Providing habitat for fish and wildlife.It is found to be for the public good and welfare of the State of New Hampshire to protect and preserve both tidal and fresh waters and its wetlands (including lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, marshes, forested wetlands and peatlands) from unregulated despoliation because of the important functions and values that these aquatic resources provide, such as:

Wetlands also support the food chain, providing food and habitat for a variety of aquatic and upland plants and wildlife.Īlthough New Hampshire has lost fewer wetlands to filling and dredging than many neighboring coastal states, landscape change poses a significant challenge to the protection of New Hampshire’s wetlands and natural resources. These functions are more valuable with the expected increase in frequency and severity of storm events associated with climate change. In addition to their economic value, New Hampshire’s wetland resources are of great importance for flood control, water quality, water storage and recharge for both groundwater and surface waters. Residents, businesses and visitors enjoy New Hampshire’s wetlands, streams, lakes and the seacoast for their natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

New Hampshire’s diverse natural resources support many of the activities that drive New Hampshire’s economy.

Conservation, Mitigation, and Restoration.

Great lakes docks and dredging