Our Purpose
Our volunteer conservation commission, appointed by the selectboard, is mandated under state law to implement the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (MGL Chapter 131, Section 40,1972) and Rivers Protection Act (1996). The act "prohibits any filling, excavation, dredging or other alteration of the land surface, water levels, or vegetation in wetlands, flood plains, riverfront areas, or other wetland resource areas without a permit". These areas are important because they protect water quality, reduce storm damage to roads and buildings, and sustain fish, wildlife, and plant populations. Many properties in Plainfield have resource areas, such as springs, streams, ponds, swamps, and wetlands. If you are planning a project, there is a possibility that it may impact a resource area. The Plainfield Conservation Commission would like to work with you in planning your building or landscaping project. If you are contemplating any work which might affect a resource area, please call one of our members who would be happy to explain the process.
Jurisdiction over proposed projects is dependent on both the activity being proposed and the area affected by the proposed activity. Since each project is different, we encourage landowners to meet with the Conservation Commission prior to the commencement of work on the proposed project. The building permit application includes a required sign off by the Conservation Commission for this reason. After you contact us, we will arrange a site visit to the proposed work area to determine whether additional permitting may be required under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act or Rivers Protection Act. We would like to emphasize that required permitting is easier to address during the planning stages of a project. After the fact permitting, (permitting after the commencement of work), is both difficult and generally results in higher costs for the landowner.