Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission is an agent of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts responsible for administering the Wetlands Protection Act for Berlin to protect our water supply and environment (MGL Chapter 131 Section 40). The Conservation Commission is also responsible for the acquisition and management of open space conservation land (MGL Chapter 40 Section 8C).

The Conservation Commission is constantly pursuing opportunities to protect critical wetlands and wildlife habitat in Berlin. Some of these opportunities take years to mature. Such acquisitions are purchased with funds from the “Berlin Open Space Fund” and/or government grants (no Berlin taxpayer funds required!). The “Berlin Open Space Fund” has been funded primarily by one-time and annual contributions from the Solomon Pond mall. The Highlands Commons mall, per a contract obligation as part of the town-voted re-zoning approval, is contracted to make a signification contribution to the fund in the future.

About Us

The Conservation Commission meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month at 7:00PM in the Berlin Town Offices. The public is encouraged to attend any meeting, can join as an Associate Member, and bring any conservation or wetlands-related questions to the Conservation Commission at any time. We can help ensure that your activities are in accordance with State of Massachusetts wetlands regulations and save you time and expense if you contact the Conservation Commission before any activities within 100 feet of wetlands and intermittent streams or within 200 feet of perennial streams (flows most of the year). Contact a commission member, attend any regularly scheduled meeting, or email us below (emails are checked at minimum one week before each regularly scheduled meeting).

Activities of the Berlin Conservation Commission are detailed in the most recent Annual Report, which appeared in the Berlin Annual Report for that year. For wetlands questions, read Living with Wetlands, A Guide to Wetland Protection Laws in Berlin.

Contact the Conservation Commission at conservation@townofberlin.com

Staff Contacts

Name Title
Mattie VandenBoom Conservation Agent
NameRoleTerm Expires
Robin Berry

Member

5/31/2023

Member

5/31/2023

Walter Bickford

Member

5/31/2024

Carolyn MacDonald

Member

5/31/2024

Holly Kennedy-Degruttola

Member

5/31/2023

Louise R. Janda

Member

5/31/2025

Kyle Tucker

Member

5/31/2025