Conservation Land Rules and Regulations
- Conservation Lands are open for use from dawn to dusk. Hours of use may be extended for a specific event or use if written permission has been obtained from the Conservation Commission for the specific extended time.
- Users must carry out everything that they carry in.
- Dumping, littering, filling or any other deposition of imported materials, including but not limited to garbage, debris, earth, leaves or brush is prohibited in Conservation Land. (Please use the City yard for yard wastes. Call the Public Works Department for information (781-665-0142).
- Dogs may enter Conservation Land provided that they are accompanied by and under the effective control of some person see Melrose Animal Control Ordinance 93-6 – Leashing requirements. The person accompanying the dog shall promptly remove feces deposited by the dog.
- Fires are prohibited on Conservation Lands.
- No person shall cut, remove or alter any structure, fence, or sign, or have possession of any part thereof. No plants shall be cut or removed without prior written permission from the Conservation Commission. This prohibition applies to dead as well as living vegetation.
- Conservation Land is closed to any type of motor-powered vehicle except in prepared driveways and parking areas, or vehicles necessary for emergency responses, or with prior written permission of the Conservation Commission.
- Pursuant to Massachusetts law 321 CMR 3, no hunting is allowed within 500 feet of any occupied dwelling. Due to the proximity of all Melrose Conservation Land areas to residences, no hunting is permitted on Conservation Lands.
- Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on City property, including Conservation Land. Glass containers for any purpose are prohibited on Conservation Land.
- Violations of these rules and regulations may be punished by fines up to $100 per violation under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40, Section 8C, which is administered by the Melrose Conservation Commission or its agents.