Protecting New Hampshire’s Wetlands: A Guide to Jurisdictional Areas

Protecting New Hampshire’s Wetlands: A Guide to Jurisdictional Areas

Welcome to the Edgewater Strategies blog! Today, we’re diving into an important topic for New Hampshire’s environment—jurisdictional areas, with a special focus on wetlands. These vital ecosystems play a crucial role in our environment, and understanding how they’re protected can help ensure they remain intact for generations to come.

What Are Jurisdictional Areas?

Jurisdictional areas in New Hampshire encompass a variety of protected habitats, including wetlands, surface waters, tidal buffer zones (within 100 feet of the high tide line), sand dunes, and municipally designated prime wetland buffers. These areas are regulated to preserve their ecological and societal benefits, ensuring that development and other activities don’t compromise their integrity.

Wetland Examples Include:

• Peatlands or bogs

• Floodplain wetlands (forested wetlands, fens, vernal pools, oxbow marshes)

• Wetlands adjacent to rivers with a drainage area of at least one square mile

• Upland tidal buffer zones

Why Are Wetlands So Important?

Wetlands are often called nature’s kidneys because they filter and clean our water, but their importance doesn’t stop there. These ecosystems offer a wide range of benefits, including:

• Water Filtration & Purification – They remove sediments and contaminants, improving water quality.

• Flood Control – Wetlands absorb excess water, reducing the impact of floods.

• Wildlife Habitat – Many rare and endangered species rely on wetlands for survival.

• Groundwater Recharge – They help replenish underground water supplies.

• Shoreline Stabilization – Wetlands prevent erosion and help maintain stable shorelines.

• Nutrient Regulation – They prevent excessive nutrients from harming other water bodies.

• Recreation & Education – Wetlands provide opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and environmental learning.

How Do You Identify a Wetland?

Identifying wetlands isn’t always straightforward, but experts use several key indicators:

• Hydrophytic Vegetation – Water-loving plants dominate the area.

• Hydric Soils – Saturated or waterlogged soils are present.

• Hydrologic Indicators – Signs like visible channels, standing water, or sediment deposits suggest wetland conditions.

Special Wetlands: Vernal Pools

Vernal pools are temporary wetlands that appear in the spring and early summer. They’re crucial breeding grounds for amphibians and invertebrates because they lack fish predators. Protecting these pools is essential for preserving biodiversity.

Regulations: What You Need to Know

New Hampshire’s RSA 482-A governs activities in jurisdictional areas. This law states:

"No person shall excavate, remove, fill, dredge, or construct any structures in or on any bank, flat, marsh, or swamp, in and adjacent to any waters of the state without a permit from the department."

This means that before you begin any work in a jurisdictional area, you must secure a permit from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES). Failure to do so can lead to serious penalties.

Minimizing Impact & Protecting Endangered Species

Before starting a project near wetlands, consider the following:

• Minimize Impact – Avoid unnecessary disruption to wetland areas.

• Check for Endangered Species – Use the Natural Heritage Bureau's DataCheck tool to determine if protected species are present.

• Consult a Wetland Scientist – Certified professionals can assess vegetation, soils, and hydrology to determine jurisdictional boundaries.

Helpful Resources from NHDES

If you have questions or need assistance, NHDES offers a range of helpful resources:

• Wetland Permitting Tips Playlist (on the NHDES Land Resources Management site)

• Contact the Wetlands Bureau at [email protected] or 603-271-2147 to speak with an inspector.

Final Thoughts

Wetlands are one of New Hampshire’s most valuable natural resources. Protecting them is critical to maintaining clean water, preventing floods, and preserving wildlife habitats. By understanding jurisdictional regulations and working with experts, we can ensure responsible development while safeguarding these ecosystems for future generations.

Have questions? Drop a comment below or reach out to us! Let’s work together to protect New Hampshire’s wetlands.

Stay tuned for more environmental insights from Edgewater Strategies!