The Conservation Commission is a volunteer board comprised of seven members who are appointed by the Board of Selectmen. The Commission has the statutory responsibility of administering the Wetlands Protection Act (General Laws Chapter 131, Section 40), Article XXX of the Town of Holliston Bylaws, and other relevant laws, including the Rivers Protection Act. The Commission manages approximately 1,019 acres of land, donated or purchased for conservation and/or wetland protection purposes. Holliston's Wetlands Bylaw, Article XXX, and its Regulations protect Holliston's natural assets, including wetlands, related water resources, and certain adjoining upland areas, by providing for prior review and control of activities deemed to have a significant or cumulative adverse effect upon protected resource values. Activities within 100 of a wetland or 200 feet of a stream or vernal pool are subject to protection under the Bylaw. Protected resources include, but are not limited to:

1. public and private water and ground water supplies and quality,
2. wildlife habitat, including vernal pools and rare species habitat (including rare plant species),
3. adjacent "upland resource areas" (as defined in the Regulations), and
4. floodplains (which help to prevent storm damage).

Use this site to: Find Out About Special Projects - The Commission is currently updating the Town's Open Space & Recreation Plan. Your participation is crucial; your opinion counts! Learn Procedures - when and how to file and submit items for review. Access Forms Needed - Town of Holliston forms and schedules needed. Find Answers to Frequently Asked Questions - Get fast answers to commonly asked questions about Holliston's Conservation Commission, state and local laws, wildlife and conservation lands. Find Out What's New - Find out about new policies and procedures or revisions to the Regulations