As a relatively new commissioner, it is a very steep learning curve. I take my duties and responsibilities very seriously and always have in mind all the great work by the current and past members of the ConCom. I think it crucial to the future of Richmond’s natural resources. During the past several months I have been working to complete the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions’ fundamental training program and, yesterday, I got my certificate in the mail!
The MACC fundamentals training program for conservation commissioners and staff (and anyone else) who want a solid grounding in the MA Wetlands Protection Act and regulations; wetlands protection and permitting; open space planning, protection, and management; and conservation commission responsibilities and operations. And the program goals are to ensure that conservation commissions make informed, smart, and legally sound decisions protecting wetlands and open space and implementing the MA Wetlands Protection Act and Conservation Commission Act, based on science, technology, laws, regulations, and policies.
One thing is for certain, I still have many miles to go in terms of learning the ropes. I promise to do my best!