Conservation Commission Q&A
Q: What is the Conservation Commission responsible for?
A: Our responsibility under the Wetlands Protection Act (WPA) and the Scenic Mountain Act (SMA) is for the review of project plans, including construction, renovations, alterations, additions, pruning, tree cutting, land clearing, river clean-up, any of which include activity in or within 100 feet of a Resource (any lake, pond, stream, swamp, or vegetated wetland) and within 200 feet of any river.
Q: What is the Wetlands Protection Act?
A: The Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (WPA) is a state law that protects wetlands and associated resource areas from development. It prohibits activities like filling, dredging, or altering wetlands without a permit from the local Conservation Commission and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).
Q: What is the Scenic Mountain Act?
A: The Scenic Mountain Act (SMA) is a provision that cities and towns in Berkshire County can adopt to protect watershed resources and scenic qualities within designated mountain regions. It essentially allows municipalities to impose additional regulations on development activities in these areas to minimize environmental impact and preserve natural beauty. It is a bylaw that regulates any work on a slope 15 degrees or higher. It requires a RDA request for determination.
Q: When to contact the Conservation Commission?
A: Applicants should contact the Conservation Agent prior to submitting an application to discuss filing requirements. Filing Deadline: Last Thursday of the month. Meeting dates and deadlines are subject to change as needed. Please check the calendar for updates.
Q: How do I know if my project requires a permit from the Conservation Commission?
A: If your proposed project would occur within an area protected under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, or what is referred to as a “buffer zone,” it most likely will require permitting. In general terms, lakes, ponds, intermittent streams, riverfront areas, land subject to flooding and bordering vegetated wetland (BVW) are protected areas.
Q: How do I know if I need to file a Notice of Intent (NOI)?
A: You can determine if you don't need a need a NOI NOTICE OF INTENT, by submitting a RDA REQUEST FOR DETERMINATION to the Monterey Conservation Commission.
You can always email our Conservation Commission agent, Shannon Poulin ccagent@montereyma.gov
Q: What forms do I need for a permit?
A: The proper forms are available online at the Conservation Commission website. Even if you get a contractor, you are responsible to make sure the permit is given before any work is done. Most contractors will do all the paperwork for you.
Q: How do I contact the Conservation Commission?
A: Email ccagent@montereyma.gov
C0NTACT INFO
Hours of Operation:
2nd Thursday of each month 2:30 - 4:30PM
Phone:
(413) 528-1443
Fax:
(413) 528-9452
Website:
https://www.montereyma.gov/conservation-commission
Address:
435 Main Rd
P.O. Box 308
Monterey, MA 01245
Meetings:
When: 3rd Thursday of the month
Where: Town Hall
Time: 3:00 pm