Natural Resources Chapter of the Master Plan - Town of Wolfeboro

Natural Resources Chapter, Wolfeboro, NH
A failed septic system within 75 feet of any Hydric A soils and 50 feet from Hydric B
soils must be replaced on land outside the buffer zone, unless the Health Officer makes a
determination that such placement is not physically possible. A special use permit shall
be required to place a new or failed system within the Hydric A and Hydric B soils buffer
zone.
With a special use permit, access ways and utilities may be constructed in protected areas
as long as there is no alternative location outside the wetland or buffer zone that is
feasible, and the construction is not economically based. Construction and maintenance
methods must minimize detrimental impact upon the wetland, and will restore the site as
nearly as possible to the original condition.
As discussed in Section 4.3, towns in New Hampshire are allowed to further protect special
wetlands, by designating these wetlands as “Prime Wetlands.” Wolfeboro takes advantage of this
opportunity; the Wetland Conservation Overlay District declares thirteen wetland complexes as
“Prime Wetlands,” Prime wetlands, although designated have not received extra protection via
the Wetlands Conservation Overlay District for their upland buffers.
The Overlay District also calls for identification of wetland boundaries by a Certified Soil
Scientist. The practice of wetland science in New Hampshire is now under the jurisdiction of the
NH Joint Board of Licensure – Board of Natural Scientists. As such, an individual practicing
wetland science in New Hampshire MUST be a Certified Wetland Scientist or can be subject to
legal prosecution.
13.4 ANALYSIS OF TOOLS FOR PROTECTION OF SURFACE WATERS
A shoreland ordinance has been implemented in order to maintain the integrity of existing shore
front residential developments, and protect the shore front from over-development. The
ordinance also upholds the standards of the New Hampshire Shoreland Protection Act, RSA 483-
B, which recognizes that the protection of these shorelands is essential in maintaining the
integrity and exceptional quality of the state's public waters.
The shoreland ordinance encourages the following:
The protection of a natural woodland buffer, which shall be maintained within 150 feet of
the high-water line. The purpose of this buffer shall be to protect the quality of public
waters by minimizing erosion, preventing siltation and turbidity, stabilizing soils,
preventing excess nutrients and chemical pollution, maintaining natural water
temperatures, maintaining a healthy tree canopy and understory, preserving fish, bird and
wildlife habitat, and respecting the overall natural condition of the protected shoreland;
All construction proposed within the protected shoreland will be regulated and designed
in accordance to rules located within the ordinance;
Natural Resources Inventory, Wolfeboro, NH 65