What is the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act?

In short, the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (MGL C. 131, § 40) and regulations (310 CMR 10.00) protect wetlands from alteration, degradation, and destruction. Among the types of wetlands protected include floodplains, swamps, marshes, and wet meadows. In order to do work either in or within 100 feet (200 feet if you’re near a perennial stream), a permit, or Order of Conditions, is required from the Conservation Commission.

On top of the protection provided by the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, many cities and towns, including Holliston, have wetland protection bylaws that have additional restrictions on work to be done near wetlands. There is no additional permit required, however; applications for work to be done are processed under the state and town laws by the conservation commission.