Conservation Commission responsibilities include administering wetlands protection regulations and making recommendations on the planning, acquisition and management of property for conservation and passive recreation.
Upcoming Meetings
Please review the Meeting Schedule for meeting dates and application deadlines.
Meeting Video and Agendas and Minutes of past meetings are available!
Permits & Applications
Please refer to our Application Guidance Document or contact Planning Division staff for more information on how to apply.
Please note that a digital copy of all applications, plans and materials must be submitted as a PDF file to planning@worcesterma.gov. Please refer to applicable instructions for additional details.
Applications:
Please note the following:
- If needed, certified abutters lists should be obtained from the City's Assessing Office, Room 209, City Hall for a small fee. Please contact Assessing at least one week in advance to ensure timely receipt.
Land Acquisition
One of the Conservation Commission's charges is to plan for natural resource protection, acquire important land and water areas and manage these properties for conservation and passive recreation purposes. The Worcester Conservation Commission has acquired a number of diverse open spaces in recent years including the Crow Hill Conservation Area and Donker Farm.
FEMA Resources
There are many helpful resources available for free from FEMA to help understand and prevent losses to property. Click on the link below to expand and view a list of such resources.
- The National Flood Insurance Program
- Above the Flood: Elevating Your Floodprone House
- Coastal Construction Manual
- Elevated Residential Structures
- Mitigation of Flood and Erosion Damage to Residential Buildings in Coastal Areas
- Protecting Building Utilities from Flood Damage
- Protecting Floodplain Resources
- Protecting Manufactured Homes from Floods & Other Hazards
- Reducing Damage from Localized Flooding
Laws, Regulations & Policies
- 310 CMR 10.00: Wetlands Protection Act Regulations
- Brochure - Wetlands Protection Act & Ordinance - What Property Owners Need to Know
- Conservation Commission Policy - Compensatory Flood Storage
- Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act G.L. Ch. 131 Section 40
- Planting for Resilience Guide
- Recommended Tree Species for Worcester
- Wetlands Protection Ordinance and Regulations
Maps
- BioMap - Online Mapping Application with a Focus on Biodiversity
- City of Worcester Flood Zones
- Map - Conservation Commission Reference (CARDistrict, FEMA, Combined Sewer System)
- MassMapper - Online Mapping Application Providing Approximate Locations and Extent of Resource Areas (Wetlands, Streams, etc.)
- Wetlands Protection Ordinance - Combined Sewer System Area and CARD District
Forest Health Assessment
Reports from a forest health assessment of Conservation Commission properties across the City are now available.
FEMA Flood Map Update
FEMA released preliminary maps as part of the Blackstone River Watershed Risk Map Update. The new maps mark the first significant update to the city's flood maps since 2011.
