Overview

The Conservation Office is responsible for:

Wetland protection and permitting

The Conservation Commission reviews wetland applications and issues permits for any land-disturbing activities in or near streams, floodplains, and wetlands. Click here for more information on filing a wetlands permit.

Click here for information on Floodplains and Stormwater.

Click here for Conservation Commission Meeting Info and Documents.

The Conservation Commission is a 7-member volunteer board appointed by City Council. City staff members in the Conservation Office support the Commission. Learn more on the Commission webpage

Managing 300+ acres of conservation land

Newton has numerous ecologically diverse parcels of open space available for walking, bird-watching, and other passive recreational activities. The Conservation Office manages 22 parcels of conservation land totaling over 300 acres. Please note that dogs must be leashed when on Conservation parcels. Click here for more information about Conservation Areas

Serving as a general resource for natural resource management

Conservation Staff are involved in wide-ranging green efforts such as trail creation, native and invasive species education, stormwater and floodplain management, and climate resiliency. 

Click here for information on ACROSS loop trails.

Click here for information on our Volunteer Land Steward Program.

Click here for information on native and invasive species.

Click here for more information on Planning for the Future (Climate Action and OSRP.)