(a) The conservation commission shall conduct research and give advice as to the protection,
development and use of the natural resources located within the territorial limits
of the town. It shall seek to coordinate its activities with existing municipal agencies,
commissions, departments, and conservation bodies organized for similar purposes and
may advertise, prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts, plans and pamphlets
which in its judgment it deems necessary and with the approval of the town council.
It shall prepare and keep an index of all open areas, publicly or privately owned
within the town including but not limited to open marsh lands, swamps, and other wetlands
for the purpose of assimilating and retaining information pertinent to the proper
utilization, protection and potential development or use of such open areas. The conservation
commission may recommend to the town council or any municipal body or board or any
body, private, politic or public, a program for the better utilization, protection,
development or use of such areas. It shall keep records of its meetings and activities
and shall make an annual report to the town to be published as part of the annual
town report, and may employ such personnel as may be approved by the town manager.
(b) The conservation commission with the approval of the town council may acquire land
or interest therein in the name of the town for any purposes set forth in 30-A M.R.S.A.
§ 3261 and accept gifts of land, money or easements for conservation or park purposes.
(c) The conservation commission at least thirty (30) days prior to making any recommendations
pursuant to this section to the town council shall submit such recommendations to
the town planning board.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to conflict with or usurp any duties, powers,
or functions of the parks and community programs department nor the powers and duties
heretofore conferred upon the town tree warden.
