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1. Do I need a wetlands permit for structures (like a shed) if it is in lawn area?

The construction of ancillary structures (such as decks and sheds) being built within lawfully existing lawn are exempt activities from the Wetlands Protection Act and Town Wetlands Protection Bylaw so long as the structures are located 50 feet or further away from the Wetlands Resource Area.

2. Do I need a permit to remove a hazardous tree(s) in a Wetland Resource Area?

A request to remove a hazard tree(s) in a Wetland Resource Area can be filed by clicking here. The Conservation Department will reach out to schedule a site visit with you to evaluate the tree(s) in question. At this site visit, it will be decided if a permit will be required, or if the removal(s) can be approved administratively. Up to 6 trees can be approved to be removed administratively.

3. Does the Commission have a local wetlands bylaw?

Yes, the Commission has a local wetlands bylaw. View the Bylaw Regulations (PDF).

4. When do I need to file for a permit with the Conservation Commission?

When work is being proposed within 100 feet of a Resource Area (pond, lake, stream or wetland) or within 200 feet from a river, stream, or brook, a permit from the Conservation Commission is required. The Commission is enforcing the state Wetlands Protection Act and the local Wetlands Protection Bylaw. Please call the Conservation Department office or email us if you are not sure if there are wetlands on or near your property or proposed project.

5. Why are wetlands protected?

Wetlands are important for the protection of surface and groundwater supplies, they help prevent storm damage, provide flood control, and they provide habitat to fisheries, shell fish, and wildlife. Wetlands act as nature's "water purification system" and are extremely vital to a healthy environment.

6. How do I know if I have wetlands on my property?

For new projects, the landowner should hire a wetland consultant to delineate the wetland boundaries. Wetlands in Massachusetts are defined by the wetland vegetation, wetland soils and hydrology. Wetlands may only have water in them in the spring or during times of high ground water. It is the plants, the soils and the hydrology, which provide the evidence of the wetland boundary. If you are uncertain whether you have wetlands on your property please call the Conservation Department and we can schedule a site visit to help you make this determination.

7. How do I get a wetlands permit from the Commission?

The Town of Westborough uses PermitPro to apply for permits. You can fill out an application by clicking here, and can also upload any additional documents (such as engineered plans, the Abutter Notification Form, or the Submission Check List). The Committee will require two hard copies of your documents submitted to the Conservation Commission Office at 45 West Main Street, Westborough, MA 01581.

8. Does the Town have an Open Space and Recreation Plan?

Yes, view Westborough’s Open Space and Recreation Plan (PDF). This plan is valid for 7 years and was approved in 2018.

9. Am I allowed to walk my dog off-leash on Town property?

Please refer to to the Animal Control Bylaw page for information regarding dogs and leashes in the Town of Westborough.

10. Where are the Town's conservation land & trails, and how can I get trail maps?

The Town has a multitude of properties and open space that can be utilized by the public for both active and passive recreation. To navigate to our webpage that shows our land and printable trail maps, view the Conservation Land Trail Maps page.

11. I would like to reserve Town land for an event, how do I get a permit?

Permit forms can be found by viewing the Permit Form (PDF). You will be able to fill out the form with the requested information and email it as an attachment to Conservation Commission Department. We will then verify that there are no conflicting events and either approve the permit or request more information.

12. Where can I hunt in Westborough?

Within the Town of Westborough, hunting by bow is the only allowed method of hunting on town-owned land. The allowed locations for bow hunting are the Libby Conservation Area and the two parcels that make up Bowman West Conservation Area. The parcel IDs for these locations are Map 3 Lot 7, Map 4 Lot 23, and Map 4 Lot 36 respectively. Please review Conservation Commission Memo (PDF) to ensure that you are on an allowed property.