Weston Conservation Commission opens hearing on new wetlands regulations, extends comment to March 26

WESTON — February 13, 2024 — Weston Conservation Commission opens hearing on wetlands regulations, continues to March 26. The commission voted 6-0 to keep the public hearing open on draft regulations implementing the wetlands protection bylaw town voters adopted in May 2023 and the Attorney General certified Sept. 1. Conservation Administrator Jordan McCarron and KP Law attorney Connor Mullen walked the board through the headline change: codifying the long-standing 25-foot no-disturb zone as an enforceable performance standard, waivable only on showings of overriding public interest or unconstitutional taking. The draft also adds jurisdiction over non-certified vernal pools and isolated vegetated wetlands and treats the buffer zone as a standalone resource area. "There's going to be no local fees at this time," McCarron said; reserved fee and notification sections remain blank. Written comment runs through March 1; adoption is targeted for March 26, with 90 days of Select Board review to follow.