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Municipal Spotlight New Bellingham Conservation Agent a Worthy Adviser

Bellingham Conservation Agent Hannah Chace majored in Environmental Science and Management and minored in Soil Science at the University of Rhode Island.

By KEN HAMWEY, 
Bulletin Staff Writer
Hannah Chace has been on the job as Bellingham’s Conservation Agent for only three months but it’s obvious that she’s passionate about the environment —preserving open space and wetlands are her top priorities.
A native of Franklin, the 26-year-old Chace seems like a natural in her new role. Her college background and her previous employment are indications of just how serious she is about environmental matters. She majored in Environmental Science and Management and minored in Soil Science at the University of Rhode Island before graduating in 2020. 
Before her arrival in Bellingham, Chace worked for Natural Resource Services, a small company in Burrillville, R.I. “I basically worked for our clients, who were mostly engineers, surveyors, homeowners, municipal agencies, state agencies, and land trusts,’’ she said. “I did lots of field work documenting where wetlands were located and informing them about regulations related to wetlands.’’
Chace was hired last November, replacing Hannah Crawford, who moved on to Mass. Wildlife. Chace’s primary function is very similar to the role she had in the private sector. 
“I provide the Conservation Commission with professional advice and support regarding wetlands and the regulations associated with them,’’ she noted.
The Conservation Commission meets the second and fourth Wednesdays each month in the Arcand Room at 7 p.m. Members of the Commission are Michael Herron (chairman), Neil Standley, James Clancy, Don Coelho, Pamela Francis, Arianne Barton, and Steven Kohler.
Chace’s advice usually is provided for commercial and industrial projects, home expansion, and land preservation.
“Advice is mostly needed on commercial and industrial projects when they are within 100 feet of wetlands or within 200 feet of a river,’’ she explained. “The same measurements are in effect for home expansion. Sometimes an opinion or advice is needed for land preservation, which may be required when homeowners want to protect a portion of their land for the future.’’
Chace often interacts with other departments to protect wetlands. Three of them are the Planning Board, Board of Health and Inspectional Services.
Chace also is very involved with the Open Space Committee, which is in the process of presenting its Open Space and Recreation Plan to the Select Board.
“It’s an action plan for what the town wants to do with open space for the future,’’ she indicated. “It’s all about the open space we have and how it’s to be preserved and managed. The town owns land that’s labeled as ‘conservation land’ and it is identified in the Open Space and Recreation Plan.
Stormwater runoff is another area where Chace may be called on to monitor. Bellingham residents see a fee on their water bill every quarter for stormwater runoff.
“The town has a stormwater runoff bylaw that commercial and industrial projects have to meet,’’ she said. “The Conservation Commission would make sure that builders adhere to the bylaw.’’
When town bylaws or state regulations dealing with wetlands are violated, Chace is the go-to person for enforcement. “The Conservation Commission identifies areas where wetland regulations may have been violated,’’ she said, “and the Commission will look to me to help identify those issues in town and support the Commission to make sure rules are followed and wetlands are protected.’’ 
In her relatively new role, Chace, who lives in Lincoln, R.I., sees lots to like about her position but she’s acutely aware there are challenges.
“I like interacting with other boards to solve issues,’’ she emphasized. “I also like the purpose of my role, which is to protect wetlands and open space. And, I like the feeling of being welcomed. What’s challenging is the learning curve; I’m still growing in this role. Another challenge is accumulating background data and information on different projects and proposals.’’
Several key attributes that Chace embraces should enable her to be successful in her daily routines. She’s patient, objective and organized.
“Patience is important because some of the processes can be lengthy,’’ she offered. “It’s also important to be objective — to see other points of view. Being organized is crucial. The key is to keep track of all projects and know who needs data and facts to make informed decisions.’’
Chace’s activities in her leisure time are skiing, kayaking and beach volleyball. Those choices are very telling, because they indicate a love for the outdoors.
“I love the outdoors,’’ she said smiling. 
There’s no doubt that Hannah Chace also has plenty of passion for the environment, open space and wetlands.
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