North River Commission
About the North River Protective Order
The North River Commission administers the North River Scenic Protectiver Act. The North River is the only Scenic Protected River in the State.
The North River Commission was established by the Massachusetts Departments of Environmental Management (DEM) pursuant to the Scenic and Recreational Rivers Act, G.L.c.21, s. 17B and the North River Commission Act, c.367, s.62 of the Acts of 1978.
The Protective Order promotes public safety, health, and welfare. Its aim is to protect public and private property, wildlife, fresh and saltwater fisheries, and irreplaceable wild, scenic and recreational river resources. The Order protects the North River, as well as parts of associated tributaries in the towns of Scituate, Marshfield, Pembroke, Norwell, Hanover, and Hanson.
Here you will find FAQs about the North River Scenic and Recreational River Protective Order to help you understand the Protective Order.
About Us
The North River Commission has representatives and alternates from each town on the North River: Pembroke, Hanover, Norwell, Marshfield, Hanson, and Scituate. Each town’s Board of Selectmen designates its representatives for a term of three years, with no limit to the number of terms a person may serve. The following individuals now serve as representatives of the North River Commission
North River Commissioners
Pembroke - Willard (Bill) Boulter, Chair
Pembroke Alternate - Vacant
Marshfield - Maryanne Leonard
Marshfield Alternate - Vacant
Scituate - Adria Gallagher
Scituate Alternate - Ken Conway
Scituate Alternate - John Lalone
Hanover - Dan Jones
Hanover Alternate- Andrew Butler
Norwell - Tim Simpson
Norwell Alternate - Stephen Lynch
Hanson -Jennifer Heine, Vice-Chair
Hanson Alternate - John Kemmett
Staff
Gary Wolcott, Administrator
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How Do I Know If I Need to Get a Permit?
The North River Protective Order jurisdiction is 300 feet from the natural banks (where the wetlands meet the uplands) of the North River.
Contact the North River Commission Administrator to determine if you are within the area that requires review and permitting.
Office hours: By Appointment
Please call 781-659-7411 or
email North River Commission
Downloadable Forms for Applicants:
Links:
Meeting Videos (Norwell Spotlight TV)
FAQ-Frequently Asked Questions