Conservation Board

Purpose of the Board

The Southampton Town Conservation Board recommends protective conservation measures to town regulatory boards; federal, state, and county agencies; and the general public. The board also, with staff assistance, reviews, negotiates, and approves wetland permits for the town.

Visiting Sites

The seven board members visit hundreds of sites annually which have been proposed for development. These visits become the basis for making conservation recommendations. This board also advises the public on general conservation issues and land management, as well as the interpretation and application of various federal, state, and local regulations.

Principle Focus

The principle focus of the Conservation Board is regulating fresh, tidal, and brackish wetlands, pursuant to Chapter 325 of the Town Code, effective August 13, 1993. The permit process involves the following tasks:

• Assessment of impact and costs
• Development of alternative layouts or designs
• Landowner education
• Mitigation and achieving land owner satisfaction
• Wetland identification

No two permits are alike in their time demands.

Conducting Analysis & Reviews

Acting in an advisory capacity, the Conservation Board also conducts environmental impact analysis and reviews and recommends mitigative action for a wide range of applications that have been referred to the board from the Planning Division, Building and Zoning Division, and the Town Trustees. Conservation protection measures are recommended for these sites to ensure that water quality, wildlife habitat, and natural open space are adequately preserved.