Conservation Commission / Conservation Agent

VISITING TOWN HALL - KIOSK OPEN, OFFICES CLOSED, STAFF AVAILABLE, DEPARTMENT DIRECTORY

November 30, 2020

Town Hall offices are closed to the public at this time. A kiosk has been set up in the hallway off the entrance from the parking lot for people to drop off or pick up materials. The kiosk hours are:

  • Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  
  • Fridays - The building is closed.

Face masks and social distancing required at all times. The Drop Off Box next to the building in parking lot area is available at all times.

Staff is available via phone and email during regular business hours: 

  • Monday - 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday - 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Friday - 8:00 a.m. to Noon.

CLICK HERE for a directory including phone numbers and email addresses.

Thank you and stay safe.

CHAPTER 91 DOCK PERMITS

Adockll residential and commercial docks in Massachusetts require a permit from the state.  The Conservation Commission reviews all Chapter 91 permit applications.  If you are constructing a new dock, you will also require an RDA or NOI.  

Learn more about Chapter 91 dock permits here:

The Massachusetts Public Waterfront Act

And here:

Chapter 91 Overview


Draft Wetlands Protection By-Law

The Conservation Commission has developed a Draft By-law with the stated purpose of:

The purpose of this Bylaw is to preserve, protect, and where possible, restore the public interests ("Public Interests") associated with wetlands, related water resources and adjoining land areas in the Town, and to set forth a public review and decision making process for activities having an impact or effect upon any areas subject to protection ("Area Subject to Protection").   

A public information and comment meeting will be held in June. The Draft By-law will be presented to Town Meeting for vote.                                 

  • To view the DRAFT document, CLICK HERE.
  • To provide public comment to the Conservation Commission, CLICK HERE.
  • The Commission reviewed an earlier draft at their meeting of May 4, 2020. The meeting was held via a remote Conference call in accordance with Governor Baker’s Executive Order pertaining to the Open Meeting Law. To view the May 4th Conservation Commission meeting on YouTube, CLICK HERE. 

Members

Members are appointed by the Board of Selectmen and serve 3 year terms.
Name Role Term Expires
Joseph Wigglesworth Chairman 2021
Michelle Sherillo Vice Chairman 2023
Fred Bock Member 2022
Daniel Duteau Clerk 2022
Klarissa Johnson Member 2022
Robin Jewell Member 2022
Hayden Brown Member 2023

Earth Day conservation commission tree on a globe

STAFF SUPPORT & NOTIFICATIONS

The Conservation Agent provides staff support for the Conservation Commission.

Would you like to receive notification of newly posted agendas and other announcements? Please visit NOTIFY ME to sign up.

MEETINGS

The Commission typically meets twice a month on Monday evenings at 5:30 p.m. or as required.  

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Webster Conservation Commission is responsible for administering the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. Wetland resource areas are important to safeguard because they help prevent storm damage, reduce flooding, protect groundwater, prevent pollution, support fish and shellfish and provide wildlife habitat. 

All residents are reminded that the Webster Conservation Commission must review any proposed projects in or near wetland resource areas or within the 100 foot buffer zone.

Working without Conservation Approval will result in an $800 fine.