Services - Natural Resources

Plans and Regulations that involve natural resource planning

Master Plan
Identifies and inventories any critical or sensitive areas or resources, not only those in the local community, but also those shared with abutting communities. This section provides a factual basis for any land development regulations that may be enacted to protect natural areas. A key component in preparing this section is to identify and conflicts between other elements of the master plan and natural resources, as well as conflicts with plans of abutting communities.

Natural Resource Inventory
The Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) is an environmental survey designed to help gauge natural resource status, conditions, and trends. The information contained in the NRI will be a critical component in growth management strategies while striving to balance growth and development with preserving the natural resources that define our landscapes.

Local Wildlife Habitat analysis
  • Fish and Game worked with partners in the conservation community to create the state's first Wildlife Action Plan. The plan, mandated and funded by the federal government through the State Wildlife Grants program, will guide efforts to restore and maintain species of concern and critical habitats -- keeping species off of rare species lists and saving millions of dollars in the process.
  • Using the NH Fish and Game Wildlife Action Plan: http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Wildlife/Wildlife_Plan/habitat_types.htm
Regional Planning efforts
Regional Environmental Planning Program (REPP)
The REPP was created within the Department of Environmental Services in recognition of the value of regional planning agencies (RPAs), in addressing environmental issues in New Hampshire. LRPC conducts environmental planning projects with member communities under the REPP and past work includes Smart Growth Audits (Barnstead, Bristol, and Moultonborough) and implementing innovative land use ordinances (Holderness, Steep Slope Ordinance).

The REPP is also producing a guide with model ordinances and regulations to address the need for guidance and technical assistance on Innovative Land Use Controls authorized by RSA 674:21. The guide, Innovative Land Use Planning Techniques: A Handbook for Sustainable Development, is in the final stages of development and RPCs have begun outreach and implementation of the model ordinances. The LRPC has developed an ILU resource warehouse in order to better facilitate the coordination of education and outreach materials for the guide. The RPCs, DES, and OEP have all contributed to the warehouse in order to share expertise and improve the potential for implementation. Please visit the ILU resource warehouse and use the available materials for outreach. If you would like to contribute additional materials, please contact Erica Anderson at LRPC.

Contact lrpc@lakesrpc.org with questions, comments, or feedback on the website.