Supporting Green Infrastructure and Low Impact Development in New Hampshire Coastal Communities

Researchers from the University of New Hampshire Stormwater Center, Geosyntec, staff from the Southeast Watershed Alliance, Rockingham Planning Commission, Antioch University and Great Bay NERR will create a framework of technical and educational resources to build resilience and municipal capacity in coastal watershed communities. The project will demonstrate the economic benefits from incorporating Green Infrastructure into existing methods, practices and plans.



The primary goals of the Green Infrastructure project are:

1) Complete installations and adopt Green Infrastructure practices and policies in NH coastal communities

2) Build understanding of economic and environmental benefits through direct community engagement

3) Increase municipal capacity to implement and manage GI and LID practices

4) Identify shared interests and collaborative partnerships

5) Target outreach and training workshops on technical and regulatory approaches

The project team – guided by an Advisory Board - will provide essential technical tools and skills training that build community resilience and capacity for managing stormwater and water resources and their related services. Tools and training will be delivered through collaboration among many stakeholders including Low Impact Development (LID) experts, regional and municipal planners, municipal staff and elected officials, local watershed groups, engineering and design firms, and landscape nurseries and professionals. Participation at any level is optional and may vary depending upon community needs.

Current Activities

• Development of an initial stakeholder kick-off meeting
• Development of a GI and LID technical toolbox for coastal NH municipalities
• Recruitment of advisory board members and municipal partners

Future Activities

• Plan sub-watershed methods workshops
• Finalize municipal partner
• Development of land use, impervious cover, and pollutant loading analyses
• Implementation of GI and LID technical tools
• Ongoing Assistance and training