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Conservation
The Andover Conservation Commission aims to protect Andover’s natural resources in accordance with the state law and the Town’s Wetlands Protection Bylaw, Article XIV, and to act as trustees in perpetuity of the Town’s conservation land. As of 2021, there are over 2,300 acres of protected land that are held in the care and custody of the Andover Conservation Commission. This land is managed and stewarded by the Conservation Division, with the assistance of the Department of Public Works and a large network of dedicated volunteer overseers. Andover’s reservations and green spaces are critical to supporting clean air and water, wildlife habitat, and recreational amenities for the community.
Land Acknowledgement
We respectfully acknowledge that Andover conservation land has been established on the territory of many Indigenous peoples, who have stewarded this land for hundreds of generations. With gratitude to the Andover Center for History & Culture for their guidance, we acknowledge the harmful effect colonization and violent systemic and cultural inequities have had on our understanding of Indigenous identity and terminology. Andover was home to the Pennacook people as early as 6000 BCE, and we honor their past, present, and emerging leaders.
Staff Contacts
Name | Title | Phone |
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Benjamin Meade | Conservation Agent | 978-623-8630 |
Lynn Viselli | Conservation Administrative Secretary | 978-623-8630 |
Marisa Browning-Kamins | Conservation Land Manager | 978-623-8630 |
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Conservation Commission
The Conservation Commission aims to protect Andover’s natural resources in accordance with state law and the Town's Wetlands Protection Bylaw, Article XIV, and to act as trustees in perpetuity of the town’s conservation land.
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Deer Hunting Information
Learn more about deer hunting areas and permits in the Andover area.
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Reservations
Find all the information you need to know about the various conservation land in Andover.
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Invasive Species in Andover
Visit this page for additional information about the identification and management of common invasive species.
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Permits and Applications
Visit this page for information regarding the Wetlands Protection Act and all the documentation needed to file permits and applications through the Conservation Department.
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Andover MiMAP, GIS Library, and Other Mapping Tools
Visit this page to access the Andover MiMAP tool and to explore the Town's GIS library of maps and other visual guides.
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Shawsheen River Master Plan
Information regarding the Shawsheen River Master Plan
Conservation Updates
March 9th, 2022
The Andover Conservation division has submitted an RDA application is for a boat rack and improvement to the existing boat launch and trail at the Burnham Oxbow in the Shawsheen Village/Sacred Heart Reservation.
This area is near Penguin Park, the Balmoral track, and directly adjacent to the Faerie Garden and the Scout boardwalk that is popular with a variety of outdoor enthusiasts.
The project proposes the installation of a new wooden “Allagash cross” rack that can hold 12 kayaks or canoes. The three-tiered cross is supported by two 6x6” timbers cemented in the ground.
Crushed stone will be used to stabilize the currently eroding rivers edge and a portion of the trail near the boat rack. The rack will occupy approximately a 10’x10’ area itself and will be set back beneath the existing tree-line. The current vegetated cover in the area is dominated by invasive Japanese knotweed, which will be removed.
The proposed impact to the Riverfront Resource Area is minimal. The eroding area of the riverbank will be stabilized with rock, and there will be two (2) roughly 10"x10" (about the size of a sheet of paper) excavations for the canoe rack supports.
The crushed stone will protect this small portion of the riverbank and provide safe footing for those who are launching watercraft. The rack requires a minor excavation - just enough to support the posts - and the loose soil will be removed from the location.
The boat rack will provide an amenity and improve access to a particular portion of the river that is currently difficult to access. The rack will benefit the public by allowing river access without the need to car-top and do an extensive carry to the launch.
For more information, please contact the Conservation Office at 978-623-8630.
Conservation Documents
- Rules and Regulations of Conservation Land 4-3-2018 (Approved)
- Camping Regulations
- Wetlands Protection Act Reference Manual (PDF)
- Open Space and Recreation Plan - 2018
- Request for Satisfactory Completion of Work Certificate Form
- Request for a Certificate of Compliance
- Determination of Applicability Application and Instructions
2022 Conservation Commission Meeting Dates & Deadlines
Filing deadline is noon two weeks prior to the Meeting Date.
Meeting Date | Deadline Date | Meeting Date | Deadline Date | |
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Jan. 4, 2022 | Dec. 21, 2021 | July 5, 2022 | June 21, 2022 | |
Jan. 18, 2022 | Jan. 4, 2022 | July 19, 2022 | July 5, 2022 | |
Feb. 1, 2022 | Jan. 18, 2022 | Aug. 2, 2022 | July 19, 2022 | |
Feb. 15, 2022 | Feb. 1, 2022 | Aug. 16, 2022 | Aug. 2, 2022 | |
March 1, 2022 | Feb. 15, 2022 | Sep. 6, 2022 | Aug. 16, 2022 | |
March 15, 2022 | March1, 2022 | Sep. 20, 2022 | Sep. 6, 2022 | |
April 5, 2022 | March 22, 2022 | Oct. 4, 2022 | Sep. 20, 2022 | |
April 19, 2022 | April 5, 2022 | Oct. 18, 2022 | Oct. 4, 2022 | |
May 3, 2022 | April 19, 2022 | Nov. 1, 2022 | Oct. 18, 2022 | |
May 24, 2022 | May 10, 2022 | Nov. 15, 2022 | Nov. 1, 2022 | |
June 7, 2022 | May 24, 2022 | Dec. 6, 2022 | Nov. 22, 2022 | |
June 21, 2022 | June 7, 2022 | Dec. 20, 2022 | Dec. 6, 2022 |
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Conservation Division
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Robert Douglas
Director of ConservationPhone: 978-623-863036 Bartlet Street
Andover, MA 01810
Office Hours
Mon-Fri 8:00am-3:00pm
The Andover Conservation Division is now on Instagram! Follow us at @andoverlanduse to see images and updates from our reservations across town. Use the hashtag #andoverconservationcommission to share your own photos with fellow Instagram users.