Show All Answers

1. What is the Conservation Commission?

The Needham Conservation Commission is a seven-member volunteer board appointed by the Board of Selectmen to protect the Town’s wetland resource areas. The Commission administers the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and Regulations and the Needham Wetlands Protection Bylaw (Section 6) and regulations. The Commission also oversees the Town’s conservation lands, including Ridge Hill Reservation.

2. What is the Wetlands Protection Act?

The Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (MGL Ch. 131 S. 40) is a state law prohibiting the alteration of wetland resource areas or the associated 100-foot buffer zone without a permit from the Needham Conservation Commission. The Rivers Protection Act (MGL Ch. 258 of the Acts of 1996) provides similar protections within 200 feet of perennial stream and is incorporated into the Wetlands Protection Act. Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (MGL Ch. 131

3. Does Needham have a local Wetlands Protection Bylaw?

Yes.

Section 6 of the Town of Needham's General Bylaws

4. How do I know if I need a wetlands permit?

Wetlands permits are required for all work within 100' of a wetland resource area and within 200' of all perennial streams. Wetlands are dynamic and their limits can change over time. As a result, the best course of action to determine whether your work is within a jurisdictional area is to contact the Conservation Commission.

5. Can you recommend surveyors and engineers to help with my project?

No, we are not allowed to make recommendations. For any project you should check that a potential surveyor or engineer has a current Massachusetts registration (Professional Land Surveyor or Professional Engineer). It may be helpful to you in going through the process to have professionals who have worked in Needham and know what is expected by the Conservation Commission, however any registered professional who is familiar with wetlands and floodplains regulations is capable of doing the work.

6. What is a vernal pool?

A vernal pool is a temporary wetland, which fills annually from precipitation, melting snow and rising groundwater. Most years they become completely dry, losing water through evaporation and transpiration. The wet-dry cycle prevents fish populations from establishing but provides a productive, temporary habitat for a wide variety of species including salamanders, frogs and turtles to name a few.

7. Why are vernal pools important?

Vernal pools provide an essential habitat for portions of the life cycles of many species. They are important water sources for wildlife and act as links in the overland passage of amphibians and reptiles. Vernal pools also play a vital role in maintaining both local and global biodiversity. Rare amphibian and reptile species are known to be present in Boxborough's vernal pools.

Certifying a vernal pool with the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program provides the pool, and up to 100 feet beyond its boundary in some cases, certain protection under several local, state and federal laws.

These regulations help to eliminate direct impacts to certified vernal pools and to minimize indirect impacts. Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Spec