HomeMy WebLinkAbout1965-LCC-rpt.pdf THE WORK OF THE
LEXINGTON CONSERVATION COMMISSION
IN A NUTSHELL
WHAT THE STATUTES SAY
1. The Conservation Commission is a town board, appointed by the
selectmen under specific statutory authority.
2. The Commission is to promote, develop and conserve Lexington 's
natural resources, which include its wetlands, woodlands, open
lands, birds, fish, etc.
3. To do this, the Commission is to survey and index open- areas,
including those already owned by the town or, other governments,
and recommend to the selectmen or through them to the state, plans
for their proper utilization.
4. The Commission is directed to work with interested private
groups and develop popular support for its projects It does not
only manage the town 's conservation land , but can assist other
groups interested in natural resources and the out of doors.
5. It may purchase and accept gifts of land and interests in
land in the name of the town for natural resources purposes, with
the approval of the selectmen, and of the town in certain cases.
It can receive state and federal technical and financial assistance
for some of its projects.
HOW DOES THIS WORK OUT IN PRACTICE?
A conservation commission persuades a town it is to its benefit
to set aside open areas to remain in their natural state, and it
holds these areas permanently. These open areas may be as simple
as a woodlot or grassland amid a cluster of houses, or a stream
marshland, or a belt of woodland and field. The commission has
no power of eminent domain, but can only accept charitable gifts
of land or purchases from willing owners, who can be assured the
land will not be diverted to other purposes. If the commission
does decide to purchase, state and federal aid is available for
approved projects.
The commission is happily designed for Lexington, where it can
be the focus for the existing active citizen interest in con-
serving the town 's historic character. Its great virtue is its
flexibility, for it need not acquire outright title to the land,
but can simply negotiate a pathway or a conservation easement to
preserve the land 's character, a scenic easement along a roadside,
while leaving the land in private ownership.
It intends to work with other town boards in light of its own
distinct purpose. Its purpose is not to curtail development, but
to take that land which is not primarily suitable for development
or which is more valuable to the town or neighborhood if left
in its natural state, and to insure that it is preserved for
public benefit.
The Commission welcomes all citizens at its meetings, and invites
suggestions from landowners, neighborhood groups and all others
interested.
LEXINGTON CONSERVATION COMMISSION