The Conservation Commission is concerned with the acquisition and preservation of existing open space in Woburn, and with the protection of our natural resources and wetlands.

The Woburn Conservation Commission administers the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (MGL Ch 131, Sec.40), the Woburn Wetlands Ordinance (Title VII), and the state and local wetlands regulations.  The Conservation Commission has the authority to regulate activities within wetlands, riverfront (land within 200 feet of a river), and the buffer zone of land that is within 150 feet of a wetland.

Unless otherwise posted, Conservation Commission Meetings are held in the City Council Chambers at City Hall.  The filing deadline is 12:00 Noon, ten business days prior to the meeting.  Meetings are open to the public. 


Office Information

Theresa Murphy, Conservation Administrator
Telephone: (781) 932-4403
Fax: (781) 937-3750

As a Department Head, the Conservation Administrator acts as a liaison between the Commission and other Departments.  She is available to other Departments and to the public as an informational resource. The Administrator is available to answer questions about wetland issues, and to explain filing procedures and the public hearing process. 

The Administrator assists the Commission in administering the Wetlands Protection Act and the Woburn Wetlands Ordinance.  The Administrator reviews applications and plans for the Commission, performs site inspections, makes recommendations, and drafts documents and special conditions for the Commission's consideration.


Hours

Monday to Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM 

Note: Due to limitations in staffing, the office may be closed at times during the hours listed above to allow the Conservation Administrator to do field work, site inspections, attend off-site meetings with contractors and/or other state and municipal officials, and to coordinate within City Hall with other city departments.  


Location

The Conservation Commission office is located on the ground floor of City Hall. 
The mailing address is:
Conservation Commission
City Hall - 10 Common Street
Woburn, MA  01801-4139


FAQ

What are wetlands?

Why are wetlands protected?

What interests are protected under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act?

What interests are protected under the Woburn Wetlands Ordinance?

What is the jurisdiction of the Conservation Commission?

 What is a Resource Area?

What is the "buffer zone"?

 What is a "river" as defined by the Wetlands Protection Act?

What is the DEP?

What is the EPA?

Where can I obtain more information about the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and related state application forms?

Where can I obtain more information about the Woburn Wetlands Ordinance and related forms?

What are the filing deadlines?

Where are meetings held?

Who are the members of the Conservation Commission?

I am an abutter to a proposed project, near a wetland. Will I be notified of the Public Hearing?

Does Woburn have a wetlands map?

Where can I get a copy of the Groundwater Protection District Map?

How can I find out if I live in a floodplain?

Where can I get a recycling bin?

Is it okay to feed wild ducks and geese?

What is the difference between conservation land and wetlands?

Where are the conservation lands in Woburn?

What are the rules of use for conservation lands?

Where are the Community Gardens?

How do I get a garden plot?

What are the rules for the Community Gardens?

How can we best live with wildlife?

What is Conservation Day?

Why is it important to protect our natural resources?

What can I do to help?

Q1. What are wetlands?

A. A wetland is an area that may be publicly or privately owned.  It is an area where water (groundwater, surface water, or ice) is present in significant enough quantity to support a dominance of vegetation that occurs in primarily saturated conditions.  Commonly thought of as wet meadows, marshes, swamps, and bogs, wetlands are transitional areas between water bodies and uplands, and are defined by their plant communities, hydrology, and soils.
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Q2.  Why are wetlands protected?

A. For a long time, wetlands have been dismissed as wasteland.  In some cases they have been used as dumping grounds, in others, filled in and channeled to "reclaim" them.  Wetlands have now begun to be recognized as beautiful places with vital ecological roles.  Wetlands play an important role in improving water quality and protecting water supply by filtering out pollutants, sediments and contaminants.  Wetlands help to prevent storm and storm water damage by storing and slowly releasing floodwaters to rivers and streams.  This is beneficial because it allows water to have a place to go during heavy storm events other than flooding basements and roadways.  Wetlands contain fisheries and important habitat to wildlife, providing breeding and nesting places, protective cover, food and water.  Most rare animal species depend in some way on wetlands.  
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Q3.   What interests are protected under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act?

A. The Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act identifies eight "interests" or functions and values of resource areas that are protected.

They are:

• Protection of public and private water supply
• Protection of groundwater supply
• Flood control
• Storm damage prevention
• Prevention of pollution
• Protection of land containing shellfish
• Protection of fisheries
• Protection of wildlife habitat
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Q4.  What interests are protected under the Woburn Wetlands Ordinance?

A. Wetlands values identified in the Woburn Wetlands Ordinance to be protected are:

• Public or private water supply
• Groundwater
• Flood control
• Erosion and sedimentation control
• Storm damage prevention
• Water pollution prevention
• Fisheries
• Recreation
• Agriculture
• Aquaculture
• Historic Values
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Q5. What is the jurisdiction of the Conservation Commission?

A. The Woburn Conservation Commission has jurisdiction over all earthwork proposed within a Resource Area, and/or the 150-foot buffer zone.
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Q6.  What is a Resource Area?

A.  A Resource Area is an area subject to protection.  In Woburn they are inland areas including:

• Banks
• Land Under Water Bodies or Waterways
• Land Subject to Flooding
• Bordering Vegetated Wetlands
• Riverfront Areas
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Q7.  What is the "buffer zone"?

A.  The Woburn Conservation Commission recognizes two buffer zones.  The "state" buffer zone is the area within 100 feet of bank and/or bordering vegetated wetland.  The "local" buffer zone is the area within 150 feet of bank and/or bordering vegetated wetland.
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Q8.  What is a "river" as defined by the Wetlands Protection Act?

A.  The Wetlands Protection Act Regulations define a "river" as any naturally flowing body of water that empties into any ocean, lake, pond, or other river and which flows throughout the year.  In Woburn, the "riverfront area" is the area between the river's mean annual high-water line and a parallel line located 200 feet away measured horizontally outward from the river.
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Q9. What is the DEP?

A. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) www.state.ma.us/dep is a state agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment. DEP’s Wetlands Program administers and enforces the Wetlands Protection Act.
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Q10. What is the EPA?

A. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) www.epa.gov is a federal agency whose stated mission is to protect human health and to safeguard the natural environment — air, water, and land — upon which life depends.

EPA’s Office of Water is responsible for the Agency's water quality activities including development of national programs, technical policies, and regulations relating to drinking water, water quality, ground water, pollution source standards, and the protection of wetlands, marine, and estuarine areas.
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Q11. Where can I obtain more information about the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and related state application forms?

A. Copies of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, the Regulations under the Act, and state forms are available from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection www.state.ma.us/dep, or the State House Bookstore www.state.ma.us/dep/bookstor.htm
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Q12. Where can I obtain more information about the Woburn Wetlands Ordinance and related forms?

A. Copies of the Woburn Wetlands Ordinance, the Woburn Wetlands Regulations, and local forms are available from the Conservation Commission office in City Hall.
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Q13. What are the filing deadlines?

A. For new filings –
The filing deadline is 12:00 Noon, ten business days prior to the meeting.

For Continued Public Hearings –
The deadline to submit additional information is 12:00 Noon, five business days prior to the date to which the Hearing is continued. back to top

Q14. Where are meetings held?

A. Unless otherwise posted, Conservation Commission Meetings are held in the City Council Chambers at City Hall. Meetings are open to the public.
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Q15. Who are the members of the Conservation Commission?

A. The Woburn Conservation Commission is a seven-member board, appointed by the Mayor. All members of the Commission are Woburn residents. A list of current members is available from the Conservation Commission office upon request.
"Conservation Commission Page"
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Q16. I am an abutter to a proposed project, near a wetland. Will I be notified of the Public Hearing.

A. Yes. The Applicant is required to notify (by mail or in person) immediate abutters when a submission is made to the Conservation Commission that requires a Public Hearing.
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Q17. Does Woburn have a wetlands map?

A. No. Wetlands change over time, so a wetlands map would need to be continually re-assessed and revised. The City does have topographic mapping, aerial photographs, and floodplain maps, which can be useful tools in making a general determination of the possible presence of wetlands. To make a determination of the precise boundaries of a wetland, the area in question would need to be flagged by a botanist or wetland scientist. The wetlands delineation should be surveyed onto a plan. The Commission will make a formal determination through a Public Hearing process after the plan and appropriate forms have been filed with the Commission.
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Q18. Where can I get a copy of the Groundwater Protection District Map?

A. The Engineering Department in City Hall has the groundwater protection district map, and can provide copies for a fee.
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Q19. How can I find out if I live in a floodplain?

A. Federal floodplain maps are on display at City Hall (outside the Conservation Commission office). Floodplain maps are available for purchase by contacting FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) at (617) 223-9561 or online at www.fema.gov. These maps are generally used for flood insurance purposes. These maps indicate the areas of possible inundation during 100 and 500-year storm events. They are limited to specific areas studied, so there may be areas that experience flooding which are not shaded on the map. A Professional Land Surveyor and/or Professional Engineer can make a precise determination.
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Q20. Where can I get a recycling bin?

A. The Woburn Board of Health provides recycling bins to Woburn residents.
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Q21. Is it okay to feed wild ducks and geese?

A. No. The City of Woburn has an Ordinance prohibiting the feeding of wild waterfowl. Feeding wild animals is harmful to them and to humans. Feeding wild waterfowl can spread disease, and contaminate water supplies. For more information, ask for the brochure "It’s not good to feed wild waterfowl… here’s why" which is available from the Conservation Commission office. back to top


Q22. What is the difference between conservation land and wetlands?

A. Many people use the terms "conservation land" and "wetlands" interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings.
Conservation land refers to land that is publicly owned, and generally preserved as open space to protect our natural resources. In some cases conservation land may be used for passive recreation, or it may be kept natural to protect wildlife habitat, wetlands, riverfront areas and/or land subject to flooding. Conservation land may or may not contain wetlands.
A wetland is an area that may be publicly or privately owned. It is an area where water (groundwater, surface water, or ice) is present in significant enough quantity to support a dominance of vegetation that occurs in primarily saturated conditions. Commonly thought of as wet meadows, marshes, swamps, and bogs, wetlands are transitional areas between water bodies and uplands, and are defined by their plant communities, hydrology, and soils.
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Q23. Where are the conservation lands in Woburn?

A. Woburn’s main conservation lands with passive recreation are: the Horn Pond Area, Shaker Glen Conservation Area, Rag Rock Conservation Area, Battle Road Woodlands, and the Cranberry Bog Conservation Area. Maps of the City showing the location of Conservation Areas, and trail maps for some areas are available from the Conservation Commission office.
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Q24. What are the rules of use for conservation lands?

A. Rules for the use of Conservation Areas are stated in title 12-40 of the municipal code. They are written below.

As conservation areas are meant to be preserved in their natural state for their environmental value, their aesthetic importance and the public enjoyment, the following rules and regulations are established for the areas under the control of the Woburn Conservation Commission:

A. These regulations apply to all areas in the city under the control of the Woburn conservation commission either by deed provision, city ordinance, or formal arrangement with other officials or departments.

B. Signs designating the areas to be Woburn conservation lands are to be posted at normal entrances to each area.

C. The city conservation areas are open without charge or special permit (unless otherwise noted) to the general public in conformity with these regulations.

D. The following are expressly prohibited:

1. The use of firearms. Fishing is allowed in accordance with state and local regulations. Hunting and trapping is allowed with the express permission of the Conservation Commission, the Chief of Police and the Superintendent of Public Works and in accordance with state law and local regulations;

2. Open fires;

3. Any form of littering or dumping;

4. The use of motor vehicles, including off-the-road vehicles such as trail bikes and snowmobiles, except for authorized city vehicles;

5. The cutting, removing, damaging or defacing of any plant life, animal life, rocks or soils, except by the written permission of the conservation commission;

6. The defacement, destruction or removal of conservation commission signs and property or other structures such as dams, walls, fences, gates, etc., except by the written permission of the conservation commission;

7. Posting of unauthorized signs, selling or giving away of goods or circulars, or engaging in commercial activities of any nature;

8. The making of loud or disturbing noise.

E. The conservation commission alone may authorize trails being cut or marked, dams to be built or any structure such as a bridge, tower or handrail to be constructed, or any other change or addition on conservation land.

F. Dogs or other pets must be fully controlled at all times, either by leash or verbal control.

G. Overnight camping in designated areas is allowed only by written permit of the conservation commission to be obtained in the office of the chief of police.

H. The conservation commission cannot assume for itself or for the city any liability of any kind for injuries to persons or damage done to their property while on conservation lands; persons entering thereon do so at their own risk.

I. These rules supplement applicable state and other local regulations.

J. Visitors to conservation areas are urged to leave them cleaner than they were found, and to report violations of these rules to the conservation commission and the Woburn police.

K. Vehicles commonly known as ski-mobiles are excluded from all areas under the control or direction of the recreation commission, and the conservation commission. (C.2-1971.)

L. Violations of these regulations may be punishable by a fine of fifty dollars. (Prior Ch., sec. 9-A 5).
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Q25. Where are the Community Gardens?

A. The Community Gardens are located at the Horn Pond Conservation Area. They are accessible from a gravel roadway off Lexington Street. Limited parking is available by permit (issued to gardeners only).
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Q26. How do I get a garden plot?

A. First preference is given to returning gardeners who rented a garden plot the previous year. Garden sign-ups are held in the spring. Garden plots may be available after the initial registration period through the Conservation Commission office. Returning gardeners will be notified of the registration date(s) by mail. If you are interested in becoming a new gardener, mail a postcard with your name address and telephone number to the Conservation Commission office (Attn.: Community Gardens).
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Q27. What are the rules for the Community Gardens?

A. A copy of Rules for the Community Gardens will be available at the garden plot registration. A copy of the rules will be given to all gardeners who are assigned a plot.
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Q28. How can we best live with wildlife?

A. The Massachusetts Department of Fisheries and Wildlife has created a "living with wildlife information series". www.state.ma.us/dfwele/dfw/dfwwld.htm. It includes information on bears, foxes, beavers, geese, coyotes, and more.
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Q29. What is Conservation Day?

A. Conservation Day is an annual community event organized and run by the Commission at various Conservation lands in the City. Each Conservation Day, the Conservation Commission, Department of Public Works, City Officials, local business organizations, service clubs, scout troops, students and scores of volunteers come together to work on projects and clean up the Conservation Areas. In past years projects have included: building and repairing bridges, clearing trails, spreading and raking woodchips, planting and pruning trees, painting signs, gates, and bridges, and general cleanup removing trash and debris. Conservation Day is held on the first Saturday in May. All are welcome to join us.
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Q30. Why is it important to protect our natural resources?

A. For a long time, there was a belief that because there was such an abundance of natural resources, the supply would never run out. We are discovering, however, that there is not an endless supply of resources. We have to face the reality of possible shortages in our lifetime and the lifetime of our children. But beyond the problem of shortages, the depletion of our natural resources has also caused other problems. The over-exploitation of our natural resources has led to the destruction of habitat, the extinction and threatened extinction of species of flora and fauna, and the pollution of our air, soils, and water. Sadly, our continent has lost much of its natural wealth and ecological stability.

By conserving our natural resources, we are preserving our world not only for ourselves, but also for our children. The first step is to realize the importance of our environment. It is easy to take for granted the delicate ecosystems that make life on our planet possible. This is true both globally and locally. The Conservation Commission recognizes our wetlands and waterways, in particular, as a very precious resource, for without them life cannot persist.
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Q31. What can I do to help?

A.
• Teach your children to value and protect the environment.
• If possible, leave some of your land in a natural condition. Avoid disturbing steep slopes and stripping vegetation.
• Minimize the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
• Limit the use of salt for ice-control, and consider using environmentally friendly ice-control products.
• Don’t dump debris (including landscaping debris) into a wetland or water body.
• Set up a compost pile away from wetland areas.
• Never dump oil, chemicals or waste of any kind down a storm drain.
• Don’t litter.
• Pick up after your pets.
• Participate in Woburn’s recycling program.
• Conserve energy by turning of lights and appliances when they are not needed, and use energy efficient products. Look for products with the EPA’s Energy Star. www.energystar.gov
• Conserve water by turning off water faucets when not in use. Hire a plumber to fix leaky faucets, and inquire about installing water saving devices.
• Plant trees.
• Volunteer at Conservation Day.
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