TopicsConservation & Open Space

Conservation & Open Space

Conservation commissions, open space, trails, wetlands, and land acquisitions.

Middlesex County NewsJul 30, 2026

Ashby Conservation Commission Sets Virtual Meeting for August 4

Ashby's Conservation Commission will hold a virtual meeting on Tuesday, August 4, at 7:30 p.m., giving residents an online avenue to weigh in on local land-use matters, according to the town's News Flash feed. The meeting, accessible via Zoom with instructions posted at ci.ashby.ma.us, …

Middlesex County NewsJul 30, 2026

Floating Boardwalk Planned To Link Natick Walking Trails

A floating boardwalk planned over a Natick pond would connect previously separated walking trails, per a CBS News Boston report published Thursday evening. Meanwhile, the Select Board is recruiting residents for two volunteer posts — the Commission on Disability and the Economic Develop…

Ashby NewsJul 30, 2026

Ashby Conservation Commission Sets Virtual Meeting for August 4

Ashby's Conservation Commission will hold a virtual meeting on Tuesday, August 4, at 7:30 p.m., giving residents an online avenue to weigh in on local land-use matters, according to the town's News Flash feed. The meeting, accessible via Zoom with instructions posted at ci.ashby.ma.us, …

Natick NewsJul 30, 2026

Floating Boardwalk Planned To Link Natick Walking Trails

A floating boardwalk planned over a Natick pond would connect previously separated walking trails, per a CBS News Boston report published Thursday evening. Meanwhile, the Select Board is recruiting residents for two volunteer posts — the Commission on Disability and the Economic Develop…

Lincoln NewsJul 29, 2026

Conservation Commission Meeting

Wednesday, July 29, 2026 · 7:00 PM · Lincoln, MA 01773

Middlesex County NewsJul 29, 2026

Wayland Conservation Commission Authorizes Peer Review of Disputed Rice Road Wetland Delineation

Wayland Conservation Commission authorizes peer review of disputed wetland delineation, continues three active hearings to August 19.

Barnstable County NewsJul 29, 2026

Falmouth Conservation Commission approves conditions for West Falmouth raise-and-rebuild

Falmouth Conservation Commission issues order of conditions for West Falmouth raise-and-rebuild. The commission held a brief special meeting July 29 with four members present, convened solely to vote on an order of conditions for Amanda Hunt's property at 227 Edgewater Drive West.

Falmouth NewsJul 29, 2026

Falmouth Conservation Commission approves conditions for West Falmouth raise-and-rebuild

Falmouth Conservation Commission issues order of conditions for West Falmouth raise-and-rebuild. The commission held a brief special meeting July 29 with four members present, convened solely to vote on an order of conditions for Amanda Hunt's property at 227 Edgewater Drive West.

Wayland NewsJul 29, 2026

Wayland Conservation Commission Authorizes Peer Review of Disputed Rice Road Wetland Delineation

Wayland Conservation Commission authorizes peer review of disputed wetland delineation, continues three active hearings to August 19.

Abington NewsJul 28, 2026

Abington Conservation Commission votes to fine unresponsive wetlands violator $50 weekly

Abington Conservation Commission votes to fine the owner of 225 Brockton Avenue as a two-year wetland enforcement standoff escalates.

Easthampton NewsJul 28, 2026

Easthampton Select Board Accepts State Offer to Fund Southampton Rail Trail Design

Easthampton Select Board accepts state offer to fund Southampton Rail Trail design and permitting at no cost to the town.

Berkshire County NewsJul 28, 2026

Stockbridge Conservation Commission Votes for Weathering Steel Rails at Rattlesnake Mountain Road

Stockbridge Conservation Commission approves planting and rail conditions for Rattlesnake Mountain Road culvert project.

Weymouth NewsJul 28, 2026

Weymouth Conservation Commission Continues Disputed Randolph Street Road Project for One Month

Weymouth Conservation Commission continues disputed road project tied to Holbrook housing development, citing unresolved Zone A stormwater conflict.

EastJul 28, 2026

Southampton Board Accepts State Offer to Fund Rail Trail Gap Design and Permitting

Southampton Select Board accepts state offer to fund full Rail Trail design at no cost to the town.

Gardner NewsJul 28, 2026

Gardner Conservation Commission Continues Wetland Well Siting Hearing Pending City Engineer Review

Gardner Conservation Commission continues two wetland hearings and approves up to $400 in MACC dues.

Hampshire County NewsJul 28, 2026

Easthampton Select Board Accepts State Offer to Fund Southampton Rail Trail Design

Easthampton Select Board accepts state offer to fund Southampton Rail Trail design and permitting at no cost to the town.

Middlesex County NewsJul 28, 2026

Groton Conservation Commission Rejects Patio Expansion as Not a Minor Change

Groton Conservation Commission unanimously rejects a patio expansion as incremental creep under local wetlands bylaw.

Groton NewsJul 28, 2026

Groton Conservation Commission Rejects Patio Expansion as Not a Minor Change

Groton Conservation Commission unanimously rejects a patio expansion as incremental creep under local wetlands bylaw.

Barnstable County NewsJul 28, 2026

Eastham Conservation Commission Sends Herring Pond Alum Application Back for Major Revisions

Eastham Conservation Commission rejects a town-backed Herring Pond alum application as too incomplete to review.

Norfolk County NewsJul 28, 2026

Weymouth Conservation Commission Continues Disputed Randolph Street Road Project for One Month

Weymouth Conservation Commission continues disputed road project tied to Holbrook housing development, citing unresolved Zone A stormwater conflict.

Stockbridge NewsJul 28, 2026

Stockbridge Conservation Commission Votes for Weathering Steel Rails at Rattlesnake Mountain Road

Stockbridge Conservation Commission approves planting and rail conditions for Rattlesnake Mountain Road culvert project.

Plymouth County NewsJul 28, 2026

Abington Conservation Commission votes to fine unresponsive wetlands violator $50 weekly

Abington Conservation Commission votes to fine the owner of 225 Brockton Avenue as a two-year wetland enforcement standoff escalates.

Worcester County NewsJul 28, 2026

Gardner Conservation Commission Continues Wetland Well Siting Hearing Pending City Engineer Review

Gardner Conservation Commission continues two wetland hearings and approves up to $400 in MACC dues.

Eastham NewsJul 28, 2026

Eastham Conservation Commission Sends Herring Pond Alum Application Back for Major Revisions

Eastham Conservation Commission rejects a town-backed Herring Pond alum application as too incomplete to review.

Norfolk County NewsJul 27, 2026

Foxborough Conservation Commission Approves Septic Addition, Clears Mountain Bike Boardwalk Replacement

Foxborough Conservation Commission approved a home addition and septic upgrade near the Neponset Reservoir, cleared a major trail boardwalk replacement at Governor's Meadow, and continued a contentious new-home hearing at 90 Mill Street at its July 27 meeting.

Foxborough NewsJul 27, 2026

Foxborough Conservation Commission Approves Septic Addition, Clears Mountain Bike Boardwalk Replacement

Foxborough Conservation Commission approved a home addition and septic upgrade near the Neponset Reservoir, cleared a major trail boardwalk replacement at Governor's Meadow, and continued a contentious new-home hearing at 90 Mill Street at its July 27 meeting.

Middlesex County NewsJul 26, 2026

Narrow Gauge Rail Trail Closes at Billerica Line for Bike Path Project

The Narrow Gauge Rail Trail is temporarily closed at the Billerica town line as work begins on a two-year bike path project. The Town of Billerica broke ground on its Yankee Doodle Bike Path, cutting off that stretch of the popular multi-use trail to Bedford walkers and cyclists for the…

Bedford NewsJul 26, 2026

Narrow Gauge Rail Trail Closes at Billerica Line for Bike Path Project

The Narrow Gauge Rail Trail is temporarily closed at the Billerica town line as work begins on a two-year bike path project. The Town of Billerica broke ground on its Yankee Doodle Bike Path, cutting off that stretch of the popular multi-use trail to Bedford walkers and cyclists for the…

Bristol County NewsJul 25, 2026

Norton Readers Call For Leashed Dogs, Slower Trail Traffic

Norton neighbors are being urged toward better park manners, with leashed dogs and slower trail traffic topping residents' list of asks. Norton Patch's "Block Talk" reader roundup, published Sunday, July 26 under the headline "What Your Neighbors Say About Park Etiquette Basics: Block T…

Norton NewsJul 25, 2026

Norton Readers Call For Leashed Dogs, Slower Trail Traffic

Norton neighbors are being urged toward better park manners, with leashed dogs and slower trail traffic topping residents' list of asks. Norton Patch's "Block Talk" reader roundup, published Sunday, July 26 under the headline "What Your Neighbors Say About Park Etiquette Basics: Block T…

NewingtonJul 24, 2026

Newington Conservation Commission Votes to Adopt GIS Mapping Tool, Joins State Land Council

Newington's Conservation Commission adopted a supplementary GIS wetlands mapping tool and voted to join the Connecticut Land Conservation Council at its July 21 meeting. Both votes were unanimous; the GIS adoption motion included explicit language that the new tool "does not replace the current

Franklin County NewsJul 23, 2026

Deerfield Conservation Commission Approves Academy Tree Removal With Invasives Conditions

Deerfield Conservation Commission approves academy boathouse tree removal with invasive-species conditions.

Deerfield NewsJul 23, 2026

Deerfield Conservation Commission Approves Academy Tree Removal With Invasives Conditions

Deerfield Conservation Commission approves academy boathouse tree removal with invasive-species conditions.

Middlesex County NewsJul 23, 2026

Ayer Conservation Commission Clears Barnum Road Bridge Repair With Unanimous Vote

Ayer Conservation Commission unanimously cleared the Barnum Road Bridge rehabilitation project Thursday, issuing a negative determination of applicability for targeted repairs to the bridge over Bowers Brook.

Arlington NewsJul 23, 2026

Arlington Commission Continues Wetland Lot Hearing, Warns Applicant of Steep Local Hurdles

Arlington Conservation Commission continues Reed Street wetland hearing, issues two permits.

Norfolk County NewsJul 23, 2026

Needham Conservation Commission Unanimously Backs Pollard School Geothermal Wells Under Article 97

Needham Conservation Commission unanimously backs Pollard Middle School geothermal wells under Article 97, clearing a required local hurdle.

Needham NewsJul 23, 2026

Needham Conservation Commission Unanimously Backs Pollard School Geothermal Wells Under Article 97

Needham Conservation Commission unanimously backs Pollard Middle School geothermal wells under Article 97, clearing a required local hurdle.

Ayer NewsJul 23, 2026

Ayer Conservation Commission Clears Barnum Road Bridge Repair With Unanimous Vote

Ayer Conservation Commission unanimously cleared the Barnum Road Bridge rehabilitation project Thursday, issuing a negative determination of applicability for targeted repairs to the bridge over Bowers Brook.

Middlesex County NewsJul 23, 2026

Arlington Commission Continues Wetland Lot Hearing, Warns Applicant of Steep Local Hurdles

Arlington Conservation Commission continues Reed Street wetland hearing, issues two permits.

Winchendon NewsJul 23, 2026

Winchendon wins fourth straight Mass Trails grant for rail trail

Winchendon secured its fourth consecutive Mass Trails grant to fund rail trail improvements, town officials announced this week. The Winchendon Fire Department also confirmed it is conducting a haz-mat investigation, according to a town News Flash post, though details on location remain…

Worcester County NewsJul 23, 2026

Winchendon wins fourth straight Mass Trails grant for rail trail

Winchendon secured its fourth consecutive Mass Trails grant to fund rail trail improvements, town officials announced this week. The Winchendon Fire Department also confirmed it is conducting a haz-mat investigation, according to a town News Flash post, though details on location remain…

Boston NewsJul 22, 2026

Boston PFC Approves Five Land Transfers for Housing and Open Space Across Four Neighborhoods

Boston Public Facilities Commission approves five DND land transfers adding 56 housing units and two permanent community gardens.

Hampden County NewsJul 22, 2026

East Longmeadow Conservation Commission Approves Nelson Street Home, Issues New Enforcement Order

East Longmeadow Conservation Commission approves two wetland permits and issues a new enforcement order for illegal wetland filling.

Worcester County NewsJul 22, 2026

Auburn Conservation Commission revokes DPW's blanket wetlands permit over erosion failures

Auburn's Conservation Commission unanimously revoked the Department of Public Works' blanket order of conditions Wednesday after Chair Michael Garland documented erosion control failures on at least two active town construction sites.

Norfolk County NewsJul 22, 2026

Dover Conservation Commission Warns Springdale Avenue Owner That Fines Are Imminent

Dover Conservation Commission warns it will begin fining a long-delinquent Springdale Avenue property owner as a four-year wetland enforcement case drags on with no restoration plan in hand.

Dover NewsJul 22, 2026

Dover Conservation Commission Warns Springdale Avenue Owner That Fines Are Imminent

Dover Conservation Commission warns it will begin fining a long-delinquent Springdale Avenue property owner as a four-year wetland enforcement case drags on with no restoration plan in hand.

Barnstable County NewsJul 22, 2026

Eastham Conservation Commission advances draft coastal flood regulations toward 2027 town meeting

Eastham Conservation Commission debates contested flood model as draft coastal resilience rules advance.

MadisonJul 22, 2026

Madison Conservation Commission Eyes September Trees Presentation for Select Board

Madison Conservation Commission targets September 21 Select Board meeting for a presentation on urban tree benefits. Chair Heather Crawford said the commission would explore a joint appearance with the town's Tree Advisory Committee, which is already scheduled to deliver its first-year report that

East Longmeadow NewsJul 22, 2026

East Longmeadow Conservation Commission Approves Nelson Street Home, Issues New Enforcement Order

East Longmeadow Conservation Commission approves two wetland permits and issues a new enforcement order for illegal wetland filling.

Boston NewsJul 22, 2026

Boston Acquires Roslindale Wetlands Parcel for Conservation and Four Affordable Homes

Boston completes Roslindale Wetlands acquisition, pairing conservation land with four affordable homes.

Bellingham NewsJul 22, 2026

Bellingham Conservation Commission Closes First Three Red Mill Subdivision Lots

Bellingham Conservation Commission closes orders for three Red Mill on the Charles lots and continues dozens more to August 12.

Boston NewsJul 22, 2026

Mayor Walsh Signs Local Wetlands Ordinance at Roslindale Urban Wild

Boston Mayor Walsh signs local wetlands ordinance, setting stricter protections than state law. Mayor Martin J.

Suffolk County NewsJul 22, 2026

Mayor Walsh Signs Local Wetlands Ordinance at Roslindale Urban Wild

Boston Mayor Walsh signs local wetlands ordinance, setting stricter protections than state law. Mayor Martin J.

Boston NewsJul 22, 2026

Boston Acquires Roslindale Wetlands Parcel for Conservation and Four Affordable Homes

Boston completes Roslindale Wetlands acquisition, pairing conservation land with four affordable homes.

Essex County NewsJul 22, 2026

North Andover Conservation Commission Approves Emergency Repairs to 130-Year-Old Culvert

North Andover Conservation Commission votes unanimously for emergency culvert repairs while rejecting a contractor bond waiver. The commission approved a friendly enforcement order Wednesday authorizing F.P.

Falmouth NewsJul 22, 2026

Falmouth Conservation Commission closes hearings on salt marsh project, Surrey Lane dock case

Falmouth Conservation Commission closes two wetlands hearings and continues six others.

Suffolk County NewsJul 22, 2026

Boston PFC Unanimously Approves Five DND Votes on Housing and Open Space

Boston Public Facilities Commission clears five DND votes, unlocking 114 housing units and new green space in Mattapan and Roxbury. Chair Catherine Craven and Commissioner Larry Momoli, the only two members present, voted unanimously on all items at the July 22 meeting.

Suffolk County NewsJul 22, 2026

Boston PFC Approves Five Land Transfers for Housing and Open Space Across Four Neighborhoods

Boston Public Facilities Commission approves five DND land transfers adding 56 housing units and two permanent community gardens.

Boston NewsJul 22, 2026

Boston Mayor Janey Appoints Reverend Mariama White-Hammond as Environment and Open Space Chief

Boston Mayor Kim Janey named Reverend Mariama White-Hammond as the city's new Chief of Environment, Energy, and Open Space at a ceremony Tuesday at the Nightingale Community Garden in Dorchester.

Suffolk County NewsJul 22, 2026

Boston Mayor Janey Appoints Reverend Mariama White-Hammond as Environment and Open Space Chief

Boston Mayor Kim Janey named Reverend Mariama White-Hammond as the city's new Chief of Environment, Energy, and Open Space at a ceremony Tuesday at the Nightingale Community Garden in Dorchester.

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