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, including woodlands, open spaces, wetlands, and waterways. The Commission has been active for over 30 years; HCC members average 5 to 7 years membership. HCC is guided by the most current City of Hallowell Comprehensive Plan, which articulates a vision for Hallowell that includes a healthy, sustainable environment. Specific projects are decided based on community priorities as determined by public meetings, surveys, focus groups, interviews, and other outreach mechanisms to ensure broad representation of community members. Recent projects are directed towards monitoring water quality, reducing toxic pollution, restoring degraded portions of our watershed, 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.