Land for Agricultural Use.
The Stow Conservation Commission has 10 acres more or less of land located on Tuttle Lane in Stow, which may be licensed through the Commission for agricultural use. The 10-acre parcel of land located off Tuttle Lane has been used for agriculture since the 1700’s. There is a fire pond on the land that can be used as a water source. A fee will be applied to the multi-year license when granted. The amount of the fee is currently negotiable but will start at $50.00 an acre per year. Preference will be given to local farmers and preference will be given to the production of food organically grown. The license will require proof of liability insurance.
Proposals to use the land will be accepted by the Stow Conservation Commission, 380 Great Road, Stow, MA 01775, until the close of business on Friday, April 1, 2011. Proposals must include a description of the proposed use of the land, a statement of proposed management practices, and a proposed license fee. For further information contact the Stow Conservation Commission, 380 Great Road, Stow, MA 01775 for by calling 978-897-8615.
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NOTICE OF VACANCY
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
1 member
Duties: The Conservation Commission administers and enforces the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the Town of Stow Wetlands Protection Bylaw and Regulations. Reviews all proposed activity within 100 feet of a wetland resource, 200 feet of a pond, river or stream. The Commission also manages over 1,200 acres of conservation lands throughout the community.
Qualifications: Registered voter of Stow. Commitment to environmental issues or related background and willingness to acquire a working knowledge of the Wetland Protection Act Regulations and the Town of Stow Wetland Protection Bylaw & Regulations.
Term: Appointment by the Board of Selectmen to fill a three-year term to end June 30, 2013.
Application: The Board of Selectmen and Conservation Commission will accept letters of application until the position is filled.
Posted 12/1/10
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Meeting Schedule: First and Third Tuesdays at 7:30 PM
Purpose & Duties
The Conservation Commission was established in Stow in 1963 and, under state law, may not be abolished. The duties and responsibilities of a Conservation Commission are spelled out in the Conservation Commission Act. Under this Act, a municipal Conservation Commission is the official agency specifically charged with the protection of a community's natural resources. The Conservation Commission also advises other municipal officials and boards on conservation issues that relate to their areas of responsibility.
The first powers given to Commissions in 1957 focused on promotion and development of natural resources and protection of watershed resources. Under these powers Commissions exercise the functions of planning, acquiring and managing open space, and encouraging and monitoring conservation and agricultural preservation restrictions. The Commission relies heavily on associate members and volunteers to assist with managing over 1,000 acres of conservation land for the protection of wildlife and passive recreation. The Commission has adopted regulations for the use of the town's conservation lands and permits are required for community garden plots, horseback riding, camping and large groups. Trail Maps are available in the office of the Conservation Commission.
In 1972 the Commission was given the responsibility of administering the Wetlands Protection Act (G.L. Ch. 131 40). Thus the Commission serves the community in a regulatory as well as a conservation capacity. The Commission also enforces The Town of Stow Wetland Protection Bylaw adopted in 1983. The Commission spends much of its time reviewing proposed development projects in or near wetlands and other water resource areas through the public hearing process and issues permits for any projects that may impact wetland resources.
The Community Preservation Act was adopted by Stow and the Conservation Commission has, by law, a seat on the local Community Preservation Committee; the Commission chooses its representative.
Open Space and Recreation Plans are critical tools for analyzing a community's protected land and water areas, and for identifying remaining undeveloped parcels and important local resources. Through a plan, parcels can be prioritized for future acquisition. To be eligible for state Self-Help money to buy land, a municipality must have a current approved or draft Open Space and Recreation Plan on file with the state. The Commission appoints volunteers and associate members to update the plan every five years.
The Commission also has a representative on the Master Plan Committee. A master plan sets out the goals a community has relative to growth and development, largely through planning for zoning changes. Within the framework of a master plan, a community could plan for open space conservation through certain types of zoning or plans for acquisition that meets the goals and needs identified in a master plan.
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