The Bernardston Conservation Commission

Purpose

  The Conservation Commission oversees the local implementation of the state Wetlands Protection Act which serves to protect the eight interests associated with wetlands. The eight interests as defined in the Wetlands Protection Act are:

• Protection of public and private water supply.
• Protection of groundwater supply.
• Prevention of pollution.
• Storm damage prevention.
• Flood control.
• Protection of land containing shellfish.
• Protection of fisheries.
• Protection of wildlife habitat.

Contact

The Commission may be contacted through the Conservation Agent, Cassie Tragert or through attendance of a meeting.

Bernardston Conservation Agent
Cassie Tragert
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 978-483-8963

Meetings

• Typically the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month at 6:00pm unless otherwise noted. (Schedule Available Below)
• Location: Held at the Bernardston Town Hall
• 38 Church Street, Bernardston, MA 01337

• • Contact the Conservation Agent for access to hearing files as well as the latest agenda/meeting minutes.

Members

• Jacob Dolinger, Chair
• Bill Hill
• Kerry Baird
• Andrew Rawcliffe

    The Commission is seeking additional Commissioners! Are you interested in helping the town in ensuring new development projects are in compliance with the Wetlands Protection Act? The Conservation Commission is looking for additional members to the Commission who are interested in wetlands, environmental concerns, and giving back to the community through public service. Experience in engineering, wetlands science, stormwater, and/or other related fields is preferred, but NOT required! Simply a genuine interest in protecting our wetland resources is enough!

Permitting Resources

  If you are completing a construction project which proposes impacts to wetland resource areas jurisdictional to the Conservation Commission and would like to submit a permit application, utilize the following resources below. Please also feel free to contact the Conservation Agent for more detailed assistance. 

• Wetlands Protection Act FAQs -- Provided by the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions.
• Full Wetlands Protection Act Regulations -- Also known as 310 CMR 10.00.
• Notice of Intent Permitting Guidance -- Information on what is needed for a complete Notice of Intent (NOI) permit application.
• Request for Determination of Applicability Permitting Guidance -- Information on what is needed for a complete Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA) permit application.
• 2022 Meeting Schedule & Submittal Deadlines -- Please contact the Conservation Agent to confirm meeting dates/deadlines as they are subject to change.
• Legal Advertisement Guidance & Sample -- Applicants are required to prepare and submit their own legal advertisement. 
• Massachusett Department of Environmental Protection Permitting Forms -- All permits must complete the appropriate corresponding MassDEP Form. 
• Stormwater Handbook and Stormwater Standards -- MassDEP links to both stormwater resources in full. 
• Wetland Replication Guidance -- MassDEP information on requirements for successful wetland replication.
• Stream Crossing Handbook -- Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game, Division of Ecological Restoration guidance on stream crossing standards.