Meeting Schedule: First and Third Tuesdays at 7:30 PM
Purpose & Duties
The Conservation Commission was established in Stow in 1963 and, under state law, may not be abolished. The duties and responsibilities of a Conservation Commission are spelled out in the Conservation Commission Act. Under this Act, a municipal Conservation Commission is the official agency specifically charged with the protection of a community's natural resources. The Conservation Commission also advises other municipal officials and boards on conservation issues that relate to their areas of responsibility.
The first powers given to Commissions in 1957 focused on promotion and development of natural resources and protection of watershed resources. Under these powers Commissions exercise the functions of planning, acquiring and managing open space, and encouraging and monitoring conservation and agricultural preservation restrictions. The Commission relies heavily on associate members and volunteers to assist with managing over 1,000 acres of conservation land for the protection of wildlife and passive recreation. The Commission has adopted regulations for the use of the town's conservation lands and permits are required for community garden plots, horseback riding, camping and large groups. Trail Maps are available in the office of the Conservation Commission.
In 1972 the Commission was given the responsibility of administering the Wetlands Protection Act (G.L. Ch. 131 40). Thus the Commission serves the community in a regulatory as well as a conservation capacity. The Commission also enforces The Town of Stow Wetland Protection Bylaw adopted in 1983. The Commission spends much of its time reviewing proposed development projects in or near wetlands and other water resource areas through the public hearing process and issues permits for any projects that may impact wetland resources.
The Community Preservation Act was adopted by Stow and the Conservation Commission has, by law, a seat on the local Community Preservation Committee; the Commission chooses its representative.
Open Space and Recreation Plans are critical tools for analyzing a community's protected land and water areas, and for identifying remaining undeveloped parcels and important local resources. Through a plan, parcels can be prioritized for future acquisition. To be eligible for state Self-Help money to buy land, a municipality must have a current approved or draft Open Space and Recreation Plan on file with the state. The Commission appoints volunteers and associate members to update the plan every five years.
The Commission also has a representative on the Master Plan Committee. A master plan sets out the goals a community has relative to growth and development, largely through planning for zoning changes. Within the framework of a master plan, a community could plan for open space conservation through certain types of zoning or plans for acquisition that meets the goals and needs identified in a master plan.