Frequently Asked Questions

• When does the Conservation Commission meet?

Public Hearings are typically held on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month, beginning at 7:00 P.M. at the Dedham Town Hall. Our annual meeting schedule is also posted on this webpage for your reference. Applications for permits are presented, discussed and voted upon. Agenda information is available at the Conservation Office, the Dedham Public Libraries, and the Dedham Town Hall notice board.

• What is the Primary function of the Conservation Office?

The Conservation Office and Board Members are responsible for protecting the wetlands, related water resources and adjoining land areas in the Town of Dedham, including but not limited to the following: public or private water supply, groundwater, flood control, erosion and sedimentation control, storm damage prevention, water pollution prevention, fisheries, shellfish, vernal pools, wildlife habitat, recreation, aesthetics, agriculture and aquaculture values (collectively, "the resource areas protected by the Town of Dedham General Wetland Protection ByLaw"). Copies of the Town of Dedham Wetlands Protection Bylaw & and Dedham Conservation Rules & Regulations are available at the Conservation Office for a $5.00 fee.

• What is the Conservation Commission's Jurisdiction?

Jurisdiction applies to all above resource areas and lands within 100 feet of any of these resource areas, and within 200 feet of any river, stream or bank. The Commission's jurisdiction also extends to any illegal dumping on public property or roadways within any of the above named resource areas.

• How are permits obtained to perform work within the Commission's jurisdiction?

Written application must be filed with the Conservation Office to perform any activities affecting these resource areas. Applications may be obtained at the Conservation Office, or through the Dept. of Environmental Protection's Website @ www.state.ma.us/dep