Conservation Commission

What is the Conservation Commission? While many are already familiar with the Commission and what it does, and may have in fact come before this volunteer Town board, we realize some people may be totally unfamiliar with the Commission and its charge. To those, we offer the following introduction. Under the Wetlands Protection Act (Massachusetts General Law 131, Section 40), the Conservation Commission has jurisdiction over all of the wetlands in Swampscott and all land within the 100 foot buffer zone adjacent to the waterways and wetlands. Under this law, the Conservation Commission is charged with protecting these natural resources to prevent pollution, protect drinking water, to improve flood control, to protect wildlife and to protect fisheries.

Who makes up the Commission? Appointed by the Select Board for three-year terms, the Swampscott Conservation Commission is made up of seven members and includes Town residents with science and legal backgrounds -- although there is no requirement to serve on a conservation commission, only an overriding interest in doing the conservation work needed by the Town. There is also currently one non-voting Associate Commissioner. 

What are its duties and responsibilities? Simply stated, the Commission had two broad jobs: it serves the community in a regulatory capacity (to protect wetlands and other resources) and in a conservation capacity (for promoting and maintaining open space). 

The Commission devotes much of its time on the first job: reviewing permit applications (called Notices of Intent) and issuing permits (called Orders of Conditions) for proposed projects that may affect the Town's wetlands, coastal banks, beaches, or flood plains. In fulfilling this obligation, the Commission must ensure that the requirements of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. Chap. 131, Sec. 40), as set for in regulations passed by the State's Department of Environmental Protection (310 C.M.R. 10), are fully met.

The second power given to the Commission, stemming from Massachusetts' Conservation Commission Act (M.G.L. Chap. 40, Sec. 8C) focuses on the promotion, development, and maintenance of natural resources. Under this power, conservation commissions undertake planning, acquiring, and managing open space, and encouraging and monitoring conservation preservation restrictions. 

The Swampscott Conservation Commission occasionally issues bulletins to keep residents and businesses up to date on issues relating to the Commission's work in protecting the land, water, and biological resources of our town. 
 

Meeting Schedule

Meeting DateDeadline

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Tuesday, April 23, 2024Tuesday, April 9, 2024

All Conservation Commission meetings are open to the public.  Anyone wishing to join the Commission, either as a full or associate (non-voting) member is invited to contact any Commission member or the Conservation Agent.

We strive to work proactively with all Swampscott residents and businesses to comply with the Wetlands Protection Act.  If you have any questions about proposed land uses in the vicinity of wetlands or whether land falls within our jurisdiction please contact the Conservation Agent, Marissa Meaney, at mmeaney@swampscottma.gov or at (781) 596-8829 x1271. 


7 Members, Three-Year (3) Term.

Staff Contacts

Name Title
Marzie Galazka Director of Community & Economic Development
Marissa Meaney Land Use & Development Planner