Wetlands

Wetlands are areas with poorly drained soils and typicaly are fairly flat.  As a result there is water at or near the surface at least part of the year.  This leads to vegetation adapted to these conditions that is typical of swamps, marshes, and bogs.  Wetlands have many community benefits.  They store storm waters; trap sediment; promote groundwater infiltration; reduce downstream flooding, erosion, and property damage; improve water clarity and quality; produce and retain nutrients; provide unique habitat; and are a scenic asset of the town.  These services are even more critical as we experience more severe storms and droughts in a changing climate.

All wetlands in New Hampshire are protected by statue and subject to regulations formulated by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES).  In addition the Eaton Zoning Ordinance restricts the use of land within its Wetland Conservation Overlay Zone.  Before making use of any wetlands in town approval is needed from DES and the relevant town boards.

The most extensive wetlands in Eaton are along the lower portions of Snow Brook from north of Crystal Lake along route 153 to Potter Road and then running east along Potter Road to Conway Lake.  There are also significant wetlands along the Brownfield Road east of its junction with Hatch Road, along Stony Brook and its tributaries, and along the Hatch Pond to Purity Lake watercourse.  In addition there are many small upland wetlands around small ponds and streams and a few isolated standalone wetlands.  Clicking on any wetland on the map will display the type of wetland and its approximate size in acres.

Zooming in will also display property lots.  Clicking on them will display their approximate acreage and their map and lot numbers.

The Upper Saco Valley Land Trust created a wetlands map as part of the natural resource inventory they produced in 2011 for the lands in their service area.