Conservation Division Robert Douglas, Director of Conservation

1. Conservation DivisionRobert Douglas, Director of Conservation Informational Overview

2. Conservation DivisionMission To protect Andover’s wetland resources and to act as trustees in perpetuity of the Town’s conservation land.

3. Conservation DivisionOrganization

4. Conservation DivisionPrimary Functions & Services • Provides staff support to the Conservation Commission whose principal duties include enforcement and administration of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, Rivers Protection Act and Andover Wetlands Protection Bylaw. • Acquisition and maintenance of Town-owned Conservation Land (presently in excess of one hundred forty parcels, comprising over seventeen hundred acres). • Organization of the volunteer Conservation Overseers. • Periodic completion of Andover's Open Space and Recreation Plan. • Liaison with other official and informal organizations concerned with conservation and open space preservation.

5. Conservation DivisionFY06 Goals & Objectives • Acquire additional land for conservation purposes by gift, purchase (through expenditure for the Conservation Fund), and voluntary Conservation Restrictions & Easements.

6. Conservation DivisionFY06 Goals & Objectives (Cont.) • Initiate public outreach regarding protecting Open Space and wetlands (“Our Common Wealth”) in the schools, community and various volunteer groups such as the Boy Scouts, etc.

7. Conservation DivisionFY06 Goals & Objectives (Cont.) • Continue an on-going effort to streamline the application process for residents including but not limited to updating the Town of Andover web site as well as providing additional resources in the office. • Update conservation land records and develop long-term management objectives for the principal reservations; and implement land management directives through the Conservation Overseers and volunteers. • Participate in the Fish Brook Watershed Initiative team to assist in the protection of Public Water Supply. • Preservation and relocation of historically significant building, the Carmel Carriage Barn, which will be removed from Conservation Land and restored off site.

8. Conservation DivisionFY06 Goals & Objectives (Cont.) • Improving signage and trail markings.

9. Conservation Division Issues & Challenges • Maintain appropriate levels of service and facilitate current and new projects with reduced staffing and operating resources. • Provide coordinated responsive service while operating under applicable state laws, and statutory notice and hearing requirements. • Deal effectively with the development and use of remaining environmentally and topographically challenged land. • Deal appropriately with emerging issues related to a maturing community in the context of the health and well-being of the residents; including livable neighborhoods, a vibrant downtown, safe water, a clean environment, and efficient transportation systems.

10. Conservation DivisionContacting Us • Telephone: 978-623-8311 • E-mail: conservation@andoverma.gov • Web Address: andoverma.gov/conservation • Street Address: Town Offices, 36 Bartlet St. • Hours: 8:AM-4:PM, Monday-Friday