Activities
Regulations Process
The Town of Hollis has jurisdiction over the one hundred (100) foot buffer zone surrounding all wetlands and all Dredge and Fill Applications must first be reviewed by Planning Board Staff and approved by the Planning Board and the Conservation Commission for compliance with the Wetland Protection Overlay Zone ordinance. The purpose of the ordinance to protect the public health, safety and general welfare of the people in the Town of Hollis. Specifically, the ordinance is used to protect people and property from flooding, reduce non-point source pollutants, protect potential drinking water supplies, and to protect fish and wildlife habitat among other things.
New developments and subdivisions are presented to the commission through the Planning Board process. Commission members take site walks, review conceptual design plans, and report to the Planning Board any conservation opportunities or issues concerning the development. Cathy Hoffman of the Planning Board is their liason with the commission and attends commission meetings.
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Land Protection
One of the best ways to conserve the town's rural character, wildlife habitat and water resources, greenways, and views is through the purchase of land outright or purchase of development rights (easements). Funding for land and easement purchases comes from land use change tax penalities that the Town receives each year. The commission receives 50% of these penalities.
In today's real estate market, it is often difficult for the commission to purchase land using just this source of funds. When the opportunity arrises, the commission will apply for land conservation grants from state and federal agencies, and private organizations, and will partner with the Land Protection Study Committee and other committees, agencies, or organizations to conserve key tracts of land in the Town.
The Hollis Conservation Commission thinks that some lands are more significant than others when it comes to protecting our natural resources. Click here to find out what the Conservation Commission takes into consideration when evaluating a piece of land for protection.
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Stewardship
An important part of our work is the continuing protection of the properties and easements that the commission holds for the Town. The commission surveys and monitors its properties, noting and fixing problems when they occur. Additionally, over the past two years management plans have been developed for the following properties:
- Ranger-Rideout lot on the Nashua River
- Henry Hildreth conservation area off of Federal Hill Road
- Forest View conservation easement and Worcester lot off of Rocky Pond Road
- Coughlin lot on Merrill Lane
- High School wetlands easement on Cavalier Court
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Public Outreach
Hollis Old Home Days
At each Hollis Old Home Days celebration the Conservation Commission displays a variety of maps and photos highlighting local natural resources, and provides a variety of informational brochures and pamphlets that focus on local conservation issues.
Nature Walks
For the past two years, the Hollis Conservation Commission has hosted a series of nature walks during the summer to connect the residents of Hollis with the land they helped protect. The nature walks are free and open to public.
2005 Schedule
2004 Recap
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