Conservation Commission

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Email Board Secretary - Pat Jones

Save the Whittier Bridge - LCHIP APPLICATION - Bob Gillette
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Window on The Ossipee Mountains

Land Tech $3600 Survey for Route 16 Overlook in Ossipee

Ossipee Conservation Commission Members

New Hampshire state law provides for the creation of Conservation Commissions “for the proper utilization and protection of the natural resources and for the protection of watershed resources”. This same law requires us to.

1. Conduct research into the local land and water areas.
2. Attempt to coordinate the activities of unofficial bodies organized for similar purposes.
3. Produce and keep an index of all open space, natural, aesthetic, or ecological areas, and all swamps and other wetlands.
   
4. Keep accurate records of our meetings and actions.

In addition, the law authorizes Conservation Commissions to

1. Recommend a program for the protection, development, or better utilization of all areas in the above-mentioned index.
   
2. Receive gifts of money or property to be managed or controlled by the Commission.
3. Acquire property, and/or property or water rights in the name of the Town.
4. Manage Town property or Town Forests,
   
5. Intervene in the approval process for wetland dredge and fill applications,
   
6. Make recommendations on proposed sand and gravel excavation and restoration plans.

The Ossipee Conservation Commission takes these responsibilities seriously. We recognize that conservation doesn’t mean “look but don’t touch”. It means many things, including hunting, fishing, hiking, farming, habitat preservation, sustainable forestry, and preserving water and view quality.

We maintain and constantly update information regarding soil and vegetation types, population distribution, and surface and sub-surface water quality. We actively manage about 300 acres of land in and around Ossipee, including the Fish Hatchery on Route 16, for sustainable forestry. With the revenue from our forestry operations and the Fish Hatchery lease, we work with local groups such as the Green Mountain Conservation Group and the Dan Hole Pond Watershed Trust to monitor local surface water quality and to acquire land and/or conservation easements. We actively investigate reports of improper wetland disturbance, and we work with the Planning Board to promote responsible development. Through all of these activities, we seek to preserve and protect the natural resources that will allow us all to continue to enjoy living in Ossipee.

Conservation Commission meets the second Wednesday of every month at 7:00pm at Ossipee Town Hall. Members are appointed by the Board of Selectmen.

If interested in serving, contact the Selectmen's office at 539-4181.