This spring, 3rd graders from the Anne T. Dunphy School in Williamsburg interviewed our town’s Conservation Commissioner Joe Rogers.

What does the Conservation Commission in Williamsburg do? How is it related to the Mill River?

-Virginia

Joe: Every town has a conservation commission. The conservation commission has three main jobs:

First, when people want to build near the river, they have to build in a way that won’t hurt the river. If they build near a wetland, we help them to plan the project so that it will not disrupt wetlands.

We also help people fix rivers and wetlands. Sometimes, we have to help people figure out how to fix accidental damage to wetlands.

Finally, we help to manage trails and opportunities for people to get out into nature.

Our work relates to the Mill River because we have rules for how close you can build to the river. We protect the river by making sure projects don’t impact it in a negative way.

How does the Conservation Commission think about flooding? What does the Conservation Commission do to help lessen the impact of floods in our town?

-Jaedyn

Joe: There are areas in town that are more likely to flood than others. We use the rules to make sure people don’t build their house in a place that might flood. We review projects, like houses, garages, and sheds to make sure they’re not in a place that’s likely to flood in a normal year, and we help people get help to clean up damage when a big flood happens.

When flooding happens, what are Williamsburg’s strengths? What could we improve? 

-Jaxx

Joe: Williamsburg has had some big floods recently, including about three years ago, so we have had an opportunity to see this in action.

For strengths, we have lots of people who care about the town in town hall and the highway department. They work quickly to figure out a plan, jump into action, make sure everyone is safe, and know what’s going on in the moment. First we think about safety, and then we can clean up after.

For improving, we could improve communication between departments. The conservation commission can share rules with other boards to help people know what is good to go and what needs to be planned out a bit more thoroughly. Different departments have similar goals – the river runs through the middle of town.

We never can be completely prepared, so let’s start thinking about it now and figuring out what we can do to make sure people are safe.

What do you wish citizens of Williamsburg knew about conservation? What small steps can people take? 

-Roy

Joe: Not everybody knows how important wetlands are and how important they are when big storms come. People for a long time thought wetlands weren’t a good use of land because they couldn’t farm, raise animals, or build on it, but they are important to the town and the environment.

We want people to think that wetlands are a good thing and that having wetlands on your property is a good thing. There are a lot of cool, pretty wetlands where a lot of animals live.

What do wetlands do?

Joe: A lot of Wetlands have a relationship with rivers. Wetlands help to filter and slow down river water when it starts to flood. They’re somewhere for the water to go and sit for a while, then sink back into the ground, without rushing down towards the town.

Wetlands also filter the water. They’re like the lungs of the system. Wetlands are a temporary place to store water when we have too much of it.

What is the most interesting thing in your work?

Joe: The town has a large property which doesn’t have a place for people to park so that they can go out and use the trails. It used to be the firewood lot. Now we’re developing a forestry plan to cut some of the wood and plant trees to help make the seed for the future. As the weather and temperature change, this will be the seed for the future.

How do people know if they’re allowed to build or not allowed to build?

-Avery

Joe: The Conservation Commission reviews and they say if it’s safe to build there.

Did you work on Beaver Brook?

-Virginia

Joe: Yes, I worked to help with getting funding. We reviewed the conservation plan, which describes how they want to manage the property going forward. The Conservation Commission will make sure they are following that plan.

What are we helping when we plant trees?

Joe: Trees produce oxygen, reduce carbon dioxide, and keep things clean.

They also provide shade. Keeping the water cool is important. Fish need a certain temperature of water, and the shade helps. We’re losing cool water species and changing to have more warm water species. All the animals have a job, so it’s important to have shading in place to make sure the system stays in balance.

Are there any rules about hiking in wetlands?

-Violet

Joe: You are allowed to walk around in wetlands. In properties where there are a lot of people, try to limit to one trail. When there are many trails, the damage to plants the land get more damaged.

What can we do as young people to learn more and be leaders in this work?

-Allison 

Joe: Young people can start by learning about the wetlands and why they’re important, and by learning how rivers work. You can share information back with the community, like at community events, to increase the general population’s appreciation of rivers and wetlands.

This interview was edited and condensed for clarity.