Conservation Commission

The conservation commission of each town in the Commonwealth is the official agency charged with the protection of the land, water, and biological resources of the community. The commission also advises other town officials and boards on conservation issues that relate to their areas of responsibility. In general, the Commission is charged with protecting the interests of the Wetlands Protection Act. Conservation commissions’ authority comes from: the Conservation Commission Act (MGL Chapter 40 section 8C) for open space protection; the Wetlands Protection Act (MGL Chapter 131 section 40) for protecting wetlands and waterways; and the home rule provisions of the state constitution for non-zoning wetlands bylaws.

Middlefield Conservation Commission members are volunteers appointed by the Selectboard, with the Commission playing a supporting role in the choice of candidates. The Commission has 5 members and 1 or 2 alternates.