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Conservation Commission
Due to COVID-19, the Conservation Commission will be holding all meetings virtually until further notice.
Meetings will be held through the Zoom application. Links and call-in information for joining meetings can be found in the "Most Recent Agenda" link. Conservation Commission submissions/applications, please visit the "Current Applications" link.
Until further notice please use the Temporary Abutter Notification form, directing abutters to the "Current Application" link to view permit filings on line.
Overview
The Conservation Commission is a seven-member board appointed by the Town Manager and charged with ensuring the protection of the Town's natural resources and conservation areas. The Commission is responsible for administering and enforcing both the state Wetlands Protection Act and the Town of Amherst Wetlands Protection Bylaw which involves reviewing and permitting projects within and near wetlands. The Commission also works closely with the Conservation Department on management of conservation land, including over 80 miles of trails, and establishing environmental policy such as updating the Open Space and Recreation Plan.
Town of Amherst Wetlands Protection Bylaw and Regulations
The Town of Amherst Wetlands Protection Bylaw and accompanying regulations are available in the Conservation Department for the price of $10. If you would like a copy mailed to you, please send a check to the Conservation Department with your request and include an additional $2.50 for postage and handling.
Wetland Bylaw (PDF - 35KB)
Wetland Regulations(PDF - 159KB)
Wetland Application Forms
Request for Determination
The Town accepts the Massachusetts DEP WPA Form 1 – Request for Determination of Applicability for both state and local filings. The filing fee is $50 for the first five acres or less, $5 for each additional acre or part. Applications may be downloaded here or obtained from the Conservation Department office, located on the second floor of Town Hall.
WPA Form 1 - RFD Instructions & Application (PDF)
RFD Checklist (PDF)
Notification to Abutters (PDF)
Abutter’s List Request Form (PDF)
Notice of Intent (NOI)
The Town accepts the Massachusetts DEP WPA Form 3 - Notice of Intent form for both state and local filings. In cases where work falls under the jurisdiction of The Town of Amherst Wetlands Protection Bylaw, only the town’s portion of the state fee shall be submitted. Applications may be downloaded here or obtained from the Conservation Department office, located on the second floor of Town Hall.
WPA Form 3 - Notice of Intent Application (PDF)
WPA Form 3 - Instructions(PDF)
NOI Checklist (PDF)
Abutter’s List Request Form (PDF)
Notification to Abutters (PDF)
Wetland Fee Transmittal Form(PDF)
NOI for an Ecological Restoration Project
WPA Form 3A - Application(PDF)
Request for Certificate of Compliance (PDF)
WPA Form 8A - Request for Certificate of Compliance (PDF)
Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation (ANRAD)
WPA Form 4A - ANRAD(PDF)
The filing fee is $2.00 per linear foot of determined bordering vegetated wetland
- up to a maximum of 100 feet ($200) for single family lots
- up to a maximum of 1,000 feet ($2,000) for a commercial subdivision or industrial development or subdivision with more than four lots
Extension of Order of Conditions
WPA Form 7 - Extension Permit for Orders of Condition(PDF)
Amendment to Order of Conditions
Please submit letter of request to Beth Willson, Wetlands Administrator., 4 Boltwood Avenue, Amherst, MA 01002.
Wetland Filing Fee Schedule
Request for Determination:
- $50.00 for the first five acres or less
- $5.00 for each additional acre (or part)
Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation:
- $2.00 per linear foot of determined bordering vegetated wetland
- up to a maximum of 100 feet ($200) for single family lots)
- up to a maximum of 1,000 feet ($2,000) for a commercial subdivision or industrial development, or subdivision with more than four lots
Notice of Intent:
- The town portion of the state filing fee shall be submitted
Certificate of Compliance:
- $50.00
Amendment to Order of Conditions:
- $100.00
Extension of Order of Conditions:
- $50.00
Re-issue Order of Conditions or Certificate of Compliance:
- $50.00
Committee Members
Members are appointed by the Town Manager: 7 members / 3-year terms.
Committee Member Name | Year Appointed | Term Expires |
---|---|---|
Lawrence Ambs | 2019 | June 30, 2021 |
Brett Butler, Chair | 2014 | June 30, 2021 |
Fletcher Clark | 2017 | June 30, 2023 |
Ana Devlin Gauthier | 2019 | June 30, 2022 |
Jenn Fair | 2018 | June 30, 2023 |
LeRoy Gaynor | 2020 | June 30, 2022 |
Laura Pagliarulo | 2019 | June 30, 2022 |
THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION MEETS THE 2ND & 4TH WEDNESDAYS OF THE MONTH
ALL MEETINGS WILL BE HELD REMOTELY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Current Applications
Agendas & Minutes
Most Recent Agenda
All Agendas
Most Recent Minutes
All Minutes
"In accordance with the Open Meeting Law, all meetings are now posted on the Town's Boards and Committee Calendar on the homepage of the website and agendas are posted on the Town’s Boards & Committees webpage a minimum of 48 hours in advance."