Practical Wetlands Protection for Residential Landscape Projects: Working With Conservation Commissions

This informative program "Practical Wetlands Protection for Residential Landscape Projects: Working With Conservation Commissions" was held at The New England Wild Flower Society's Garden in the Woods, and was geared to help you make the right decisions when dealing with wetland protection issues.

Panel members included:
Ecological landscape designer and conservation agent Kale Kalloch,
DEP circuit rider Kathy Robertson
DEP circuit rider Jason Lederer

Healthy wetlands are crucial for maintaining water quality for humans, animals and plants. The Massachusetts' Wetlands Protection Act, administered by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), requires approval of certain activities by each municipality’s conservation commission before site work begins in the wetland buffer zone.

This panel discussion, with case studies, was designed for homeowners and landscape professionals who want to act responsibly to protect our threatened marshes, ponds, and streams. Attendees learned which landscape activities and resources are regulated; how to determine whether your project must be reported; and how to work effectively with your local conservation commission to avoid homeowner liability. This important seminar covered basic wetland identification and great native plants for buffer zones. Questions and site-specific issues were addressed.