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Community Development
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Conservation Division
Conservation Commission
Wetlands Protection
Frequently Asked Questions
Conservation Land
Lexington Conservation Stewards
Watershed Stewardship
Upcoming Events
Other Related Links
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Conservation
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday
General Information Line: 781-862-0500 x226
Fax: 781-861-2780
Email: Wetlands
Land and Watershed Stewardship
Conservation Commission
Directory:
| Conservation Administrator |
Karen Mullins |
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| Conservation Assistant |
Emily Schadler |
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| Conservation Clerk |
Louise Vinci |
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SPECIAL NOTICE - New Regulations for Dog Walkers at Willard's Woods Go Into Effect September 1
Starting September 1, 2010, dogs must be on leash on Saturdays and Sundays at all times and in all locations at Willard’s Woods; dogs may be walked off leash on weekdays, but they must remain under the immediate restraint and control of their walker, either by leash or voice command, as required by Town of Lexington bylaw. Read more>>
SPECIAL NOTICE - Open Space and Recreation Plan Update
Lexington's 2009 Open Space and Recreation Plan is now complete. Copies of the document are available for viewing in the Conservation office, the Recreation office, and at Cary Memorial Library. Due to the large size of the document, we are not able to post a copy on the website at this time.
Conservation Division Overview
The Conservation Division serves three primary purposes:
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to administer and enforce state and local wetlands protection codes, as well as the state Stormwater Management Policy
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to manage over 1,300 acres of town-owned conservation land and monitor conservation easements and restrictions
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to conduct outreach and education regarding the town's natural resources and watersheds
Conservation Commission
The Conservation Commission serves to protect and preserve the natural resources of the town and to acquire land for conservation and recreation purposes. A major aspect of the Conservation Commission’s work is to protect the streams, rivers, and wetlands in Lexington by overseeing the permitting process for activities that may affect these areas. Learn more>>
Wetlands Protection
The Wetlands Protection Act (Massachusetts General Law Chapter 131, Section 40) prohibits any filling, excavation, or other alteration of the land surface or vegetation in wetlands, floodplains, or within 100 feet of wetlands, regardless of ownership, without a permit from the local Conservation Commission. Town rules (Chapter 130) also apply to activities that may impact wetlands. Anyone seeking to do any work within 100 feet of a wetland, 200 feet of a river or stream, or in any area that may cause additional runoff into a wetland, river, or stream must obtain prior approval of the Conservation Commission. Learn more>>
Conservation Land
Over 1,300 acres--or approximately 12% of the town's area--have been protected in Lexington either as town-owned conservation lands or as conservation restrictions or easements. This conserved land provides our town with wildlife habitat, ecosystem services such as air and water filtration, and recreational and educational opportunities. We invite you to explore one of our 27 conservation areas, including places like Willard's Woods, Dunback Meadow, and Whipple Hill. Learn more>>
Lexington Conservation Stewards
A dedicated team of volunteers, the Lexington Conservation Stewards, helps the Conservation Division to steward and manage the conservation land in Lexington. The Stewards host stewardship workdays, publish a newsletter, and hold two annual meetings with guest lecturers. Joining is easy! Learn more>>
The Lower Vine Brook running through Lexington |
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