Our economic well-being and quality of life largely depend on our nation's wealth of natural resources, and wetlands are the vital link between our land and water resources.

The City of Holyoke Conservation Commission is responsible for protecting Holyoke’s natural resources. The Conservation Commission administers and enforces the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, the Massachusetts Rivers Protection Act and the City of Holyoke Wetlands Protection Ordinance and associated Regulations. These laws protect ponds, rivers, streams, wetlands, floodplains, vernal pools, and other sensitive environmental resources.

Projects near these resources require review and approval by the Commission. The Commission is also responsible for other special projects including management of 2012 Open Space and Recreation Plan, the water chestnut control project at Log Pond Cove, and open space protection. In addition to a wealth of industrial history, the City of Holyoke boasts a rich diversity of natural resources.

The land area of the City of Holyoke is approximately 12,000 acres. Of that, 6,200 acres are classified as open space, 7000 acres are forest, and 605 acres are bordering vegetated wetlands. The City has twelve miles of riverfront along the Connecticut River- An American Heritage River.

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Who are the Conservation Commissioners? 


The Conservation Commission consists of seven unpaid volunteers– all residents of Holyoke– appointed by the Mayor.  The current Commission provides the City of Holyoke with close to 100 years of wetlands permitting experience!   

Each Commissioner brings unique talents and interests to the board.  Some bring decades of permitting experience; some bring a love of public service; all bring a commitment to the protection of natural resources in Holyoke. The day-to-day affairs of the Commission are managed by a full-time paid director.

Current Commissioners:

1. Mary Moriarty, Chairperson  - Term Expires 2/1/14

2. Bernice Bowler, Vice-Chairperson- Term Expires 2/1/15

3. Sue Ellen Panitch – Term Expires 2/1/14

4. Anja Ryan – Term Expires 2/1/16

5. Jeff Horan – Term Expires 2/1/16

6. Adrian Dahlin – Term Expires 2/1/16

7. Christopher Sugrue- Term Expires 2/1/15

When does the Commission meet?

The Commission meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month except in  November and December.   Meetings are held at either 6:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m.. Meeting agendas are posted at least forty-eight hours in advance with the City Clerk and outside the Conservation Commission office. 

Generally meetings are held in the fourth floor conference room of City Hall Annex.  The door closest to the District Court is available for entry during meeting hours. During the warmer months, the Commission meets at the Jones Ferry River Access Center, 8 Oscar Street.    

All members of the public are invited to attend.  Meetings are governed by the Commissions’ Bylaws .

The Commission meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month except in  November and December.   Meetings are held at either 6:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m.. Meeting agendas are posted at least forty-eight hours in advance with the City Clerk and outside the Conservation Commission office. 

How do I learn more about wetlands? 

• Rivers_protection_act_handout
• Protecting_wetlands_in_holyoke
• Wetlands and Residence Landscapers
• Snow handling guidance
• Wetlands Science from the Environmental Protection Agency

Do I have wetlands on or near my property?

Send your name, address, telephone number and the address or map-block-parcel of the site that you are inquiring about to smitha@ci.holyoke.ma.us.  The Conservation Director will do preliminary research and contact you.  A site visit and determinations from the Conservation Commission are necessary to receive a legally binding response.   Please contact the Conservation Director at 413-322-5615 for assistance with the permitting process.

Does my project or activity require a permit?

If your project or activity is within 100’ of a wetlands, pond, lake or other resource area or within 200’ of a perennial stream, a permit is required.  Please note: the Holyoke Conservation Commission protects isolated wetlands and vernal pools under its local regulations.  A few minor projects and certain maintenance projects may be exempt from permitting.  Contact us for additional guidance prior to performing any work.

Where can I obtain Wetlands Protection Act Application Forms?  What are the filing requirements?

Typically, projects require a WPA Form 1- Request for Determination of Applicability or a WPA Form 3- Notice of Intent.  All Wetlands Protection Act forms can be retrieved from http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/approvals/wwforms.htm

Conservation Commission 2013 meetings

Local Conservation Commission Fees

Local Holyoke Wetlands Protection Regulations

MA Wetlands Protection Regulations- June 2009  (Includes revisions to stormwater management)

MA Wetlands Protection Regulations Appendices- June 2009

What is the Riverfront Resource Area in the City of Holyoke?

All perennial streams and the Connecticut River in the City of Holyoke are protected by the 200′ Riverfront Resource Area pursuant to 310 CMR 10.58.   Perennial streams are defined according to 310 CMR 10.58 and can include Tannery Brook, Broad Brook, Green Brook, Paucatuck Brook, Bray Brook, Serendipity Brook, Barry Brook, and/or Whiting Brook.  There are no areas designated as densely developed in Holyoke. therefore all sections perennial streams that meet the definition established in 310 CMR 10.58 are subject to the Wetlands Protection Act.   The CT River riverfront from the Holyoke Dam south to Berkshire Street has been designated as an Historic Mill District.

What are the “DEP File Number” Signs that I see around Holyoke?

You may see signs at construction sites which have DEP File No. 186-xxx on them.  These signs indicate that the project has been approved by the Conservation Commission and DEP and an Order of Conditions has been issued.  186 indicates that the project is in Holyoke and the last 3 digits indicate the file number.   For a listing of recent applications, click here.

Water Chestnut Control Project-  Have you seen this plant?

The City of Holyoke Conservation Commission has been instrumental in coordinating control and removal of the 16-acre water chestnut infestation at Log Pond Cove on the Connecticut River since 1998.  The project is an example of the value of partnerships in achieving environmental goals.  In 2004, the project was presented at the 13th International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Speciesin Ireland.

The 2008 control season was funded by grants from United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.  The 2011 season was funded by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. .

What unique resources must be considered when planning development in Holyoke?

Several tracts of land in Holyoke have been designated by the Commonwealth of MA as Habitat of Potential Regional or Statewide Importance and Land of High Ecological Integrity. For maps of these areas and additional information on permitting requirements in these areas,  please see the Mass CAPS website and DEP. (New as of June 2008)

The MA Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program is responsible for protection and conservation of rare and endangered plants and animals in the Commonwealth of MA.  Nearly 47% of Holyoke is designated as Priority Habitat for Rare Species or Estimated Habitat of Rare Wetlands Wildlife and is therefore subject to additional permitting by NHESP.    For additional information, use this link  Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program

How can I learn more about beavers (Nature’s Engineers)?

Living with Wildlife- Beavers in Massachusetts

Citizen’s Guide to Beaver Permitting

Guidance for Conservation Commissions and Boards of Health .

Most Holyoke human-beaver conflicts have been successfully resolved by the installation of water flow devices- also known as “Beaver Deceivers”.  Read more about water flow devices.

Resolving Human-Beaver Conflicts- Water Flow Devices

MassWildlife offers additional resources including information on how Massachusetts law prohibits the dismantling or distubance of beaver dams and beaver lodges.  Note that wildlife in Massachusetts may not be trapped and relocated.

DRAFT 2012 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN

The Holyoke Conservation Commission is responsible for updating the City’s Open Space and Recreation Plan.  This plan was developed after an intense round of public participation in the fall of 2011 – 2012.   The Mayor and City Council endorsed this document on February 6, 2013.  The goals and objectives contained within this document will guide the next five years of conservation and recreation activities in the City.

This document can be viewed here: Compressed OSRP 2013-2018

Updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps

Communities throughout Hampden County, including Holyoke, are receiving updated flood hazard maps as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) nationwide program to modernize Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). The new maps are scheduled to become effective on July 15, 2013.  The Holyoke City Council will have a public hearing to give residents a chance to learn more about these changes at 7:00 pm in City Council Chambers on March 12, 2013.  Please fell free to review the proposed changes below to become familiar with the new floodplain boundaries in the City.  Please feel free to contact either the Planning Department or the Conservation Department with any questions.

Revised FIRMs

Flood Insurance Study: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Map – 25013C0086E – Mt Tom

Map – 25013C0088E – Smith’s Ferry

Map – 25013C0181E – Pomeroy St

Map – 25013C0182E – Whiting Reservoir/Brook

Map – 25013C0183E – Rock Valley

Map – 25013C0191E – Ashley Reservoir/Snake Pond

Map – 25013C0192E – Jones Ferry

Map – 25013C0201E – Log Pond Cove/Jones Point Park

Map – 25013C0203E – Berkshire St Area

Map – 25013C0204E – Water Street Area

Map – 25013C0211E – Portion of Springdale

City of Holyoke Open Space and Recreation Plan

Final 2012 Plan

The Holyoke City Council and Mayor Alex B. Morse endorsed the City’s Open Space and Recreation Plan on February 6, 2013.  This plan was developed after an intense round of public participation in the fall of 2011 – 2012.  

This document can be viewed here: Compressed OSRP 2013-2018

Urban Forestry Plan for Holyoke

In the Spring and Fall of 2013, the Holyoke Conservation Commission will facilitate the development of an Urban Forestry Plan for Downtown Holyoke.  The aim of this plan will be to chart a long-term and near-term course for reforesting the City’s core urban neighborhoods.  The Conservation Director will lead a team consisting of Westfield State University, the Holyoke Office of Planning and Economic Development, the Holyoke Department of Public Works and the Food and Fitness Partnership to accomplish this task.  Citizen participation is more than welcome as we develop this plan.  Please contact Andrew Smith at 413-322-5615 to sign-up and become a part of the greening of Downtown Holyoke.

Management Plan for Holyoke Range Administrative Unit

At a public meeting held at the Notch Visitors Center the evening of February 21, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation announced a public comment period on a draft Resource Management Plan (RMP) for the Mount Holyoke Range Planning Unit, including Mount Holyoke Range State Park, Joseph Allen Skinner State Park, Mount Tom State Reservation, and Holyoke Heritage State Park.   The public comment period extends through March 24.    

The meeting presentation and draft Resource Management Plan are posted on DCR’s website at http://www.mass.gov/dcr/news/publicmeetings/rmppast.htm.  

Review copies of the Draft RMP are also available for viewing at town public libraries in Amherst, Belchertown, Easthampton, Granby, Hadley, Holyoke, and South Hadley.   Public comments should be sent by email to DCR.Updates@state.ma.us or by U. S. mail to the Office of Public Outreach, Department of Conservation and Recreation, 251 Causeway Street, Suite 600, Boston, MA  02114.   It should be noted that public comments received via email or letter will be posted in their entirety to the DCR website, and no content, including personal information, will be redacted.   

Resource management planning forms the framework for managing public lands based upon a comprehensive inventory and assessment of environmental and recreational resources; an identification of the unique characteristics of a property or management unit; the development of clear management goals and objectives; and an implementation plan to guide the short- and long-term management of the parks, forests, and reservations under the stewardship of DCR.  

2010-2015 Army Corps of Engineers Massachusetts Programmatic General Permit

The U.S Army Corps of Engineers authorizes state and local governments to issue permits for work within the waters of the United States in lieu direct Corp’s issuance of a permit, provided the terms of the PGP are met.  Permits are valid for five years.

United States Fish and Wildlife Service- Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge

The Conte Refuge works to conserve the biodiversity of the CT River watershed.  USF&W is a project partner with the City of Holyoke on the protection of Mt. Tom and the Log Pond Cove water chestnut removal project.

Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC)

MACC offers training and materials for Commissions and the general public.

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

MA DEP is the environmental agency for the Commonwealth of MA.

Invasive Plant Atlas of New England

IPANE provides a search-able database of invasive species in New England and quality links to invasive species topics.

United States Environmental Protection Agency- American Heritage River Program For additional information on the status of the Connecticut River as an American Heritage River.

A link to the oldest land conservation organization in Massachusetts

View The Trustees of Reservations property locations including Little Mt. Tom and Dinosaur Tracks Park in Holyoke.

A link to the City’s Stormwater Regulations

A Review Holyoke’s Stormwater Regulations and their relationship with the City’s Ordinance.

River and Stream Continuity Project

Information from the UMass Extension Service about the ecology of stream fragmentation.

Article 97

Article 97 is a powerful and important land management tool in the Commonwealth.  For a location of Article 97 properties in Holyoke, please refer to the below map:

Article 97 Properties in Holyoke

It is the policy of  the Commonwealth to protect, preserve and enhance all open space areas covered by Article 97 of the Article of Amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Accordingly, as a general rule communities shall not sell, transfer, lease, relinquish, release, alienate, or change the control or use of any right or interest of the Commonwealth in and to Article 97 land. The goal of this policy is to ensure no net loss of Article 97 lands under the ownership and control of the Commonwealth and its political subdivisions. 

An Article 97 land disposition is defined as a) any transfer or conveyance of ownership or other interests; b) any change in physical or legal control; and c) any change in use, in and to Article 97 land or interests in Article 97 land owned or held by the Commonwealth or its political subdivisions, whether by deed, easement, lease or any other instrument effectuating such transfer, conveyance or change. 

In order for an Article 97 Land Disposition to occur, the following must happen:

• A proponent must obtain a unanimous vote of the municipal Conservation Commission that the Article 97 land is surplus to municipal, conservation and open space needs;  

• A proponent must obtain a unanimous vote of the municipal Park Commission if the land proposed for disposition is parkland;

• A proponent must obtain a two-thirds City Council vote in support of the disposition;

• A proponent must obtain two-thirds vote of the legislature in support of the disposition, as required under the state constitution;

• A proponent must comply with all requirements of the Self-Help, Urban Self-Help, Land and Water Conservation Fund, and any other applicable funding sources; and 

• A proponent must comply with EOEA Article 97 Land Disposition Policy 

• The Governor of the Commonwealth must sign off on the final Article 97 Disposition