Development Is Affecting New Hampshire Watershed

A recently released report has many New Hampshire residents concerned about the pace and extent of development in their state. The report -- The Land Conservation Plan for New Hampshire’ Coastal Watersheds -- identifies 75 areas in New Hampshire's coastal watershed that are in danger of being contaminated due to overdevelopment.

"The 75 conservation focus areas within the coastal watersheds include a number of local rivers, streams and land. Areas were given priority based on a number of factors, including large unfragmented forest blocks; intact flood plains; high quality stream networks and small watersheds; irreplaceable coastal and estuarine features; significant fish and wildlife habitats; critical habitat supporting rare species and exemplary natural communities; and connectivity to other valuable land."

"The report urges communities to consider developments that cluster new buildings in one area to avoid disturbing so much land area."