to the left to access wetlands permitting forms, instructions, the Conservation Commission's meeting schedule & submission deadlines, and answers to frequently asked questions. To the right you will be able to view minutes and agenda of the Commission as well as news and announcements from the Commission. If you need assistance, please contact Michelle Greene, Conservation Agent, 978-363-1100 ext. 126 or 978-891-0238.

Never Miss a Conservation Commission Meeting Agenda or News Announcement!

Did you know you can subscribe to receive alerts from the Conservation Commission? Subscribers receive an alert to their email every time the Conservation Commission posts a meeting agenda or news announcement. To subscribe, head to www.wnewbury.org/subscribe, enter your preferred email address, select which alerts you'd like to receive from the Conservation Commission (and any other boards, committees, or commissions you're interested in), and click "Subscribe Me" at the bottom of the page. Once subscribed, you'll receive an email with each meeting agenda and news announcement posted by the Conservation Commission.

    Staff Contacts

    Name Phone
    Michelle Greene 978-363-1100 x126

    Members

    NameTitleTerm

    Chair

    7/1/23 to 6/30/26

    George Preble

    Vice Chair

    7/1/22 to 6/30/25

    David Parrott

    Clerk, Conservation Representative to OSC

    6/10/22 to 6/30/25

    John Haley

    Member, Conservation Representative to CPC

    7/1/21 to 6/30/24

    Haley McCraven

    Member

    Term ends 6/30/26

    Vacancy One

    Associate Member

    Term ends 6/30/24

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