Conservation & Sustainability

Preservation of Holyoke's open spaces, preserving water resources, reforesting our City and working to enhance our position as a leader in sustainability are among our highest obligations to our City.

The Conservation Commission is responsible for protecting Holyoke’s natural resources. The Conservation Commission administers and enforces the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, the Massachusetts Rivers Protection Act and the City of Holyoke Wetlands Protection Ordinance and associated Regulations. These laws protect ponds, rivers, streams, wetlands, floodplains, vernal pools, and other sensitive environmental resources.

Projects near these resources require review and approval by the Commission. The Commission is also responsible for other special projects including management of 2018 Open Space and Recreation Plan, the revitalization of Anniversary Hill Park, and open space protection. In addition to a wealth of industrial history, the City of Holyoke boasts a rich diversity of natural resources.

The land area of the City of Holyoke is approximately 12,000 acres. Of that, 6,200 acres are classified as open space, 7000 acres are forest, and 605 acres are bordering vegetated wetlands. The City has twelve miles of riverfront along the Connecticut River- an American Heritage River.