Welcome to the Salem Conservation
Commission Webpage
Notices
- Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act permits or Wetland permits may be required from NHDES prior to performing work on lake front property such as putting in docks, fixing walls, and beach replenishment. Landscaping or tree removal may need permits, depending on what's being done.
- The sand pit area on trail "A" in the Town Forest is closed from April 15th through June 1st due to turtle nesting.
Committed to the protection and proper use of Salem’s natural and watershed resources
Welcome to the website of the Salem, NH Conservation Commission. The Commission was established in 1965 under New Hampshire State Law RSA 36-A. We are composed of seven commissioners and two alternates, all resident volunteers appointed by the Board of Selectmen to three-year terms. We are committed to the protection and proper use of Salem’s natural and watershed resources. To that end, it’s our job to:
- Acquire property or property rights for conservation. With the approval of the Board of Selectmen and in the name of the Town, we acquire property or the rights to land or water within Salem through gift, purchase, or otherwise. This could be in the form of full ownership of property or to control the use of property by holding development rights, easements, covenants, or other means of control. Recent acquisitions include the __ acre Lawrence Road conservation area adjacent to the Spicket River (2008), and the 15 acre Hawkins Farm on Town Farm Road (2008).
- Manage, protect and properly utilize conservation land. We manage, control, maintain, protect, limit the future use of, or otherwise conserve and properly utilize open spaces and other conservation land and water areas in Salem.
- Provide advice on development that impacts wetlands. We advise the NH Department of Environmental Services (DES) and the Salem Planning Board on development issues impacting wetlands.
The Salem Conservation Commission normally meets the first Wednesday each month, at 7:00 pm, in the Knightly Room at the Salem Town Hall, 33 Geremonty Drive.