6th Annual ‘CC Mixer’ Discussed Natural Resource Updates to Master Plans
Thanks to Virginia Long for these photos of the CC Mixer.At MMRG's 6th annual ‘CC Mixer’ for Conservation Commissioners, the focus was natural resource updates to town Master Plans, with guest speaker Matt Sullivan, Director of Planning and Development for the Town of Wolfeboro. Additional inspiration and insights were provided by Cynthia Wyatt, Chair of the Milton CC and Barbara Richter, Executive Director of the NH Association of Conservation Commissions (NHACC). MMRG Executive Director Patti Connaughton-Burns facilitated a question and answer session.The evening session was lauded afterwards by several Commissioners, who were enthusiastic about Matt's ‘dynamic’ and ‘informative’ talk. Patti was pleased with how engaged the group was and also pointed to the excellent information shared by Barbara about the new state wetland rules.Cynthia opened the program with words of encouragement to Commissioners and reminders of the importance of their work. She also had some advice: “Get a well-funded Conservation Fund!” New Hampshire allows Towns to direct up to 100% of their Land Use Change Tax (collected when land is taken out of Current Use) to go into a dedicated Town Conservation Fund, which can be used for such vital purposes as looking after existing conservation lands and protecting new conservation properties.Barbara explained the purpose and work of the NHACC, which serves the needs of Town Conservation Commissions across the state with technical assistance, trainings, a handbook and other resources (see www.nhacc.org), an annual conference in November, partnerships with schools, and by tracking conservation-related state legislative initiatives. She reported on the recent re-writing of State wetland rules. Although the new streamlined wetland permit process no longer needs CC review, standard permitting is still required for priority resource areas such rare habitats or prime wetlands. Town CCs can also request 40 day extensions on permitting and can strengthen local wetland protections through Town ordinances.Matt gave a power-point presentation describing how Wolfeboro recently updated its Master Plan, incorporating new natural resource information and focusing on protecting water resources, which are vital to virtually all aspects of town life. Matt reported that MMRG’s Conservation Action Plan (CAP) helped Wolfeboro look beyond town boundaries (as mandated by State Master Plan guidelines) and consider how it fits into regional conservation priorities. The new CAP natural resource maps, which MMRG has made available to all its service towns, were the primary benefit, in Sullivan’s view.Town Master Plans provide guidelines for all town planning, including zoning, site plan, and sub-division regulations as well as capital improvements, all of which significantly impact town residents. Wolfeboro’s Master Plan includes water quality considerations as part of each Chapter.“Water resources are king and protection is key,” stressed Sullivan, adding that Wolfeboro already had stringent regulations to protect water quality and their model wetland ordinances are available online (www.wolfeboronh.us). He also made it clear that Wolfeboro strives to balance private property rights with a long term view of preserving water quality.Before concluding, Matt admitted that Wolfeboro faces challenges. More work is needed to educate and engage residents, including younger generations, in conserving natural resources. Such engagement is necessary because resource degradation rarely has a single ‘silver bullet’ solution. Matt summarized, “death by 1,000 cuts can only be fixed by 1,000 band aids,” and for that, “education is crucial.”Click here to view or download MMRG’s Conservation Action Plan, ‘Our Home, Our Land, Our Tomorrow’, and many associated resource maps.