The Conservation Commission generally meets the first and third Thursday of the month.

Correspondence for Commissioners may be submitted to: ConservationCommission@medfield.net  or Conservation Commission, 459 Main Street, Medfield, MA 02052

Town of Medfield Wetlands Bylaw and Rules and Regulations (includes Fee Structure)

Medfield Town Code Section 290 Wetlands

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 131, section 40: The Wetlands Protection Act

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40, section 8C: Conservation Commission; establishment; powers and duties (explains the main functions of Conservation Commissions: permitting and land management)

310 CMR 10.00: Wetlands Protection Act Regulations (effective 10/24/14)

Anyone wishing to work within 100’ of a wetland or 200’ of a perennial stream MUST get a permit from the Conservation Commission

 What is considered “work”?

• Cutting trees and shrubs
  • To expand a lawn, let in more light, etc.
  • To “clean up” the woods, improve safety, etc.
• Grading
  • To rebuild a lawn or driveway, etc.
  • Improving drainage
• Building
  • New construction, additions, etc.
  • New paving
  • Sheds

 What “wetland resource areas” are protected?

• Rivers, brooks & streams
• Ponds & lakes
• Banks of waterways & water bodies
• Vegetated Wetlands
• Land within 200 feet of streams & rivers
• 100-year Floodplains
• Vernal Pools
• Work within 100’ Buffer Zone must also be permitted

 How Do I Know If Wetlands Exist Near My Property?

• Call the Conservation Office

 Wetland Permitting Process

• Applicant submits an Application
• Commission reviews the application & performs a site visit
• The Commission holds a public hearing
• If the project will not impact the functions of the wetland, the Commission issues a permit

 What Happens if You Don’t File?

• Enforcement Order requiring restoration of buffer zone and/or wetland
• Landowner may be required to hire a wetland scientist to prepare a restoration plan and monitor site for 2 years
• Restoration of illegally altered areas
• Restoration of stream and wetlands