Consolidation and History
In 1977, Town Meeting decided to consolidate open space management in an elected Natural Resources Commission bearing the statutory authority and responsibility of Park Commissions, Conservation Commissions, Tree Wardens, Town Forest Committees, and Forestry and Pest Control Officers under Massachusetts law. The right of Town Meeting to establish a Natural Resources Commission was affirmed by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. Members of the first Natural Resources Commission were elected in 1979.