The Merrimac Conservation Commission

2004 Annual Report

The primary function of the Conservation Commission is to protect and preserve wetland resource areas as defined in the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act and the Merrimac Wetland Protection Bylaw. Since Colonial times, Massachusetts has lost nearly one third of its wetlands to development. The loss of wetlands means the loss of the vital benefits they provide. These benefits include the protection of water quality for Merrimac’s surface and groundwater, stormwater and flood damage protection, and the protection of wildlife and plant habitat.

The Commission works to protect the Town’s natural resources in accordance with the Act and the Town Bylaw. The Conservation Commission is composed of seven members who serve as unpaid volunteers, who are assisted by a part-time Wetland Agent. The Commission generally meets once a month on the second Wednesday of the month to conduct regular business and public hearings on proposed projects under the Commissions jurisdiction. When necessary, the Commission schedules special meetings and site visits to review projects. In addition to reviewing proposed projects submitted by property owners, the Commission addresses work that affects wetlands conducted without the required permits through issuance of enforcement orders to property owners regarding work undertaken in violation of the Act.

This year the Commission initiated efforts to provide increased protection to the Town’s wetland resources. In response to the continued reductions in assistance available from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection in administering the Wetland Protection Act and the pace of development in town, the Commission drafted and implemented a Merrimac Wetland Protection Bylaw. The Bylaw was adopted at Town Meeting in the fall of 2003, and it became effective in late 2003 following approval by the Massachusetts Attorney General. During 2004, the Commission expended considerable effort in drafting the Merrimac Wetlands Protection Regulations to implement the requirements of the Wetland Bylaw. Following review of several drafts of the regulations, the Commission held two public hearings on the proposed regulations to obtain comments from the public, and the regulations were subsequently adopted in August, 2004. The regulations include a number of provisions to strengthen protection of Merrimac’s wetlands including:

The Commission is now applying the requirements of the new regulations to any project in town. If you are contemplating any work within 100 feet of a wetland or within 200 feet of any river or stream that flows year-round (such as the Merrimack River and Cobblers Brook), you need to consult with the Commission prior to undertaking any work.

Wetlands are an important resource to Merrimac. They protect, filter, and provide the high quality of water in our wells. They protect and support fish and wildlife in Lake Attitash, the Merrimack River, and other water bodies in town. They provide habitat and food sources for the birds and other animals that make Merrimac a unique place to live. They provide large tracts of open and undeveloped land that make up the quality of life we all enjoy in Merrimac. The Commission is eager to assist landowners in their decisions about whether and how to proceed with a project near wetlands. We encourage all residents to contact us regarding any questions or concerns related to the Towns wetland resources. The Commission is always looking for interested citizens that may want to become involved in working to protect the valuable wetland resources we all share in Merrimac. If you have an interest or expertise in protecting wetlands, please contact any of the Commission members, or just attend one of the meetings to get involved.

Respectfully Submitted,

Merrimac Conservation Commission