Conservation Commission

Chair:

Mark Young

Members:

Andy Laroche

Lise McNaugton

Bob Stephens-Vice Chair

Brian Silva

Matt Lipinski-Secretary

Andrew Artimovich (Selectboard representative)

Alternates:

Jessica Balukas

Michelle Siudut

Doug Cowie

Jim Nishina

Becky Dunham

Meeting Times:

We meet usually the second Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm in the Town Office, except in November when it is normally the first Wednesday of the month, and other months as the need arises.  Please check the Town Calendar Wednesdays to see if a meeting is scheduled for the that day.

Contact Information:

conservation@brentwoodnh.gov

The Brentwood Conservation Commission was established at the March 1967 Town Meeting in accordance with New Hampshire RSA Title III, Chapter 36-A to assist in protecting the natural resources of the town. The Commission advises and makes recommendations for the protection, development and utilization of the local natural resources and open space.  The Conservation Commission advises the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA), as well as the NH Department of Environmental Services Wetlands Bureau (NH DES).

Conservation Commissions have two broad responsibilities. The first is to consult with and advise the NH DES on permit applications to do work in or near wetlands in town. The second is to advise the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment on matters pertaining to wetlands or water-related zoning overlay districts and site plan reviews.

The Conservation Commission also, at the behest of the Brentwood Select Board, works with landowners in town to conserve wildlife habitat through conservation easement. The Town holds more than 20 conservation easements covering over 680 acres; other governmental, quasi-governmental and non-profit agencies, including the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, hold additional easements in town. Approximately 18% of the Town has been conserved through such easements and other conservation restrictions. The Commission is entrusted with oversight, annual monitoring, and enforcement of those conservation easements held by the Town.

In 2009, the USEPA declared New Hampshire's Great Bay impaired for too much nitrogen under the Federal Clean Water Act. To help address this issue, the Conservation Commission has launched efforts such as Soak Up the Rain Brentwood. Soak Up the Rain is a voluntary program with the goal of protecting and restoring clean water in the Exeter River and ultimately the Great Bay estuary. The program is designed to help homeowners reduce the storm water runoff that carries pollutants into our local streams and rivers. Polluted storm water is a primary cause of the water pollution problems in New Hampshire.