Conservation Commission
Members:
Mark Erickson, Chairman
- Holger Luther, Vice-Chairman
- Jim MacDougall
- Jennie Merrill
- Cheryl Jolley
- Jim Carroll
Contact:
Lana Spillman, Conservation Administrator
- Kathy Eramo, Conservation Commission Secretary
Debbie Rogers, Minutes Secretary
- Phone: 978-887-1510
- General E-mail: conservation@topsfield-ma.gov
Office Hours:
Walk-in Hours: 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. Monday and Wednesday
Appointment Hours: 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Monday through Thursday,
9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. Friday, and by prior arrangement
Please call to make an appointment during non-walk-in hours.
Site visits are made by appointment.
Description:
The Topsfield Conservation Commission is responsible for the preservation and protection of wetlands, floodplains, water resources, and adjoining land areas in the Town of Topsfield. The following is a list of the interests protected by the Conservation Commission's Bylaw: public and private water supply; groundwater and surface water; flood control; erosion and sedimentation control; storm damage prevention; water quality; water pollution prevention; fisheries; wildlife habitat; and recreation.
The Resource Areas over which the Commission has jurisdiction are as follows: freshwater wetlands; bodies of water; land under water; banks; land within 100 feet of freshwater wetlands, bodies of water, land under water, or banks; riverfront area (within 200 feet of a stream that flows year-round); and land subject to flooding. It is unlawful to remove soil or vegetation from, fill, dredge, build upon, discharge storm or wastewater into, or otherwise alter these areas without a permit.
Much of the Commission's time is spent issuing determinations of wetland resource area boundaries and issuing permits for activities within or near wetland resource areas. Under provisions of the Bylaw and Regulations, environmental violation citations with fines may be issued for several types or violations, including alternations of wetlands resource areas, alternations within 100 feet of such areas without a permit, and failure to comply with the requirements of a permit that has been issued.
The Conservation Commission also acquires, manages and protects land for the conservation of the Town water supply, wetlands, and rare and endangered species.
The Conservation Commission is made up of seven volunteer members appointed by the Board of Selectmen. Appointments begin July 1 and end three years later on June 30; they are renewable.
Regular Meetings: Usually the Second and Fourth Wednesdays, 7 P.M., at the Town Library Meeting Room
Topsfield Conservation Commission Acronyms
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
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The Topsfield Conservation Commission thanks newly elected Town Moderator George Hall for his four years of proficient and meritorious leadership and service to the Commission and the Town of Topsfield as Chairman of the Conservation Commission.
There are ways to save on costs other than fees associated with filings for public hearings (RDA, NoI, ANRAD). For example, abutter notifications may be mailed with Certificates of Mailing rather than the significantly more costly Certified Mailings with return receipts.
A recorded Order of Conditions (permit for work near/in Resource Areas) is released from the property deed by recording a Certificate of Compliance issued by the Conservation Commission. Find your Order of Conditions at salemdeeds.com .
Please contact the Commission office for details.
The General Wetlands Bylaw Regulations revision including the new Topsfield Conservation Commission Administrator Permit (TCCAP) for limited Buffer Zone activity became effective on FEBRUARY 1, 2010.