DES has adopted ratios for how much mitigation is required based on the type of resource if mitigation is proposed by wetland restoration or creation.
| Resource Type | Creation Ratio (resource created: size of impact) |
Restoration Ratio (resource restored: size of impact) |
|---|---|---|
| Bog | N/A | 2 :1 |
| Tidal Wetlands | 3 :1 | 2 :1 |
| Forested | 1.5 :1 | 1.5 :1 |
| Undeveloped Tidal Buffer Zone | N/A | 2 :1 |
| All Other Jurisdictional Areas | 1.5 :1 | 1 :1 |
What information needs to be submitted for proposed wetland restoration or wetland creation?
For mitigation by wetland restoration or creation, the following items need to be addressed and provided:
- Evaluate the functions of the areas proposed to be impacted and those functions compensated through the proposed mitigation package. A functional assessment notes data collected on the area that includes land use; soil types; habitat; Natural Community Classification in accordance with the Natural Community Systems of New Hampshire (2005), prepared by DRED-NHB and The Nature Conservancy; presence of any rare, special concern, or state or federally listed threatened or endangered species, including flora, fauna, or migratory species, and; and presence of exemplary natural communities identified by the DRED-NHB.
- Landowner consent if restoration is on a different property from the development site.
- A summary of the proposed restoration/creation measures, construction procedures, timing.
- An explanation of how the proposal creates hydrologic conditions or land connections that will restore or create the desired wetland functions or values.
- Detailed engineering plans with existing and proposed grades, predicted water fluctuations and proposed wetland cover types.
- A planting proposal, source of soils to be used, erosion controls to be installed, and an invasive species control plan if applicable.
Natural Community Systems of New Hampshire