Frequently Asked Questions

The Natick Conservation Commission is the local authority charged with the protection of Natick’s natural resources including Wetland areas. It’s a 7 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 By-law (Section 2 of Article 79) and General Wetlands Protection Rules and Regulations.

The commissions meets twice a month on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month.

Copies of state and town Wetland regulations and the commission's meeting agenda and schedules can be found on the Conservation Commission's page or links found on that page.

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; 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 the Department of Public Works (DPW). Check the DPW page 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 purchased 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 website for details on applications and the Commission’s meeting schedules.

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.

Wetland areas include:

• Ponds
• Marshes
• Meadows
• Seasonal pools of water and their banks
• Seasonal Streams
• Streams
• Swamps
• Wet woods

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.