WHAT IS THE WETLANDS PROTECTION ACT?
The Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act exists to preserve and protect wetlands by preventing pollution; reducing the effects of potential flooding; storm damage prevention; protecting groundwater supplies; maintaining habitats for plants and wildlife; and protecting public and private water supplies. A vernal pool habitat, which includes a buffer of 100 feet around the pool, is presumed to be significant to wildlife habitat when it lies within a state wetland resource area.
