About Conservation Commission

In 1957 the Massachusetts Conservation Commission Act was enacted, giving communities the option to establish conservation commissions to act as advocates for the natural environment, prepare appropriate conservation plans, and manage conservation lands. In 1972, the MA Wetlands Protection Act was enacted, giving conservation commissions the regulatory responsibility to implement the Act.

The Canton Conservation Commission, established by the town in May 1963, is a seven-member board of volunteers whose purview is to protect the ecological integrity of Canton's wetlands and surrounding landscape. In addition to implementing the Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. Chapter 131, Section 40) and its Regulations (310 CMR 10.00), the Commission is also responsible for implementing and enforcing the Canton Wetland Bylaw (Article XV) and Regulations, and the Canton Stormwater Bylaw (Article XXI) and Regulations. The Commission owns and manages over 400 acres of open space for conservation purposes. The first property deeded to the Commission for Conservation was in February 1972. 

The Commission typically meets on the second and forth Wednesdays in the Tavern at Pequitside Farm on Pleasant Street at 7:00PM (see tentative schedule posted left). Our meetings are open to the public and we encourage you to attend any that might interest you.

When you call the Conservation Department with an inquiry please be ready to provide the property address, the map and parcel information (available from the Assessor's Office), and the permit number, if applicable, to facilitate answering your question.

We recommend making an appointment if you wish to talk to the Conservation Agent to ensure they are in the office and not out on inspections when you arrive. To make an appointment, please contact the Secretary.

Look for the Conservation Commission on Facebook and Instagram at @cantonmaconservation.