Development Is Affecting New Hampshire Watershed

The effects of development on New Hampshire watersheds are examined in this first part of a three-part series.

1 minute read

October 11, 2006, 6:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


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."

Tuesday, October 10, 2006 in Exeter News-Letter

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