This year's annual conference was held February 28, 2009. Attendance was good and the workshops were well attended! MassDEP's focus this year was to explain to commission's what and how eDEP and the Wetlands Information Resource (WIRe) work together, to encourage electronic filing using eDEP, and to register as many Conservation Commission members as possible!

John Foley registers for eDEP

Alice Smith, Boston and Mark Stinson, Western Regional office

Margo Clerkin, SERO and Nancy Lin from Boston ready to assist conservation commission members with registration.

Nancy Lin, Boston and David Hill, SERO discuss the registration process for eDEP.

Praises for the Wetlands Regional Circuit Riders from Conservation Commissions

Pam Merrill has been terrific! She's prompt in returning phone calls and emails re: technical, administrative and regulatory assistance and has offered some great workshops like getting the Network Group that had disbanded for a while in Concord going again. She is also so prompt in sending out any pertinent information that may be of assistance to us. Don't know what I'd do without her! Guess that sums it up!
Linda Cleary
Conservation Agent
Andover Conservation Commission

As the Administrative Secretary for the Conservation Commission and the Conservation Department staff in Hingham, I find the Circuit Rider Program to be extremely valuable. Christina and Margo are always helpful to point me in the right direction. I have had the opportunity to take a workshop or two from them, which helped me become more familiar with the wetland regulations, which in turn helps me provide better customer service at the counter and on the phone. They are a wealth of information. Much appreciated and keep up the good work!
Linda Defreitas
Conservation Secretary, Hingham

I am so glad the DEP was able to reestablish this program and to find staff like you.
Maria McFarland
Board Administrator
West Tisbury Conservation Commission

This marks the three year anniversary for me on the Clarksburg Conservation Commission and I wanted to thank you for all the work you’ve done for me and on behalf of the town. Foremost in mind is last month during the huge rainstorm when a bank collapsed onto a sewer line. Having never dealt with an Emergency Permit, a rare & endangered species river, and a bridge closing, I was frankly overwhelmed. It took one call to you. That you directed us to the Army Corp of Engineers, the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program people, and Carl Gustafson at the NCRS ensured that everything was done in a timely fashion and correctly. I am so grateful you were available and thankful for all those classes I've taken from you. You're a born teacher, Mark. Our town administrator, Michael Canale, made a mention that you were so helpful and he will never hesitate to consult with you in the future. You managed to reduce the endless paperwork to a clearly understood process that benefits the town and our environment. Thanks again Mark. I honestly don't know what we would do without you!
Best regards, Paula Wells
Clarksburg Conservation Commission

We have found our Circuit Rider, Jennifer Gensel, to be an excellent asset. She serves as our DEP contact for the multitude of questions that are not answered by the reviewer of a specific filing. She is easily reached by telephone or email, and always provides answers promptly. She too has given talks, met with our Commission, and met with the staff both in the office and in the field. Her knowledge of the laws is an invaluable resource for the Commission. She also is proactive and provides additional unsolicited information that she knows will be helpful to a Commission. Our Commission has come to rely on the Circuit Riders because we know that their response or information is accurate and up-to-date.
Leslie Gabrilska
Acting Conservation Agent
Townsend Conservation Commission

I used the word "vital" above. That is not an exaggeration. Other DEP staffers have certainly been helpful in the past, but a circuit rider is more readily available and is proactive in keeping us informed of developments.
Ellen Fisher, Pepperell Conservation Administrator