Conservation Commission

Meetings

  • 6 p.m.
  • 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month
  • Agawam Senior Center
    954 Main Street
    Agawam, MA 01001

Agendas & Minutes

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

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Members

  • Sheryl Becker
  • Keven Brown
  • S. Page Fallon
  • Magda Galiatsos


  • Henry A. Kozloski, Chairman
  • Frank Meagher
  • Jill Messick


Overview

 
The Conservation Commission regulates areas subject to protection under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, 310 10. The legislature has determined that the regulation of wetlands is essential to the welfare of the Commonwealth citizens because of the important ecological function of these habitats. Wetlands provide natural buffers against pollutants, thereby protecting our water supplies. 

Wetland Habitats

 
They form natural storage areas for floodwaters that might otherwise be diverted to developed areas. Wetland habitats may also provide important breeding areas for a variety of commercially and biologically important aquatic or semi-aquatic species. 

Requesting a Determination

 
Any person who wishes to know whether or not a parcel of land or project is subject to the provisions of the Act may request a Determination of Applicability from the Conservation Commission. Anyone who proposes to do work that will remove, fill, dredge, or alter an area subject to protection under the Act must file a Notice of Intent with the Conservation Commission.

Agricultural Preservation Restrictions


The Office of Planning and Community Development has assisted local farmers in acquiring Agricultural Preservation Restrictions (APR) preserving over 280 acres of farmland. The APR Program allows farmers to sell the development rights for his/her property thus resulting in its permanent protection.

Forms

  1. Instructions--WPA Form 1, Request for Determination of Applicability
  2. WPA Form 1, Request for Determination of Applicability
  3. WPA Form 1, Request for Determination of Applicability--Fillable
  4. Instructions--WPA Form 3, Notice of Intent
  5. WPA Form 3, Notice of Intent
  6. WPA Form 3, Notice of Intent--Fillable

Related Documents

  1. Winter Wetland Delineation and Certificate of Compliance Policy
  2. Rules for Hiring Outside Consultants
  3. Living with Wetlands
  4. Homeowner Guide To Protecting Ponds and Wetlands
  5. Protection of Natural Features