1 Prime Wetlands; Definition. Amend RSA 482-A:15, I-a and I-b to read as follows:

I-a. For the purposes of this chapter, "prime wetlands" shall mean any contiguous areas falling within the jurisdictional definitions of RSA 482-A:2, X and RSA 482-A:4 that, because of their size, unspoiled character, fragile condition, or other relevant factors, make them of substantial significance. A prime wetland shall be at least 2 acres in size, shall not consist of a water body only, shall have at least 4 primary wetland functions , one of which shall be wildlife habitat , and shall have a width of at least 50 feet at its narrowest point .

The boundary of a prime wetland shall coincide, where present, with the upland edge of any wetland, as defined in RSA 482-A:2, X, that is part of the prime wetland. On-site verification of proposed prime wetland boundaries shall be performed where landowner permission is provided.

I-b. The commissioner shall adopt rules under RSA 541-A relative to the form, criteria, and methods that shall be used to designate, map, and document prime wetlands, determine boundaries in the field, and amend maps and designations once filed and accepted by the department under paragraph II.

2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.

1 Prime Wetlands; Definition. Amend RSA 482-A:15, I-a and I-b to read as follows:

I-a. For the purposes of this chapter, "prime wetlands" shall mean any contiguous areas falling within the jurisdictional definitions of RSA 482-A:2, X and RSA 482-A:4 that, because of their size, unspoiled character, fragile condition, or other relevant factors, make them of substantial significance. A prime wetland shall be at least 2 acres in size, excluding those areas described in paragraph I-b, shall not consist of a water body only, shall have at least 4 primary wetland functions within the 2 acre or greater area , one of which shall be wildlife habitat . A prime wetland shall have a width of at least 50 feet at its narrowest point across and perpendicular to its longitudinal axis .

I-b. A prime wetland may include additional connected narrower wetland areas less than 50 feet at their narrowest point across and perpendicular to their longitudinal axis if the municipality can demonstrate that any such narrower portion provides a significant contribution to the primary wetland functions of the prime wetland. To qualify as a significant contribution, a narrower portion shall contain 4 or more primary wetland functions as defined in RSA 482-A:2, XI and shall not include any man-made structures under RSA 482-A:3, IV(b). The municipality shall consider any potential adverse effects on the landowner from including any narrower portion.

I-c. The boundary of a prime wetland shall coincide, where present, with the upland edge of any wetland, as defined in RSA 482-A:2, X, that is part of the prime wetland. On-site verification of proposed prime wetland boundaries shall be performed where landowner permission is provided.

I-d. For the purposes of this paragraph existing state highway rights-of-way, including associated permanent easements, shall not include prime wetlands or their adjacent buffers.

I-e. The commissioner shall adopt rules under RSA 541-A relative to the form, criteria, and methods that shall be used to designate, map, and document prime wetlands, determine boundaries in the field, and amend maps and designations once filed and accepted by the department under paragraph II.

2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.