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Committee backs inventory of habitat strongholds and launches Winnipesaukee Basin study transfer review

House Committee on Resources, Recreation and Development · March 25, 2026

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Summary

SB592 would require conservation commissions to keep inventories of habitat strongholds and wildlife corridors for regional planning (informational, not for zoning) and establishes a study of whether the Winnipesaukee River Basin wastewater program should be transferred from state ownership to an alternative authority; committee approved an amendment adding a repeal/sunset clause and voted ought‑to‑pass as amended (15–0).

Senator David Waters presented SB592, an early bill coupling two topics: statutory inventorying of habitat strongholds and wildlife corridors to inform regional transportation planning, and a directed study into whether ownership or operation of the Winnipesaukee River Basin Program (WRBP) should be transferred to an alternate authority.

Wildlife inventory: Waters said the inventory is intended for informational use by regional planning commissions and explicitly not to be used as the basis for municipal zoning. He stressed included safeguards to protect private property rights and said the director of Fish and Game and wildlife biologists would be available to consult with conservation commissions.

Winnipesaukee Basin: The second part directs a study of WRBP’s governance and finances. Ted Diers (NH DES) explained WRBP is state‑owned but wholly funded by member communities that use the plant; the facility serves about 15,000 people, includes an 11.5‑mgd plant and multiple pump stations, and faces tens of millions in capital needs. DES and local officials favored exploring transfer or alternate authorities and adding an unclassified position to manage transition and operations; Wes Anderson (WRBP advisory board) said members support the bill.

Committee action: Members asked for a repeal clause for the short‑term study; Representative Darby offered an amendment deleting the commission statute after the report. The amendment passed and the committee voted ought‑to‑pass as amended on consent (15–0).