Conservation Commission (ConComm)
Mission Statement:
The Palmer Conservation Commission (PCC) is a seven-member board of volunteers appointed by the Town Manager. The duties and responsibilities of a Conservation Commission are spelled out in the Conservation Commission Act (MGL Ch 40 § 8C). Under this Act a municipal Conservation Commission is the official agency specifically charged with the protection of a community’s natural resources. The Conservation Commission also advises other municipal officials and boards on conservation issues that relate to their areas of responsibility.
The Conservation Commission is also responsible for administering the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (MGL Ch 131 § 40) and associated regulations (310 CMR 10.00). Under this law, the Conservation Commission serves the community in a regulatory as well as a conservation capacity.
The Conservation Commission also reviews all Forest Cutting Plans within the town and any project within areas of protected rare/endangered species and/or priority habitat governed by the National Heritage Endangered Species Program (NHESP), a division of the Massachusetts Fisheries & Wildlife.
Meeting Information:
The Conservation Commission meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm in the Town Council Room at Palmer’s Administration Building. The times and dates of the meetings may be changed based on the availability of the members or applicants. Agendas are posted in accordance with the Open Meeting Law virtually on this website’s meeting calendar, and in-house at the Administration Building. Thanks to the local cable station, MPACT, meetings are streamed live by the provider.