Conservation Commission Projects

The Laconia Conservation Commission is always working on projects that aim to better the quality of our environment and natural resources for residents and visitors, as well as the wildlife and ecosystems present in our City.  If you have a conservation related project you would like to discuss with the Commission, please email the Conservation Technician at conservation@laconianh.gov

Ongoing Projects

Below is a list on ongoing projects that the Commission and Planning Department are working on...
  1. NH Lake Hosts Program: Commission members work with NH Lakes and members of the public to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. If you are interested in working or volunteering as a Lake Host over the summer season, please email the Conservation Tech at conservation@laconianh.gov
  2. Water Quality Monitoring: The Conservation Commission and Conservation Technician perform water quality testing on lakes and tributaries across the City, with the help of NHDES, LLMP, and the Water Department. For more information on water quality monitoring, please click here
  3. NHDES Wetland's Applications: The Commission reviews and signs Exp. Minimum Impact Permits for expedited review (and other Wetland and Shoreland permits, if requested by the applicant). 
  4. Conservation Easement Acquisition & Monitoring: The Commission is actively interested in obtaining conservation lands and easements across the City to preserve natural features and sensitive lands. Members of the Commission and the Conservation Technician also monitor existing conservation lands and easements for compliance of the easement deed. For more information on conservation land and easements in Laconia, please click here 

Past Projects

Below is a list of projects the Commission and Planning Department have completed...
  1. Master Plan, Natural Resources Chapter (2022): The Commission and Conservation Tech finalized the 2022 update to the Natural Resources chapter of the master plan. The plan was adopted by the Laconia Planning Board in August of 2022
  2. Natural Resource Inventory (2022) - The Commission worked with the Conservation Technician to update the 2009 Natural Resource Inventory with new spatial data and narratives.
  3. Pickerel Pond Conservation Land (2020) - The Commission and Conservation Tech worked to restore the Pickerel Pond Conservation Land by permitting and removing three dilapidated structures on the property and establishing a parking area and signage for the property. 
  4. Geomorphic Assessment and Watershed Plan of Black Brook (2016)- A geomorphic assessment report and watershed plan for Black Brook were conducted by DuBois & King Inc. and Ripple Natural Resources LLC in an effort to better understand the ongoing stream channel adjustment processes and the impacts on water quality, habitats, and channel stability. A full copy of the report is available here. 
  5. Shoreland Protection Overlay District Updates (2012)- The Commission added language to the City's Shoreland Protection Overlay District Ordinance to further protect the quality of the Lakes. Staff also took responsibility for water quality testing within Paugus Bay and its tributaries.
  6. Natural Resource Inventory (2009) - The Commission worked with Watershed to Wildlife Inc. on conducting its first Natural Resource Inventory of the City.