Lakeville resident expresses interest in conservation commission vacancy; commissioners outline appointment steps

William Wolfing of 12 Steeple Shore Road told the Town of Lakeville Conservation Commission on Feb. 11 that he is interested in filling a vacancy on the commission and asked about the appointment process.

Wolfing said he has been a Lakeville resident for nearly 40 years and serves on the Herring (Fish and Hearing) Commission. Commissioners encouraged him to submit a letter to the select board requesting appointment and said the conservation commission would provide a recommendation if multiple applicants are under consideration.

Members described training opportunities for new commissioners, including courses offered by the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (one-day sessions such as the March 1 program discussed at the meeting), an online handbook, and peer review procedures the commission uses for complex engineering submissions. Commissioners said prior experience is helpful but not required; they emphasized common-sense judgment, willingness to learn, and participation in training for new appointees.

Wolfing also discussed overlap between the conservation commission’s work and the Herring Commission, weed-removal permits, and regional coordination with Middleborough on aquatic-plant management. Commissioners noted the commission sometimes funds or requests developer-paid peer reviews for technical submissions and that new members can rely on staff and fellow commissioners while learning the role.

Commissioners advised Wolfing to write to the select board to be formally considered; no vote was taken at the meeting on an appointment.