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1. Does my project need a permit from the Canton Conservation Commission?

Any work that is done within 100 feet of a wetland, 200 feet of a river, or that disturbs more than 20,000 square feet of soil requires a permit from the Canton Conservation Commission. This includes landscaping projects such as removing trees. Please note that a wetland boundary is sometimes determined by the type of soil and plants found, and not always by the presence of standing water - so if you are not sure, please ask us if you need a permit. Violations of the wetland or stormwater laws can be fined with as much as $300 per day of violation. Please download the Permit Inquiry Form and submit it to the Canton Conservation Department to inquiry about your project. 

Canton Conservation Commission Permit Inquiry Form

2. May I walk my dog on Conservation Commission properties?

Many people come to Commission properties such as Pequitside Farm or Windsor Woods to walk their dogs. It is Town Law that dogs must be leashed in Canton at all times on all town-owned properties. For the safety of all residents who wish to use this property, including those dogs who do not get along with other dogs, seniors, and families with small children, we are enforcing this town bylaw with fines starting at $25 per offense. If you see someone violating the Town of Canton Leash Law please contact Animal Control via Canton Police immediately at 781-821-5090.

We also require owners to pick up all dog waste and properly dispose of it in a trash receptacle.  While you may think that dog waste is ‘natural’, we have over 1,600 registered dogs in Canton and the volume of waste created by them is significant. Dog waste contributes to pollution of waterways and can risk public health. Many children use these properties for play, including our Summer Camp.

We thank you for pitching in to ensure Conservation properties are safe and clean for all who wish to use them! It really makes a difference. 

3. How do I reserve use of the fire pit at Pequitside Farm?

Open fires are prohibited on all Conservation Commission properties with the one exception of the designated fire pit at Pequitside Farm. 

In order to have a fire in the Pequitside fire pit you must first do the following:

1.    Contact the Conservation Department at 781-821-5035 to reserve the time slot for which you wish to use the fire pit. You must provide us with the name and contact information of the responsible party, and number of people who will be in the group.     

2.    Complete a fire permit application (FP-6).  You must submit the permit application to fire prevention office by email to Tnorton@town.canton.ma.us or by mail to the Fire Prevention Division,  99 Revere St., Canton MA 02021.  

The fire pit must be attended a responsible adult at all times, and the fire must be fully extinguished with water before leaving the fire pit unattended.  

Any person who knowingly violates any rule or regulation made by the MA Board of Fire Prevention Regulations shall be subject to a fine of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars.  

Residents do not need to get a permit for use of a grill at Pequitside. These are first-come, first serve. All grill fires must be fully extinguished after use.  

4. May I dedicate a bench at Pequitside Farm in memory of a loved one?

We have received requests over the years to honor loved ones with a memorial bench at Pequitside Farm and have developed a program to make this possible. Please download and complete the form and send to the Conservation office at 79 Pleasant Street with a check made out to "Town of Canton". 

https://www.town.canton.ma.us/DocumentCenter/View/10112/Bench-Adoption-Program-Form

5. Is Pequitside Farm available for private rentals?

Pequitside Farm is no longer available for new private event rentals. The Conservation Commission suspended new private rentals in 2019. 

Community groups may use the inside of the Lynch House for free as meeting space (garden club, girl and boy scouts, AA, etc.) during the week with an advance reservation. Please contact the Conservation office to schedule a community group meeting.