Conservation Commission

Overview

The Conservation Commission is responsible for the administration of the Randolph Wetlands Regulations and Ordinance and the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. Through the administration and enforcement of these regulations and bylaws, the Conservation Commission has goals to:

• Promote proactive administration of environmental laws and policies
• Protect Randolph's open space
• Ensure effective wetland and water management and protection
• Provide environmental education
• Preserve Randolph's natural resources

The Commission works with various departments in Town to ensure the regulations and ordinances are upheld. It looks to improve the environmental integrity of the community while maintaining and improving the Town's current conservation areas.

WHAT WETLANDS ARE PROTECTED?

By Law, wetlands are defined by the kind of plants that grow in them and the kind of soils that exist there. You may not SEE open water on a wetland!  The Conservation staff or a wetland specialist can help you determine whether you live near a wetland. You may also check the Town or state online mapping services to get a preliminary idea of if wetlands are on or near your property. 

The Conservation Commission is required to review any work that is proposed to take place:

• Within 100 feet of a swamp, marsh, forested wetland, pond, vernal pool or intermittent stream
• Within 200 feet of a perennial stream (flows year round)
• Within the 100-year flood zone

Note that in the summer, wetlands often look dry.  Low areas that flood in spring or heavy rainfall may be wetlands.

WHY ARE WETLANDS REGULATED?

Wetlands are valuable to a community because they can reduce flooding, provide habitat for wildlife, filter polluted waters and recharge aquifers (allowing water to seep into the ground).

WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE REGULATED?

The Conservation Commission reviews and approves any activity that will affect wetlands or their buffer zones.  Examples include:

• Dumping leaves, grass, brush or trash
• Cutting trees and shrubs
• Reconstructing lawns
• Grading, excavating or filling earth
• Building or constructing any structures
• Changing stormwater discharge

You may maintain lawfully existing structures, lawns and landscapes AND may do limited pruning of trees.  Cutting of whole trees, clearing understory, construction and other earth disturbing activities impacting a wetland requires approval from Conservation. 

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE A PROJECT IN MIND?

1. Determine if your project will take place in a wetland or buffer zone. Start HERE
2. Call or email the Conservation Office with questions.
3. Complete the required application.
4. Attend a public hearing.
5. Obtain approval BEFORE starting work.

WHAT HAPPENS TO VIOLATORS? 

Under that Wetland Protection Act, the Conservation Commission can:

• Require illegally altered land to be restored to its original condition
• Issue fines

Regular Meetings

• 7 pm
• 3rd Thursday of every month
• Meetings are Hybrid - in person or via Zoom Conferencing
• Applications must be submitted 30 days prior to the meeting

Agendas & Minutes

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

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Members

• Keith Asack
• Fran Blanchard
• Carl Brown
• Pamela Iloabachie
• Christopher Kimball

For information on stormwater management, please visit the Stormwater page or contact Randolph Department of Public Works.