Surry Conservation Commission Ordinance 2022
AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH THE SURRY CONSERVATION COMMISSION
SECTION 1. ESTABLISHMENT
There is hereby established a Conservation Commission consisting of five (5) to seven (7) members, serving without pay, to be appointed by Municipal Officers pursuant to 30 M.R.S.A., Sec 3261. The Commission may also suggest associate members and ad hoc committee members to be approved by the Municipal Officers.
Section 2. DUTIES OF THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Such Commission shall meet regularly to research and discuss issues related to the current and future use of the natural resources located within the Town limits, and waters immediately adjacent to those limits. It shall give advice to the Municipal Officers and Planning Board as to the protection, development, and use of those natural resources.
The Commission shall prepare and keep an index of all open areas within the municipality, publicly or privately owned, including by not limited to, open marshlands, swamps, and other wetlands for the purpose of obtaining information relating to the protection, development, or use of those open areas. It may recommend to the Municipal Officers or any municipal body or board or any private, governmental, or public body, or any body politic or public agency of the State, a program for the better protection, development, or use of those areas, which may include the acquisition of conservation easements.
The Commission may also sponsor, create, or support conservation programs including, but not limited to, air and water quality, hazardous waste disposal, recycling and adult and youth education. It shall seek to coordinate its activities with existing municipal agencies, commission, departments, and conservation bodies organized for similar purposes.
The Commission may advertise; and may prepare, print, and distribute books, maps, charts, plans, and pamphlets which it deems necessary. It shall keep and publish records of its meetings and activities, shall make an annual report to the municipality to be published as part of the annual municipal report, and may employ such personnel and outside resources as may be approved by the Municipal Officers.
The Commission, with the approval of the Town, may acquire land or interest therein in the name of the municipality for any purposes set forth in 30 M.R.S.A., Sec. 3261, and accept gifts of land, money, or easements for conservation or park purposes.
The Commission shall, prior to making any recommendations pursuant to the acquisition of land or gifts of land or easements, submit its recommendations to the Municipal Officers at least 30 days in advance.
September 20, 2022