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Durham Conservation Commission reports progress on wetlands plan, land stewardship and public outreach
Summary
Conservation Commission Chair Dwight Trueblood reported ongoing work on a Wetlands and Shoreland Overlay District (drawing on the Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act), a partnership to conserve 28.9 acres for $50,000, and community outreach including a BioBlitz that recorded 127 species.
Durham, N.H. — The Durham Conservation Commission told the Town Council on June 15 that it has advanced a multi-year Wetlands and Shoreland Overlay District draft, partnered on a 28.9-acre conservation purchase and boosted public outreach and stewardship.
Commission Chair Dwight Trueblood said the commission has worked since 2022 on a Wetlands and Shoreland Overlay District and incorporated elements of the Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act, including a 250-foot setback in appropriate areas. He said the commission formed three work groups after public feedback to refine the draft ordinance and is pursuing a Piscataqua Region Estuarine Partnership grant to expand public engagement.
The Land Stewardship Subcommittee partnered with the Southeast Land Trust (SELT) and The Nature Conservancy to purchase and conserve 28.9 acres in the Crommet Creek and Lubberland Creek watersheds for $50,000. Trueblood said hiring a full-time land stewardship coordinator has improved maintenance of town properties, including invasive-species removal, bench-building and trail repairs. The commission also hosted a BioBlitz that drew 60 participants and documented 127 species and 42 bird species.
What’s next: The commission will continue public outreach on the overlay district and pursue grant funding for engagement work and stewardship activities.
