MACC was founded in 1961 to support, educate and advocate on behalf of the Commonwealth's Conservation Commissions, which had been authorized in 1957. Since then, MACC has helped write most of our significant conservation legislation and state government policies, including the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, the Rivers Protection Act, and more recently, the Community Preservation Act.

To carry out its primary goal of preserving and enhancing the Commonwealth’s natural wetland and water resources, biodiversity, and open space, MACC’s 2,500 volunteers, serving as Town Conservation Commissioners, provide knowledgeable and consistent implementation of environmental protection laws, and offer leadership in community conservation efforts.

In addition to providing informative publications, training courses and workshops, MACC operates a telephone helpline to answer legal and technical questions and offers an online forum for Commissioners to discuss conservation topics. It also hosts the largest annual Environmental Conference in New England, with over 40 workshops and training sessions and 50 exhibits, drawing more than 1,000 Commissioners, Commission staff, environmental professionals, and activists. MACC is currently organizing and enlarging its library of reference materials for public use. It manages to do all of this with just a staff of 5. Imagine how much more MACC can accomplish with your generous support!