By Samantha Bridgman

The Lunenburg Conservation Commission provides a vital service to the town, protecting its vast and various wetland areas. The seven member committee meets every first and third Wednesday of the month in the Ritter Memorial Building to hold hearings and review cases in progress.

    The commission conducts regular inspections of wetland areas in Lunenburg that include swamps and marshes, lakes, rivers and vernal pools. Wetland areas around town include areas along Route 2A, Hickory Hills and Lake Shirley and its tributaries. Extensive maps of the town’s wetlands are reviewed and updated as necessary. The commission members also review resident’s proposed projects to determine their proximity to wetland areas.

    Recently, a resident questioned her neighbor taking down trees on a Lake Shirley tributary. Her case is currently under investigation by the commission.

    “A resident needs to apply for a request for determination if the project is within 100 feet of wetlands or if there is a question of the existence of wetlands near the area,” said Vice Chairman JJ Cote. Permission is required for tree clearing, fence construction, regrading land, replacing or installing septic systems, additions to houses and new construction.

    A notice of intent is then placed by the resident, followed by a newspaper advertisement and abutter notification. After fulfillment of these requirements, the commission would open a hearing of the resident’s intent and would consult detailed maps of the area.

    “At this point, the project is either given the go-ahead or adjustments are made to the project plan. We work with the resident to come up with a viable option,” said Conservation Commission Field Director Matt Morro.

    Morro, a wetlands scientist, makes recommendations regarding the proposed project and if necessary visits the site to make further inspections.

    Residents with approved projects are then able to purchase the necessary which can cost upwards of $2,000.

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