Conservation Commission

The purpose of the Conservation Commission is to protect, promote, and enhance the quantity and quality of the natural resources within the City, especially wetlands, wildlife and water resources, through planning, acquisition, land management, regulation, scientific research and public education. The Commission is responsible for reviewing and permitting all work (construction, cutting, grading, or new landscaping, etc.) in or near wetlands, ponds, rivers, and coastal areas in the City of Beverly, and is responsible for implementing and enforcing the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and its implementing regulations, as well as the local wetlands ordinance and its implementing regulations. The Commission works with the Open Space & Recreation Committee on developing and implementing the City's Open Space and Recreation Plan.

Meetings

• 7 pm
• Tuesday Evenings, Generally Every 3 Weeks
• Meeting Location Varies

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes | View Archived Agendas and Minutes

Members

The Commission consists of seven voting members who are appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council, each for a three-year term.

Responsibilities

The Conservation Commission is responsible for reviewing and permitting all work (construction, cutting, grading, or new landscaping, etc.) in or near wetlands, ponds, rivers, and coastal areas in the City of Beverly under Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (PDF) (310 Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR) 10) and its implementing Regulations, as well as the local wetlands ordinance and implementing regulations (PDF).

Please note: Governor Baker issued an Emergency Order (PDF) on March 12, 2020, providing relief from the Open Meeting Law requirements.

As a reminder: The Conservation Commission has 21-days to issue all decisions and Orders after their vote at the meeting.