Wetlands & River Protection Acts

What is the Wetlands Protection Act?
The Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. ch.131, s. 40) was enacted to protect wetlands, associated resource areas, and floodplains from possible negative impact of development. Massachusetts enacted the Wetlands Protection Act in 1963. In doing so it became the first State to adopt regulations protecting wetlands.

What is the Rivers Protection Act?
The River's Protection Act was enacted by the Massachusetts Legislature on August 7, 1996. The River Act created a new resource area, the "Riverfront Area", which are administered as part of the State's Wetland Protection Act.

Who Protects our Wetlands and Rivers?
The Norwood Conservation Commission has jurisdiction for work taking place within the Wetland and Riverfront protected areas.