Conservation

Meetings

  • 7:00 pm
  • Every other Thursday
  • Town Council Chambers
    Municipal Building
    355 E Central Street
    Franklin, MA 02038
  • Hearings are broadcast live on Franklin Cable Channel 11 and are replayed the following Monday on Channel 8. Please see the program listing for more information.

Agendas & Minutes

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

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Members

  • Mark C. LePage, Chair
    Term Expires: June 30, 2027
  • Lui Scot Puga, Vice Chair
    Term Expires: June 30, 2026
  • Michael R. Rein, Commissioner
    Term Expires: June 30, 2028
  • Richard W. Johnson, Commissioner
    Term Expires: June 30, 2027
  • Nicole Chiaramonte, Commissioner
    Term Expires: June 30, 2028
  • Roger Trahan, Commissioner
    Term Expires: June 30, 2026
  • Matthew Stoltz, Commissioner
    Term Expires: June 30, 2028

Overview

The Conservation Commission is the official agency specifically charged with the protection of Franklin's wetland resource areas, Conservation Areas, and Open Space. The Commission also advises other municipal officials and boards on conservation issues that relate to their areas of responsibility.

The first powers given to the Commission (reference Conservation Commission Act of 1957 - Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) Chapter 40 Section 8C) focused on "promotion and development of natural resources…and protection of watershed resources". In 1972 Conservation Commissions were authorized to administer the State Wetlands Protection Act (MGL Chapter 131 Section 40), the first act of its kind in the nation. Additionally, the Conservation Commission is charged with administering the Town's Wetland Protection Bylaw (Codebook, Chapter 181). (Approximately 40% of the communities in the Commonwealth have enacted some form of local wetland protection bylaw.)

The Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act prohibits any filling, excavation, or other alteration of the land surface, water levels, or vegetation in wetlands, floodplains, riverfront areas or other wetland resource areas regardless of ownership without a permit from the local Conservation Commission. There are many procedures for various proposed activities. The Conservation Office would be glad to describe and explain which is best for your circumstances.