Environmental Conservation

About the Conservation Department

The Haverhill Conservation Department is the home of the Haverhill Conservation Commission and is here to serve the needs of the community on a variety of environmental issues. The City of Haverhill established its Conservation Commission around 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 Conservation Department staff works closely with the Commission, serving as a liaison between the Commission and the community, including residents, landowners, consultants, and land use professionals, as well as other government agencies and departments. The staff assists the Commission in its administration of various environmental laws and regulations; provides project reviews and interacts with applicants; makes field inspections; and serves as an informational resource on community open space, federal flood information, regulatory changes, etc. The staff also makes every effort to assist residents on matters pertaining to fishing, hunting, and boating.

Department Contact Information