This document provides guidance for Eagle Scouts on conducting environmental service projects through the Chelmsford Conservation Commission. It outlines the approval process, which involves early coordination with Conservation staff, submitting a project plan for review and approval at least two months prior, and obtaining necessary permits. It emphasizes the importance of prior planning, following the approved plan, and submitting follow-up reports on project outcomes and leadership. Examples of past projects include building trails, creating educational displays, and rehabilitating conservation areas. The Conservation Commission aims to support Scouts through the process.

1. WELCOME! WHAT TYPES OF ENVIRONMENTAL HOW DO I WORK WITH THE
It is great to have you working with us…and PROJECTS HAVE BEEN DONE? CONSERVATION COMMISSION?
working for the environment! We are happy Scouts have done a variety of projects: Here’s a simple checklist for conducting an
to help you plan your project and help you Eagle Scout project on Conservation Land or
through any permitting requirements that may • Building a footbridge across a stream to in and around wetlands.
exist. make a safe passage for walking on trails.
• Constructing an educational kiosk Talk to Conservation staff early in your
This brochure summarizes Eagle Scout planning process about your ideas – about
projects on Conservation Land or in and • Improving cross-country trails 3 months before you want to start
around wetlands. Please refer to the Boy • Rehabilitating a conservation area
Scout Handbook for a more complete Meet Conservation staff on site to
(installing trail markers, cleaning up trash, discuss your project
description of the Eagle Scout process. clearing trails, etc.)
Submit a plan to the Commission for
• NOTE: your project may not be a
review and approval about 2 months prior
fundraiser for an environmental cause and
to your work day. Your plan must include:
may not be commercial in nature.
1. The goals of your project
2. An illustration, map, and/or sketch
WHAT APPROVALS WILL I NEED? plan of the project
3. The method(s) and tools you will use
You will need Conservation
Commission permission to work on their 4. The materials you will use
WHAT IS REQUIRED TO EARN
land. 5. Who your project helpers will be
AN EAGLE SCOUT AWARD?
You may need a wetlands permit from 6. The timeframe for the project.
To attain the rank of Eagle Scout you must
the Conservation Commission if you will Submit a wetlands permit application
plan and carry out a service project helpful to
be working within 100 feet of a wetland or if you will be working in or near wetlands
an organization of your choosing, give
200 feet of a stream. (we will help).
leadership to others carrying out your project,
and complete all requirements before your You will need the approval of your Attend the Conservation Commission
18th birthday. Scoutmaster, Unit Committee meeting when your project is being
Member, and Council or District discussed. (The Commission generally
This requires pre-planning with your Scout
Advancement Committee Member. meets every other Tuesday night). At the
Leader, your parents, and the organization
They will want to know who will benefit meeting, you will present your proposal
you wish to help (such as the Chelmsford
from the project, how they will benefit, and the Commission will review your plan
Conservation Commission).
how many people will be recruited to and ask questions. They may ask for some
It also requires detailed record keeping and carry out the project, etc. revisions. When they are satisfied, they
organized implementation. will approve the project.

2. Call the Conservation office at least 48 WHAT RECORDS MUST I KEEP?
hours before you plan on beginning
work in the field. You must record the progress of your project. EAGLE SCOUT
• Keep track of the time you spent planning
Notify the Conservation office before
undertaking any proposed changes. • List the type and cost of any materials
LEADERSHIP
• Include before and after photos to clearly SERVICE PROJECTS
illustrate your contribution.
• List the people and hours spent carrying A GUIDE TO WORKING
out the project.
ON CHELMSFRORD
• If your original plan changes at any time,
document the change and reason for it and CONSERVATION
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I
COMPLETE MY PROJECT?
contact the Conservation Commission. COMMISSION LAND OR
Even though your project was approved
NEAR WETLANDS
before you got started, you need to submit
two follow-up reports.
The Conservation Commission would like
a short, summary report of how the project
went and what was accomplished.
The Eagle Scout Board of Review must
approve the manner in which the project
was carried out and so will ask:
• How did you demonstrate leadership of
others?
• How did you direct the project, rather than THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
doing the work yourself? IS HERE TO HELP!
• How did the community benefit from the The Conservation Commission is here to help CHELMSFORD CONSERVATION
project? you in any way we can. We are happy to COMMISSION
• Did the project follow the plan, or if it did answer your questions and provide you with
50 BILLERICA ROAD, CHELMSFORD, MA
not, why not? guidance in planning your project.
TELEPHONE: 978-250-5248
PRIOR PROPPER PLANNING PROMOTES TSOULE@TOWNOFCHELMSFORD.US
POSITIVE PROACTIVE PROGRESS
Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Monday through Friday