Remembering this spring's flooding, Wareham strengthened wetlands regulations by prohibiting activity within 30 feet of wetlands for residential units and 50 feet of wetlands for commercial properties.

Favored by the town Conservation Commission, which has jurisdiction over any activity within 100 feet of wetlands, according to existing State and town bylaws, the measure adds a "no-activity zone" to the definitions of wetlands.  Conservation Commissioner David Pichette and many speakers advocated the article by citing wetlands' ecological importance in providing flood control, wildlife habitat, water filtration and other environmental services.

"Buzzards Bay is slowly dying," said Malcolm Phinney. "We have to do everything we can possibly do to protect our wetlands or our whole environment will be a sick place to live."

The commission has been asking people to have a 35-foot buffer from all activities, according to Pichette, but all properties and uses within their jurisdiction are examined on a case-by-case basis. The new restrictions would explicitly forbid any development except within narrow parameters including coastal-engineering projects (docks, etc.), repairing but not expanding already existing buildings or structures, accessing buildable uplands, and in agricultural lands.

"At this time, you could take it on a case-by-case basis, and if you pass this, it would be etched in stone?," asked Planning Board Chair George Barrett.

Pichette confirmed this was true.

Although property rights were mentioned - albeit the speaker, Margaret Ishihara, admitted that voting against this seemed to be like voting against "motherhood and apple pie" - the proposal caused little debate.

"Nobody wants to stop development," said Finance Committee member Bonnie Cottuli. "But we need to do it respectfully and know that it affects everyone."