Communities can incorporate wildlife habitat protection considerations into their municipal documents and regulations. This includes natural resources documents, such as a Natural Resources Inventory, Wildlife Conservation/Open Space Plans, Natural Resources chapter in the Master Plan, or management plans for town-owned lands. It is relatively easy to incorporate wildlife and habitats information into these documents using resources on the Taking Action for Wildlife and NH Wildlife Action Plan websites.
In addition to the above, communities can also conserve wildlife habitat by reviewing their town's land use planning documents and existing regulations and incorporating wildlife considerations. In many cases, protection of habitats via the town’s master plan, zoning ordinances, or subdivision regulations also accomplishes additional goals such as recreation and aesthetics.
