What are Wetland areas?
Wetland areas include ponds, streams, seasonal streams, seasonal pools of water and their banks, or wet woods or meadows, marshes, swamps, bogs and flood plains often found adjacent to these water bodies and the 100-foot extension of land bordering each of these areas. Rivers and their banks are also included as Wetland areas but include a 200-foot extension of land around them.
Why are Wetland areas Important?
Wetland areas are important for several reasons. They store and filter water to help control flooding and protect the quality and quantity of the Town’s drinking water supply. They also provide a critical habitat for wildlife and help maintain the aesthetic beauty of the Town.
What do you need to know if you have Wetland areas on your property?
You need to know that it is illegal to fill Wetland areas. For example, no yard waste, such as leaves, grass, and brush can be dumped in Wetland areas and that includes a 100-foot bordering area of land, commonly known as the Wetland “buffer zone”. There are legal options available for discarding yard waste. Natick residents can take yard waste to the Recycling Center located on West Street during the week or wait for spring and fall curbside pick-up of yard waste sponsored by Public Works. Check the DPW web-site for details and schedules for the Recycling Center and the spring and fall clean-ups. Most yard waste can also be composted in a backyard composter. Backyard composters can be purcahsed at local stores or at the DPW yard on West Street. You should
also know that it is illegal to alter a Wetland area without the approval of the Natick Conservation Commission. A home improvement construction project located inside the 100-foot “buffer zone” most likely needs approval by the Natick Conservation Commission. Check this web-site for details on applications and the Commission’s meeting schedules.
What is the Natick Conservation Commission?
The Natick Conservation Commission is the local authority charged with the protection of Natick’s natural resources including Wetland areas. It’s a seven member board of volunteers appointed for specific terms by the Natick Board of Selectmen. Any work or activity in a Wetland area may need to be approved by the Commission before starting the work or activity. The Commission administers its approval and oversight of Wetland areas thru the state Wetlands Protection Act (G.L. Ch. 131 Sec. 40) and regulations (310 CMR 10.00) and the Town of Natick Wetland Protection Bylaw (Section 2 of Article 30) and General Wetlands Protection Rules and Regulations. The Commissions meets twice a month on the first and third Thursday of the month. Copies of state and town
Wetland regulations and the Commissions meeting agenda and schedules can be found on the Conservation Commission web-site or links found on that web-site.
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