Estuaries Update #54: New Hampshire Estuaries Project

Portsmouth Harbor at sunset

October 2007, #54

New Publications
	2007 NHEP Progress Report Ambient Rivers Monitoring of the Great Bay Estuary, 2006
Announcements
	Buffer Workshops NROC Assistance in 2008
Upcoming Events
	POET Meeting Public Informational Meeting on Taylor River Project

September Activities			New Publications
	Great Bay Oyster Restoration Meeting Meeting 9-6-07: Researchers from UNH and representatives from the NHEP, NH Fish and Game Department, and NOAA toured oyster restoration sites in Great Bay and discussed options for accelerating the rate of oyster restoration. Download Minutes		2007 NHEP Progress Report The 2007 Progress Report describes progress made toward implementing the NHEP Management Plan. The report summarizes status of environmental and administrative indicators that correspond to previously defined management objectives and provides completion ratings assigned for each of the Action Plans contained in the Management Plan. Read Report Ambient Rivers Monitoring in the Great Bay Estuary, 2006 The NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) received NHEP funding to conduct monitoring activities in 2006 that involved water monitoring at the head-of-tide in nine tidal tributaries. Other NHDES staff conducted laboratory analyses. This report includes the sample collection information, field and laboratory data, and quality assurance information. Read Report Announcements Buffer Workshops A workshop for municipal board/commission members, town staff, members of watershed organizations, and citizens interested in protecting surface waters by strengthening buffer ordinances. It will be offered three times this fall in the coastal watershed: October 29, 2007 at Hugh Gregg Coastal Conservation Center in Greenland- Hosted by the Rockingham Planning Commission, November 5, 2007, Governor’s Inn, in Rochester - Hosted by the NHEP and the Strafford Regional Planning Commission, and November 29, 2007 at Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission Office, Manchester - Hosted by the Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission. This buffer workshop will increase participants' understanding of the value of buffers, the extent to which different regulatory scenarios protect water resources, the strength of their towns’ buffer ordinances, and steps they can undertake to improve local buffer protections. Download Flyer Apply Now for Natural Resource Outreach Coalition (NROC) Assistance for 2008 Up to three communities will be selected to participate in the NROC Program for 2008. This year communities can apply for two types of assistance: One that includes the traditional introductory NROC presentation and another that focuses on a specific topic already determined by the community. Deadline for introductory presentation applications is October 19. Deadline for assistance applications is November 16. Interested applicants should contact Amanda Stone, NROC Coordinator, as soon as possible to discuss the application process. Direct all NROC inquiries to Amanda Stone, NROC Coordinator, at 603-364-5324 or email at amanda.stone@unh.edu. Upcoming Events 10-17-07: NHEP Public Outreach and Education Team (POET) Meeting, 9-11am, Kingman Farm, Madbury 10-29-07: Hampton Falls-Hampton 13408-B Public Informational Meeting on Taylor River Project, 7:00pm, Hampton Falls Town Hall Read Announcement
	Stormwater Outreach Meeting 9-6-07: NHEP participated in this meeting led by NH Coastal Program (NHCP) of organizations interested in coordinating stormwater management programs and outreach.
	NROC Quarterly Meeting 9-11-07:The Natural Resources Outreach Coalition (NROC) discussed current assistance efforts and plans for 2008, in which communities can participate in the usual NROC program or opt for assistance with a specific project. (see "Announcements")
	Great Bay Siltation Commission Meeting 9-12-07: The study commission established by House Bill 216 had its initial meeting and elected Rep. Judith Spang as the Commission chair. Dr. Larry Ward gave an presentation on the sources and processes of sedimentation in the estuary. The NH Coastal Program is maintaining a web page that includes agendas and commission meeting minutes.
	Great Bay Estuary Commission Meeting 9-14-07: The commission reviewed status of the wastewater study being completed by Metcalf and Eddy and voted to accept a revised scope of work that enables the study to be completed in time. When the report is finished, the Commission’s duties will be complete. The Commission discussed the legislatively authorized Estuary Alliance for Sewage Treatment (EAST), that can convene to continue discussions of regional solutions to wastewater treatment and disposal.
	UNH University Day 9-18-07: NHEP staffed an exhibit that featured NHEP programs and showed students how to identify and report water pollution in the area.
	V.I.P. Tour of Great Bay 9-19-07: Thirty-six (36) people associated with municipal planning boards learned about the NHEP, DES Volunteer Biological Assessment Program, GBNERR's Coastal Training Program and eelgrass research.
	Tidal Energy Commission Meeting 9-20-07: NHEP representative Cynthia Copeland (SRPC) attended the meeting that featured a presentation on the tidal currents in the Piscataqua River. See NH Coastal Program web site for details.
	Maine Marine Invasive Species Working Group 9-19-07: NHEP staff attended a meeting led by the Casco Bay Partnership to discuss regional collaboration on marine invasive species outreach.
	Squamscott Community Commons 9-27-07: NHEP staff met with the staff from the proposed Exeter Community Center to discuss conservation activities on the nearly 36 acres of adjoining wetlands. See Commons web site
	Restoration Partnership Meeting 9-27-07: Organizations participating in the Partnership to Restore NH’s Estuaries met to discuss results from roundtable discussions on restoration priorities for eelgrass, salt marsh, diadromous fish, and shellfish. The group also reviewed a charter that outlined the function, structure, and procedures of the partnership.
	V.I.P. Tour of Great Bay and National Estuaries Day 9-29-07: Thirty-eight (38) people associated with municipal planning boards learned about the NHEP, stormwater management, NHDES monitoring programs and research act ivies conducted by the Great Bay Estuarine Research Reserve.

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