Conservation Commission

Friends of Pine Meadow Land Stewardship Program

The Town of Ayer is partnering with Devens Enterprise Commission for a joint project designed for climate resiliency, a pocket forest project. Not sure what exactly a pocket forest is and want to learn more and how they work or how to help out, please visit the Ayer/Devens Pocket Forest Project website


The Ayer Conservation Commission is composed of five volunteer members appointed by the Select Board for renewable three-year terms and is supported by a full-time Agent. The Commission and Agent review applications for work being conducted within the wetland buffer zone areas as well as riverfront areas. The Agent also works with other Town Departments reviewing plans for any Conservation related issues or concerns.

The Commission is responsible for administrating the provision of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (WPA), M.G.L. chapter 131, Section 40, and Regulations 310 C.M.R. 10.00, the Town of Ayer Wetlands Bylaw, Regulations and polices. The Commission oversees activities in the area of all streams, rivers, and ponds in Ayer including two Great Ponds, Long Pond and Sandy Pond. The Commission also manages several properties including Pine Meadow Conservation Area and oversees several Conservation Restrictions including one at Autumn Ridge, and with the Open Space Residential Development (OSRD) all new subdivisions in town are required to have at least 50% open space with a Conservation Restriction. These new areas include Curley Circle, Shaker Pond Road, and Panther Place off Washington Street. The Commission currently has a contract with North County Land Trust to help oversee these Conservation Restrictions.

Meetings:  The Commission holds bimonthly meetings on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. 

Staff Contacts

Name Title Phone
Heather Hampson Conservation Agent 978-772-8220 ext. 143
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