Conservation Commission
Members:
- George Hall, Chairman
- Mark Erickson
- Holger Luther
- Jim MacDougall
- Jud Pratt
- Jennie Merrill
Contact:
- Lana Spillman, Conservation Administrator
- Kathy Eramo, Conservation Commission Secretary
- Phone: 978-887-1510
- General Email: conservation@topsfield-ma.gov
Hours of Operation:
Walk-in Hours: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Monday & Wednesday
Appointment Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday through Thursday and
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Friday
Please call to make an appointment during non walk-in hours.
Description:
The Topsfield Conservation Commission is responsible for the 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 are 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
Second and Fourth Wednesday, 7 P.M., Town Library Meeting Room
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The Wetlands General Bylaw Regulations revision including the new Topsfield Conservation Commission Administrator Permit (TCCAP) for limited Buffer Zone activity became effective on FEBRUARY 1, 2010.
Changes are proposed to the WETLANDS GENERAL BYLAW, including notification requirements (legal ads) for some applications and inclusion of general permits. Please note that this is a corrected version of the proposed Warrant Articles (2/25/10):
2010 Proposed Warrant Articles to modify the Wetlands General Bylaw
CONSERVATION COMMISSION OPENING
There is one available position on the Topsfield Conservation Commission (see description, above). Commissioners typically have an interest and/or expertise in areas such as biological sciences, engineering, open space preservation, or law . Interested persons please contact the Commission office for more information: 978-887-1510 or conservation@topsfield-ma.gov
