What is the Conservation Commission about?

The Conservation Commission was established for the Town of Hanover by The Conservation Commission Act, Massachusetts General Laws (M.G.L.), Chapter 40, Section 8C. The Commission meets the first and third Wednesdays of each month. At this time, meetings begin at 6:30 PM and are held in the second floor hearing room at the Town Hall. The Commission is made up of five (5) residents who volunteer their time and efforts to help maintain the integrity of the environment and water quality for the residents of Hanover. This includes but is not limited to protection of resource areas such as wetlands and vernal pools, rivers and streams, and the wildlife that inhabits these areas. Commissioners are appointed by the Board of Selectmen to a three year term with no limit to the number of terms they may serve.

Specifically, the Commission and it’s staff administer the Rules and Regulations of the State of Massachusetts as set forth by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in the Wetlands Protection Act (WPA), 310 CMR 10:00, the MA Rivers Protection Act (RPA) Chapter 258 of the Acts of 1996, and the local By-Laws, Chapter 6, Section 14. Through public meetings governed by the Open Meeting Law (M.G.L. Chapter 39, Section 23), hearings are held for projects, residential, commercial/industrial, or municipal projects, that include activities within the Commission’s jurisdiction. The permitting process may include coordination with other Town Departments such as the Board of Health for septic repair, the Planning Board for subdivision projects, the Building Department for construction activities such as houses, pools and sheds, or the Department of Public Works for roadway projects. Additionally, the Hanover Conservation Commission manages all town conservation lands in order to protect and sustain these natural ecosystems for current and future generations to use and enjoy.