Wetlands
Preserving and protecting New Hampshire’s tidal and freshwater wetlands from unregulated alteration.
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.
This video provides an overview of each type of Priority Resource Area in New Hampshire. Resources available to help find Priority Resource Areas include the Natural Heritage Bureau (NHB) DataCheck Tool and NHDES Wetlands Permit Planning Tool.
Latest News
More Than $5.5 Million Available for Wetland and Stream Restoration
$258,285 awarded from Aquatic Resource Mitigation Fund to restore and protect aquatic resources in Hillsborough
Over $200,000 Awarded from Aquatic Resource Mitigation Funds for Dam Removal and Partial Restoration of Brennan Brook in Francestown
$300,000 Awarded from Aquatic Resource Mitigation Funds to Protect and Conserve Prime Wetlands in the Town of Goffstown
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Contact Us:
NHDES Wetlands Bureau
Concord: (603) 271-2147
Portsmouth: (603) 559-1500
Fax: (603) 271-6588