Hallowell Conservation Commission

At A Glance

Location: 

Hallowell, Maine

Primary Issue Area:

  • Environmental Health
  • Land & Water
  • Climate Change & Energy
  • Living Economies

Active since:

1980

  • A person drives a green offroad labeled with a banner reading "Hallowell Tree Board and Conservation Commission" in a parade. The vehicle is followed by an adult and a youth handing out tree seedlings to spectators on the parade route.
  • People are speaking to one another and working at tables in a large room. A banner printed with "HCC-Hallowell Conservation Commission" hands on one wall, and a banner printed with "Hallowell Multicultural Center" hands above a doorway. Window inserts at varying stages of completion are stacked at work stations
  • People are standing on a green lawn along a river bank. The eaves are just emerging on the trees along the riverbank. There are five full contractor trash bags, a wheelbarrow, and a tarp holding wood chips on the lawn
  • A teenager is shoveling compost around a freshly planted tree while other teenagers, an adult teacher, and a person wearing an orange safety vest labeled "HCC" on the back are watching
  • Two adults are standing behind a table are speaking to two other adults. They are located on a lawn at a Farmers Market. There are tents in the background sheltering market vendors .

Our Purpose

The Hallowell Conservation Commission (HCC) is an active, volunteer organization for the City of Hallowell to advocate for and protect our little City's natural resources. The Commission has been active for over 30 years; HCC members average 5 to 7 years membership. In addition to land and water conservation and based on key strategies from the most current City of Hallowell Comprehensive Plan, HCC has increased our efforts and projects towards water quality monitoring, reducing toxin pollution, promoting climate resiliency, and reducing the City's carbon footprint. Through the efforts of HCC, in 2023 the City passed a Landcare Management Ordinance that limits the use of inorganic pesticides.  HCC led the enrollment of the City in Maine's Community Resilience Partnership, which has resulted in multiple projects focused on engaging all community members, including those most vulnerable, in climate planning and implementing actions to reduce carbon pollution and mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts.