Conservation Commission

Contact Us

The Conservation Commission was established March 6th 1967 “for the promotion and development of the natural resources and the protection of the watershed resources” of the Town (Conservation Commission Act, MGL Ch. 40, §8C). The Commission is responsible for the administration of the Wetlands Protection Act (MGL Ch.131, §40) and Regulations (310 CMR 10.00) and the Town of Bolton Wetlands Bylaw (Ch. 233 Wetlands of the Town Code) which became effective in 2007. Any person intending to alter any area in or within 200 feet of a river or perennial stream or in or within 100 feet of a wetland (intermittent stream, creek, lake, pond, swamp, marsh, bog, or wet meadow) must file a Request for Determination of Applicability or a Notice of Intent with the Commission. Minor projects (decks, utility installations, tree cutting, removal of non-native, invasive plants, etc.) that involve minimal or temporary intrusion into the 100-foot buffer zone of wetland resource areas require the filing of a Request for Determination of Applicability before the work commences.

The Commission also manages over 2000 acres of Town-owned conservation land and oversees applications for Agricultural Preservation Restrictions and Conservation Restrictions on privately held property. The periodic updating of the Bolton Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) is directed by the Conservation Commission, with the assistance of Parks and Recreation. A current OSRP maintains the Town’s eligibility to apply for state funding grants. Community input and careful assessment of the status of natural resources assist the Town in prioritizing parcels for protection.

The Commission and staff advise other municipal officials and boards on conservation issues relating to these boards’ areas of responsibility. The Commission is staffed by the Conservation Agent.

Conservation Commission

Volunteer Land Steward

Staff Contacts

Name Title Phone
Rebecca Bucciaglia Conservation Agent
Lauren Ducat Administrative Assistant to the Conservation Agent and Town Planner 978-779-3307