Conservation Commission

Mission Statement

The Town of Durham, in conjunction with the passage of the 2018 Durham Comprehensive Plan, seeks to update and rebuild the Durham Conservation Commission.

The Durham Conservation Commission shall:

  • Be comprised of no more than seven voting members;

  • Keep records of its meetings and activities and make an annual report to the municipality;

  • Work to protect current and potential water resources;

  • Work to conserve natural resources in the Town of Durham;

  • Work to create and preserve open space for recreational use and wildlife habitat;

  • Advise the Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board on sustaining our Town’s natural resources, including land, water, air, wildlife habitat, and scenic views; and

  • Conduct research, in conjunction with the Planning Board, into local land areas that are being considered for development. The Planning Board will request input from the Commission in conjunction with any proposed subdivision that impacts natural resources or Town-owned property or which involves the transfer of an interest in land to the Town.

The Durham Conservation Commission may:

  • Advertise, prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts, plans and pamphlets, which it considers necessary.

  • Acquire land in the municipality's name for any of the purposes set forth in this section with the approval of the municipal legislative body.

  • Receive gifts in the municipality's name for any of the commission's purposes with approval of the Board of Selectmen and shall administer the gift for those purposes subject to the terms of the gift.

* Note: both of these sections are derived from MSRA Title 30-A §3261 and/or the 2018 Durham Comprehensive Plan.

The Commission shall achieve these duties by:

  • Pursuing public/private partnerships.

  • Cooperating and coordinating with neighboring communities and regional/local advocacy groups.

  • Initiating and/or participating in inter-local and/or regional planning, management and/or regulatory efforts.

  • Raising public awareness through educational outreach.

  • Recommending to the municipal officers or any municipal body or board, or any body politic or public agency of the State, programs for the better protection of water resources, natural resources or open space.

Implementation Philosophy - The Durham Conservation Commission shall work on conservation-related issues in a climate of mutual respect with all Durham employees, volunteers and residents, other communities, and advocacy groups. We will seek to foster a collaborative working relationship with public and private groups organized around the preservation and enjoyment of the natural environment.

 

Email: ConservationCommission@DurhamMaine.gov

Conservation Commission Members

Jess Costa, Co-Chair (Term expires 2024)

Joe Roy, Co-Chair (Term expires 2024)

Roberta Brezinski (Term expires 2024)

Samantha Cuccaro (Term expires 2024)

Michael Friendly (Term expires 2024)

Robin Snyder (Term expires 2024)