N.H. Rev. Stat. § 483-A:7

Current through Chapter 381 of the 2024 Legislative Session

Section 483-A:7 - Lakes Management and Protection Plans

I. The lakes coordinator, in consultation with the advisory committee and the office of planning and development, shall monitor and oversee guidelines for coordinated lake management and shoreland protection plans together with recommendations for implementation, if necessary. Upon acceptance of the guidelines or substantive changes to the guidelines by the advisory committee, the lakes coordinator and members of the advisory committee shall hold public hearings regarding the guidelines or changes to the guidelines. At least one hearing shall be held in each executive council district.

II. The lakes coordinator in consultation with the office of planning and development, with the help of appropriate council on resources and development agencies, shall provide technical assistance and, within the limits of legislative appropriations, award financial grants to regional planning commissions established under RSA 36:45 through RSA 36:53 in support of lake management and shoreland protection planning. The commissioner, with the advice of the lakes coordinator and the advisory committee, shall adopt rules, pursuant to RSA 541-A, relative to awarding financial grants under this paragraph.

III. The lakes coordinator in cooperation with the office of planning and development, regional planning agencies, and appropriate council on resources and development agencies, shall provide technical assistance and information in support of lake management and local shoreland planning consistent with the guidelines established under RSA 483-A:7, I, compatible with the recommendations under RSA 483-A:5, and consistent with state and federal water quality laws.

IV. Whenever more than one municipality borders a lake, all such municipalities shall be encouraged to cooperate in the development and implementation of a coordinated lake management and shoreland protection plan.

V. Lake management and shoreland protection plans developed pursuant to paragraphs I, II, and III shall address, but not be limited to, the following:

(a) Recreational uses and activities.

(b) Non-recreational uses and activities.

(c) Existing and future land uses.

(d) Protection of wetlands, wildlife, fish habitats, and other significant natural areas.

(e) Dams, bridges, and other water structures.

(f) Public access by foot and vehicle.

(g) Setbacks and other location requirements.

(h) Dredging, filling, mining, and earth moving.

(i) Prohibited uses.

(j) Factors controlling water levels and flowage rights.

(k) Facilities appropriate to support approved lake uses.

(l) Water safety.

(m) Other factors affecting water quality.

RSA 483-A:7

Amended by 2021 , 91: 198, eff. 7/1/2021.

Amended by 2017 , 156: 64, eff. 7/1/2017.

1990, 118:2. 2003, 319 : 9 . 2004, 257 : 44 . 2010, 269 : 6 , eff. July 6, 2010. 2017, 156 : 64 , eff. July 1, 2017. 2021, 91 : 198 , eff. July 1, 2021.