Conservation Commission

Meetings

  • 5:30 p.m. second and fourth Thursday of each month (generally)
  • City Hall
    Hearing Room (second floor)
    210 Main Street
    Northampton, MA 01060

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

Most Recent Agenda (PDF) | View All Agendas and Minutes

Agendas and Minutes Prior to 2014

Members

 
  • Vacancy
    Term expires June 2026
  • C. Mason Maronn
    Term expires June 2028
  • Paul Foster-Moore
    Term expires June 2028
  • David Reckhow
    Term expires June 2025
  • Elizabeth Spriggs
    Term expires June 2026
  • Melissa Curtin, Chair
    Term expires June 2027
  • R. Downey Meyer                                      Term Expires June 2026

Mission

Serve as the conservation conscience of the city, providing community leadership for natural resources protection and planning. By coordinating closely with city agencies, boards, and commissions related to city development, the Conservation Commission works to protect and enhance plant and wildlife habitat to maintain the natural resources and preserve the quality of life for inhabitants of Northampton. The Conservation Commission also strives to keep informed of advances in environmental protection and of the activities of neighboring Conservation Commissions to maintain current and regional perspectives on environmental matters.

About the Commission

The Conservation Commission is charged with acquiring and managing open space, and encouraging and monitoring conservation and agricultural preservation restrictions. The Conservation Commission oversees more than 2,500 acres of open space.

Board Bylaws (Common bylaws for Central Business Architecture, Conservation Commission, Historical Commission, Planning Board, and Zoning Board).

The Commission is primarily charged with administration of the State's Wetlands Protection Act, to ensure that proposed work does not negatively impact wetlands. Members will learn regulations that go along with this law including performance standards, alteration thresholds, definitions of resource areas, and more. The Commission also oversees the City's protected open space and works on permitting. 

The Commission generally meets twice per month. Review of permit materials, applications, and other materials prior to each meeting is critical. 


Resources