T O W N O F M IL T O N

REPORT OF THE CONSERVATION COMMISSIONTo the Honorable Board of Selectmen:The Conservation Commission is appointed by the Board of Selectmen toimplement the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the Milton WetlandsBylaw. Our jurisdiction extends to 100 feet beyond wetlands and floodplains,and 200 feet beyond the banks of rivers and perennial streams. The Commissionconsists of six citizens of the Town — all volunteers. We meet monthly (onthe second Tuesday of each month) at Town Hall and perform periodic inspectionsof proposed projects and potential violations of the wetlands regulationswithin jurisdictional areas, as deemed necessary. The Commission has an annualbudget of $2,500 and technical and administrative support is provided bypersonnel from the Department of Public Works.During 2011, the Commission held twelve public meetings at Town Halland twelve site inspections, which are also public meetings. The Commissionconsidered a number of applications, known as Notices of Intent, for proposedconstruction of new homes, additions, swimming pools, subdivisions, and sewerand septic system upgrades. The Commission also considered proposals by institutions,including schools, charitable foundations, golf courses and the Townof Milton. Moreover, the Commission worked with state agencies, includingthe Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the MBTA, regardingprojects affecting the public’s transportation system and public access to naturalresources. The Commission approved a reconstruction project, involving apedestrian bridge over the Neponset River, at the site of the old Walter BakerChocolate factory. Among other significant projects, the Commission approvedthe construction of a Wind Turbine, which is located on Town land, adjacent tothe Quarry Hills Golf Course, which will provide electricity for usage by theTown as well as revenues from sale of power to the public utilities.The Commission submitted an Article for consideration by Town Meeting,to authorize the Commission to establish a revolving account to collect revenuesgenerated from fees and fines and to expend money from such revolvingfund for the environmental purposes identified in the Wetlands Protection Actand the Milton Wetlands By-Law. The Town Meeting approved the Article andthe fund has been established, although no expenditures have been made, todate. The Commission continues to be active in conservation issues that directlyaffect the Town.Respectfully submitted,John A. Kiernan, ChairmanJudith Darrell-KempKenneth NaideIngrid BeattieMichael BluttTammy Murphy92