The Hampton Conservation Commission was formed to protect and preserve the existing freshwater and (along with the State of New Hampshire) saltwater wetlands and wetland buffers in Hampton. It is in the public interest to protect the valuable functions these areas serve, such as providing habitats for fish, wildlife and flora; groundwater protection; storm water control; nutrient and pollution filtering; and recreation and aesthetic enjoyment.

WHAT IS A WETLANDS?
- Freshwater wetlands include any marsh, swamp, bog, or meadow that is subject to permanent or periodic flooding by fresh water, including any surrounding or abutting soil designated as poorly drained. Freshwater wetlands can also defined by the types of vegetation present.
- Tidal (saltwater) wetlands are defined by the State of New Hampshire as the area 100 feet or less from the highest observable high tide.

WHAT DOES THE HAMPTON CONSERVATION COMMISSION DO?
- One of the Commission’s functions is to advise the Hampton Planning Board regarding requests for Town Special Permits, which are required for site work within 50 feet of a wetland.
- The Commission also reviews applications for State DES (Department of Environmental Services) Wetlands Bureau Permits, and forwards recommendations to the State. The Commission also helps the state ensure that the regulations of the New Hampshire Shoreland Protection Act are followed. The Shoreland Protection Act applies to any projects within 250 feet (the protected shoreland) of most costal waters, large ponds, and/or major streams and rivers.

HOW TO WORK WITH THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
- If your property abuts a salt mash, pond, stream or mucky area; if there is standing water at any time of the year within 50 feet of your project; and/or if your project entails crossing a stream or wet area, you may need a State Wetlands Permit and/or a Town Special Permit for your project. Contact the Commission if you need help determining if permitting is required for your project. Keep in mind that the Commission members are all volunteers, and that your calls will be returned as quickly as possible.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU MAY NEED A STATE WETLANDS PERMIT OR A (HAMPTON) TOWN SPECIAL PERMIT
- You may obtain a State Permit application from the Town Clerk, and a Town application from the Planning Office, both at Town Hall.
- Once you have completed the State and/or Town applications, file the State application with the Town Clerk and the Town application at the Planning Office in Town Hall.
- If State and Town permits are needed, you must submit both applications at the same time.
- Submittal deadlines and Planning Board meeting dates are posted at the Planning Board Office.
- The Conservation Commission will be the first stop in getting your permit(s) reviewed. The Conservation Commission meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month in the Selectman’s meeting room downstairs at Town Hall. Meetings start at 7pm, unless otherwise posted.
- To get on the agenda for a Conservation Commission meeting, please have your permit application(s) submitted at least a week prior to the meeting, and/or leave a message on the Conservation Commission phone line. The Conservation Commission cannot make additions to a meeting agenda on the day of the meeting, or at the meeting.
- The Conservation Commission conducts “walk-throughs” on the Saturday before each monthly meeting. Walk-throughs allow the Commission members to see where the proposed changes would be on your property, and where and to what extent they have an impact on the wetlands or buffer, prior to discussion of the project at the meeting.
- At the meetings, the projects on the agenda will be discussed, with regard to how well they conform to Town/State wetlands guidelines, and what special circumstances and/or mitigation are being offered if the project does not conform to those guidelines. After discussion, the Commission members will vote to oppose or not oppose the granting of the permits required. For Town Permits, the next step will be review of the application, with the Conservation Commission’s recommendation, by the Planning Board. State permit applications will go to the DES for final consideration. The Planning Board and/or the State will make the final determination regarding whether or not to issue the necessary permits.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
- Hampton Conservation Commission: 603-929-5808 (voice-mail)
- Hampton Planning Office: 603-929-5913
- Hampton Town Clerk: 603-926-0406
- NH DES Wetlands Bureau: http://www.des.state.nh.us/