Reports All Sorted by Year
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(2008) 2007 Great Bay Organic Nitrogen and Light Extinction Monitoring Program, Pennock UNH Jackson Estuarine Lab conducted organic nutrient monitoring (particulate organic nitrogen, or PON, and dissolved organic nitrogen, or DON) and light availability monitoring (measured as photosynthetically active radiation, or PAR) in 2007 at locations throughout the Great Bay Estuary. When combined with the inorganic nutrient measurements taken as part of the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve System-wide Monitoring Program, total nitrogen in the system can be calculated. Sample collection and analysis followed the procedures specified in the approve Quality Assurance Project Plan.
(2008) Ambient Rivers Monitoring in the Great Bay Estuary Watershed 2007, NHDES The Department of Environmental Services (DES) received funding from the New Hampshire Estuaries Project (NHEP) to conduct monitoring activities in 2007. The activities described in this report were led by the DES Watershed Assistance Section and involved water monitoring at the head-of-tide in ten tidal tributaries. Other DES staff conducted laboratory analyses. These monitoring activities were completed with the overall purpose of improving the understanding of water quality trends and nitrogen loads from the watershed. DES completed all tasks as planned. This report includes the sample collection information, field and laboratory data, and quality assurance information. Data summaries and interpretations will come at a later time in other DES and NHEP publications.
(2008) Protecting Shoreland and Riparian Buffers Workshop (2007), Hunter The NHEP, in partnership with a number of other organizations and agencies, developed and implemented a workshop on protecting riparian and shoreland buffers. The workshop was composed of four related sessions designed to provide information and tools to encourage greater municipal regulatory protections for buffers. The workshop was held three times in October and November 2007 and attended by 75 people, primarily planning board and conservation commission members. Workshop materials and evaluations are included in the report.
(2008) Seasonal Appearance and Monitoring of Invasive Species in the Great Bay Estuarine System, Harris & Dijkstra UNH researchers characterize invasive species in the Great Bay Estuary. The report includes a synthesis of existing data on invasive species in the area and the results of a long-term comparative succession panel study that compared findings from a 2003 to 2006 study period and data from a similar study conducted from 1979 to 1982. The report also presents data conducted during a monitoring effort in the Great Bay Estuary to document invasive species and their predators.
(2008) Shellfish Tissue Monitoring in New Hampshire Estuaries 2006, Trowbridge In 2006, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services collected samples of blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) tissue from five locations in the Great Bay Estuary and Hampton-Seabrook Estuary. The work was conducted as part of the annual Gulfwatch Program. Conducted by a committee of Canadian and US government and university scientists, the Gulfwatch Program examines the effects of decades of development and industrialization on the water quality of the Gulf as it relates to human health as well as its impact on other marine organisms. Gulfwatch scientists collect blue mussels at over 60 US and Canadian sites Gulf-wide, and analyze the organisms’ tissue for potentially harmful levels and concentrations of toxins including heavy metals, chlorinated pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The data for mussel tissue samples from New Hampshire in 2006 were reviewed and audited with quality assurance tests. The final laboratory results for the year are provided in the report.
(2008) Summary Report for Round 1 of the Community Technical Assistance Program, Hunter The NHEP initiated its Community Technical Assistance Program (CTAP) in 2005 to assist communities in implementing natural resource protection projects that they otherwise may not have the capacity or expertise to implement. Eleven communities applied for and received assistance in the areas of land conservation planning, wetlands/stream buffer protection, and stormwater management. Projects results include: • Wetlands evaluations conducted in two communities and assistance provided for designating 53 wetlands as prime wetlands in those two communities • Development of five new or revised ordinances/regulations improving wetlands protection, stream buffer protections, and/or stormwater management • Conservation lands inventories, baseline documentation, and development of monitoring plans for town-held easements and/or stewardship plans for town-owned conservation lands in five communities • Development of conservation/open space plans in two communities Individual project summaries are provided.
(2008) Testing of Great Bay Oysters for Two Protozoan Pathogens, NHF&G Two protozoan pathogens, Haplosporidium nelsoni (MSX) and Perkinsus marinus (Dermo) are known to be present in Great Bay oysters. With funds provided by the New Hampshire Estuaries Project (NHEP), the Marine Fisheries Division of New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, (NHF&G) continues to assess the presence and intensity of both disease conditions in oysters from the major beds, some open for harvest, within the Great Bay estuarine system. Histological examination of Great Bay oysters has also revealed other endoparasites.
(2008) Wellhead Protection Program - Lary Lane, Gilman, and Stadium Wells in the Town of Exeter, NH, Walker The Rockingham Planning Commission (RPC) developed a Wellhead Protection Area (WHPA) Program for three wells in Exeter, NH. The project was supported through the NHEP's Community Technical Assistance Program. One well is an active well for the town; two wells are inactive, but the town is considering future reactivation. For each well RPC assessed land use and wellhead protection area characteristics and inventoried potential contamination sources. Educational materials including a door hanger, bill insert, and website content were developed and will be used by the town in its outreach efforts. The report includes recommendations for the town to follow to implement an effective WHPA management program.
(2007) 2005 Coastal Illicit Connection Identification and Elimination Grant Project, Marcoux The 2005 Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination grant program, funded by the NHEP and administered by the NH Department of Environmental Services, involved grants to Rye, Somersworth, and Portsmouth. The Town of Rye conducted dry-weather surveys to find non-stormwater flows in the storm sewer system. Ten outfalls were found to have non-stormwater flows, which the town will work to rectify in the future. The City of Somersworth televised sewage and storm drainage lines in several areas of the city to confirm locations of suspected illicit connections. Three illicit connections were confirmed and eliminated.
(2007) 2005 Coastal Municipal Stormwater Infrastructure Mapping Project, Marcoux The 2005 Stormwater Infrastructure Mapping grant program, funded by the NHEP and administered by the NH Department of Environmental Services, involved grants to Rye and Seabrook. The town of Rye hired a consultant to work with town staff to update maps with storm drainage features including catch basins, underground and above-ground storm drainage, direction of flow, and outfall locations. The town of Seabrook hired a consultant to complete the final stage of its ongoing stormwater infrastructure mapping project that has been underway for five years. Field inspections were completed for 460 structures, including 165 that previously had not been mapped.
(2007) 2006 Coastal Illicit Connection Identification and Elimination Grant Program, Marcoux This grant program funded by the NHEP and administered by NH Department of Environmental Services was created to implement priority actions from the NHEP Management Plan by providing assistance to coastal communities to identify and eliminate illicit discharges. Three projects were implemented in this sixth year of the program. The Town of Durham surveyed fifty-nine outfalls for illicit discharges. None were discovered. The City of Rochester eliminated a residential direct sewage discharge into the Salmon Falls River. The Town of Exeter, in coordination with the Seacoast Stormwater Coalition, developed and implemented a training program to assist municipal stormwater program supervisors with illicit discharge detection and remediation, and pollution prevention/good housekeeping practices. Two hundred forty seacoast area individuals (primarily public works staff) were trained through the project.
(2007) 2006 Great Bay Organic Nitrogen (PON & DON) and Light Extinction (PAR) Monitoring Program, Pennock The UNH organic nitrogen and light extinction monthly monitoring program gathers important data that, when combined with the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve System-Wide Monitoring Program (SWMP) program, provide comprehensive coverage of the Great Bay estuary and allow total nitrogen concentrations to be calculated for use in nutrient criteria measurements. UNH researchers completed the organic nitrogen and light extinction workplan in 2006. A total of 70, 132, and 214 measurements were made for light extinction, particulate nitrogen/carbon and dissolved nitrogen, respectively. The average light extinction coefficient in 2006 was -1.76 m-1. Average concentrations of nitrogen species at all stations were 0.213, 0.236, and 0.124 mg-N/L for dissolved inorganic nitrogen, dissolved organic nitrogen and particulate nitrogen, respectively. The average concentration of particulate carbon was 1.112 mg-C/L.
(2007) 2006 Great Bay Water Quality (DataSonde) Monitoring Program, Pennock The University of New Hampshire completed this project with the objective to: (1) support in situ water quality monitoring for the April – December sampling season at the Lamprey River (LR), Squamscott River (SQ), Oyster River (OR), Great Bay (GB) and Coastal Marine Lab (CML) sites; and (2) fund the deployment of in situ water quality monitoring at the Salmon Falls (SF) for July, August and September. The data and all associated meta-data for the GB, LR, SQ and OR sites are available at http://cdmo.baruch.sc.edu/home.html and by following the links to: (a) NERR Data; (b) NERR Data and Associated Metadata; (c) NERR SWMP Water Quality Data; and (d) Great Bay (GRB). For the CML site, DataSondes were successfully deployed as planned. The data for these deployments will be uploaded to the NHDES Environmental Monitoring Database.
(2007) Ambient Rivers Monitoring in the Great Bay Estuary Watershed 2006, Landry The Department of Environmental Services (DES) received funding from the New Hampshire Estuaries Project (NHEP) to conduct monitoring activities in 2006. The activities described in this report were led by the DES Watershed Assistance Section and involved water monitoring at the head-of-tide in nine tidal tributaries. Other DES staff conducted laboratory analyses. These monitoring activities were completed with the overall purpose of improving the understanding of water quality trends. DES completed all tasks as planned. This report includes the sample collection information, field and laboratory data, and quality assurance information. Data summaries and interpretations will come at a later time in other DES and NHEP publications.
(2007) Buffer Projects in the Town of Wakefield and City of Somersworth, LaBranche The Strafford Regional Planning Commission (SRPC) worked to improve buffer protections and management in two towns. In the Town of Wakefield, SRPC worked with the Acton Wakefield Watersheds Alliance to develop a buffer evaluation form to assist property owners assess the condition of their riparian buffers and a buffer brochure describing the value of buffers. SRPC worked with the City of Somersworth planning staff and the conservation commission to develop a draft riparian and wetland buffer ordinance to replace an existing wetland conservation district ordinance. The draft ordinance proposes a 250-foot buffer for all surface waters, including a 25-foot naturally vegetated buffer area with no disturbance.
(2007) City of Portsmouth Prime Wetlands Analysis Report, West West Environmental, Inc. (WEI) worked with the City of Portsmouth to evaluate and designate prime wetlands. WEI reviewed the technical criteria for prime wetlands designation with the Conservation Commission and Planning Department staff and developed a Portsmouth specific evaluation form. Twenty-seven wetlands, including 21 identified in the 2003 City Wide Wetlands Inventory and six additional wetlands, were evaluated and field inspected to verify boundaries and functional analysis. Two of the original wetlands were combined based on field inspection. Thirteen wetlands were proposed for designation. These wetlands total 1,908 acres and provide key wetland wildlife habitat, link to undeveloped upland habitat, and represent the largest and best functioning wetland systems in the City.
(2007) Coastal Watershed Land Conservation Transaction Grant Program, 2005-2007, Taylor The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests administered the Coastal Watershed Land Conservation Transaction Grant Program with funding from the NHEP. From July 2005 to July 2007 a total of $70,000 was awarded to 16 different organizations to assist with transaction costs for 28 projects that achieved permanent land conservation in the New Hampshire coastal watershed. The projects protected 2,220 acres in 15 different communities. The $70,000 in grant funds were matched by $224,651 of transaction costs from other sources. The value of the land protected is well over $17,000,000. Twenty projects met the criteria for adding to existing protected areas. Eight protected frontage on rivers, for a total of 13,900 feet on five different rivers (Dudley Brook, North River, Mad River, Piscassic River, and Exeter River). Three projects protected important wetlands. Five projects protected critical wildlife habitat or special species. Twenty-four projects were included as priorities in some land conservation plan. Twenty were acquired for less than full value, either as a bargain sale or as a donation.
(2007) Conservation Audit and Stewardship Plan, Kane A Conservation Audit and Stewardship Plan for North Hampton was prepared by Chris Kane. In the Audit portion, all references to any lands in Town that had appeared on any list as potentially held for conservation purposes were researched. Other sources of data regarding conservation lands were also investigated, including the GIS mapping Conservation Lands data layer administered by Complex Systems at the University of New Hampshire. All available records in the Town Offices were searched, including tax card files, Conservation Commission property files, old plans, and lists of Town lands and Conservation lands. A thorough search of the records at the Rockingham County Registry of Deeds provided much of the critical information and documents that the Audit relied on. As the information on properties was gathered, they were entered into a database by Tax Map, Lot and Sub-lot number. Twenty fields of important data were recorded for each parcel. These include acreage, type of protection, book and page of recorded documents and plans, summary of the conservation restrictions, and recommendations for stewardship. Informed by the Conservation Audit, a Stewardship Plan was produced to help guide the Conservation Commission in its continuing efforts to carryout land conservation and stewardship of their Town-owned and easement lands.
(2007) Conservation Easement Monitoring-Brentwood, NHSC NHSC, Inc. has completed the baseline monitoring and documentation for fourteen conservation easement parcels located in Brentwood, NH.
(2007) Cooperative Project to Control Invasive Plants in the New Hampshire Seacoast Region, RCCD The Rockingham County Conservation District (RCCD) describes the activities involved in coordinating a group of Project Partners to combat invasive species in the Seacoast. Project Partners include the University of New Hampshire, New Hampshire Estuaries Project, the New Hampshire Coastal Program, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Rockingham County Conservation District, New Hampshire Audubon, the Town of Rye, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership. The goal of this project was to develop invasive species control plans for parcels in the New Hampshire Seacoast, treat approximately 100 acres of invasive species over the next 5 years, treat a minimum of 10 acres during the first year of the project, build RCCD’s capacity to coordinate invasive plant management projects; and explore partnerships to expand integrated pest management for invasive plant species. The report describes control measures recommended on approximately 30 acres of land across five land parcels that are infested with invasive species in Rye and North Hampton. A contractor was selected to begin treatment of these areas and the work is documented by site photos. Aerial photography of the five locations are presented in the report that indicate management areas, recommended actions, work completed between the fall of 2006 and the spring of 2007, and 11 monitoring sites. The report offers an extensive list of recommendations. One of the positive outcomes cited by the report is the development of a Cooperative Weed Management Area in the Seacoast, designated the “New Hampshire Coastal Watershed Invasive Plant Partnership”.
(2007) Eelgrass Distribution in the Great Bay Estuary 2005, Short Eelgrass (Zostera marina) is an essential habitat for the Great Bay Estuary (GBE) because it provides food for wintering waterfowl and habitat for juvenile fish and shellfish. Starting in 1986, the University of New Hampshire has mapped the distribution of eelgrass in the estuary annually. The present report describes and interprets the eelgrass distribution data collected in 2005 for the Great Bay Estuary. In 2005, eelgrass biomass decreased in the Great Bay Estuary while eelgrass distribution increased slightly. Eelgrass was present throughout much of its expected range in the estuary, although there are still large areas of the estuary that historically supported eelgrass and currently do not, including Little Bay, the Piscataqua River, and parts of Portsmouth Harbor and Little Harbor. Despite a few increases in low biomass eelgrass bed distribution in the upper estuary, the continued decrease in eelgrass biomass in the estuary overall is indicative of poor water quality conditions.
(2007) Final Report Overview - Kingston, Stone The objective of the Kingston project was to revise the town’s wetlands conservation district regulations and create new stormwater regulations. The proposed stormwater regulations were consistent with state and federal stormwater requirements. The main areas covered in the proposed regulations were a prohibition against illicit discharges and illegal dumping to Kingston’s storm drainage system, erosion prevention and sediment control at construction sites, and post-construction (permanent) stormwater control. The proposed stormwater regulations were intended to replace an existing article in Kingston’s code on sediment and erosion control, and to expand the regulations to cover other aspects of stormwater control required under US EPA’s Phase II stormwater rules. The revised version of the wetlands conservation district regulations proposed heightening wetlands protection in some respects and defining appropriate buffer widths around wetlands based on wetland characteristics and the underlying zoning district. The Town of Kingston chose to work on revision of the wetlands conservation district regulations prior to addressing the larger and more complicated stormwater regulations. The wetlands regulations will be on the March 2008 town warrant.
(2007) Final Report-RPC Buffer Project, Walker The Rockingham Planning Commission (RPC) met with members of the Planning Boards and Conservation Commission in the Towns of Kensington, Brentwood, Hampton Falls, and Fremont to review NHEP shoreland buffer maps. RPC reviewed existing land use regulations in each community relative to protection of shoreland buffers, reviewed land use regulations proposed by the Land Conservation Plan for NH's Coastal Watersheds, discussed local concerns about protecting buffers, and provided draft local land use regulations to increase the protection of buffers.
(2007) Hydrological Parameters for New Hampshire's Estuaries, Trowbridge This NHEP report summarizes the available hydrologic information for the Great Bay Estuary and Hampton-Seabrook Estuary. The latest information on watershed drainage area, tidal shoreline, surface area, volume, salinity, depth, and a host of other physical characteristics are included. The values presented in this report will be used for all NHEP reporting and should be used for any national databases for estuarine classifications.
(2007) Identify and Report Water Pollution (2nd Edition), nhep Be Part of the Solution: Identify and Report Water Pollution: an Interpretive Guide to Surface Water Conditions of the New Hampshire Coastal Watershed, 2nd edition" is designed to help people who work or recreate outdoors to interpret surface water conditions so that they would recognize a pollution incident and know how to report it. The guide suggests actions that communities can take to prevent water pollution and protect vital water resources. Finally, the guide includes helpful, relevant resources that will further explain particular surface water conditions.
(2007) Impacts of Wastewater Treatment Facilities on Receiving Water Quality, Jones, S The Squamscott River has had extended episodes of low dissolved oxygen (DO) that have been recorded at a site near its mouth over the past few years. These episodes were recorded as a result of temporally intensive monitoring by a datasonde, whereas data for the rest of the river has been spotty. Thus, the spatial extent of low DO episodes is not known. This study was designed to better characterize the spatial extent of DO conditions along the full length of the river, as well as to determine nutrient and other water quality parameters along the transect to help understand possible causes of low DO levels. Sampling and measurements were taken on five dates in 2005 and one in 2006. Only one date, August 19, 2005, showed spatially extensive low DO levels. The nutrient and chlorophyll a levels at the different sampling sites in the Squamscott River did not appear to have any discernable relationship with DO levels. The Exeter WWTF was a consistently significant source of nutrients to the river, but DO conditions at the outfall pipe were never below target levels. Overall, conditions recorded by the datasonde for 2005 showed greatly diminished episodes of depressed DO levels compared to previous years. Future studies should focus first on verifying the spatial extent of conditions that are conducive to depressed DO levels as indicated by existing sonde data.
(2007) Impervious Surface Analysis for Durham Under Current and Build-out Conditions, Braun Stone Environmental, Inc. provided assistance in the area of stormwater management to the Town of Durham through the NHEP Community Technical Assistance Program. Part of the project involved calculating impervious surfaces under build-out conditions. The analysis used the 2005 impervious surface estimates developed by UNH Complex Systems Research Center and a build-out analysis previously completed by the Strafford Regional Planning Commission. Two scenarios were analyzed, with different assumptions about impervious surface ratios. In 2005, impervious surfaces in Durham accounted for 6.5% of land area. At build-out, impervious surface was estimated at 12.7% and 10.3%, depending on the ratio used.
(2007) Newmarket Open Space Conservation Plan, Snyder Ellen Synder, Ibis Wildlife Consulting, prepare an Open Space Conservation Plan for the town of Newmarket. The plan will guide the protection and management of Newmarket's open spaces.
(2007) NHDES Shellfish Program Activities, January-December 2006, Nash, C. & Wood, M. The NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) Shellfish Program's work in 2006 included its many ongoing water quality sampling activities to minimize the health risks associated with consuming shellfish and to comply with the National Shellfish Sanitation Program guidelines. The Shellfish Program completed sanitary surveys in the Hampton-Seabrook Estuary and the Piscataqua River (North) growing area that includes the tidal portions of the Cocheco, Salmon Falls, and Upper Piscataqua Rivers. At present 87% of estuarine waters are classified. The Shellfish Program continued its study of two different bacterial analysis methods in 2006 to determine impacts of method on growing area classification. NHEP funding for the Shellfish Program in 2006 covered laboratory analytical costs associated with the sampling activities of the program.
(2007) NHDHHS Public Health Laboratories Shellfish Program Activities, January-December 2006, Wikoff The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Public Health Laboratories, with funding from the NHEP, continued analyses to support the NHDES Shellfish Program's routine water quality monitoring, red tide monitoring, and additional testing after rainfall, excess sewage discharge, and other emergency events in 2006. Analyses for the year included bacterial, pH, and salinity tests for 868 water samples; bacterial tests for 91 shellfish tissue samples; and PSP toxin tests for 61 shellfish tissue samples. Results for all the tests are provided in the report appendices.
(2007) NHEP 2007 Progress Report, NHEP This report summarizes progress made toward implementing the New Hampshire Estuaries Project Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) and evaluates the status of environmental and administrative indicators based upon management goals and objectives. The report is divided into two primary sections: (I) Status of Environmental and Administrative Indicators and (II) Action Plan Completion.
(2007) NHEP Overview, NHEP The NHEP describes current activities, funding, and organizational structure.
(2007) Outreach Campaign to Facilitate Water Pollution Reporting, NHEP Describes the NHEP's efforts to develop outreach materials to address Action Plan WQ-6: Promote collaboration of state and local officials to locate and eliminate illegal discharges into surface waters. NHEP worked with DES and a a group of expert reviewers from UNH and DES to draft a "Identify and Report Water Pollution Guide", a water pollution poster, and a water pollution reporting bookmark. UNH Printing produced 1000 booklets, 1000 posters, and 1000 bookmarks. A set of these materials were sent to DPWs and libraries in each of the coastal watershed communities.
(2007) Pleasant Point Sewer Extension, Rice, Peter The purpose of this project was to extend the City of Portsmouth sewer to the Pleasant Point area which is adjacent to the Back Channel area of the Piscataqua River. Seventeen homes in the area were using septic systems to treat wastewater. Several of these septic systems were failing and several more were near failing and contributing to water quality problems. The project included the installation of a low pressure sewer in the Pleasant Point area connecting to an existing gravity sewer on New Castle Avenue. Homeowners were responsible for tying into the sewer services at the edge of their property line. This project helped implement NHEP Action Plan WQ-7 related to the elimination of failing septic systems. In addition, this project was identified as a priority Action Item in the Total Maximum Daily Load Study for Bacteria in Little Harbor, New Hampshire. The project was funded in part by a grant from the NHEP, a State Revolving Fund loan, City sewer system revenues, and private participation.
(2007) Predicting the Success of Invasive Species in the Great Bay Estuarine Researve, Harris The University of New Hampshire Zoology Department reports on a study designed to continue monitoring the distribution of invasive species in the Great Bay Estuary and to carry out laboratory experiments designed to test the effects of salinity on ascidian mortality and determine predators of ascidian species. Researchers collected presence/absence and abundance data of invasive species at four sites within the Great Bay Estuarine System. The report gives a brief description of the results of the monitoring program to compare results obtained from 2006 to 2007 and to assess the response of ascidians to varying salinity and predators. This report specifically includes monitoring data from 2007 and results of laboratory and field experiments examining the effects of salinity and predators on ascidian distribution.
(2007) Review of Durham's Regulations Related to Stormwater Management, Braun Stone Environmental, Inc. provided assistance to the Town of Durham through the NHEP Community Technical Assistance Program. The consultant reviewed Durham's existing regulations related to stormwater management and compared the Town's development rules to 20 model development principles developed by the Center for Watershed Protection. The consultant reviewed a Draft Stormwater Ordinance, originally developed for the Town in 2003, and recommended detailed changes to provide consistency with state and federal regulations and more recent approaches to stormwater management.
(2007) Review of Northwood's Stormwater Management Regulations, Braun Stone Environmental, Inc. provided assistance to the Town of Northwood through the NHEP Community Technical Assistance Program. The consultant reviewed Northwood's existing regulations and compared the Town's development rules to 20 model development principles developed by the Center for Watershed Protection. Revisions suggested to Northwood's development ordinance, subdivision regulations, and site plan review regulations are intended to improve stormwater management and water quality in the community. In addition, Stone Environmental identifies several new ordinances for the Town to consider as part of a comprehensive stormwater management approach, including a buffer protection ordinance, illicit discharge prohibition ordinance, post-construction stormwater control ordinance, pet waste ordinance, and an ordinance banning phosphorus fertilizers.
(2007) Shoreland Buffers in the Towns of Candia and Deerfield, Jack Munn The towns of Candia and Deerfield worked with the Southern New Hampshire Regional Planning Commission (SNHPC) to develop and implement land use regulations to protect the remaining undisturbed natural shoreline buffers along the Lamprey and North Branch Rivers (2nd order or higher streams and tributaries) and other surface waters within these communities. The project was approached in two overall steps. Step one involved preparing an inventory, delineation and map of the remaining undisturbed natural vegetated buffers in both communities. Following completion of the inventory and mapping results, step two of the project consisted of a thorough analysis of both towns’ existing land use regulations primarily focusing on setbacks, buffers and wetlands. Three major shoreland protection options were identified and evaluated. The preferred option consisted of improving the town’s existing regulations and educating town officials and town board’s about the State’s Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act (CSPA) requirements and how/where these requirements apply within each town.
(2007) Testing of Great Bay Oysters for Two Protozoan Pathogens in 2006, Nelson Testing done annually since 1995 documents that two protozoan pathogens, Haplosporidium nelsoni (MSX) and Perkinsus marinus (Dermo), are present in Great Bay oysters. Based on testing done by Rutgers University with funding from the New Hampshire Estuaries Project, the Marine Fisheries Division of New Hampshire Fish and Game Department assessed the presence and intensity of both disease conditions in oysters from the major beds, some open for harvest, within the Great Bay estuarine system. Severity of infection and prevalence varies from site to site and over time at a specific site. The year 2006 oyster tests show continued presence of MSX in Great Bay. Dermo was seen for the fifth successive year after a nearly five year absence in oysters. Also present but of unknown pathogenicity are ciliate produced xenomas in gill tissue. The report recommends: (1) This testing program should continue with samples from major oyster beds within the Great Bay system; (2) Movement of oysters from bed to bed within the Great Bay system should be carefully controlled; and (3) The effect of ciliate xenomas should be further studied.
(2007) Town of Fremont Wetland Evaluation Report, West Through the NHEP's Community Technical Assistance Program, West Environmental, Inc. (WEI) evaluated wetlands in the Town of Fremont. Fifty-five wetlands, totaling 1,338.5 acres, were inventoried and evaluated after initial mapping. The assessment evaluated each wetland for functions such as groundwater recharge/discharge, flood-flow alteration, sediment retention, nutrient removal, wildlife habitat, and recreational values. Wetlands were placed in one of four tiers as a result of the evaluation. WEI recommends all of the wetlands in Tiers 1, 2 & 3 be nominated as prime wetland candidates for designation by Fremont to the NHDES Wetlands Bureau. These 26 wetlands represent the highest functioning wetlands that provide critical habitat and crucial wetlands function. The majority of these wetlands are identified as highest value wildlife habitat in the NH Fish & Game’s Wildlife Action Plan.
(2007) TOWN OF NEW DURHAM Town of New Durham Zoning and Land Use Ordinance, Jeffery Taylor Assoc The Town of New Durham with assistance from Jeffery Taylor Associates drafted a buffer ordinance that was approved and will be on the 2007 Town Warrant in March.
(2007) Wakefield Land Conservation Education & Outreach Project, Barstow & Schlenker The Town of Wakefield, a participant in the 2005 Natural Resources Outreach Coalition program, received an implementation grant from the NHEP to support land conservation efforts. The Wakefield Land Conservation Group conducted a survey of voters to better understand opinions of using public funds for land conservation, after a very close town vote. The Land Conservation Group used information from the survey to guide subsequent education and outreach efforts that included contacting land owners and producing and distributing a brochure.
(2006) 2005 Great Bay Organic Nitrogen (PON & DON) and Light Extinction (PAR) Monitoring Program, Pennock The Jackson Estuarine Laboratory (JEL) at the University of New Hampshire reports their efforts in 2005 to monitor particulate organic nitrogen (PON), dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) at the six sites that are part of the System-wide Monitoring Program, including the Lamprey, Squamscott, and Oyster Rivers and Chapman's Landing, Great Bay, and the Coastal Marine Lab. PON and DON measurements allow for the calculation of total nitrogen, and PAR measures light availability. Methods used are specified in the approved quality assurance project plan. JEL recommends continuing testing as PON, DON, and PAR levels are important indicators of water quality and will be useful for development of nutrient criteria for New Hampshire's estuaries.
(2006) 2005 Great Bay Water Quality (DataSonde) Monitoring Program, Pennock The Jackson Estuarine Laboratory (JEL) at the University of New Hampshire reports project results for their in situ water quality monitoring for sites in the Lamprey, Squamscott, Oyster, and Salmon Falls Rivers, Great Bay, and the Coastal Marine Lab (CML). NHEP funding supported the monitoring at the CML and the Salmon Falls River. Sampling was done using datasondes, which are programmed to obtain measurements of conductivity, salinity, dissolved oxygen, saturation, pH, temperature, water level, and turbidity every half-hour. Data were collected from April to December 2005 at all sites except the Salmon Falls River where data were collected for July, August, and September only. The in situ water quality monitoring program continued to provide important data on basic parameters in the Great Bay estuary. JEL recommended that monitoring at the CML and Salmon Falls River sites be continued since they provide more comprehensive coverage of the Great Bay estuary system.
(2006) 2006 Exeter River Alewife Festival, ERLAC On June 4, 2006, the Exeter River Local Advisory Committee held the 6th annual Exeter River Alewife Festival along the banks of the Squamscott River in downtown Exeter. Three dozen organizations exhibited at the Festival and event organizers estimated approximately 300 people attended the event despite inclement weather. The purpose of the Festival was to increase awareness of the Exeter River watershed and its the role in providing drinking water, wildlife habitat and scenic, historic and recreational resources for residents in the ten watershed towns. ERLAC also produced maps of the watershed for public education as well as posters, banners, and newspaper advertisements announcing the event.
(2006) 2006 NHEP Implementation Review, Hunter The report contains an overview of NHEP accomplishments and activities since the last Implementation Review conducted by US EPA in 2002. The report also includes responses to the challenges identified during the last review and information on how the NHEP helps implement the EPA's core Clean Water Act programs.
(2006) 2006 State of the Estuaries Report, NHEP Produced every three years, this report includes information on the status and trends of a select group of environmental indicators from the coastal watershed and estuaries. It provides the NHEP, natural resource managers, local officials, conservation organizations, and the public with information on the effects of management decisions and actions. Prior to developing each State of the Estuaries report, the NHEP publishes four technical data reports (“indicator reports”) that illustrate the status and trends of the complete collection of indicators tracked by the NHEP. Each report focuses on a different suite of indicators: Water Quality, Shellfish, Critical Habitats and Species, and Land Use and Development. The 2006 State of the Estuaries Report communicates the status of 12 out of 34 environmental indicators tracked by the NHEP. For each of these key indicators it provides the reader with the associated NHEP management goal and an explanation of supporting data. For some of the 12 indicators, additional information from supporting or related indicators is presented to further explain trends or to provide context for the primary indicators. The report was released during the State of the Estuaries Conference and all attendees received a copy. Copies will also be sent to coastal watershed legislators, planning boards, and conservation commissions.
(2006) Ambient Rivers Monitoring in the Great Bay Estuary Watershed 2005, Landry The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) water quality monitoring activities in tidal tributaries to the Great Bay Estuary for 2005 are reported. Studies were led by the DES Watershed Assistance Section with the intent to improve understanding of water quality trends and provide data to support the NHEP Monitoring Plan. Field measurements were made for dissolved oxygen, temperature, conductivity, pH, and turbidity. Laboratory analysis was conducted for total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), ammonia, nitrate/nitrite, total phosphorus, biological oxygen demand (BOD), E. coli, and chlorophyll-a. Testing consistent with the Ambient River Monitoring Plan QAPP was performed at six tidal dams on rivers (Exeter, Lamprey, Oyster, Bellamy, Cocheco, and Salmon Falls) and at two tributaries of Little Harbor (Berry's Brook and Sagamore Creek). Continued monthly monitoring was recommended. NHEP's draft Water Quality Indicators report recommends removing BOD from the list of monitoring tests. BOD levels were consistently below the analytical method detection level, and the costs of switching to a laboratory with the necessary equipment for more sensitive testing are high.
(2006) Buffers: Protecting Water Resources, NHEP The NHEP describes the assistance available to communities to protect buffers, including customized educational presentations and facilitated discussions aimed at giving a town information and buffer protection tools, such as model ordinances.
(2006) Cains Brook and Mill Creek Watershed Management Plan, Town of Seabrook The Town of Seabrook enlisted the assistance of engineering consultants to develop a management plan for the Cain’s Brook and Mill Creek Watershed. The plan includes inventories of water resources, topography, soils, wildlife, vegetation, rare species, and exemplary communities, as well as summaries of previous resource studies in the watershed. Restoration opportunities are described, as well as recreational opportunities for small boat access, fishing, walking, and bird watching. The plan also lists current regulatory programs and outlines alternative management strategies appropriate for the watershed. The consultant, working closely with the Seabrook Conservation Commission and the community, developed 33 action plans and an associated implementation program that prioritizes the actions and identifies responsible parties.
(2006) Coastal Conservation Lands Update (2005), Rubin The Complex Systems Research Center (CSRC) at the University of New Hampshire reports updates made to their GRANIT Conservation and Protected Lands Data Layer. The data set contains a digital record of parcels of land of two or more acres that are mostly undeveloped and protected from future development. Data on current protected lands were collected, reviewed, and processed for 48 communities in New Hampshire's seacoast, including the 42 towns within the New Hampshire Estuaries Project area. GRANIT staff contacted each community's conservation commission as well as all semi-public land entities and land trusts active in the region, to solicit updates and additions to the data set. The New Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning then contacted state and federal agencies managing property on the seacoast to compare information. As a result, 166 new tracts covering over 6,000 acres were added to the database, and 122 tracts were modified to incorporate corrections.
(2006) Continued Wetlands Assessment, Inventory and Prime Wetlands Designation in Hampton and Hampton Falls, RCCD The Hampton Falls Conservation Commission and the Rockingham County Conservation District report on activities to inventory and evaluate wetland functions and values, educate communities on wetlands values, obtain prime wetlands designation (PWD) status, and produce ordinances to support PWD in Hampton and Hampton Falls. The towns hired a wetlands scientist to assess all wetlands greater than two acres and produce a detailed report for the top 20 wetland complexes in the two municipalities. The project incorporated results from Phase I of the study, which focused on wetlands assessment in the Taylor River watershed. The map boundaries and assessment data from Phase I were integrated into the wetlands analysis for comprehensive coverage of both communities completed in Phase II. The 20 wetlands identified were condensed down to eight wetlands complexes for further evaluation and recommended for PWD. Public informational meetings and workshops were held to share information about the project. Warrant articles will be developed and promoted by conservation commissions in both towns for town approval in 2007.
(2006) Development and Monitoring of Revegetation Methods:. . .in Awcomin Marsh, Burdick The University of New Hampshire reports on a revegetation project and an assessment of a 2002 experimental cordgrass planting in Awcomin Marsh. Five classes in a Portsmouth elementary school participated in an effort to grow and plant high marsh and upper border vegetation at a salt marsh restoration site. Seeds of six marsh upper edge species were germinated and grown into seedlings by third grade students and planted by the students in late spring 2005, however only switchgrass and quackgrass plants appeared to have established and survived after one year. Mature shoots of three high marsh species (salt hay, salt grass and black grass) established successfully and continue to proliferate. The study also assessed an experimental cordgrass planting installed in 2002. After four growing seasons, Plug, Bare Root Shoot, and Seed Head planting techniques exhibited greater cover of cordgrass and total cover of vascular plants when compared with unplanted areas. Cover of perennial plants (e.g., cordgrass) dominated the planted plots; cover of annual species dominated the unplanted plots. Recommendations include the use of bare root shoot and seed head planting techniques where cordgrass is desired. Outside plots or a greenhouse may be needed for successful propagation of upper edge marsh species from seed, and a planting program that includes mature plants as well as seedlings is recommended
(2006) Eelgrass Distribution in the Great Bay Estuary 2004, Short In 2004, the NHEP funded annual monitoring for eelgrass in the Great Bay Estuary by UNH Jackson Estuarine Laboratory. Researchers collected aerial photography of eelgrass coverage for 2005 and mapped eelgrass distribution for 2004 from the information gathered in the summer of 2004 (aerial photography and ground truthing). In 2004, eelgrass distribution and percent cover slightly increased in the Great Bay Estuary over 2003, mostly due to increases in Great Bay itself. Loss of habitat was seen in the eelgrass meadow between Fishing Island and Gerrish Island and in Little Harbor, both of which lost distribution and percent cover, as well as in the Piscataqua River. Eelgrass was present throughout much of its expected range in the estuary, although there are still large areas of the estuary that historically supported eelgrass and currently do not. Due to the increases in Great Bay and at the mouth of the estuary, there was higher percent cover than in 2003, representing a slight overall increase in eelgrass abundance between 2003 and 2004.
(2006) Eye On Estuaries: NH tourist, the bluefish, soon to depart bay, Kellam An educational column about coastal watershed issues that appears in the Portsmouth Herald and is initiated by the New Hampshire Estuaries Project.
(2006) Great Bay Estuary Restoration Compendium, Odell, et al The Nature Conservancy, in cooperation with a several other organizations, reports on restoration opportunities in and around the Great Bay Estuary. The authors created a conceptual site selection model based on a comparison of historic and modern distributions and abundance data, current environmental conditions, and expert review. Restoration targets include oysters and softshell clams, salt marshes, eelgrass beds, and seven diadromous fish species. Spatial data showing the historical and present day distributions for multiple species and habitats were compiled and integrated into a geographic information system. A matrix of habitat interactions was developed to identify potential for synergy and subsequent restoration efficiency. Output from the site selection models was considered within this framework to identify ecosystem restoration landscapes. The report include a series of maps detailing multi-habitat restoration opportunities extending from upland freshwater fish habitat down to the bay bottom. A companion guidance document was created to present project methods and a review of restoration methods.
(2006) Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures for IDDE and Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping, Edwards and Kelcey The City of Portsmouth, with grant funding from the NHEP, hired Edwards and Kelcey to develop a manual to assist with several requirements of the federal stormwater management program (Phase II requirements). Designed specifically for New Hampshire communities, this manual addresses illicit discharge detection and elimination (IDDE) programs and pollution prevention/good housekeeping for municipal activities. The manual is written for program managers with responsibility for developing town stormwater programs and for municipal employees such as public works staff who will implement programs on a day-to-day basis. The manual offers guidance on six steps to develop a customized IDDE program. It also includes commonly accepted technical standards and guidance on stormwater management measures to control the quantity and quality of stormwater produced from municipal activities. This manual can help communities improve their stormwater management programs and provides a basis for future employee training programs. Portsmouth worked closely with other Seacoast Stormwater Coalition members provide input to the contractor in developing the manual.
(2006) Impervious Surface Mapping in Coastal New Hampshire (2005), Justice and Rubin The Complex Systems Research Center at the University of New Hampshire reports results of the NHEP-funded project to estimate impervious surface acreage for a 48-town region of coastal New Hampshire for 2005 (including the 42 towns within the NHEP area). Both traditional and subpixel image classification techniques were applied to 30-meter Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper (TM) satellite data acquired October 3, 2005. The classifications indicated that impervious surface coverage increased from 4.3% (31,233 acres) in 1990 to 6.3% (45,445 acres) in 2000 to 7.4% (53,408 acres) in 2005, an overall increase of 3.1% in fifteen years. The data set representing impervious surface acreage has been archived in GRANIT GIS clearinghouse, making it available to the general public. As recent state figures project population increases of 21% from 2005 to 2025 in Rockingham and Strafford counties, impervious assessment was recommended to be repeated on 3-5 year cycles to monitor changes. NHEP NOTE: The NHEP study area differs from the study area of this report. Impervious surface estimates for the NHEP study area increased from 4.7% (24,349 acres) in 1990 to 6.8% (35,503 acres) in 2000 to 8.0% (41,784 acres) in 2005, an overall increase of 3.3% in fifteen years.
(2006) Impervious Surface Mapping in Coastal New Hampshire (2005), Justice The Complex Systems Research Center at the University of New Hampshire reports results of the NHEP-funded project to estimate impervious surface acreage for a 48-town region of coastal New Hampshire for 2005 (including the 42 towns within the NHEP area). Both traditional and subpixel image classification techniques were applied to 30-meter Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper (TM) satellite data acquired October 3, 2005. The classifications indicated that impervious surface coverage increased from 4.3% (31,233 acres) in 1990 to 6.3% (45,445 acres) in 2000 to 7.4% (53,408 acres) in 2005, an overall increase of 3.1% in fifteen years. The data set representing impervious surface acreage has been archived in GRANIT GIS clearinghouse, making it available to the general public. As recent state figures project population increases of 21% from 2005 to 2025 in Rockingham and Strafford counties, impervious assessment was recommended to be repeated on 3-5 year cycles to monitor changes.
(2006) Juvenile soft-shell clam, Mya arenaria L.research in the Hampton-Seabrook Estuary, Beal A series of field experiments was conducted at two intertidal sites in the Hampton-Seabrook Estuary from November 2004-2006 to assess the efficacy of enhancing intertidal areas with cultured clam (Mya arenaria L.) seed (mean shell length[SL] = 7-10 mm). Measurement variables in each experiment included survival and growth of both cultured and wild seed clams. The first of three trials (November 2004 -May 2005) examined the interactive effects of size of planting area (4, 8, 12 and 18 square meters) and predator deterrent netting (none, 4.2 mm, and 6.4 mm aperture [flexible, plastic netting]) at the Willows Flat in the Hampton River. The second trial (June -October 2005) examined the effect of predator deterrent netting at two discrete intertidal locations at the Willows Flat. The third trial (April - November 2006) replicated trial two except at two intertidal sites within the estuary approximately 3 km apart. Results from the study, together with those from a previous, smaller-scale investigation in the same estuary (Beal, 2002) suggest that clam enhancement can be successful as long as netting is properly deployed and maintained through regular inspections. Seeding should occur in early spring (late March or April of Year I) when seawater temperatures are below 10 degC. Animals should be seeded at densities between 500-1000 individuals per square meter (ca. 50-100 individuals per square foot) and then covered with a plastic, flexible netting with an aperture size of 4.2 mm. Because predation in the estuary is so intense and affects all but the largest sizes of clams, nets should be maintained in situ as long as possible, perhaps as long as it takes the shellfish to attain harvestable sizes (50.8 mm SL, or 2-inches). A large proportion of these animals will be ready for harvest by October or November in Year II.
(2006) Land Conservation Plan for New Hampshire’s Coastal Watersheds – Implementation & Outreach, Zankel The Nature Conservancy, Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, Rockingham Planning Commission and Strafford Regional Planning Commission conducted various outreach activities to promote implementation of the Land Conservation Plan for New Hampshire's Coastal Watersheds (the Plan). Seven field trips and two workshops were conducted to reach target audiences, a poster describing the Plan was developed, additional copies of the Plan distributed to town boards, and town-scale maps were provided to all conservation commissions. The planning commissions worked with the towns of Lee, New Durham, East Kingston, and Hampton Falls to review and implement various strategies from the Plan.
(2006) Little River Park, Phase Two Report, Cox The Town of Lee purchased the Mills property from the Estate of Gail Mills, on January 25, 2006, for a total of $134,200. The Town of Lee subsequently executed a conservation easement on the property. The Strafford County Conservation District holds the easement. The NHEP contributed $27,500 to this project. A total of 11.93 acres were permanently protected from development including 1,140 feet of shoreland along the Little River. The final report contains copies of the executed bill of sale and conservation easement.
(2006) Low Impact Stormwater Management Projects at the University of New Hampshire, Jones/Houle Low Impact Development (LID) is a storm water best management practice (BMP) involving the use of small-scale storm water management controls that are placed at strategic points to control the impacts of contaminants generated from storm water runoff from transportation infrastructure. These sustainable management measures are designed to filter pollutants, control peak flow rates, and reduce the total volume of rainfall runoff. For this project, researchers at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) constructed demonstration-level BMPs at two high profile locations on the UNH Campus: The UNH Stormwater Center and the Jackson Estuarine Laboratory. Self-guided descriptions of and outreach material for the three innovative storm water management BMP’s were installed at each site. Students, faculty and regional stakeholders were introduced to the LID technologies through an outreach and education program. Finally, the researchers estimated the runoff volume reduction and pollutant load reduction as a result of the BMP’s
(2006) NH Department of Environmental Services Shellfish Program Activities, January 2005-December 2005, Nash The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) Shellfish Program activities in 2005 are described. Sanitation studies in accordance with National Shellfish Sanitation Program guidelines were conducted. Targeted inspections and sampling of previously identified sources was emphasized to complete sanitary surveys for selected growing areas or to collect data needed for annual and triennial sanitary survey reviews. Sanitary surveys were completed for the Bellamy River and Little Bay. Monitoring activities included ambient water sampling for fecal coliform bacteria, post-rainfall tests, sewage release problem area sampling, shellfish biotoxin monitoring, and post-severe weather testing. As in the past, NHDES involved citizen participation in its activities, including the Great Bay Coast Watch. Plans for next year's work include completion of ongoing studies on the Upper Piscataqua River, Cocheco River, Salmon Falls River, and Hampton/Seabrook Harbor.
(2006) NH Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Laboratories Shellfish Program 2005, Finnigan Results from water sample testing and shellfish tissue analyses conducted by the New Hampshire Public Health Laboratories of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) are reported. In 2005, DHHS tested 836 water samples, 101 shellfish tissue samples for bacteria, and 87 shellfish tissue samples for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). The 2005 PSP bloom event required a 33% increase in the number of samples taken. In addition, the wet weather in 2005 led to an additional 149 samples being received and processed. All samples received were successfully tested. For 2006 DHHS will continue to test PSP levels and provide analyses of shellfish growing water samples for fecal coliform bacteria, salinity, and pH.
(2006) NHEP Buffer Outreach Final Report, Jodi Castallo In 2006, NHEP completed a buffer characterization project, buffer protection presentaion, buffer brochure, one presentation , buffer web page, GRANIT buffer data layer/mapper, three additional projects related to buffer protection: Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission (SNHPC), Candia, and Deerfield. The NHEP Community Technical Assistance Program focused on buffers in New Durham. The NHEP provided buffer protection assistance through Rockingham Planning Commission and Strafford Regional Planning Commission
(2006) NHEP Data Management Plan, Trowbridge The NHEP Data Management Plan contains protocols for data reporting to the NHEP to facilitate data integration. The protocols are considered contract requirements for NHEP monitoring programs and recommended guidelines for other partners. This plan also includes protocols for conducting quality assurance tests on water quality data to ensure the integrity of the NHEP indicators.
(2006) NHEP Environmental Indicator Report: Critical Habitats and Species 2006, Trowbridge NHEP describes the status and trends of critical habitats and species in New Hampshire's estuaries. The report contains data and analysis for salt marshes, eelgrass, unfragmented forest blocks, fish, lobsters, waterfowl, and restoration projects. Some of the conclusions from the report include: the extent of the salt marsh mapped in 2004 was 5,554 acres, and phragmites covered 133 acres of salt marsh area in 2004; eelgrass coverage in the Great Bay has been declining since 1996 except for one good year in 2001, and between 1992 and 2003, the eelgrass biomass in Great Bay declined by 71%; unfragmented forest blocks greater than 250 acres constituted 51% of the land area in New Hampshire's coastal watershed in 2001; the populations of critical species of juvenile finfish, anadromous fish, lobster, and waterfowl remain similar to previous observation; and excellent progress has been made toward the goal of restoring 300 acres of salt marsh by 2010. Also, oyster and eelgrass restorations are proceeding, but more slowly.
(2006) NHEP Environmental Indicator Report: Water Quality 2006, Trowbridge NHEP describes the status and trends of water quality in New Hampshire's estuaries. The report contains data and analysis for bacteria indicators, toxic contaminants, nutrients, and dissolved oxygen. Some of the conclusions from the report are as follows: shellfish harvesting opportunities are still restricted due to bacteria contamination in the estuary, particularly after rain storms; dry-weather bacteria concentrations have decreased over the past 17 years, but the concentrations have remained relatively constant over the past decade; the number of advisories at tidal and freshwater beaches in the coastal watershed is increasing; available data on shellfish tissue (mussels, clams, oysters) show that the concentrations of toxic contaminants in the tissue are below FDA guidelines; a small percentage (12%) of the estuary sediments contain toxic contaminants at concentrations that might affect the benthic community; comparisons to historical data show that dissolved inorganic nitrogen concentrations have increased in Great Bay by 59% in the past 25 years; and dissolved oxygen concentrations consistently fail to meet the state water quality standards in the tidal tributaries but not in the larger embayments.
(2006) NHEP Year 11 Work Plan, Hunter This Work Plan represents the eleventh year of NHEP activities and is developed with input from NHEP’s four project teams. The Plan describes recent accomplishments and projects to be undertaken beginning in 2007 to implement the NHEP Management Plan. Also included are a list of ongoing projects, a summary of meetings and milestones from the last year, relevance of activities to the Clean Water Act programs, and the overall budget. The NHEP Management Committee approved this plan during the June 13, 2006 meeting.
(2006) NROC Coordination and Program Delivery, Stone&Mitchell The Universtiy of New Hampshire describes the 2006 NROC activities. The group worked with two new client communities (Rollinsford and Fremont) and continued to work with four previous NROC communities (Wakefield, Deerfield, New Durham and Strafford). As a result of 2006 activities organizers report that the NROC approach continues to be an effective strategy, however, as communities become more sophisticated in their approaches, NROC needs to broaden its focus and provide a wider range of programs. They also concluded that an extended period of follow-up assistance is needed and funding for community projects continues to be a strong motivating factor for communities.
(2006) Oyster Reef Restoration Project for the City of Dover, Grizzle et al. The University of New Hampshire and the City of Dover describe a project to restore formerly productive oyster bottom in two areas, the Bellamy River and Pomeroy Cove (Piscataqua River). Site surveys found substantial amounts of "shell bottom" (but only two live oysters) along a 1.2 km stretch of the Bellamy, and no oyster bottom at the Pomeroy Cove site. Hence, restoration efforts were designed only for the Bellamy. The primary reef restoration method chosen was “spat seeding" onto the existing shell bottom, which involves deposition of spat (young oysters) attached to shell substrate produced by remote setting. Larvae from native Great Bay oysters were set in tanks at UNH's Jackson Estuarine Laboratory in July 2005, and held on a nursery raft at JEL until reef construction in November 2005. Approximately 300,000 spat-on-shell were used to construct 12 "minireefs" (total surface area ~0.1 acre) within a 1.5-acre overall restoration area. Nine months after reef construction, 32,000 live oysters remained on the mini-reefs and no live oysters were found in adjacent natural reef areas. When considering only the 0.1 acre area covered by the mini-reefs, live oysters occurred at 64/m2, which is similar to oyster densities in other areas in Great Bay. When considering the entire 1.5-acre restoration area, live oysters were at ~4/m2. The entire 1.5-acre area was considered "restored" in the short-term. Longer-term restoration success will be dependent upon successful natural recruitment to the minireefs as well as the adjacent bottom areas. Diver observations in July 2006 indicated that very little oyster shell (other than what was put out with the spat in November 2005) remained in the restoration area. This suggests that longer-term restoration success may require placement of additional shell onto the bottom.
(2006) Reef Structure Alternatives for Restoration of Oyster in New Hampshire, Grizzle, et al The University of New Hampshire describes a study that compared previous performance (survival, growth, natural spat set) of replicate "large" (6 m diameter) constructed reefs to replicate clusters of "small" (3.2 m diameter) constructed reefs ( an example of the general ecological "SLOSS" (single large or several small) question applied to oyster restoration). Early reef performance (dependent variables: oyster density, mean shell height, and spat [oysters < 40 mm shell height] density) did not differ significantly for the "large" constructed reefs compared to "small" in any of the three dependent variables measured four times over the duration (20 months) of the experiment. Both types of constructed/restored reefs, however, differed substantially and significantly from both types of controls (exposed to harvest and unharvested) in oyster density and spat set, with mean densities of 3 to 6 times higher on the constructed reefs. A total of 1.25 acres of bottom area was considered "restored" oyster bottom at the completion of the project. Including direct and match costs for the present project, it was estimated that restoring 1 acre of oyster bottom using spat seeding would require about $54,800. A recommended protocol for design of reef restoration projects that involve spat seeding is provided.
(2006) Shellfish Tissue Monitoring in New Hampshire Estuaries 2005, Trowbridge The NH Department of Environmental Services (DES) describes the collection of mussels at 4 sampling locations in New Hampshire during the 2005 sampling season. Oyster and clams were collected at one station each. Mussel samples were collected from Portsmouth Harbor (StationID “MECC”), Dover Point (NHDP), Hampton-Seabrook Harbor (NHHS) and North Mill Pond (NHNM). Oyster samples were collected from Nannie Island in Great Bay (NHNI) and clam samples were collected from Middle Ground in Hampton-Seabrook Harbor (NHMG). All field sampling and sample processing was conducted as outlined in Sowles et al. (1997). The samples were analyzed for inorganic contaminants by the Battelle Marine Sciences Laboratory in Sequim, Washington, and for organic contaminants by the Environment Canada, ECB Laboratory in Moncton, New Brunswick. The data were quality assured by the individual laboratories. In addition, DES conducted four quality assurance tests on the data. The laboratory results for the 2005 samples are presented in the report. The conclusions that can be drawn from DES quality assurance tests are that the 2005 mussel tissue data appear to be valid with some caution for the PAH results at NHDP. However, clam and oyster tissue data for PAHs may not be valid. DES should work with Environment Canada laboratory to determine whether the PAH data at NHDP, NHNI and NHMG should be rejected.
(2006) Shoreland Buffer Module for GRANIT Data Mapper, Rubin & Justice The Complex Systems Research Center at the University of New Hampshire enhanced the GRANIT Data Mapper (http://mapper.granit.unh.edu) by incorporating data describing shoreline buffers in New Hampshire. The project supports an ongoing, comprehensive New Hampshire Estuaries Project (NHEP) outreach initiative that seeks to educate municipal decision-makers about the importance of stream buffers in preserving water quality in coastal New Hampshire. It complements these existing outreach efforts by allowing coastal managers, local land use boards, and the general public to readily visualize the spatial extent of current and/or proposed shoreline regulations in their community. Using standard GIS tools, six concentric buffers incrementing in 50’ widths from 50’ to 300’ were generated around stream and shoreline features. The resulting buffers were merged with the GRANIT surface water data, and acreage by town and sub-watershed was calculated for each buffer category.
(2006) Soft-Shell Clam (Mya Arenaria) Distribution & Abundance at Selected Sites in the Great Bay Estuary, Grizzle The results of a soft-shell clam distribution and abundance survey in six locations of the Great Bay Estuary by the Jackson Estuarine Laboratories (JEL) at the University of New Hampshire are reported. The six sites were those left unstudied by previous population surveys, and the main goal of the project was to complete the coverage of the Great Bay Estuary. Factors such as differences in sediment types, number of siphon holes, and number of empty shells were recorded at the different sites. Based on the low number of both live clams and empty shells, it was concluded that none of the six areas were productive clamflats, nor had they been for some time. JEL recommended future studies to include more focused observations on characteristics of productive clamflats (sediment type in particular) as well as predation.
(2006) Spatial Patterns of Marine Larvae as Indicators of Incipient Invasions in Great Bay, NH, Byers & Griffen The University of New Hampshire Zoology Department reports on a study designed to collect the baseline data necessary to establish patterns and make comparisons to future conditions. Researchers collected larvae on artificial settlement substrates at six sites within the Great Bay Estuary and at an adjacent coastal site during ice-free months since July 2002. The report gives a brief description of the results of this monitoring program to determine the species composition, spatial patterns, and timing of invertebrate settlement within the Great Bay. This report specifically includes data from April 2005 to June 2006, the portion of the project funded by NHEP.
(2006) Stewardship Plan for Four Conservation Easements Held by the Town of Newfields, NH, Taylor & Associates Jeffery H. Taylor & Asssociates present stewardship plans for four conservation easements held by the Town of Newfields. Each property was visited by the contractor and a local volunteer and best management practices and monitoring reccomendations for the properties were provided. Each property plan includes a property map, site charactistics, pre-exisiting issues, idiosyncrasies of easement deed, and stewardship reccomendations.
(2006) Stream Buffer Characterization Study, Rubin, Justice The Complex Systems Research Center at the University of New Hampshire conducted a characterization of 2nd order and higher streams within the Piscataqua/Coastal Basin of New Hampshire. GIS and remote sensing data archived in the NH GRANIT database were used to map a suite of anthropogenic factors, including land use, impervious surface coverage, and transportation infrastructure, within standard buffers around each stream segment. These factors were then analyzed to produce a categorical indicator representing the status of each stream. The indicator categories, established with guidance from a project advisory committee, reflect the degree to which each buffer was impacted by human activity. Based on the percent of buffer land area mapped as developed (including gravel pits and quarries), transportation, or agricultural land (including old fields and other cleared land), the categories are as follows: Category Decision Rule Intact: <10% impacted Mostly Intact: 10-25% impacted Somewhat Modified: 25-50% impacted Altered: >50% impacted Project results were presented on community-based, large format maps displaying the stream characterizations and the corresponding acreage tables. In addition, the data have been made available as digital data layers archived in the GRANIT database. These results deliver a valuable resource to the coastal management community by establishing a baseline for developing and prioritizing future stream level protection measures.
(2006) Supplemental Community Inserts to the 2006 State of the Estuaries Report, Kellam Supplemental materials to the 2006 State of the Estuaries Report (06SOTE) were created by the NHEP for each of the 42 coastal watershed communities. The materials included data on community population, impervious surface coverage in acres, impervious surface in % of land, acres of impervious surface per person, and key conservation areas that were identified in the Land Conservation Plan for NH's Coastal Watershed, TNC. Also general information was provided on protecting critical habitats, designating prime wetlands, updating buffer regulations, adopting regulations to reduce sprawl, and promoting effective stormwater management. The format for the material is a large bookmark that sticks out of the top of the 06SOTE and clearly indicates which town the data is describing. A 47 bookmarks were printed for each coastal watershed community (1974 total). Copies were inserted in 06SOTEs and those were send to all members the conservation commissions and planning boards in the coastal watershed communities and their libraries.
(2006) Testing of Great Bay Oysters for Two Protozoan Pathogens, Nelson Two protozoan pathogens, Haplosporidium nelsoni (MSX) and Perkinsus marinus (Dermo) are known to be present in Great Bay oysters. With funds provided by the New Hampshire Estuaries Project (NHEP), the Marine Fisheries Division of New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, (NHF&G) assessed the presence and intensity of both disease conditions in oysters from Oyster River, Adams Point, Woodman Point and Squamscott River within the Great Bay estuarine system. Collected oysters were cleaned of attached epifauna and shipped to Rutgers University, Haskins Shellfish Research Laboratory, for testing.Histological examination for other endoparasites was also conducted on Great Bay oysters. The year 2005 oyster tests show continued presence of MSX in Great Bay. Dermo was seen for the fourth successive year after a near five year absence in oysters. Also present but of unknown pathogenicity are ciliate produced xenomas in gill tissue. The report contains three recommendations. First, this testing program should continue with samples from major oyster beds within the Great Bay system. Second, movement of oysters from bed to bed within the Great Bay system should be discouraged as it may lead to distribution of infective stages of Dermo. MSX is not yet known to be transmitted oyster to oyster but lacking clear evidence of the exact means of transmission, it still seems prudent to discourage oyster movement throughout the area. Third, the effect of ciliate xenomas should be further studied.
(2006) The Land Conservation Plan for New Hampshire's Coastal Watershed, TNC The Nature Conservancy, in partnership with the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, Rockingham Planning Commission and Strafford Regional Planning Commission, identify conservation priorities throughout the NH coastal watersheds using existing data on significant natural resource features, predictive GIS modeling, existing conservation plans, and local expert and public review. The Plan includes several natural resource maps of the NH coastal watersheds, including forest ecosystems, freshwater systems, coastal and estuarine resources, critical plant and wildlife habitat, and conservation focus areas. Appendices of the plan include a matrix of existing conservation plans; model conservation overlay district and wildlife habitat checklist; rare plant & animal species, exemplary natural communities and exemplary ecological systems documented in the coastal watersheds; and contact information for land conservation organizations, tools, and funding sources. The plan offers regional strategies for maintaining diverse wildlife habitat, abundant wetlands, clean water, productive forests, and outstanding recreational opportunities.
(2006) Town of Newfields Wetland Evaluation Report, West The Town of Newfields describes a prime wetlands study conducted by West Environmental Inc. (WEI). Forty-four wetland systems were mapped and overlayed onto stereo color photographs taken on April 16, 2005. Individual wetland components were classified using the US Fish and Wildlife (Cowardin) classification system and field inspections occurred during the 2006 growing season. WEI recommended 22 of the 44 wetlands in the town for prime wetlands designation because they provide critical habitat, crucial wetlands function and recreational and educational opportunities to the residents of Newfields. The majority of the 22 wetlands are identified as highest value wildlife habitat of state importance in the 2006 NH Fish & Game’s Wildlife Action Plan. The report also includes a Power Point presentation explaining Newfields prime wetland candidates, as well as a mapping report with surface water resources map, Rockingham County soil survey, and aerial photos with overlays. WEI further recommends ordinance modification, wetland restoration of several sites, and a vernal pool survey to document suspected presence of spotted and/or Blanding’s turtles. WEI noted that a large vernal pool cluster found in Newfields is unique to southeastern New Hampshire.
(2006) Town of Strafford NROC Projects, Strafford The three Strafford committees formed through the work with the Natural Resources Outreach Coalition in 2004 and supported by the grant award from the New Hampshire Estuaries Project have succeeded in furthering land protection, water quality protection, and managing growth in Strafford. The Land Protection Group contracted the professional services of Dan Kern of Bear-Paw Regional Greenways. His work streamlined the process for the landowners, and the Land Protection Group was able to celebrate the closing of two donated easements in 2006. The Water Quality Group carried out sampling of Bow Lake at two week intervals, the tributary monitoring provides unique baseline data. It was not only useful in the establishment of Strafford’s Wetlands Overlay District ordinance, but will be used in future Bow Lake studies. The Managed Growth Committee discovered gaps between the goals of the master plan and present ordinances. The Committee has worked to keep the public involved in the process of ordinance change and aware of the slate of proposed new ordinances for the 2006 ballot. Three new growth ordinances were passed.
(2006) Water Reuse Feasibility Study, Camp Dresser& McKee Inc The City of Portsmouth contracted with Camp Dresser & McKee to produce this study of the feasibility of providing 300,000 gallons per day(gpd) of reclaimed water from the Pease Wastewater Treatment Plant to the Pease Golf Course. Costs to implement such a project were estimated to be between $3.1 million and $4.5 million, depending on two municipal upgrade scenarios. An additional 80,000 gpd were considered for industrial use and estimated to cost an additional $1.1 million. The study concludes that at current wastewater treatment rates, the reuse of waste water in Portsmouth is not cost effective. The study does point out other benefits that are not captured with a straightforward financial analysis, such as the value of reducing the amount of nitrogen entering the Piscataqua River or the potential economic benefit of attracting high-water use companies to the Tradeport which will create jobs and increase the tax base.
(2005) 2004 Alewife Festival, ERLAC On June 5, 2004, the Exeter River Local Advisory Committee (ERLAC) held the 4th Annual Exeter River Alewife Festival along the banks of the Squamscott River in downtown Exeter. Over three dozen organizations exhibited and 750 people attended. Projects included newspaper advertising, article writing and printing of posters, palm cards and banners.
(2005) 2004 Coastal Conservation Outreach, Truslow Seacoast Land Trust (SLT) reports its efforts to boost awareness on coastal and wetland resource protection in 2004 and early 2005. SLT planned, advertised, and presented a series of outings and programs to increase awareness, knowledge, and interest in land conservation and coastal protection. Between June 8, 2004 and February 20, 2005, thirteen programs were delivered that involved 216 participants (some participants may have attended more than on program). The highest attendance (54) occurred for the Tools for Real Estate Professionals on March 30, 2005. Evaluations were administered at each program. SLT planned to hold the program up to two times more and found that making the programs free was great incentive to involve the community.
(2005) 2004 Coastal Illicit Connection Identification and Elimination Grant Project, Marcoux The 2004 illicit connection identification and elimination grant program funded by the NHEP and administered by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) is described. NHDES issued a Request for Proposals through which projects were funded in Dover and Portsmouth. The Dover Public Works department corrected illicit discharges from four buildings, including one building that was discharging sanitary waste directly into the Cocheco River. In Portsmouth, intensive investigation in the Route 1 area using sampling, televising, and dye testing revealed an illicit connection to a stormdrain from a commercial kitchen grease trap. The pollution source was eliminated. Through the investigations, the City staff also found discharges of truck washing fluids to the stormdrain and issued a letter to the property owner to cease the illegal activity.
(2005) 2004 Coastal Municipal Stormwater Infrastructure Mapping Project, Marcoux The 2004 stormwater infrastructure mapping grant program funded by the NHEP and administered by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) is described. NHDES issued a Request for Proposals through which the City of Rochester's mapping project was funded by the 2004 grant program. Interns were hired to conduct mapping using the City's geographical positioning systems (GPS). In total, 171 outfalls that entered major river systems, including the Cocheco, Salmon Falls and Isinglass, were mapped. The City also located 1,124 manholes and 1,845 catch basins. All structures were documented and integrated into the City's GIS, and digital photographs of each outfall were obtained. Through the mapping process, field crews noted the presence of thirty areas with dry weather flows for future investigation.
(2005) 2004 Great Bay Organic Nitrogen (PON & DON) and Light Extinction (PAR) Monitoring Program, Pennock The results of a nitrogen monitoring study by the Jackson Estuarine Laboratories (JEL) at the University of New Hampshire are reported. Particulate organic nitrogen (PON), dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) were all monitored April through December of 2005 using methods approved by the Quality Assurance Project Plan by Jonathan Pennock and Phil Trowbridge. UNH researchers collected PON, DON, and PAR at up to ten existing sample sites in New Hampshire estuaries. In the future, JEL hopes to combine their data with that of sampling programs already in use for more seamless data. The project overall provided important data on nitrogen concentration and light availability in the Great Bay estuary.
(2005) 2004 Great Bay Water Quality Monitoring Program (DataSonde), Pennock This report describes the efforts of the Jackson Estuarine Laboratory (JEL) to extend the Great Bay System-wide Monitoring Program to include "in situ" water quality assessments. The project took place at a station at the UNH Coastal Marine Lab at the mouth of the Piscataqua River and at a station in the Salmon Falls River. JEL used DataSonde, mechanisms which are programmed to obtain measurements of factors such as conductivity, salinity, pH, and temperature. They were recovered for data collection every 2-4 weeks. (The disk included with the report contains all the data findings.) JEL found that the in situ monitoring program provided important data on basic water parameters in the Great Bay Estuary. Combined with the NERRS SWMP DataSonde program, comprehensive coverage of the Great Bay Estuary was achieved.
(2005) 2004 Lamprey River Dissolved Oxygen Study, Pennock The Jackson Estuarine Laboratory (JEL) at UNH reports their confirmation of the accuracy of DataSonde statistics for the upper region of the Lamprey River. Below-acceptable levels of dissolved oxygen had been documented in the upper reaches of the Lamprey River and JEL aimed to confirm the accuracy of these DataSonde tests as well as evaluate whether data was generally representative of the upper Lamprey River. They also planned to find out why the levels of dissolved oxygen were low. Surveys were carried out on four days throughout summer and fall of 2004 (July 16 & 29, and August 12 & 28.) JEL found that the DataSonde results were accurate measurements of Lamprey River's salinity, oxygen, and other core conditions. The data suggested low oxygen bottom waters during high tide resulting in large fluctuations in salinity and oxygen saturation. JEL concluded that a detailed study of the biological and chemical oxygen demand in the system would be needed to determine whether the low oxygen levels are a long-term concern.
(2005) 2004 Student Estuarine Research Project, Grizzle Portsmouth Middle School teachers, UNH researchers and community volunteers worked together to combine classroom lessons with field trips to monitor bird populations in South Mill Pond. Approximately 337 sixth grade students monitored an ongoing habitat restoration project in 2004. The students learned about ecology of coastal waters, scientific method, and bird identification. The bird-monitoring component of the project involved observing, identifying and recording data on birds in and around the Pond. The data collected in 2004 were compared to the 2003 (year of the first bird monitoring project) data. Similar numbers of birds and major bird types were observed in Spring 2004 compared to Spring 2003. However, during Fall 2004 many more ducks were observed compared to the Spring monitoring periods. Those involved found that the project took much more time than planned and recommended more comprehensive planning for future projects as well as allocating responsibilities to volunteers ahead of time.
(2005) 2005 Exeter River Alewife Festival, ERLAC The Exeter River Local Advisory Committee's (ERLAC) 5th Annual Exeter River Alewife Festival was held June 4, 2005, along the banks of the Squamscott River in downtown Exeter, and the results and activities are reported. The ERLAC met eight times previous to establish a list of participants and activities. Over three dozen organizations exhibited at the Festival and event organizers estimated approximately 600 people, including many children, attended the event. NHEP funded the printing of posters, brochures banners, and placement of newspaper advertisements announcing the event. NHEP Management Plan information available included: options for voluntary land protection; protection of shoreland from development; Exeter's relationship to the Great Bay; tips on septic system maintenance; and storm drains' role in water quality. Plans for next year include providing the press with draft articles on the event; a backyard wildlife event in the fall (per request of participants), and a NH Fish & Game table with information on fisheries.
(2005) 2005 Shellfish Indicator Report, Trowbridge This report contains data for twelve shellfish indicators tracked by the New Hampshire Estuaries Project (NHEP) in 2005. The data will be used for the 2006 State of the Estuaries Report. The results and interpretation for the indicators have been peer reviewed by the NHEP Technical Advisory Committee and other experts in the field. Indicators include shellfish bed/reef areas, densities, standing stock, spat fall, harvest, abundance of predators, and prevalence of diseases.
(2005) 2005 Shellfish Spotlight, NHEP The NHEP produced a brochure that included a summary of New Hampshire clam and oyster populations, as well as articles on oyster reef reconstruction, illegal clamming, clam research in Hampton-Seabrook Harbor, oyster predators, the NHDES Shellfish Program, and the recent opening of the Bellamy River harvesting area. The large format, tri-fold brochure was mailed to all shellfish license holders who allowed additional mailings to be sent to their homes (732), as well as all state legislators, coastal license vendors, NHEP team members, and key distribution areas such as Seacoast Science Center and NH Fish and Game office. This publication addresses outreach activities of four Action Plans from the NHEP Management Plan.
(2005) Ambient Rivers Monitoring in NH Coastal Watersheds 2004, Landry The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) reports their collection and analysis of monthly water samples from nine tributaries in the Great Bay watershed. DES Ambient River Monitoring Program standards were used in lab methods and samples were taken from freshwater portions of the rivers at the downstream side. Field measurements were made for dissolved oxygen, temperature, conductivity, pH, and turbidity. Continued monthly monitoring along with improved accessibility of data were recommended by NHDES.
(2005) Bear Paw Regional Greenway-Comte Property Easement, Castallo NHEP granted Bear Paw Regional Greenways (BPRG) $50,000 toward the total easement purchase price of $210,000 for an approximately 134 acre parcel of land in Nottingham owned by the Comte family. The Comte property is located on Cooper Hill Road, with public access from Route 4 in Nottingham. The conservation easement is held by BPRG. The NHEP’s funds were matched through $45,000 in landowner donation, $155,000 from the Town of Nottingham, and a $5,000 grant from William P. Wharton Trust Fund for a total of $255,000. The highlight of the property is a five-acre black gum dominated wetland, where three black gums were reported by the USDA Forest Service Laboratory in Durham to be over 500 years old.
(2005) Candia Land Conservation and Well Survey Project, Stone The results of the Town of Candia's well survey and open space protection efforts in association with the Natural Resource Outreach Coalition (NROC) are reported. Based on estimates of a population increase of around 40% over the next few years, water usage and plans for future water needs were investigated. The Candia-NROC and the Nottingham-NROC developed a survey for well owners to determine water supply and quality issues. The survey was sent to 1500 well owners and returned by 275 (yielding a return rate of 18%.) Next, a training session, Developing an Effective Education and Outreach Campaign (by NROC), was developed and enabled five workshops for the public. The Candia Open Space Committee (COSC) and Conservation Commission formed a warrant article requesting $200,000 to replenish their conservation fund. COSC planned to continue to educate the public about voluntary land conservation options and the importance of open space protection.
(2005) CLCA 2004 Land Conservation Technical Assistance, Taylor The results of the Center for Land Conservation Assistance's (CLCA) attempt to increase the capacity of New Hampshire conservation groups to achieve permanent land protection are reported. CLCA provided 15 public education and training events, as well as numerous individual consultations, that reached about 350 seacoast area people coming from at least 27 of the 42 area towns. Over the course of the project, land trusts and towns accomplished permanent conservation of nearly 2500 acres of land. Towns voted to allocate close to $6 million to additional land conservation. CLCA recognized the need for continued financial and municipal support for conservation organizations as pressures to develop increase.
(2005) Comprehensive Conservation Outreach Plan, Town of Newmarket The Town of Newmarket reports its education outreach project on land protection, funded by grants from NHEP and the Natural Resource Outreach Coalition (NROC.) This project included the creation of three signs and two educational/information kiosks for the two recently acquired open space parcels. A third kiosks was repaired. All of the kiosks included informational brochures on conservation lands in the town and maps of conservation lands. This project also included deed research for the town-owned and conservation parcel database. Although the installation of the facilities was incomplete, Newmarket's previously disconnected data was pulled together forming a new system of recording, storing, and distribution. They planned to finish installation in the spring of 2005 and recommended that the town continue taking inventories of various parcels of different use (ex. Snowmobiling, hiking, etc.)
(2005) Educational Programming in Exeter and Dover on Board the Gundalow Captain Edward H. Adams, Bolster The Gundalow Company's educational programming in Dover and Exeter is discussed. The project took place between May and November of 2005. Collaborative educational programs offered onboard in these two towns totaled nearly 3,000 people including youth and teen groups as well as the public during community events such as the Exeter Revolutionary War Festival. Gundalow staff developed partnerships with eleven coastal organizations in both towns, providing meaningful expansion to the 2005 schedule. The Gundalow Company plans to return to both towns in the future having reached new age groups (from kindergarten-aged children to senior citizens) and also having received excellent attendance in both ports.
(2005) Eelgrass Distribution in the Great Bay Estuary- 2003, Short The Jackson Estuarine Laboratory (JEL) at UNH reports their eelgrass cover monitoring activities for 2003. The project involved: (1) mapping eelgrass distribution in Great Bay Estuary for 2003 based on aerial photography and ground truth; (2) acquiring aerial photography of the Great Bay Estuary in 2004; and (3) conducting eelgrass ground truth observations of the 2004 aerial imagery. In 2003, eelgrass distribution and percent cover generally increased in most areas of the Great Bay Estuary over 2002. JEL recommended continued annual monitoring, restoring eelgrass in Little Bay and the Oyster and Bellamy Rivers, wasting disease monitoring in the Great Bay Estuary, and creating a map of potential eelgrass habitats that does not include sites with other restoration activities in progress.
(2005) Implementation of the Dearborn Brook Watershed Management and Protection Plan, Walker The Rockingham Planning Commission (RPC) worked with the Dearborn Brook Watershed Committee (DBWC) and the Towns of Exeter and Stratham to implement the highest priority recommendations from the Dearborn Brook Watershed Management and Protection Plan. During the course of the project two workshops were conducted, several meetings between the two towns were facilitated and outreach materials were developed. The DBWC noted that in order to work together on protecting Dearborn Brook, Exeter and Stratham need to resolve disagreements concerning sharing water resources as well as their lack of communication. The DBWC recommended that Stratham and Exeter work together on public education and outreach, and discuss Dearborn Brook as well as voluntary land protection efforts.
(2005) Large-scale, manipulative field tests involving cultured and wild juveniles of the soft-shell clam, Beal The results of the first two experiments conducted by Dr. Brian Beal from the University of Maine Machias to test the effects of protective mesh netting and seeding on growth and survival rates for juvenile clams are discussed. The experiments were conducted at two different times of the year (November 2004-May 2005 and June-October 2005). From November 2004 to May 2005, clam survival was nearly 90% in plots protected with the smallest aperture netting, and this was three times greater than survival in plots protected with 6.4 mm mesh netting. Few animals were recovered from plots that were not covered fully with plastic netting. Overall, enhancement due to the predator deterrent netting was greater than 100-fold. Clam survival in the smallest size plots was significantly greater (by 30%) than those in the three larger sized plots. The growth rate of clams was 30% faster in plots protected with the smaller aperture netting. The experiment initiated in June 2005 will be repeated by Dr. Beal in 2006 due to mass mortality of those clams shortly after seeding.
(2005) Limiting Impervious Surface Cover and Protecting Water Resources through Better Site Design and Plan, RPC The Rockingham Planning Commission's (RPC) outreach and technical assistance involving impervious cover and water resources during 2004 are described. This project involved organizing a workshop (" Improving Site Planning and Site Design for Sustainable Development"), which was held October 4, 2004 in Durham, New Hampshire. The RPC worked with the Strafford Regional Planning Commission to send workshop notices to various environmental activists and committees in 42 coastal watershed communities. Fifty five people attended the workshop. The second part of the project involved providing technical assistance to the Planning Boards in the communities of East Kingston, Greenland, and North Hampton to increase their understanding of how impervious surface impacts water resources and how local land use regulations can mitigate this impact.
(2005) NHEP Support for DES Shellfish Program 2005, Wiley Results of Great Bay Coast Watch (GBCW) volunteers' assistance in collecting Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) samples at the Isles of Shoals are reported. Although scheduling of volunteers was impeded by a red tide event during May and June, volunteers still aided with sample transportation, contributing a total of 98 volunteer hours. GBCW staff also issued a press release about the project. The NHDES Shellfish Program showed an interest in continuing to utilize GBCW volunteers in the future.
(2005) NROC Coordination and Program Delivery, Stone The Natural Resources Outreach Coalition's (NROC) Community Assistance Program is described. NROC worked with three new client communities (New Durham, Wakefield and Deerfield) to educate them on open space lands protection. All three communities received NROC’s Dealing with Growth educational presentation, customized for each community, followed by a series of follow-up meetings in each community to address issues raised in the presentation and community concerns about growth and natural resources. At the same time, NROC continued to work with three previous NROC communities (Chester, Strafford and Candia). NROC worked with a total of six communities during the funding period. NROC found continued success in the presentation coupled with discussions as a form of communication to citizens. Continued funding toward implementing prioritized actions in individual communities was recommended.
(2005) Pickering Brook Salt Marsh Restoration - Phase II, Reilly Ducks Unlimited (DU), along with nine project partners, completed Phase II of the Pickering Brook Salt Marsh Restoration Project in 2005. Phase II involved restoration activities on the north side of the creek and included filling 13 man-made ditches with marsh soils excavated during the enhancement of four permanent pools on the marsh. Monitoring activities were coordinated pre- and post-restoration. DU recommended that phased, adaptive plans be used for any future salt marsh restoration as this provides both a time table and reasonable task division system.
(2005) Promoting Voluntary Land Conservation on the Lamprey, Exeter, and Squamscott River Corridors, Hart The Rockingham Land Trust's (RLT) community outreach project involving contacting local landowners along the Exeter, Lamprey, and Squamscott Rivers is discussed. RLT researched the names and addresses of landowners along the river corridors and within the target communities. Landowners were invited to participate in one of two free, land conservation and estate planning workshops. The goal of the project was to secure the completion of three conservation easements from participants in the workshops. Due to low landowner participation, this goal was determined to be unrealistic. RLT instead worked with prepared landowners to complete 4 conservation easements, for a total of 281 acres, within the project time period. RLT has completed one conservation easement on land on the Exeter River in Sandown, has two pending conservation projects (one easement and one fee simple) on the Lamprey River in Epping, and has one pending conservation easement on land in Brentwood. RLT recommended more innovative ways to encourage landowner participation such as tours of conservation easements or discussion sessions.
(2005) Public Outreach and Education Initiative, Kouarti Results from a comprehensive public outreach initiative by Moose Mountains Regional Greenway (MMRG), designed to educate landowners, community leaders and the public about the importance of tools for preserving critical natural resources within the MMRG region, are reported. Two New Durham workshops, "Community Roundtable in Wakefield" and "Trail Day in Milton", were well attended by the appropriate target audiences. Participants completed surveys and rated the workshop quality and their knowledge of topics before and after the workshops. All news releases received excellent coverage in The Rochester Times and the Granite State News. In addition, reporters from The Rochester Times attended several MMRG events and presented a three-part front-page series on MMRG’s mission and goals. Four color brochures were mailed to more than 7,800 households within 4 communities as part of a membership solicitation package. The MMRG web site was also reorganized and updated. Each of the three communities involved (New Durham, Wakefield, and Middleton) now has plans for future conservation.
(2005) Shellfish Tissue Monitoring in New Hampshire Estuaries 2003 and 2004, Trowbridge The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services' (NHDES) shellfish tissue and water quality monitoring for 2003 and 2004 is reported. The NHDES coordinated the collection and processing of samples for Gulfwatch in 2003 and 2004 and managed subcontracts with laboratories to analyze samples for organics and heavy metals. NHEP funds were used for sample analysis from 3 sites in 2003 (Portsmouth Harbor, Dover Point, and Hampton-Seabrook Harbor) and 2 sites in 2004 (Dover Point and Hampton-Seabrook Harbor) to complement the baseline sampling conducted with Gulf of Maine Council funds. The increased spatial coverage resulting from the NHEP-funded analyses provides more comprehensive information for contaminant concentrations throughout New Hampshire's estuarine waters.
(2005) Streamflow Monitoring in the Salmon Falls River, Trowbridge The results of the Salmon Falls River stream gage are reported. The NHEP relies on US Geological Survey-operated stream gages that measure daily streamflow on most of the tributaries to the Great Bay Estuary to calculate nitrogen loads delivered to the estuary. Daily streamflow measurements were made at the Milton 3 Ponds Dam on the Salmon Falls River between July 1, 2004 and June 30, 2005. These data were used to calculate the nitrogen loading for the 2006 NHEP Water Quality Indicator Report. Long-term funding for continued operation for this gage was not obtained. For subsequent years, streamflow for the Salmon Falls River will be estimated based on streamflow in similar river systems.
(2005) Summary of Coastal and Estuarine Monitoring Programs in New Hampshire (2005), Trowbridge The report summarizes the coastal and estuarine monitoring programs that provide data for the New Hampshire Estuaries Project indicators or for state water quality assessments. Each summary includes responsible organization, project information, and contacts. The list is limited to long-term monitoring programs that do not have an end date.
(2005) Surveying the Stakeholder: Understanding Public Perception of the New Hampshire Estuaries Project, Smith The New Hampshire Estuaries Project (NHEP) commissioned The UNH Survey Center to conduct an survey to assist in the implementation and evaluation of the 2004 NHEP Strategic Communication Plan. An attitudinal survey of the Planning Board members and Conservation Commissioners in coastal watershed communities suggested that there is moderate familiarity and awareness of the NHEP, with 57% of respondents expressing some level of familiarity with the NHEP. Awareness of the NHEP Management Plan is fairly low with 31% of respondents expressing some level of familiarity with the Plan. Overall, 64% of respondents reported some degree of confidence (37% very confident, 27% somewhat confident) in the NHEP’s reporting of the status of NH's estuaries. Out of the 622 board members or commissioners in coastal watersheds, 152 returned the survey, a response rate of 24%. Surveys were received from 41 communities, and Rollinsford was not represented.
(2005) Testing of Great Bay Oysters for Two Protozoan Pathogens, Smith The Marine Fisheries Division of New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (NHFG) reports their testing on the presence and intensity of two protozoan pathogens, Haplosporidium nelsoni (MSX) and Perkinsus marinus (Dermo) in oysters from the major beds in the Great Bay Estuary. Oysters were collected from Oyster River, Adams Point, Nannie Island and from an experimental oyster reef at the mouth of Crommet Creek. Collected oysters were cleaned and shipped to Rutgers University, Haskins Shellfish Research Laboratory, for testing. Tests indicated that MSX still exists in the Great Bay system and that Dermo was present at all sampled sites. The report cites nine years of data to comment on MSX and Dermo trends in the Great Bay Estuary. Also, the report notes that the imported oyster stock on the experimental bed showed much higher prevalence of infection and that large ciliate xenomas were observed in the gills of the tissue cross sections, especially notable at the Nannie Island site. It was recommended that the effect of ciliate xenomas should be further studied.
(2004) 2003 Coastal Illicit Connection Identification and Elimination Project, Marcoux Three projects by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) to eliminate illicit discharges in storm drainage systems are described. The projects took place in Dover, Somersworth, and Hampton and involved houses, apartment buildings, and commercial buildings. Methods included modifying plumbing to residential/commercial establishments, rerouting pollutan