Conservation Commission

WHAT IS THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION?

The Conservation Commission is a Commission appointed by the Board of Selectmen (enabled by the Conservation Commission Act G.L. ch. 40, sec 8C) to plan for natural resource protection, acquire important  land and water areas, and manage these properties for conservation and recreation purposes. 

THE FUNCTIONS OF THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Regulations:The Conservation Commission administers the Massachusetts WetlandsProtection Act (310CMR 10.00), the Walpole Wetlands Protection Bylaw, and the Stormwater and Erosion Control Bylaw. See What you need to Need to File with Conservation at left column.

Planning: Prepares and implements Open Space and Recreation Plan.

Stewardship: Manages Conservation Land to foster  biodiversity, water resource protection, and passive recreation.

Preservation: Assures protection of important local land for water resource, agricultural resource, and historic resource protection.

Recreation: Promotes pasive recreation.

Education: Promotes and encourages local environmental education.

Productive or Economic: Encourages environmentally  appropriate agriculture, forestry and fishing uses on conservation land.

CONSERVATION LAND

Since the 1970’s the Town of Walpole has protected approximately 2000 acres of land under conservation. A list of the lands can be found in the draft 2011Open Space and Recreation Plan.