What is the Conservation Commission’s role in Town?
The Conservation Department and Conservation Commission are responsible for permitting and enforcement of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (Link to website) and the more protective Wetland Bylaw, Chapter 172. Under the Conservation Commission Act (link) they are charged with the protection of a community’s natural resources. They are involved with open space acquisition and the management of conservation lands.
Why do we protect wetlands?
Wetlands provide many invaluable functions to a healthy ecosystem and to society. Under the Wetlands Protection Act there are eight interests that are protected:
 Protection of public and private water supply Protection of ground water supply
Flood control
Storm damage prevention
Prevention of pollution
Protection of land containing shellfish
Protection of fisheries
Protection of wildlife habitat
Additional interests under the Town Bylaw, Chapter 172:
Biodiversity
Rare species habitat
Recreation
Agriculture and aquaculture
Water quality
When am I required to file an application with the Conservation Commission?
Under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act Regulations (310 CMR 10.00) the Conservation Commission has statutory jurisdiction for activities within the Riverfront Area and within 100 foot buffer zone to wetlands including, but not limited to coastal and inland banks, swamps, and marshes. The Mashpee Conservation Commission also has jurisdiction within 100 feet of the 100 Year Flood-plain under the Town Wetland Bylaw, Chapter 172.
There are two kinds of applications under these regulations. For small projects 50 feet and greater away from wetland resources a Request for Determination of Applicability may be filed. Examples of small projects that may fall under this category could be the construction of decks, sheds, and native landscaping.
The second type of filing is the Notice of Intent filing which is for more complex projects such as construction of dwellings, removal of vegetation, regrading, and additions. These projects often require engineered plans showing the wetland resources on-site, abutter notification, and a public hearing.
How can I learn more information about the Conservation Tours offered on Mashpee Conservation Land?
Schedules of the seasonal tours may be obtained at the Conservation Office in Town Hall. Information can also be found on our website under Nature Tours. For specific tour questions call 508-539-1424.
Who should I call to report illegal dumping or illegal activities?
Please call the Conservation Office or Mashpee Police (508-539-1480) as soon as possible. Do not enter into confrontational situations with others harming the property and/or performing illegal activities.
Items such as mattresses, cars, furniture and large piles of trash should be reported to Mashpee Concom for follow up. If a party is caught in the act, give a description of the vehicle and the person or persons dumping the trash to Mashpee Concom. Volunteers can remove trash themselves if they receive a voucher for the town transfer station from Mashpee Concom.
** If you find needles or syringes or other items that represent a safety risk, please make a description of the location that can be used by others to identify the location and notify the Police Dept. as soon as possible**.
How do I find out about water quality issues related to Mashpee’s ponds?
How do I find out about trails on Conservation Land in Mashpee?
How can I find out if I am in Conservation jurisdiction?
The Conservation Department offers wetland flagging for fee of $75.00. Please contact our office or submit a wetland delineation request form (found on line) with a check made payable to Town of Mashpee to the Conservation Department.
Who can I call for assistance on permitting?
The Conservation Department can not legally recommend any one particular engineer, consultant or landscaper although we do have a list of companies that are familiar with Mashpee's bylaws and permitting:
When does the Conservation Commission hold their meetings?
Conservation has meetings scheduled for the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at 6:55pm at the Town Hall. Please see our agenda.
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