Conservation Commission - Town of Kingston, MA

Town of Kingston, MA

Conservation Commission

**THERE IS A NEW TOWN WEBSITE. GO TO https://www.kingstonma.gov/246/Conservation-Department-Conservation-Com FOR MORE INFO. THANK YOU**

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We Have A Seat Open On Our Commission!

Please Contact The Office If You Are Interested

Click Here If You Plan to File With The Conservation Commission

MISSION OF THE DEPARTMENT

The mission of the Conservation Commission is to protect the Town’s natural resources under the Conservation Commission Act (M.G.L. Chapter 40 § 8C (1957)) and the Town’s wetland resources under the Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. Chapter 131 § 40 (1972)), as well as the Wetlands Protection By-Law (G.L. Chapter 13 (1978)).

Under the Conservation Commission Act, the Commission plans for natural resource protection, acquires important land and water areas and manages open space for conservation as well as passive recreation. The Commission also encourages, reviews and monitors conservation restrictions. In addition, the Commission assists the Open Space Committee with revisions to and implementation of the Kingston Open Space and Recreation Plan.

Under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the Kingston Wetlands Protection By-Law, the Commission is responsible for reviewing and permitting work proposed within, or in close proximity to, inland and coastal wetlands including floodplains, rivers, ponds, beaches, banks, bays, or other surface waters. The Commission is charged with protecting the following interests under both the Act and By-Law: 1) protection of public and private water supply; 2) protection of groundwater supply; 3) flood control; 4) storm damage prevention; 5) prevention of pollution; 6) protection of land containing shellfish; 7) protection of fisheries; and 8) protection of wildlife habitat. The Commission ensures that work proposed within their jurisdiction protects these interests in both the permitting and construction phases. Both the Act and By-Law contain provisions for enforcement which the Commission undertakes when violations to regulations/permits occur.

In addition to natural resource and wetland resource protection, the Commission regularly conducts education and outreach to other municipal boards as well as the general public. The Commission accomplishes this outreach by: providing regular comment to other regulatory boards on natural resource/wetland issues; distributing brochures; posting important information on their webpage; conducting site visits upon request; accepting invitations to speak at community events; communicating with the media; advocating on behalf of the environment; as well as conducting business in an educational rather than confrontational manner.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Reference M.G.L., Chapter 40, Section 8C; ATM 3/16/63, Art. 27; ATM 4/13/92, Art. 33

Meeting Times: the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month or as otherwise posted
(See Meeting Calendar)

Committee Members:	Term:
Vittorio 'Buz' Artiano	2024
Dorothy MacFarlane	2024
Kalina Vendetti (Acting Chairperson)	2024
Vacant	2022
Dana G. Duperre	2023
Megan Hickey	2023
Jim Franklin	2024

-> Record of Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes

Conservation Commission Annual Reports

Conservation Commission Annual Report 2019

Conservation Commission Annual Report 2018

Conservation Commission Annual Report 2017

Conservation Commission Annual Report 2016

Conservation Commission Annual Report 2015

Filing with Conservation Commission

If you want to do work on your property and you think you might be within 100 feet of a wetland, please call us! We're here to help you accomplish what you need to in the best way for you, our town, and the environment.
Any land within 100 feet of a wetland is in the jurisdiction of the Kingston Conservation Commission and needs town approval through a Notice of Intent. Smaller projects may be eligible for an administrative review or request for determination of applicability. These forms can be daunting, so don't hesitate to reach out!

Not sure what you need? Call us!
Not sure what you want to do? Call us!
Not sure if you need to file? Call us!

We're here to help.

Reference Documents:

www.mass.gov Guidance From the State

Kingston Wetland Protection Regulations and By-Law

Guide to Filing with Conservation Commission

How Does the Conservation Commission Work?

Administrative Review Application

Notice of Intent Application Packet

Request for Determination of Applicability

ANRAD Filing Requirements (revised 8-2-2017)

Request for Certificate of Compliance

Request for Amendment

Request for Extension

Reference Documents:

Lawns & Landscapes in Your Watershed

Soil Survey - Plymouth County

Greenscapes

Indoor Water Conservation Tips

****Open Space and Recreation Plan****

***Conservation Land Rules and Regulations***

Land Steward Brochure

Kingston Flood Hazard Brochure

What You Need to Know About Wetlands Protection

Kingston Conservation Commission Handbook

Tick ID Card

Open Space Helps Balance Municipal Budgets

Open Space Brochure

Backyard Conservation

After the Storm - A Citizen's Guide to Understanding Stormwater

Muddy Pond Conservation Muddy Pond Conservation

Know Before You Mow What Should you do with Grass Clippings

Lawn Care Lawn Care

Pet Waste Problem Problem of Dog Waste on the South Shore

Office Hours

Conservation 2021 Meeting Schedule

January 13, 2021

January 27, 2021

February 10, 2021

February 24, 2021

March 10, 2021 - MEETING CANCELLED

March 24, 2021

April 14, 2021

April 28, 2021

May 12, 2021

May 26, 2021

June 9, 2021

June 23, 2021

July 14, 2021

July 28, 2021

August 11, 2021

August 25, 2021

September 8, 2021

September 22, 2021

October 13, 2021

October 27, 2021

November 10, 2021

November 24, 2021

December 8, 2021

December 22, 2021

PLEASE NOTE: Conservation Commission meetings will be held in Room 200 at 6:30 pm unless otherwise specified on the agenda. Public participation will be remote via a dial-in number and access code. Please refer to the agenda for this information.