Conservation Commissions are a group of volunteers who work long hours to achieve community conservation goals. Commissioners are appointed by their select boards or mayors. The Commission often plays a supporting role in the choice of candidates. Conservation Commissions have between three and seven members. The town meeting or city council sets the number.
Terms are three years in length.
There are no state age, citizenship, residency, knowledge or experience requirements, though there may be local requirements. The tasks of a Commission require a great deal of study, learning and thought by its members, who become expert only by patience and work. Appointments should not be made or taken lightly. Since this accomplishment requires a continual, firm commitment to conservation, persons who have no conflict of interest and who relate well to others should be selected. The Commission should represent a variety of interests, skills and backgrounds.