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What This Sign Means and Why it’s
Important to You!
What is a Wetlands Conservation District?
A Wetlands Conservation
District (WCD) is a 50 foot buffer that surrounds any body of water such
as a pond, brook, seasonal stream or any wetland in excess of 2000
square feet in size. A wetland is determined by soil types, not simply
by the presence of water.
Wetlands and the
surrounding WCD setback are delineated on a property’s plot plan. Small,
green WCD signs, like the one depicted on the cover of this brochure,
may also be posted on your property to delineate a WCD boundary. If you
are unsure whether or not a WCD exists on your property, consult the
Planning Department prior to cutting vegetation, disturbing the soil, or
building structures.
Wetlands impacts are
regulated by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services
(DES) and the WCD is regulated by the Town of Pelham Zoning Ordinance.
Violations can result in fines, restoration costs, and legal and
engineering expenses.
Play it safe and check with the Planning Department before you
begin a project!
Things to do in your wetland or
WCD:
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•Hike,
picnic, bird watch, cross-country ski and other passive
recreational uses
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•Enjoy the
privacy a no cut buffer provides
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•Observe
wildlife in its natural state
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•Take pleasure
from protecting your environment as a responsible steward of
your land
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Things NOT to do in your wetland or WCD:
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•Remove
trees or natural vegetation
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•Use fertilizers
or pesticides
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•Dispose of
leaves, branches or waste
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•Disturb the
soil, plant a lawn or mow grasses
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•Install a pool,
shed, or any other structure
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•Store vehicles
or equipment
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•Remove WCD
signs
of Open Space
Over
the last two decades Pelham has experienced
unprecedented residential growth. Hundreds of homes
in dozens of developments have been built resulting
in the rapid paving and landscaping of once
flourishing open spaces.
Open space benefits the community in many ways:
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•Helps preserve the town’s rural
character
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•Protects the quality of Pelham’s
drinking water
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•Preserves Pelham’s scenic vistas,
forests, and wildlife habitat
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•Helps stabilize taxes – open space has
less impact on municipal services than developed
land
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•Encourages stewardship and enjoyment of
water and land resources
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Please support our efforts to
protect and acquire open space. If you own or know
of a parcel that you would like to see protected,
please contact the Planning Dept. at 635-7811 ext 4
and they will get your message to us.
For assistance contact:
The Pelham Planning
Department
603-635-7811 ext. 4
www.planning@pelhamweb.com
The Pelham
Conservation Commission
603-635-7811 ext. 4
www.planning@pelhamweb.com
NH Dept. of
Environmental Services
603-271-2147
www.des.state.nh/wetlands
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