Bill > HB1530

This bill modifies existing law regarding beaver dam management by introducing new notification and public review requirements for removing or altering beaver dams in shared water bodies. Under the proposed legislation, landowners must provide at least 30 days' notice to local governing bodies, conservation commissions, and abutting property owners before removing a beaver dam or significantly lowering water levels in a shared beaver impoundment, except in cases of immediate threat to life or property. The bill also mandates that landowners hold a public informational meeting at least 15 days prior to taking action, with the municipality required to publish notice of the meeting in a local newspaper or on its website at least 7 days before the meeting. The legislation defines a "shared" beaver impoundment as a pond or wetland that covers or directly abuts land owned by another individual or is publicly owned. Importantly, these notification and meeting requirements do not apply to installing flow devices, which are structures designed to manage beaver damming and water flow. The bill allows landowners, municipal officials, and state employees to remove beaver dams or install flow devices to protect property, highways, and bridges without a permit, provided they follow specific guidelines to prevent sudden water release and potential environmental damage. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, and while it does not provide additional funding, it is expected to potentially increase workload for the Fish and Game Department.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1948&inflect=2