Native Plant Resources and Buffer Zone Mitigation Guidance

Native Plants

The Conservation Commission strongly encourages the use of plants native to Massachusetts or the Northeast region in all landscaping projects and especially in the Buffer Zone to a wetland resource area.  Native plants play an integral part of the ecosystem by providing food, shelter, and breeding habitat for local birds, insects, mammals and more. Nectar from native plants support native bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and bats. Many butterflies and moths rely on specific native plant species for survival. Native plants also help to conserve water and generally require less maintenance than non-native plants.  The following websites provide additional resources on the importance of going native and how to incorporate these species into your residential landscape:

Butterfly


Buffer Zone Mitigation Guidance 

The Buffer Zone is the area within 100 horizontal feet of Resource Areas specified in the Hingham Wetland Regulations, Section 2.0(1-4). The Buffer Zone is presumed to be significant to the following wetland values: protection of public or private water supply; protection of groundwater; flood control; erosion and sedimentation control; storm damage prevention, including coastal storm flowage; prevention of water pollution; protection of fisheries, protection of wildlife and wildlife habitat; protection of rare species habitat, including rare plant and animal species; protection of recreation; and protection of aesthetics. 

The Commission requires mitigation for activities resulting in new alterations in the 100-foot Buffer Zone in accordance with the Commission's Buffer Zone Mitigation Policy. Mitigation may include new native planting areas, restoration of previously disturbed buffer zones, removing non-native or invasive plants, or other measures which will improve, restore and protect the wetland values of the Buffer Zone and adjacent Resource Area.

The following websites provide additional guidance on the importance of maintaining a vegetated buffer to a wetland and buffer zone mitigation planting:

      Purple Aster