Volunteering

Become a Commissioner!

The Conservation Commission comprises of seven volunteer members.  Each with a three-year term, appointed by the Select Board.  On average a commissioner spends four hours a month on the committee, between meetings and site visits.  Meetings are every first and third Monday of the month at 7:00PM, at the town hall or via zoom.  It is also possible that special meetings will be held for various reasons.

The Commission is entrusted with the application of the Wetland Protection Act, the Rivers Protection Act, CMR Wetlands Regulations, Storm Water Management Policy, and Southwick Local Wetlands Bylaws. They serve as the conservation conscience of the Town, providing leadership for natural resources planning.  The Commission also works to protect, and where possible enhance plant and wildlife habitat to maintain Southwick’s natural resources.  A link to the Mass General Laws describing the Commission can be found here.

The Select Board, whenever possible, will seek commission members with a variety in backgrounds, interests, ages, sex and geographic areas of residents, so that a true cross section of the community will be reflected.  Appointments are generally made by June 30th of each year.  Vacancies that occur outside of this timeframe will be filled accordingly.  We encourage you to submit your Appointment Application and/or Letter of Interest at any time of the year!

If this sounds like something you are interested in, please fill out an Appointment Application that can be found here at the Select Board website and return it to the Select Board’s office during operational hours.

Volunteer Your Time!

As an all-volunteer group, the Conservation Commission is responsible for stewarding approximately 545 acres of land, with the goal to acquire more land in the future!  We need your help more than ever.  Volunteers can do a variety of things including: property reports, trail maintenance, trash removal, build structures, create informational opportunities for the public, and the list goes on.  If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact the Conservation Commission with your name, best way to contact you as well as what skills and interests you have. 

Land Stewardship Reports

Hitting the Conservation Commission trails?  Consider printing out the following form and bring it with you.  You can help the Commission by being another set of eyes and report what you see!  After you fill out the form you may hand it into the Conservation Commission office or e-mail it to the address at the top of the form.  

Download Land Stewardship Volunteer Report Form