WHAT WETLANDS ARE WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE PROTECTED? REGULATED? A PROJECT IN MIND? By law, wetlands are defined by the kind of The Conservation Commission must permit 1. Determine if your project will occur plants that grow in them (such as jewel weed, activities that will alter wetlands or their within a wetland or buffer zone – see red maples, or skunk cabbage) and the kind buffer zones. Regulated activities include: the graphic on the back of this flyer. of soils that exist there. The Conservation • Dumping leaves, brush, grass, debris 2. Call the staff or a wetland specialist can help you • Cutting trees or shrubs Conservation determine whether you live near a wetland. • Reconstructing lawns Office with The Commission must permit any work: • Building or constructing structures or questions. a septic system o Within 100 feet of a: 3. Complete the required application. • Grading, excavating, or filling • Swamp or marsh • Changing storm water discharge 4. Attend a public hearing. • Forested wetland • Polluting wetlands or streams 5. Get a permit before starting work. • Vernal pool • Pond You can maintain lawfully existing (grand- WHAT HAPPENS TO VIOLATORS? • Intermittent stream fathered or permitted) structures, lawns and landscapes, and you can do some limited Violations include unpermitted: o Within 200 feet of a stream that flows vista pruning of trees, but cutting of whole • Dumping of grass, leaves, brush, or year round trees, clearing understory, construction, debris in a wetland or buffer zone; o Within the 100-year flood zone earth disturbing activities, or drainage • Cutting of trees or shrubs within altering activities require a permit. Riverfront Area, wetland, or buffer; or Wetlands may not be wet all the time. Low • Building without a permit within areas that flood in the spring may be WHAT WETLAND LAWS APPLY? Riverfront Area, wetland, or buffer. wetlands. The Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Wetlands are valuable because they reduce Act protects the above-mentioned wetlands Under the Wetland Protection Act, the flooding, provide wildlife habitat, help and buffer zones from construction, filling, Conservation Commission can require illegally recharge aquifers, and filter polluted water. landscaping, and cutting. altered land to be restored to its original condition, and can issue fines. ARE BUFFER ZONES AROUND WHAT’S THE APPLICATION WETLANDS PROTECTED? PROCESS? HELP PROTECT WETLANDS! Yes! Buffer zones, the land within 100 feet In general, you must fill out a permit You can do more than just obey the law. of wetlands, are critical in maintaining health application (we have the forms for you), and productivity of wetlands. notify your abutters (we have those forms • Do not use fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, or deicers near wetlands. Laws also regulate work within 200 feet of a too), attend a public hearing (it’s easy), and • Encourage native vegetation and stream. resolve any concerns about protecting the wetlands (we help). Then you may receive a native wildlife. permit for the work. • Wetland Resource Areas and Buffer Zones LIVING WITH WETLANDS

A Guide to Wetland Protection Laws in Weston

200-foot Riverfront Area Read this before you dump, cut, or build near wetlands.

You may need a permit.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Wetlands on both public and private property are regulated.

• You are responsible for activity that occurs on your property. Before you hire a tree company, Weston Conservation Commission landscaper, or contractor call the Conservation office to determine if you need a permit. P.O. box 378 • Wetlands can be wooded or meadow-like; wetlands often appear dry in the summer. Weston, MA 02493

• Over 25% of Weston falls under wetland regulations (so your property may, too). Telephone: 781-786-5068 [email protected] • The Conservation Commission takes enforcement action for work done without a permit. FAX: 781-786-5069