[HISTORY: Adopted by the Conservation Commission of the Town of Stoughton as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Wetlands protection — See Ch. 191.
[Adopted 5-31-1977 (Ch. 196, Art. I, of the 1983 Code)]
A. 
The name of this organization shall be the "Conservation Commission of the Town of Stoughton, Massachusetts," called the "Commission."
B. 
The purpose of the Commission shall be as follows:
(1) 
To administer the provisions of the Wetlands Protection Act, MGL c. 131, § 40, as amended.
(2) 
To administer the provisions of any other local, state or federal regulations that pertain to conservation activities.
(3) 
To acquire and maintain conservation land in the Town of Stoughton for the purpose of preserving open space, protecting wetlands and offering passive recreation area for the townspeople of Stoughton.
(4) 
To develop and maintain continuing educational and recreational program for the conservation lands.
A. 
The Chairman shall be elected annually at the first meeting of the Commission after the annual appointment of members by the Town Manager and/or the Board of Selectmen.
B. 
A First and Second Vice Chairman shall be elected at the first meeting of the Commission after the annual appointments have been made and, in the absence of the elected Chairman, shall have the power of the elected Chairman at said meeting.
C. 
A Secretary shall be appointed by the Commission at this same time annually and shall keep all records of every meeting.
D. 
A Patrol Officer shall be appointed by the Commission at this same time annually and shall carry out the duties as put forth by the Commission.
A. 
The Commission may elect honorary members among former members of the Commission. Honorary members may attend any meeting and serve on any committee and perform other duties the Chairman may assign them, but they shall not have the right to vote.
B. 
The Commission may by vote at any meeting appoint associate members who are residents in the Town of Stoughton, Massachusetts. Associate members shall not have the right to vote, but may attend any meeting of the Commission and serve on any committee and perform other duties the Chairman may assign them.
The Chairman shall give, in writing, a report for the year to the Commission and, with the approval of the Commission, shall submit the report to the Town of Stoughton, Massachusetts, for the Annual Town Report.
A. 
The Chairman of the Commission shall direct the calling of not less than one meeting a month. Notice of the meeting shall be sent by mail not less than five days before the date of the meeting to the home address of each member as is on record.
B. 
Special meetings, if the work load warrants it or for emergency purposes, may be called by the Chairman or by majority vote of the Commission.
C. 
Four voting members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum.
The Commission shall have the power to draw up and enforce rules and regulations governing the use of the conservation lands. An updated list of the rules and regulations must accompany the bylaws for the records. These rules and regulations may be suspended or amended at any regular meeting of the Commission by a majority vote of the total Commission or a quorum being present and a notice of action on said changes in writing sent to each voting member of the Commission by mail five days prior to the meeting at which proposed action is to be taken.
This article may be suspended or amended at any regular meeting of the Commission by a majority vote of the total Commission or a quorum being present and a notice of action on said changes in writing sent to each voting member of the Commission by mail five days prior to the meeting at which the proposed action is to be taken.
[Adopted 7-17-1977 (Ch. 196, Art. II, of the 1983 Code)]
The following rules and regulations have been adopted by the Stoughton Conservation Commission for use of the conservation lands. These rules and regulations will go into effect July 17, 1977.
A. 
The conservation lands are open to the public from sunrise to sunset. Any additional use of the lands will require permission from the Commission.
B. 
Permits must be obtained from the Stoughton Fire Department for the use of open fires on conservation lands.
C. 
Parking is permitted only in the designated areas at the Bird Street, West Street and C. W. Welch Entrances.
D. 
Camping is permitted in designated areas. Campers must obtain permission in advance from the Commission.
E. 
It is prohibited to pick or remove any plants, including flowers, shrubs, trees and nuts, or to remove any stones or soil unless permission has been granted by the Commission.
F. 
Visitors are prohibited from harming or removing any wildlife or fish except as specified in the Massachusetts Fish and Wildlife Laws.
G. 
It is prohibited to deface or destroy any building or other property of the Conservation Commission or natural features in any way.
H. 
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on all conservation lands.
I. 
Removal of dead wood which is lying on the ground is allowed with permission from the Commission. No standing timber, alive or dead, shall be removed unless permission has been given by the Commission.
J. 
Extreme caution must be taken with the discharge of all smoking material on conservation lands.
K. 
It is prohibited to litter or dispose of rubbish or pollutants of any kind on the conservation lands. Dispose of all litter in the barrels provided for this use.
L. 
All motorized vehicles are prohibited from all trails and fields unless permission has been granted by the Commission.
Violators of any of the above laws are subject to fines and/or prosecution. There is a fine of $25 for the first offense and $50 for the second offense for violation of § 287-8L. All other regulations are subject to a warning for the first offense, a fine of $25 for a second offense, and a fine of $50 thereafter.
All conservation lands are open to the public for their use and enjoyment. All persons using these lands do so at their own risk.