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The Palmer Conservation Commission (PCC) is a seven-member board of volunteers appointed by the Town Manager.
MISSION STATEMENT - The mission of the Palmer Conservation Commission is to protect wetlands and resources in the town of Palmer through acquisition, management, education, and regulations: to act as a liaison between the public and other governmental agencies in protecting our natural resources and to become an environmental/educational resource for citizens, groups, organizations, as well as local, State and Federal agencies.
The Commission reviews proposed projects that fall under the following jurisdiction:.
WETLANDS PROTECTION ACT AND BYLAW
The Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the Palmer Wetlands Bylaw prohibit altering land, water or vegetation in lakes, streams, wetlands, floodplains, or areas within 100 feet of wetlands (and 200 feet of perennial streams) without a permit from the Palmer Conservation Commission. (Wetlands include Banks, Beaches, Dunes, Flats, Marshes, Wet Meadows, Swamps, Bordering Vegetated Wetlands, Land Under Water, Land Subject to Flooding, Streams, Ponds, Vernal Pools, and Riverfront Areas). The Rivers Protection Act (Ch. 258 of the Acts of 1996) provides similar protections within 200 feet
of most streams and is incorporated into the Wetlands Protection Act. Further information on wetlands protection and permit applications is available from the state DEP Wetlands website, at the Conservation Office in the Town Administration Building, and on this town website.
In 2002, the Town of Palmer adopted a Densely Developed Area (DDA) that comprises of four areas bordering the Swift, Ware, Quaboag, and Chicopee Rivers. The town’s historic pattern of development has been along the river valleys, with railroads, industries, residences and commercial uses being located in the four villages adjacent to one or more of the rivers. The DDA map is an amendment to the River Protection Act’s 200-foot riverfront, and shows specific lots in Palmer that have a 25-foot Riverfront. The Palmer Conservation Commission requires the filing of a Notice of Intent for any work proposed within
this 25-foot area.
Please contact the Conservation Agent in the Conservation Office located in the Town Administration Building, 4417 Main Street, Palmer (413-283-2611) to obtain additional information and assistance.
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