Conservation Commission

The Andover Conservation Commission is a seven-member volunteer board.  These volunteers are all Andover residents and come from a variety of backgrounds.  As a Board, they serve two main functions.  

First, the Andover Conservation Commission are responsible for administering the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the Andover Wetlands Protection Bylaw in the Town of Andover.  These two sets of regulations help protect wetland resource areas and other sensitive natural environments in the Town of Andover.  Activities that will remove, fill, dredge, or alter wetlands or their corresponding buffer zones are prohibited under these regulations without first obtaining a permit from the Andover Conservation Commission.

The Conservation Commission meets biweekly on the first and third Tuesday of every month throughout the year; however, sometimes the timing of holidays impacts this schedule. Dates of Conservation Commission meetings are listed on Andover Conservation’s main webpage or under the “Wetland Permitting Information and Application Materials” menu. At their meetings, the Andover Conservation Commission reviews and makes decisions on wetland permit applications, reviews proposals for maintenance activities or projects on Andover Conservation lands, and discusses public uses of Andover Conservation lands.  Other pertinent topics such as state environmental regulations, activities with local schools, collaborations with other Town staff, invasive species management, wildlife sightings, or educational opportunities such as conferences may also be discussed.

Second, the Andover Conservation Commission are responsible for acting as the trustees – in perpetuity for the Andover Conservation lands maintained as open space in the Town of Andover.  These lands total approximately 2,200 acres throughout Town.  These lands are critical in supporting clean air and water, wildlife habitat, and recreational amenities for Andover residents and visitors alike. 

Please email or call with questions or concerns and we will respond as soon as we can.

Click here to view agendas & minutes for Conservation Commission meetings.

Click here to view meeting packets for Conservation Commission meetings.