Town of Henniker, New Hampshire

 Conservation Commission


 

At the annual Town Meeting, March 1969, in accordance with N.H. RSA 36-A, the voters established the Henniker Conservation Commission. The Commission's role, as defined by statute, is to "ensure the proper utilization and protection of the natural resources" of the town. The Conservation Commission is the only local board specifically charged with protecting Henniker’s natural resources.

What We Do

The Henniker Conservation Commission (HCC) provides the following services to the Town.

-    Advises residents concerning compliance with local and state regulations regarding natural resources.

-    Encourages land conservation.

-    Reviews development plans and proposals to encourage environmental responsibility and sensitivity in development.

-    Provides recommendations to the Henniker Planning Board regarding minimizing environmental impact of proposed developments.

-    Reviews state wetland permit applications and provides recommendations to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Wetlands Bureau.

-    Monitors water quality in all of Henniker’s ponds.

-    Manages the Henniker conservation fund, which receives 50% of the Land Use Change Tax when land is taken out of the current use program, to promote conservation of open space for wildlife habitat and sustainable recreational use.

-    Hosts public forums on conservation topics.

Mission

The Henniker Conservation Commission is committed to pursuing the following goals:

-    To protect the quality of Henniker’s water resources and encourage sustainable multiple use of these resources.

-    To protect valuable land resources to assure that open land areas are available for responsible and sustainable recreational use.

-    To preserve open land areas for the maintenance and protection of natural habitat critical to wildlife preservation.

-    To link existing protected land by obtaining conservation land or easements to protect wildlife corridors.

-    To increase public awareness of the importance of conservation.

-    To protect Henniker’s air quality and drinking water.

-    To partner with the Town of Henniker Planning Board by making recommendations and comments related to the protection of wildlife corridors and unique habitats, watershed concerns, and other natural resource areas important to the long-term interests of our town.

-    To work with other town boards, commissions and committees to balance development with conservation consistent with Town regulations and the Town Master Plan.

-    To develop relationships with other Conservation Commissions, private organizations, State and Federal environmental agencies, and state, local and federal representatives.

-    To provide responsible stewardship of the Town's Conservation Fund to achieve the aforementioned goals.


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