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Conservation Commission
Meeting Information
- 6 pm
- 3rd Thursday of the month
- Online via Zoom. Link is available in the meeting agenda.
- Agenda and minutes are posted at http://www.mytowngovernment.org/01364
Members
- Marta Nover - Member
- Sarah Wells - Member
- Matthew Teto - Member
- Walker Powell - Conservation Agent
Who Are We & What We Do
The Orange Conservation Commission is a volunteer town board that administers the Wetlands Protection Act (WPA) which protects all water and wetland resources, sensitive natural areas, and species. The Conservation Agent provides staff support to the Commission and guides applicants through the permitting process.
Our goals are to:
- Conserve natural resources for present and future generations
- Identify natural resources in the Town
- Assist in developing and conserving parks, natural areas, farms, and forests
- Establish and maintain recreational trails
- Protect native animal and plant species
- Assist in the acquisition of properties for the preservation of open space
- Assist residents in the understanding of WPA regulations and the application of the regulations to various projects
Permitting
Please review the detailed application instructions in the Guide to Permitting with the Town of Orange Conservation Commission. All applications can be filed through mygovernmentonline.org by following the link at the bottom of the page. For assistance with your permit application or to make an appointment to meet with the Agent in-person to apply through the kiosk, call the number below.
How to Reach Us
- Phone: 978-544-1105, ext. 6
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Walker Powell
Community Development Director
- When do I need to file with the Conservation Commission?
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You need to file with the Conservation Commission whenever work is proposed within 100 feet of a wetland or 200 feet of a perennial stream.
- What activities are prohibited in Resource Areas?
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Removal, filling, dredging, grading, building, landscaping in a wetland area is prohibited without a permitting process.
- What permit application should I use?
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A "Request For Determination Of Applicability" should be used for simple projects that will not alter or impact the wetland or resource area. Major projects such as building, landscaping, commercial developments require a "Notice Of Intent."
- What is Chapter 61?
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Massachusetts Chapter 61 laws reduce property taxes on farmland, forest, or open space in exchange for a commitment from the landowner to keep the land undeveloped. While Chapter 61 in itself does not permanently protect the land, it maintains open space and is often a first step towards more permanent conservation. For more information see the Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust.
- What are Wetlands?
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For more information on why Wetlands are important, visit the Wetlands and Nature page of the Environmental Protection Agency website.