Natural Resources Chapter of the Master Plan - Town of Wolfeboro

Natural Resources Chapter, Wolfeboro, NH
Porcupine Brook
The Porcupine Brook drainage is a series of large isolated wetlands located in the northeastern
portion of Wolfeboro. This drainage and the Young‟s Brook drainage are the only two drainages
in Wolfeboro serving the Saco River Basin. The remote character, rich flora and fauna, historical
past, aesthetics, and recreational opportunities of this wetland complex are key reasons for
designating this wetland(s) as prime.
Ryefield Brook
This complex consists of a series of wetland areas which in total compromise one of the richest
and most diverse habitats in Wolfeboro. Its location as the major tributary to the north of Lake
Wentworth gives this wetland complex an important significance. In total, the hydrologic, flora
and fauna, food chain productivity, historic importance and high level of aesthetic, recreational
and educational value are key considerations in designating this wetland as prime.
5.3 PRIME WETLANDS
New Hampshire law provides for extra protections to wetlands that are designated by a Town as
Prime Wetlands according to the requirements of RSA 482-A: 15 and Chapter Env-Wt 700 of
the NHDES administrative rules. Limitations to use within 100 feet of such wetlands are then
applicable, including the classification of all such project as major projects, mandatory field
inspections by DES, and a public hearing before the DES. Prime wetland designation typically
relies on an evaluation of a sub-set of wetlands that receive individual study using the Method
for Comparative Evaluation of Non-tidal Wetlands in New Hampshire (1991) or an update of
which is currently pending.
The Lobdell and Keith studies mentioned above, resulted in the designation of thirty-seven
wetlands as Prime Wetlands in Wolfeboro. Table 8 summarizes Wolfeboro‟s Prime Wetlands.
Prime wetlands are shown on Figure 7. All areas designated as Prime Wetlands are delineated
on file maps in the Town Hall. The numbering system on the maps in this inventory differs from
the numbering system from the maps at Town Hall. The numbering system at Town Hall is
indicated by the “Wolfeboro PW #” column in Table 8.
Table 8: Prime Wetlands
PW # Wolfeboro PW # Complex Name Acres
1 4 Batson Pond 30.9
2 20 Clay Pit Brook 2.3
3 21A Clows Brook 12.1
Natural Resources Inventory, Wolfeboro, NH 15