The New Hampshire Coastal Program’s mission is to balance the preservation of natural resources of the coast with the social and economic needs of this and succeeding generations. To accomplish this mission, the Coastal Program focuses on six primary goals:
- To prevent and abate water pollution.
- To improve and sustain public access to lands and waters.
- To foster community stewardship and awareness of coastal resources.
- To protect and restore natural resources.
- To encourage a viable economy with adequate infrastructure.
- To increase community awareness and resilience to natural hazards
In 1972, Congress passed the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) in recognition of the importance of the nation's coastal resources. The NH Coastal Program gained federal approval in 1982. It is administered by the NH Department of Environmental Services.
Seventeen communities in the coastal zone 
and 25 communities in the coastal watershed share in the work of the NH Coastal Program.
Working Strategic Plan
The program's efforts are focused on N.H.'s coastal watershed, an area that encompasses 820 square miles.
The Section 309 Enhancement Grants Program Assessment and Strategy helps guide our work. Working with our network of partners, NHCP will focus on areas with the most demonstrated need that protect coastal resources while balancing the needs of people and ecosystems.
The Section 309 Enhancement Grants Program Assessment and Strategy
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