Conservation Commission - 1 Citizen Vacancy
Posted: May 27, 2026
About the role
The Conservation Commission is responsible for protecting the Town's natural resources under the Conservation Commission Act (M.G.L. Chapter 40 8C) and the Town's wetland resources under the Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. Chapter 131 §40), as well as the Wetlands Protection By-Law (G.L. Chapter 13).
Under the Conservation Commission Act, the Commission plans for natural resource protection, acquires important land and water areas, and manages open space for conservation and passive recreation. The Commission encourages, reviews, and monitors conservation restrictions on privately held lands. It also assists the Open Space Committee with revisions to and implementation of the Kingston Open Space and Recreation Plan.
Under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (WPA) and the Kingston Wetlands Protection Regulations/By-Law (KWPR), the Commission reviews and permits work proposed within or near inland and coastal wetlands, including floodplains, rivers, ponds, beaches, banks, bays, or other surface waters. The Commission protects the following interests:
- Public and private water supply
- Groundwater supply
- Flood control
- Storm damage prevention
- Prevention of pollution
- Land containing shellfish
- Fisheries
- Wildlife habitat (KWPR protects additional interests beyond those in the WPA)
The Commission ensures proposed work protects these interests during permitting and construction. It also enforces regulations when violations occur.
The Commission conducts education and outreach through:
- Providing comments to other regulatory boards on natural resource/wetland issues
- Distributing brochures and posting information online
- Conducting site visits upon request
- Speaking at community events
- Communicating with the media
- Advocating for the environment
- Conducting business in an educational manner
Responsibilities
- Participate in Commission meetings and decision-making processes
- Review and permit work proposed within or near wetlands and other protected areas
- Ensure compliance with state and local wetland protection laws
- Enforce regulations and address violations
- Assist in the acquisition and management of conservation land
- Support the Open Space Committee in updating and implementing the Open Space and Recreation Plan
- Engage in public education and outreach efforts