Arlington Names New Environmental Planner, Conservation Agent

ARLINGTON, MA — The Department of Planning and Community Development has appointed David Morgan its new environmental planner/conservation agent.

Morgan, who comes to Arlington with several years of experience in environmental research, planning and policy, will assist with the coordination of a range of sustainability and environmental planning and policy efforts in town. This includes helping the Conservation Commission administrate and enforce the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, the Arlington Bylaw for Wetlands Protection and management of property under Conservation Commission management or control.

Originally from Maine, Morgan completed his master's degree in Urban Planning at Tufts University. Morgan previously worked as an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) Research Fellow for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, where he investigated ecosystem-based climate change adaptation and policy, particularly as it pertained to New England’s wetlands and coastal ecosystems.

"Arlington's wetlands protection bylaw was an inspiration when I drafted a similar ordinance for the city of Boston," Morgan said in a statement. "The town and Conservation Commission have led on issues of environmental planning, and I’m thrilled to contribute to those efforts, from open space planning to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Municipal action on environmental issues is essential to ensure the places where we live, work, and play—and the ecosystems we depend on—can thrive."

Prior to his graduate study, Morgan developed small, worker-owned businesses and led economic justice policy initiatives. He holds a bachelor's degree from Hampshire College in Amherst.