Conservation Commission

Meetings

• 6 pm
• 2nd Thursday of the month
• Town Hall, 2nd Floor Auditorium 109 Front Street

Agendas and Minutes 

Agendas are available before the meetings. Minutes are available and approved.

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Members

• Lionel Cloutier, Chair  Term expires 6/30/27
• Glen LaRochelle, Vice-Chair 6/30/26
• Melissa Blanchard, Member  Term expires 6/30/26
• Mike Kearns, Member  Term expires 6/30/28
• Barry Jean, Member  Term expires 6/30/28

Staff

Matthew Marro, Conservation Agent

Brianna Roberts, Recording Secretary

Description of Services

The Winchendon Conservation Commission is a five-member board responsible for the local administration and enforcement of the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act (MGL, Chapter 131, Section 40). The Conservation Commission has also assumed the same responsibilities for the Town of Winchendon Wetlands Protection Bylaw approved by voters at the 2007 Annual town Meeting. The Town of Winchendon Wetlands Protection Bylaw includes some stronger provisions over and above those found in the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, primarily in the form of greater no-build and no-disturb setbacks from wetland resource areas.

Generally, the Conservation Commission's regulatory authority is triggered when alteration or construction is proposed in a wetland or floodplain, within 100 feet of a wetland, or within 200 feet of a river, stream or brook that flows year round. Under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and town of Winchendon Wetlands Protection Bylaw, the Commission is required to issue decisions that provide for the following eight interests:

• Protection of public and private water supply
• Protection of ground water supply
• Flood control
• Prevention of storm damage
• Prevention of pollution
• Protection of land containing shellfish
• Protection of fisheries
• Protection of wildlife habitat