Wetlands

New Hampshire’s diverse natural resources support many of the activities that drive its economy. Residents, businesses and visitors enjoy New Hampshire wetlands, streams, lakes and seacoast for their natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

In addition to their economic value, New Hampshire wetlands are of great importance for flood control, water quality, water storage and recharge for both groundwater and surface waters. These resources are even more critical with the expected increase in frequency and severity of storm events associated with climate change. Wetlands also support the food chain, providing food and habitat for a variety of aquatic and upland plants and wildlife.

Although New Hampshire has lost fewer wetlands to filling and dredging than many neighboring coastal states, landscape change poses a significant challenge to their protection. It is found to be for the state's public good and welfare to protect and preserve both tidal and fresh waters and wetlands (including lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, marshes, forested wetlands and peatlands) from unregulated despoliation. These resources provide important functions and values, such as:

• Absorbing flood waters.
• Treating stormwater.
• Recharging groundwater supplies.
• Providing habitat for fish and wildlife.
• Providing economic and recreational value.

Activities in wetlands and surface waters such as excavation, removal, filling, dredging and/or construction of structures in or on any bank, flat, marsh, forested wetland or adjacent to waterbodies, generally requires wetlands permitting review and approval, in accordance with the Fill and Dredge in Wetlands Act (RSA 482-A), unless otherwise specified by state statute or rule.

Emergency Authorizations

During emergencies caused by natural disasters, public agencies and private property owners can work in wetlands jurisdictions without a permit or prior authorization, if there is an imminent threat to public safety, public health, public infrastructure or private property. Requests for Emergency Authorizations are reviewed by wetlands regional permit inspectors. For more information on emergency authorizations, please consult our Wetlands Emergency Authorizations fact sheet.