Conservation Commission advances draft wetlands ordinance, continues Ballard Street hearing.
Conservation Commission · Meeting of March 9, 2026
EASTHAMPTON — Conservation Commission advances draft wetlands ordinance to city council for subcommittee review. The ordinance, a multi-year effort begun in 2022, expands protections beyond state regulations by setting stream floodplain boundaries at the 500-year level (versus 100-year under state law), protecting intermittent streams along their full reach, establishing 100-foot vernal pool buffer zones with inner 50-foot no-disturb areas, and requiring climate impact narratives for projects. Mass Audubon ecologist Tom Lautzenheiser affirmed the ordinance guides development away from high-risk areas and addresses climate change.
The Commission will present the ordinance again at March 23 and April 13 meetings before formal council action.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 325 words
Source: the Conservation Commission meeting of March 9, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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