https://www.boston.gov/departments/environment/boston-conservation-commission
Boston Conservation Commission
The Conservation Commission enhances the quality of life in Boston by protecting water and land resources.
- Wetlands regulations
- Newsletter
- About our work
- Filing with the Commission
- More Resources
- Key Stakeholders
- Commission Info
- Current members
Protecting and restoring our natural environment and ecosystems is central to our mission. We know when people have clean parks and water, they are healthier and happier.
Need to know
In 2019, Boston adopted a local wetlands ordinance. Please refer to our filing section below, for up to date submission requirements and further information.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Members of the public may share public comments during the hearing. The Conservation Commission will also accept written testimony for agenda items via email at cc@boston.gov prior to the hearing. Written testimony should be submitted by 3:30 p.m. on the day of a hearing.
- Have questions? Contact us:Boston Conservation Commission
617-635-3850
CC@boston.gov
1 CITY HALL SQUARE, ROOM 709
BOSTON, MA 02201
Public hearing informationSearch public notices
Past Meetings
Wetlands regulations
The Wetlands Protection Ordinance gives the City greater authority to protect its wetlands. Our wetlands are crucial to controlling flooding and protecting Boston’s neighborhoods and green spaces. Developing regulations is the first step that will help Boston preserve its natural areas for years to come.
We’ve already implemented administrative and procedural regulations for the Boston Wetlands Ordinance. We have also created a list of common questions and answers about the ordinance.
Related links
Newsletter signup
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About our work
Protecting Wetlands
Wetlands are vital to the City’s natural environment. They provide a habitat for fish, shellfish, and wildlife. Wetlands maintain groundwater and water quality. They also mitigate the impacts of flooding, storm damage, and pollution. We also seek public access to wetland resource areas where it’s appropriate. In protecting Boston’s wetlands, the Conservation Commission administers the:
- Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act,
- Massachusetts Rivers Protection Act, and
- Boston Wetlands Ordinance
Flood plains
Anything that falls within a flood plain can affect wetland health. That’s why we review projects that fall within them. A flood plain is the area of land inundated during floods.
Education
The commission also works to foster a connection between the people of Boston and the City’s natural areas. We do this through environmental education. We also maintain natural, open-space properties, known as Urban Wilds, that are open to the public.
Filing with the Commission
Filing with the Commission
Before checking information on filing with the commission, you can view related legislation and regulations:
- Wetlands Protection Act
- Wetlands Protection Act Regulations
- Boston’s Wetlands Ordinance
- Boston’s Wetlands Regulations
Department of Environmental Protection guidance
How to file an application and get on a hearing agenda
Not sure if you need a wetlands permit? Here are steps for determining if you need to file and what to expect during and…Conservation Commission Filing Guide and ChecklistsNeed some help with your filing? Take a look at our filing guide for help on what you need to submit, and use the checklists…Ordinance Application MaterialsDoes your project impact a wetland covered by the Ordinance? Make sure to also complete our local forms!Abutter Notification FormsYou must also tell abutting property owners within 300 feet of your property line about the project.
More Resources
More Resources
Learn more about flood hazard areasBuilding Flood Resiliency
Key Stakeholders
Key Stakeholders
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection: WetlandsMassachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM)FEMA Region I
Commission Info
- Department:Environment Dept
- Authority:Both
- Term:3 year
- Stipend:No
- Total Seats:7
Resources:
Boards and commissions information
Current members
| Member | Appointed | Expires | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| John P. Sullivan Jr. | |||
| 11/4/2019 | |||
| 11/1/2022 | |||
| Active | |||
| Michael Wilson | |||
| 3/31/2025 | |||
| 11/1/2025 | |||
| Active | |||
| Michael Parker | |||
| 3/31/2025 | |||
| 11/1/2025 | |||
| Active | |||
| Anne Herbst | |||
| 3/31/2025 | |||
| 11/1/2025 | |||
| Active | |||
| Kannan Thiruvengadam | |||
| 3/31/2025 | |||
| 11/1/2025 | |||
| Active | |||
| Amy Linné | |||
| 7/22/2024 | |||
| Active | |||
| Stephen Estes-Smargiassi | |||
| 3/31/2025 | |||
| 11/1/2028 | |||
| Active |
Who’s Involved:
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