Conservation Commission Vacancy

The Alford Conservation Commission has an opening and is seeking a volunteer to fill the position.

The Conservation Commission is charged with administering the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act regulations and the Berkshire Scenic Mountain Act regulations in Alford.  It is also charged with advising citizens and other town boards on conservation issues.

In broad terms, work in or near a wetland resource area requires Wetland permitting.  In Alford work above 990 feet in elevation (or on steep slopes over 900 feet) require Scenic Mountain permits.  It is the task of the Conservation Commission to consider projects and determine what conditions may be required for a project to protect these resource areas of Alford.

Candidates should have a strong commitment to conserving the natural environment of Alford.  While some experience in conservation is useful, it is not necessary.  Good training tools are available. Unless a candidate has previous experience with the Wetland Protection Act, they should be willing to complete an 8 unit online course from the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions.

The Commission meets the third Wednesday of the month as needed to consider project applications.  In normal times in Alford this could be four or five times a year.  Since the pandemic the commission has been meeting monthly to meet a surge of new and renovation construction.  Projects may require site visits before, during and after construction.

If you or someone you know would be interested in serving on the Alford Conservation Commission, please send a letter of interest to the Alford Conservation Commission at concomalford@gmail.com and come meet the Conservation Commission at our next meeting, 7:00pm, June 21 at Town Hall.  Questions may be sent to concomalford@gmail.com.

Alford Conservation Commission

Howard Wilson

Kent Peer Nous

Peter Tucker

Bridghe McCracken

Shannon Poulin, clerk