Conservation

The Conservation Commission is continuing to meet remotely, using Zoom.  Applications are being accepted and processed. If you would like information on this process, or to request to be added to an agenda please contact us by email at conservation@needhamma.gov or by phone (leave a voice mail), and your message will be returned as soon as possible during business hours.  Please refer to the Meeting Schedule for upcoming Conservation  Commission meetings.

To listen, view and participate in virtual meetings, please refer to the posted agenda.

Conservation permit submittal deadline: 1 pm on deadline dates.

Responsibilities

The Conservation Department,  part of Planning and Community Development, is the primary point of contact for the public with questions related to jurisdiction under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (MGL Ch. 131 § 40) and the Town of Needham Wetlands Protection Bylaw. The Department is also responsible for oversight and management of lands under the control of the Conservation Commission. 

The Needham Conservation Commission is comprised of seven volunteer members appointed by the Select Board to staggered 3-year terms. The Commission is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Massachusetts Wetlands Regulations (310 CMR 10.00) and the Local Wetlands Protection Regulations (PDF) (revised March 2025).

As part of their regulatory function, the Commission receives and reviews applications for projects involving work within 100 feet of resource areas (i.e. wetlands, streams, banks) or within 200 feet of perennial rivers and streams (the "Riverfront Area").

Through the public hearing process, the Commission determines whether a project is permissible under the wetlands statutes, and issues or denies a permit accordingly. Please refer to our permitting page for additional information about Wetlands Protection statutes and procedures.

Additional Functions

In addition to their statutory obligations, the Conservation Commission undertakes broader environmental and land-management functions including:

• Managing Town-owned Conservation Land including the over 360 acres of Ridge Hill Reservation
• Promoting the protection of additional open space through conservation restrictions, land donations, and purchases.
• Educating the public about the importance of protecting wetlands and other open space.
• Advising and collaborating with other town boards and committees on matters pertaining to use, management and protection of the town’s natural resources and open space.

For additional information regarding open space protection and land controlled by the Conservation Commission, please contact the Conservation Office at 781-455-7550 or email us at Conservation Department.