Abstract |
The New Hampshire Estuaries Project (NHEP) is part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys National Estuary Program, which is a joint local/state/federal program established under the Clean Water Act with the goal of protecting and enhancing nationally significant estuarine resources. The NHEP is funded by the EPA and is administered by the University of New Hampshire. The NHEPs Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan for New Hampshires estuaries was completed in 2000 and implementation is ongoing. The Management Plan outlines key issues related to management of New Hampshire's estuaries and proposes strategies (Action Plans) that are expected to preserve, protect, and enhance the State's estuarine resources. The NHEP's priorities were established by local stakeholders and include water quality improvements, shellfish resources, land protection, and habitat restoration. Projects addressing these priorities are undertaken throughout NH's coastal watershed, which includes 42 communities. |