The Conservation Commission develops and coordinates projects to protect and preserve wetlands, restore ecosystems, and educate the population on the importance of our local environment.  We have recently completed several critical projects for the island and are in progress on several others.

Recently Completed:

Wetlands mapping of the entire island accurate to within a few inches – this is critical to helping the town and homeowners understand where sensitive habitats and ecosystems exist on the island.

Map of New Castle Island

Natural Resource Inventory for the Island - A comprehensive listing of the most important natural resources on the island.

In-Progress:

Restoration of the Pitch Pine Barren on New Castle Common –

The area on the Northeastern side of the New Castle Common, home to the native Pitch Pine, rare in this area of New Hampshire, and other native species, was being overrun by a host of invasive plants. 
This infestation, if left unattended, would result in a loss of habitat for wildlife and water fowl that populate the Common and result in a degradation of our beach and park area.

The Conservation Commission began a project to reforest the area with native pitch pines and remove the invasive plants.    To date the seedlings are taking root and are doing very well.  We continue to remove invasive plant species to assist the reforestation of the area. 

Quarter Deck Lane Culvert Replacement –

In an effort to restore tidal flow to the salt water marshes on the island, the Conservation Commission installed a new culvert under the roadway on Quarterdeck Lane at Lavenger’s Creek.  The culvert was funded by a USDA-WRP grant (a Government Wetlands Restoration Grant).    Increasing the flow of tidal water to our marshes reduces pooling fresh water.  This results in a decrease of fresh water mosquitoes, a reduction in invasive plant species, and improved habitats for fish and wildlife. 

Bull Toad Pond -

Educational Programs with Maude H. Trefethan School