Conservation Commission

Sub Committee(s)

Conservation Commission Agent: Adam Kohl - leverettconcom@gmail.com

Mailing address: PO Box 300, Leverett, MA 01054

Meeting Schedule: The Conservation Commission meets on the first Monday of the month at 7:00 pm online via Zoom. Please see the Town Events Calendar for exact dates, times and agendas. The agenda may change to reflect unforeseen business.

No meetings currently scheduled.

Members

7 of 7 seats. 3 years each seat.

David Powicki, Chair. 2022.
Ralph Tiner. 2022.
Gail Berrigan. 2023.
Jono Neiger. 2023.
Joan Deely. 2024.
Julia Firl. 2025.
Seth Heminway. 2025.

The Leverett Conservation Commission is responsible for matters related to conservation planning and land management. The Commission helps update the five-year Open Space and Recreation Plan, administers State Wetland and Riverfront Protection statutes, and helps with the acquisition of open space.

What are the financial implications of land protection? Read more here: https://masswoods.org/sites/masswoods.org/files/pdf-doc-ppt/cost%20of%20community%20services%20for%20four%20towns.pdf

Wetlands Protection in Leverett

It is illegal for anyone in Leverett to dredge, fill, modify or alter any of these resource areas without first filing for and receiving a permit from the Conservation Commission to do so. The protected resource areas include rivers, streams, brooks, ponds, vernal pools, wetlands and flood plains. Anyone whose property is within 100 feet of a wetland or within 200 feet of a perennial brook stream or river and who wishes to build, grade, clear, or do any work that would alter the resource area must contact the Conservation Commission before doing so. Any work permitted by the Board of Health such as repair or construction of disposal systems or wells which fall within a resource area must also receive a permit from the Conservation Commission. Applications for building permits which require the signature of the Conservation Commission must either demonstrate that the work to be done is not within a resource area or file under the Wetlands Protection Act.

Leverett enforces the the State Wetlands Protection Bylaw (MGL 310 CMR 10). There is not a local wetlands bylaw in Leverett. To view mapped wetlands in the Town of Leverett you can use the interactive Mass Mapper online tool here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massmapper-interactive-map.

Wetlands Forms Available Here

Wetlands Interactive Map

Priority Resources Map

USGS Topographic Maps

**Applications for permits under the Wetlands Protection Act must be received at least two weeks prior to the meeting date to allow time for site visits and the required newspaper advertisement. If you have any questions regarding the application, please contact the agent at concom@leverett.ma.us.**

Protected Open Space in Leverett -view map here

Previous meetings:

Tue, Oct 4, 2022 at 07:00 PM -- Zoom
Mon, Sep 12, 2022 at 07:00 PM -- Zoom
Tue, Aug 30, 2022 at 07:00 PM -- Call-in Virtual (Zoom)
Mon, Aug 15, 2022 at 07:00 PM -- Zoom
Mon, Jul 11, 2022 at 07:00 PM -- Call-in Virtual (Zoom)
Mon, Jun 13, 2022 at 07:00 PM -- Call-in Virtual (Zoom)
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Current Projects

(for copies of project files contact the ConCom Agent)

NOI Leverett Pond Weed Management
An updated Leverett Pond weed management plan submitted by the Friends of Leverett Pond is under review
RDA 112 Shutesbury Rd- septic project
A new driveway proposal within the riverfront area.

Friends of Leverett Pond Files

Information for WPA Applicants

Conservation Commission Meetings

Utilities Operational Plans

LIDAR Maps of Leverett

Additional Info

Update 11/8/2021: At the November 8th meeting the Leverett Pond Notice of Intent (DEP file # 200-0196) and the Request for Determination were continued to the December 6th meeting at the request of the Friends of Leverett Pond because their environmental consultant could not attend on November 8th. Time will be made for public comment regarding these projects at the Dec 6th meeting.

The direct link to "Answers to Commission Questions" can be found here. Full materials related to the Notice of Intent are posted on this webpage if you scroll down to the Friends of Leverett Pond section.

Update 3/26/21: National Grid will before maintance and tree trimming, vegation mowing, and tree removal along the ROW. You can read the notice and view the map.

Update 2/3/21: The replacement of structures along the Eversource Right of Way (DEP File # 200-0195) within resource areas is scheduled to begin February 8, 2021.

UPDATE: Due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19 the Conservation Agent, Tessa Dowling, will be working remotely. The Conservation Commission and the Agent can still be reached at 413-548-1022 ext. 3 or by e-mailing concom@leverett.ma.us. Upcoming meetings will be held remotely using Go to Meeting.

Eversource/GZA Notice of Intent