Natural Resources Chapter of the Master Plan - Town of Wolfeboro

Natural Resources Chapter, Wolfeboro, NH
13.0 ANALYSIS OF CURRENT LAND USE MEASURES
The 2007 Master Plan states, “Because the Master Plan serves as a policy guide for the Town,
any ordinance or land use appeal pertaining to the use of land of the growth and development of
the municipality should conform to the goals and policies of the plan.” Any tools for the
protection of the Town‟s resources must coincide with the most recent Master Plan; because of
this, it is essential that all analysis include data from the Master Plan, along with any additional
protection methods.
13.1 ANALYSIS OF TOOLS FOR SCENIC RESOURCES
Wolfeboro provides adequate protection of the Town‟s scenic resources. According to RSA 253,
sections 17 and 18, towns have the right to dedicate special roads as “scenic.” Wolfeboro has
designated 14 roads as “designated scenic roads.” Also, there are numerous ordinances that
support the protection of the visual aesthetics of the town.
13.2 ANALYSIS OF TOOLS FOR PROTECTION OF AGRICULTURE & FORESTRY RESOURCES
Article XXA states that the Cotton Mountain Historic-Agricultural District Zone is amended to
increase lot size from five to 10 acres, including all contiguous land of the present landowners
and continuing the preservation of natural resources of forest, field and open space of the
Agricultural District in furthering the Town's rural character.
Wolfeboro has implemented an ordinance encouraging the creation of buffers and streetscapes.
This ordinance supports including existing forestry into these buffers, and the protection of
existing forestry during any type of construction or other potentially harmful practices.
Environmentally, the buffer ordinance:
Aids in stabilizing the environment‟s ecological balance by contributing to the processes
of air purification, oxygen regeneration, groundwater recharge and stormwater runoff
retardation while at the same time aiding in noise, glare and heat abatement;
Ensures that the local stock of native trees and vegetation is protected and replenished;
Provide visual buffering and enhance the beautification of the Town;
Conserves energy by providing shade in the summer and direct sun in the winter;
Preserves and improves the visual and environmental character of the neighborhood and
the Town of Wolfeboro in general.
Natural Resources Inventory, Wolfeboro, NH 63