About Us

 A Volunteer Commission
Serving Nashua for Over 50 Years

For all official City of Nashua, NH announcements concerning the Nashua Conservation Commission, visit the Conservation Commission Page on the Nashua City government website where you can see a list of current members, meeting schedule and meeting minutes.

Who We Are

The Nashua Conservation Commission is made up of Nashua residents who are passionate about natural resources and enjoy spending time outdoors enjoying the natural spaces in our city. We care about the wellbeing of our ecosystem, and the mitigation and prevention of invasive species spread to protect native plants and animals. We want to see our community thrive, for our people, as well as the wildlife.

On August 23, 1963 enabling legislation (RSA 36-A) became effective which allowed cities and towns to establish a conservation commission if they so chose. This legislation was a good first step toward conserving the State’s natural resources, however the law did not provide a funding mechanism for purchasing and protecting valuable properties. 

In 1987 landmark legislation was proposed allowing cities and towns to create a conservation fund for the accrual of monies acquired from the development of large open space parcels. On July 1, 1989 Nashua’s Board of Aldermen unanimously passed legislation to create the Nashua Conservation Fund which has been key to purchasing land for watershed, wildlife and wetland protection, and trail development. 

The NCC is comprised of 10 members – 7 voting members and 3 alternate, non-voting members. Alternates are entitled to vote when a quorum is needed. Members are nominated by the Mayor and confirmed by the Board of Aldermen. Commissioners serve for a 3-year term and can be reappointed. Anyone interested in becoming a commissioner is encouraged to attend a monthly meeting.

What We Do

The Nashua Conservation Commission is an advisory board whose responsibility is for the proper utilization and protection of natural resources and watershed resources for the City of Nashua. Pursuant to RSA 36-A:2, the Commission conducts a review process on projects to ensure compliance with the city wetland ordinance and makes recommendations to the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Additionally, the NCC monitors land upon which conservation easements are held to ensure compliance with the terms of the contract and creates stewardship plans to guide them in management efforts. 

Enforcing Wetland Buffers

In the Nashua code, wetlands are classified as prime, critical, other and vernal pool. A detailed list is provided in the Nashua Land Use Code, Article XI. All wetlands shall be delineated in the field by a NH certified wetland scientist (CWS), per local and state regulations. All buffers extend into the wetlands themselves and include standing bodies of water, including seasonal vernal pools. Visit the wetlands page for more detail.

Promoting Wildlife Habitat

In discussions with residents and other municipal groups, the commission aims to work with community members to both improve the lives of residents and wildlife. In the case of wildlife, the commission may invoke projects in Nashua’s wildlife spaces that promote healthy populations of pollinators or other wildlife.

Community Service Maintenance Projects

The Conservation Commission may take on projects to rectify damages done to wildlife zones and trails to repair, mitigate, or prevent further harm to wildlife habitats, while allowing residents to enjoy our outdoor spaces.

Best Management Practices

The commission educates stakeholders in various projects around the city on the best practices for how to manage watershed, soil retention, or animal traffic. These Best Management Practices (BPMs) promote healthy communities and protect our freshwater resources, as it affects our drinking water for all living creatures in Nashua.

Project Consultation

If deemed necessary by the encroachment of a wetland buffer, the NCC may be required to provide input to mitigate potential damages to wetland buffers. Depending on how severe the impact is the Commission will determine whether to provide a favorable or unfavorable recommendation toward the project as proposed.

Stewardship

The commission manages several conservation properties within the city. The properties have stewardship plans or management plans that are periodically updated. The commission also keeps an inventory of natural resources across the city that can be referenced to seek opportunities for additional conservation and to inform the highest priority areas for protection. View our latest Natural Resource Inventory here.