Difference between revisions of "State of the Beach/State Reports/NH"

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==Indicators==
 
==Indicators==
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{{Plus}} New Hampshire's [http://des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/environmental-trends.htm Environmental Dashboard] evaluates trends in New Hampshire's environment to try to answer the questions "What's the state of New Hampshire's environment? Is it good? Is it bad? Getting better or worse?" As a way to answer these questions, a table provides a snapshot of trends for some key environmental issues important to the quality of life in New Hampshire. The "indicators" chosen have specific scientific data tracked over a period of time, which helps to show a trend in that topic area.
 
{{Plus}} In June 2014 [http://www.northeastoceandata.org/new-interactive-maps-of-water-quality-in-the-northeast/ Northeast Ocean Data announced] the release of easy-to-use interactive maps of water quality data for the northeastern states from New York to Maine. Based on data provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the maps display No Discharge Zones, impaired waters, and wastewater discharges. Also shown on the maps are boundaries of watersheds and subwatersheds in the region. To view the water quality maps, go [http://northeastoceandata.org/maps/water-quality/ here].
 
{{Plus}} In June 2014 [http://www.northeastoceandata.org/new-interactive-maps-of-water-quality-in-the-northeast/ Northeast Ocean Data announced] the release of easy-to-use interactive maps of water quality data for the northeastern states from New York to Maine. Based on data provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the maps display No Discharge Zones, impaired waters, and wastewater discharges. Also shown on the maps are boundaries of watersheds and subwatersheds in the region. To view the water quality maps, go [http://northeastoceandata.org/maps/water-quality/ here].
 
{{Plus}} In June 2014 New Hampshire launched its [http://xml2.des.state.nh.us/CoastalAtlas/Atlas.html Coastal Atlas], which is a new tool to show information on shellfish bed closures, beach advisories, and coastal public access in an easy-to-use format.  
 
{{Plus}} In June 2014 New Hampshire launched its [http://xml2.des.state.nh.us/CoastalAtlas/Atlas.html Coastal Atlas], which is a new tool to show information on shellfish bed closures, beach advisories, and coastal public access in an easy-to-use format.  

Revision as of 18:15, 21 October 2014

Home Beach Indicators Methodology Findings Beach Manifesto State Reports Chapters Perspectives Model Programs Bad and Rad Conclusion



New Hampshire

Summary

New Hampshire has a good beach water quality monitoring and reporting program for their limited (3 month) swimming season. Beach access is fair to good, and a Coastal Public Access Map was recently published which is available online. Erosion information, policies regarding shoreline structures, and inventories of shoreline structures are difficult to find. Some threats to surfing areas exist from polluted water, difficult access and antiquated laws.

New Hampshire Ratings


Indicators

(+) New Hampshire's Environmental Dashboard evaluates trends in New Hampshire's environment to try to answer the questions "What's the state of New Hampshire's environment? Is it good? Is it bad? Getting better or worse?" As a way to answer these questions, a table provides a snapshot of trends for some key environmental issues important to the quality of life in New Hampshire. The "indicators" chosen have specific scientific data tracked over a period of time, which helps to show a trend in that topic area.

(+) In June 2014 Northeast Ocean Data announced the release of easy-to-use interactive maps of water quality data for the northeastern states from New York to Maine. Based on data provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the maps display No Discharge Zones, impaired waters, and wastewater discharges. Also shown on the maps are boundaries of watersheds and subwatersheds in the region. To view the water quality maps, go here.

(+) In June 2014 New Hampshire launched its Coastal Atlas, which is a new tool to show information on shellfish bed closures, beach advisories, and coastal public access in an easy-to-use format.

(+) The Northeast Regional Ocean Council (NROC) is a state and federal partnership that facilitates the New England states, federal agencies, regional organizations, and other interested regional groups in addressing ocean and coastal issues that benefit from a regional response. It is NROC’s mission to provide a voluntary forum for New England states and federal partners to coordinate and collaborate on regional approaches to support balanced uses and conservation of the Northeast region’s ocean and coastal resources. In New Hampshire, the Department of Environmental Services has a Regional Ocean Planning in New Hampshire website to provide information on this topic and facilitate public involvement.

(+) Effective July 1, 2008 under the Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act Standards, a state shoreland permit is required for construction, excavation or filling activities not included in the exemptions detailed in the law, within 250 feet of the reference line. For coastal waters the reference line is the highest observable tide line.

(+) The New Hampshire Coastal Program has updated their Coastal Access Map. The updated map, which is accessible in pdf format on the NH Coastal Program website, includes coastal boat access points and hiking trails, fishing and wildlife viewing locations as well as points of interest like science and education centers.

(+) The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) monitors coastal waters to determine the suitability of beaches for swimming. The NHDES monitors water quality at 16 marine beaches and 164 inland freshwater beaches. There are at least two local agencies and one federal agency that also monitor beaches. The NHDES posts a sign at the beach to notify the public of advisories.

(+) New Hampshire's coastal waters were recently designated as a No Discharge Area. While boating in a No Discharge Area, marine sanitation devices must be secured to ensure overboard discharge is not occurring.

(+) In a 1997 survey by the University of New Hampshire, about 82 percent of respondents considered the protection or improvement of water quality in rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds a “high” priority.

(0) New Hampshire expanded its NOAA-approved coastal zone management area by 700% and increased wetland and shoreland enforcement personnel in the coastal zone by 25%.

(-) Very little publicly-available information exists regarding shoreline structure policy and inventory. The same is true for coastal erosion data.

(-) Budget cuts at the federal level for 2005 decreased funding for Nonpoint Source Pollution implementation grants.

Victories

  • Rec Use Characterization Proposal The Surfrider Foundation Northeast Region is heavily engaged in Regional Ocean Planning efforts. Our goal is to be proactive in protecting coastal and ocean ecosystems and recreational areas, before they're threatened. Along with strong partner organizations, SeaPlan and Point 97, Surfrider Foundation submitted a project proposal for the Northeast Regional Planning Body's RFP, to develop products characterizing spatial patterns of coastal and marine recreational activity in New England. Our proposal was selected, and we will be leading the way for everyday ocean recreation users - like surfers, beach strollers, wildlife watchers, kayakers and divers - to fill a data gap in the Northeast that will assist ocean planners in considering recreational areas as they plan to organize for current and future uses of the sea. Contact our Northeast Regional Coordinator for more information: mgates@surfrider.org.
  • Rye residents amend beach permit article Article 15 on the town warrant proposes amending the beach ordinance to restrict certain activities on the beach without prior permission from the Board of Selectmen. Activities that would require selectmen's approval include summer camps, surf camps, and lessons or rentals for activities such as surfing, paddle-boarding, kayaking, sailing, kite-surfing, snorkeling or diving. Ryan McGill and his brother Tyler McGill, owners of Summer Sessions Surf Shop, came before selectmen asking for the article to be amended and it was approved unanimously after a half-hour of discussion by residents, including members of Surfrider's New Hampshire chapter. The amendment states that “the town shall authorize the Beach Commission and selectmen, or a committee thereof, to study the impact of the operation by person, business or nonprofit group or organization or event.” This phrase will be added at the beginning of the article. At the end of the article will be added that “the purpose of such a study shall be to determine the impact of such businesses or events on public safety and the public's use and enjoyment of the beach.” Read more.
  • New Hampshire Beach Monitoring Program Extended into Fall & Spring The New Hampshire beach monitoring program has been extended beyond the typical summer season. This important victory can be attributed to the energy and motivation of the New Hampshire Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation.
  • Surfing Regulations Amended With support from local Surfrider members as well as concerned citizens, the Town of Rye recently passed a Bylaw regulating surfing in a reasonable manner. The Town had been considering a total ban and local surfers were pleased that this ban did not succeed.

For a list of Surfrider Foundation's latest coastal victories, go here.



State of the Beach Report: New Hampshire
New Hampshire Home Beach Description Beach Access Water Quality Beach Erosion Erosion Response Beach Fill Shoreline Structures Beach Ecology Surfing Areas Website
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