What is protected by the Local Wetlands Protection Ordinance?
The Attleboro Wetlands Protection Ordinance provides protections in addition to those provided by the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, and includes areas that may not be protected by the Act. Specifically the ordinance protects: any vegetated freshwater wetlands, marshes, wet meadows, bogs and more. Vernal pools and lands within 100 feet of the pool boundaries are protected, regardless of whether they have been certified by the National Heritage Species Program or whether the pool is located within a state protected resource area.

The ordinance protects all of the interests identified in the state Act, in addition to erosion and sediment control, water quality, rare species habitat, agriculture, aquaculture and recreation values. A 25 foot wetland protection zone around all wetland resource areas is provided protection under the ordinance. This 25 foot Wetland Protection Zone is designated as a wetland resource area, as these lands are presumed to be significant to the protection of adjacent wetland resources. In order to work within these limits, permission must be obtained through the issuance of a Local Wetlands Permit (LWP) by the Conservation Commission.

Show All Answers

1. What is the Conservation Commission and what does it do?
2. What is the Wetlands Protection Act?
3. What resource areas are protected under the act?
4. How do I determine if there is a resource area on my property?
5. What is protected by the Local Wetlands Protection Ordinance?
6. What is overseen by the Stormwater Management Ordinance?
7. When should you consult the Conservation Commission?