The mission of the Conservation Commission is to promote and develop the natural resources and protect and preserve natural areas within the Town of Bristol including its watersheds, streams, wooded areas, coastal areas, wetlands, and green spaces. The Commission acts in an administrative or advisory capacity on environmentally sensitive project proposals, donations of private lands, green space plantings, and a variety of environmental issues.
Healthy Yards, Healthy Waters: Sustainable Lawn Care
The Conservation Commission wants to educate Bristol Residents on the impact that fertilizers have on our water, and shed light on sustainable alternatives and practices with far less risk. Download the brochure linked below to get more information about how to care for your lawn without negatively impacting our local waters.
Open Space Properties
Perry Farm
The Bristol Conservation Commission manages several open space properties for the Town of Bristol. Below is a map of the Perry Farm Open Space Property. This area is open to the public for passive recreation.
Waypoyset Preserve Property
The Waypoyset Preserve Property off Narrows Road is owned and managed by the Waypoyset Preserve Trust. This area is open to the public for passive recreation. Below is a link to a brochure created by a local Eagle Scout containing property and trail information.
Meeting Information
Meeting agendas are made available to the public through the RI Secretary of State website before a scheduled meeting. Once posted, meeting times will appear below.
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Conservation Q&A
HOW DO I KNOW WHICH TREES ARE PUBLIC TOWN-OWNED TREES?
Town trees are typically located within the street right-of-way, in town parks, and on other town-owned properties. If you are not sure whether or not a tree that needs attention is a Town tree, please contact the Town Administrator’s office.
WHOM SHOULD I CONTACT IF A TOWN TREE NEEDS TRIMMING?
Please contact the Town Administrator’s Office to report a Town tree in need of trimming. Leave your name, phone number and location of the town tree. The tree will be scheduled for inspection by the Tree Warden, and if the required work is confirmed it will be scheduled for trimming. If the tree is on private property, the homeowner is responsible for tree maintenance.
WHOM SHOULD I CONTACT IF A TOWN TREE LOOKS UNSAFE OR UNHEALTHY?
Please contact the Town Administrator’s Office to report a tree that appears to be a hazard to people or property or is unhealthy. Leave your name, phone number and location of the town tree and indicate the emergency nature of your request. The Town Administrator’s office will contact the Tree Warden who will prioritize your request and the tree will be scheduled for inspection and remediation as required. If, however, the tree is on private property, the homeowner is responsible for tree maintenance.
WHOM SHOULD I CONTACT ABOUT LIMBS DOWN OFF OF TOWN TREES?
The town is responsible for fallen branches from town trees on town property only. The town will not retrieve fallen branches on private property. Please contact the Department of Public Works to report a Town tree with downed branches. Leave your name, phone number and location of the town tree. The work will be scheduled.
WILL THE TOWN REMOVE A TREE AT THE REQUEST OF A RESIDENT?
The Town will promptly inspect requests for tree removal. However, the Town does not remove trees without good reason. A Town tree will not be removed because it drops leaves or acorns, because it has grown too large or shades your lawn, or because it is not conveniently located. We will remove town trees that are hazardous. A hazardous tree poses a threat to persons and/or property and meets the following three criteria:
1. The tree is sufficiently large enough to cause damage should it fall;
2. The tree has a target (that would be damaged should it fall);
3. The tree has a condition that would make it likely to fall.
In some cases, a tree may be developing a condition that would ultimately make it a hazard, but not imminently. In some cases, the entire tree may not be hazardous, but some maintenance work is required. After an inspection by the Tree Warden, and it is determined that immediate or future action should be taken, a work order will be issued and scheduled based upon priority.
HOW DO I GET A TOWN TREE STUMP REMOVED?
Please contact the Town Administrator’s office to report a tree stump which needs to be removed. Leave your name, phone number and location of the Town tree stump. The work will be scheduled.
How do I care for a newly planted tree?
Helpful information is available from the Arbor Day Foundation.
Onboard
Bristol’s Onboard System allows residents view the roles and responsibilities of this board, view the current members, appointment terms, and apply to available openings.
Volunteer
Are you interested in volunteering for one of the Town’s boards or commissions? Apply at the link below, or email the Town Clerk here.
Contact Us
Address: 10 Court Street, Bristol, RI 02809
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday | 8:00AM – 4:00PM
Edward Tanner
Conservation Commission Officer
Phone: 401-253-7000 ext.128