Yarmouth Conservation Commission
Regulates all work within or adjacent to wetland areas under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. Manages over 1,800 acres of conservation land in Yarmouth.
Current Members & Staff (2025–2026)
| Member | Role |
|---|---|
| David Bernstein | Chair · Also represents Commission on Water Resources Advisory Committee |
| Paul Huggins | Vice-Chair · Also represents Commission on Community Preservation Committee |
| Bradford Bower | Member |
| John Frost | Member |
| Patricia Mulhearn | Member · Also represents Commission on Land Disposition Committee |
| Elly Tierney | Member |
| Staff | Contact |
|---|---|
| Brittany DiRienzo — Conservation Administrator | (508) 398-2231, Ext. 1288 |
Members appointed by the Select Board. Source: yarmouth.ma.us
What the Conservation Commission Does
The Conservation Commission regulates all work that occurs within or adjacent to wetland areas under Massachusetts and local conservation regulations. Key responsibilities include:
Reviews Notices of Intent (NOI) for any work within 100 feet of a wetland resource. Issues Orders of Conditions specifying what is allowed and what protections must be in place.
Oversees management of over 1,800 acres of town-owned conservation land, including trails, wildlife habitat, and public open spaces.
Has authority to issue cease and desist orders for violations of wetland protection laws. Can require restoration of unlawfully altered resource areas.
Protects critical wildlife habitats and coordinates with state agencies on endangered species. The Conservation Administrator oversees protection of endangered species habitats.
Conservation Areas & Trails
Active Issues & Projects (2025–2026)
The Bass Hole (Grey’s Beach) Boardwalk was significantly damaged by ice in February 2026. The Conservation Commission is involved in permitting the restoration, which requires review given the boardwalk’s location in a coastal wetland resource area. The Town is assessing repair vs. full rebuild options.
Following the February 2026 blizzard, the Conservation Division is gathering data on storm-damaged trees across conservation areas to assess the extent of damage and plan restoration activities. The Commission issued a public request for residents to report fallen trees on conservation land.
The $207M sewer expansion project involves excavation in multiple areas adjacent to or crossing wetland resource areas. The Conservation Commission reviews and conditions all sewer construction activities that affect protected resource areas, requiring mitigation and monitoring.
📅 Meetings, Filings & Resources
The Conservation Commission meets at 5:00 PM on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month in the Hearing Room on the lower level of Town Hall, 1146 Route 28, South Yarmouth.
The Conservation Commission manages over 1,800 acres of Yarmouth conservation land.