The purpose of the Conservation Commission is to protect the wetlands, water resources, and adjoining land areas in the Town of Ashfield.  The Commission administers the state wetland regulations by controlling activities deemed likely to have a significant or cumulative effect upon public or private water supply, groundwater, flood control, erosion and sedimentation control, storm damage prevention, water quality, water pollution control, fisheries, wildlife habitat, rare species habitat including rare plant species, agriculture, aquaculture, and recreation values, deemed important to the community

 In general the jurisdiction of the Conservation Commission is any activity within:

• 200' of a year-round stream, brook or river
• 100' of a marsh, pond, flood plain or other wetland

All activities within the above listed areas require a review by the Conservation Commission before any work can begin.

Members of the Conservation Commission are appointed by the Select Board for a three year term.