Conservation Commission

Who Are We?

Manchester’s Conservation Commission consists of 11 members appointed by the Town Manager, who serve 3-year terms. The Commission works in partnership with the Town of Manchester to protect our natural resources and create a resilient environment.  We connect residents to conservation efforts through education, volunteer engagement, and partnerships. The Conservation Commission also functions as the Tree Advisory Board, working with the Town’s Tree Warden “to promote the planting, maintenance, restoration and survival of desirable trees and shrubs within the Town of Manchester” (Town Code, Article II, § 298-5).

Our Mission

Conservation Commissions are volunteer municipal government bodies that are authorized by state statute (Connecticut General Statute §7-131a) to “conserve, develop, supervise and regulate natural resources.”  Thus, the mission of the Manchester Conservation Commission is to protect, develop, and advocate for the sustainable use of our Town’s natural resources. We serve in an advisory and oversight capacity for the Town, helping to ensure that conservation values are reflected in local planning and development.

What We Do

The Conservation Commission is committed to protecting, enhancing, and sustaining the natural resources of Manchester for present and future generations.  We:

• Advise the Planning and Zoning Commission by reviewing and commenting on development and wetlands applications
• Evaluate land, water, and open space for conservation
• Support trail stewardship and greenway development
• Promote the use of native plants and habitat restoration
• Lead public education programs and citizen science initiatives
• Engage the public in invasive species education and mapping

We work collaboratively with local leaders, community groups, other commissions, and residents to keep Manchester green, livable, and ecologically healthy. We are guided by values that reflect our role as stewards of Manchester’s environment: stewardship, transparency, science-based action, community engagement, sustainability, and inclusivity.

Get Involved

We believe everyone can make a difference. Whether you’re interested in native plants, trail maintenance, environmental education, or citizen science, there’s a place for you in our work.  There are many ways to participate:

• Join a committee (membership in the Conservation Commission not required!)
• Attend a Conservation Commission meeting (open to the public)
• Volunteer with trail maintenance or at events like invasive plant pulls or tree planting
• Track invasive species using our iNaturalist project
  
  

Do you have questions or want more information?  Contact David Laiuppa at dlaiuppa@manchesterct.gov or (860) 647-3046.

Together, we can make Manchester a leader in community-based conservation.

***If you would like to become a member of the Conservation Commission, we currently have two vacancies. If interested in joining, please contact David Laiuppa at dlaiuppa@manchesterct.gov for information. ***

Scheduled Meetings

*Please Note: Meetings are held virtually, with quarterly in-person meetings.

Contact Information:  David Laiuppa, Environmental Planner/Wetlands Agent, 860-647-3046