Conservation Commission

Administers: MA Wetlands Protection Act, Walpole Wetlands Bylaw and the Stormwater and Erosion Control Bylaw

THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION IS HOLDING IN-PERSON MEETINGS NOW

Town Hall 135 School Street - FIN COM ROOM (closest to the Library) 

Applications for FAST TRACK PERMITS and LAND DISTURBANCE PERMITS are located under STORMWATER tab to left.

APPLICANT'S  should be PREPARED TO PRESENT plans and other documents to the Conservation Commission IN PERSON

Applications and/or other business for the Conservation Commission shall be submitted by both: 1) pdf emailed to Landis Hershey. and 2) 6 hard copies mailed, or dropped off at Town Hall room 212, 

MADEP Applications: 

Should be handled as directed by DEP (https://www.mass.gov/guidance/guidance-to-conservation-commissions-and-applicants-for-submissions-during-massdep-office)

Reviewing Applications and plans:

Conservation Commission applications and plans can be reviewed on the CONSERVATION COMMISSION website or at Town hall room 212 with an appointment.

On-Going Construction

PLEASE -All on-going construction with valid Order of Conditions  continue to review and maintain the erosion controls as required by the Order of Conditions and plans.

If you have a concern or question please let me know at Lhershey@walpole-ma.gov or (508)660-7253.

Site Inspections: Call 508 660-7253 or email Lhershey@walpole-ma.gov for inspections. 

Thank you!

Landis Hershey, Walpole Conservation Agent

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.

Staff Contacts

Name Title Phone
Landis Hershey Conservation Agent 5086607253

Commission Members

Name Title
John Wiley Chair (2024)
Betsey Dexter Dyer Vice Chair (2024)
Emidio DiVirgilio Commissioner (2022)
Doug Burchesky Commissioner (2022)
Bailey Ziemba Commissioner (2022)
Dean Bebis Commissioner (2024)
Albert Goetz Commissioner