N.H. Code Admin. R. Env-Dw 1002.26

Current through Register No. 25, June 20, 2024

Section Env-Dw 1002.26 - Stewardship Requirements

(a) The grantee shall be responsible for ongoing stewardship of each conservation interest acquired, whether as grant property or as match property.

(b) The grantee shall:

(1) Determine the financial and management resources needed to monitor and enforce the terms of the conservation interest for each grant property and match property;

(2) Establish that it has or can obtain funds to monitor and enforce the terms of the conservation interest;

(3) Develop and submit to the department a stewardship plan to meet the requirements of (d), below; and

(4) Implement the stewardship plan to safeguard the drinking water source.

(c) Prior to acquisition, the grantee shall prepare and submit a baseline documentation report that describes, in writing and with photographs, the condition of the property at the time of acquisition, including water quality and quantity data.

(d) The stewardship plan shall require the grantee to:

(1) Inspect the property annually to confirm that boundaries are being maintained and land is being appropriately protected according to the terms of the conservation interest and for the purpose of RSA 486-A;

(2) For property not held in fee simple, contact all landowners annually to inform the landowners of their obligations under the easement;

(3) Prepare and submit the annual stewardship report required by RSA 486-A:7, II(e) to the department, prior to January 31 of each year, containing the following:

a. A description of the site inspection conducted;

b. A map or sketch of the property, which may be a copy of the survey plan submitted pursuant to Env-Dw 1002.21, with the approximate route taken during the site inspection clearly delineated on the map or sketch;

c. A description of any physical changes to the property;

d. A description of any landowner contact conducted;

e. A description of any conditions that violate or may violate the provisions of the deed or easement or the intent of the conservation interest;

f. A description, including current status of any violations witnessed and remedial steps taken; and

g. The name or position title and contact information of the individual responsible for sending the annual stewardship report to the department;

(4) Notify the department of any change to the information required by (3)g., above, within 60 days of the change or by December 31 of the year in which the change occurred, whichever is earlier; and

(5) If snowmobiles are allowed by the conservation interest instrument, ensure that individuals using snowmobiles comply with the snowmobile trail plan approved pursuant to Env-Dw 1002.25.

(e) The grantee may contract with a person having expertise in conservation land management to perform one or more of the requirements of this section, however the grantee shall retain ultimate responsibility for all requirements.

N.H. Code Admin. R. Env-Dw 1002.26

Derived From Volume XXXVIII Number 02, Filed January 11, 2018, Proposed by #12441, Effective 1/1/2018, Expires 1/1/2028.