Frequently Asked Questions

The Burlington Conservation Commission is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the associated Burlington Bylaws. The Commission is also responsible for the care and management of over 250 acres of permanently protected open space called Conservation Areas.

Inland wetlands are areas where water is at or just below the surface of the ground. Although these wetlands can appear dry during some seasons, they contain enough water to support certain plants and soils. While some maps may show wetlands, their accuracy is limited. Conservation Department staff are trained to identify these wetlands.

Additionally, a wetland scientist can tell you if your property contains wetlands. All wetland delineations are subject to Conservation Commission review and approval.

Basically, any work within the floodplain, 100 feet of a wetland, or 200 feet of a stream needs to be reviewed and approved by the Conservation Commission. For detailed information, please visit the Filing Requirements page or contact the Conservation Department.

All paperwork must be submitted two weeks prior to the Conservation Commission meeting in order to be included on the agenda. The upcoming meeting schedule can be found on the Conservation Commission page.

If you have concerns about a blocked culvert, you should contact the Engineering Department to determine if the culvert is part of their easement inventory, which would allow maintenance and repair activities.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides floodplain maps for review and purchase online. These maps can also be viewed at the Conservation Department, although the Conservation Department cannot answer any questions about flood insurance or your floodplain designation; those questions should be directed to FEMA.

The Conservation Commission does not have jurisdiction over trees further than 100 feet from a wetland or 200 feet from a stream. If you are looking to cut or trim a tree within those distances, please contact the Conservation Department and we will review your request to determine if a filing is required.

The Conservation Commission does not typically allow trees to be cut on Conservation property. It is the intention of the Conservation Commission to maintain open space in its natural state and the Commission and staff work diligently to protect the trees and other vegetation on Conservation land from destruction.

However, if your home or property is in danger because of an unhealthy or dead tree, please contact the Conservation Department to discuss the issue.

We have updated our website to include detailed information, including maps, for our Conservation Areas. Visit the Conservation Areas page to download and print information about our Conservation Areas. Maps are also available at the Conservation Department.