Conservation Commission

About

In New Hampshire, a municipal Conservation Commission is a local board created under RSA Chapter 36‑A to help protect, manage, and promote the wise use of a community's natural resources and watershed resources. It serves as both a resource-management body and an advisor to local officials on conservation matters.  

Primary Responsibilities

Under RSA 36‑A, a Conservation Commission is expected to:

• Research and inventory the town's land, water, wetlands, forests, wildlife habitat, and other natural resources.  
• Maintain records and maps of open spaces, wetlands, marshes, swamps, and environmentally significant areas within the municipality.  
• Recommend programs, policies, and projects to protect or improve natural resources.  
• Coordinate with local organizations, land trusts, state agencies, and volunteer groups involved in conservation activities.  
• Provide educational materials and public outreach regarding conservation issues. 

Land Conservation Role

• Identifying lands that may be suitable for conservation.
• Negotiating conservation easements.
• Recommending acquisition of land or conservation interests to the governing body.
• Managing municipally owned conservation lands and trails.

With appropriate approvals, commissions may receive gifts of land and money and may acquire conservation interests on behalf of the municipality. 

Conservation Fund

The Commission maintains a Conservation Fund, which may receive appropriations, donations, and dedicated Land Use Change Tax revenues. The Conservation Commission typically recommends how those funds should be used for conservation purposes.  

What a Conservation Commission Does Not Do

 It does not issue permits or enforce zoning regulations. Those powers belong to boards such as the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, or state environmental agencies. The Conservation Commission's role is primarily advisory, educational, and stewardship-oriented, although it does have specific statutory powers regarding conservation land and funds.  

In Practical Terms the Conservation Commission might:

• Review development proposals and provide comments to the Planning Board.
• Maintain trail systems and conservation properties.
• Develop a Natural Resources Inventory.
• Monitor conservation easements.
• Sponsor educational programs on wildlife, forests, wetlands, or water quality.
• Recommend priorities for land conservation and watershed protection.  

In short, the Conservation Commission acts as the municipality's primary advocate and advisor for protecting natural resources while balancing conservation with the community's long-term needs.  

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

Members

The Conservation Commission has 7 full members including a Selectboard representative appointed by the Board of Selectmen for 3 year terms.  RSA 36-A:3

3 Alternate Members are appointed by Board of Selectmen. When a regular member is absent or disqualified from participating in a matter, an alternate may be designated to serve in that member's place. While serving, the alternate has full voting authority, just as if they were a regular member