Inland Wetlands

Regular Meetings

• 7 pm
  January 19
  February 16
  March 16
  April 20
  May 18
  June 15
  July 20
  August 17
  September 21
  October 19
  November 16
  December 21
• Middlefield Community Center
  405 Main Street

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Members

• (R) Rebecca Adams (Chair) January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2023 3 of 3
• (U) Linda Li (Vice Chair) January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2023 3 of 3
• (R) Charles Zieminski January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022
• (U) Patrick Manning January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2023 3 of 3
• (D) Dr. James Brown January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2023 3 of 3
• (R) Robert C. Veeley January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022 1 of 3
• Vacancy January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2024
• Vacancy January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2023 ALT
• Vacancy January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2024 ALT
• Vacancy January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2025 ALT

About Us

The inland wetlands and watercourses of the state of Connecticut are indispensable and irreplaceable but fragile natural resource with which the citizens of the state have been endowed.... The preservation and protection of the wetlands and watercourses from random, unnecessary, undesirable and unregulated uses, disturbance or destruction is in the public interest and is essential to the health, welfare and safety of the citizens of the state. (Connecticut General Statutes Section 22a-36)

As all municipal wetland agencies, the Middlefield IWWA implements the State's Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Act. The Commission's regulations and criteria for decision making are based exclusively on the Act itself. These criteria direct the commission to consider the short and long term effects of the proposed activities on wetlands and to seek alternatives that minimize impact while allowing property owners use of their land.

A wetlands permit is generally required for activities in or within 100 feet of a wetland or watercourse. An activity further than 100 feet away may also be regulated if it is likely to impact a wetland or watercourse. The town wetlands map provides a very general location of wetlands and watercourses, but does not depict all wetlands and should be used only as a guide. Any one considering activities on their property should contact the Middlefield Wetland Agent to determine if a permit is required. Regulated activities include, but are not limited to, cutting trees or clearing the understory, grubbing, grading, paving, excavation, filling, depositing or removing of material, discharging storm water, and all septic work within 100 feet of a wetlands or watercourse requires a Wetlands permit. Decisions regarding exempt activities can only be made by the Middlefield Inlands Wetlands Commission.

Please note: Issuance of a permit from the Health Department does not release a property owner from the responsibility to obtain the required Wetlands permit.

Prior to the passage of the Connecticut Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Act in 1972, Connecticut had lost between one third and one half of its original wetlands to destruction because their value was underestimated and misunderstood. The Middlefield Wetlands and Watercourses Commission was established in September of 1975 and currently consists of ten members (seven regular members and three alternate members) All members are appointed by the Board of Selectmen and serve three year terms. The Agency meets regularly each month at the Middlefield Community Center.