Haverhill Conservation Commission

The City of Haverhill established its Conservation Commission in 1965 for the promotion and development of its natural resources and for the protection of its watershed resources. Since that time the Commission's role in environmental protection has continuously evolved. The Commission is now empowered to administer and enforce state laws and regulations associated with the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, Rivers Protection Act, and Stormwater Management Standards, as well as the City's wetlands protection ordinance.

The Commission takes an active role in advising other municipal departments, boards, and committees on conservation issues relating to their areas of responsibility. Thus, the Commission serves the community in regulatory, planning, and advisory capacities. 

The City of Haverhill updated its Conservation Commission ordinance in 2024 to allow for the appointment of up to three Conservation Partners.  These appointees are not voting members of the Commission.  Rather, Conservation Partners volunteer their time to assist the Commission with maintaining the City's Open Space and Recreation Plan and working with volunteers in the community to bring that Plan to life.