Land Management Policies & Practices
Summary of Land Use & Grounds Maintenance
The Sustainable Hanover Committee is working with the Town to compile a Land Use summary that will provide residents an understanding of how much land in the community is in use for various purposes and the degree to which that land is controlled by various entities in the Town. There are numerous organizations and individuals working to conserve and manage land in the greater Hanover community. The Town also has direct ownership of land. This part of our site will hopefully provide residents a summary of where we are.
Town Progress to Date: Grounds Maintenance & Agriculture (January 2011)
Replacement of lawns with wildflower fields – reduces weekly mowing
Expansion of community garden to meet increasing demand; potential need to scout for second location based on projected demand for 2010.
Wastewater sludge is currently trucked to Maine for composting and then sold for re-use as fertilizer; beginning in 2011, sludge will be trucked to Lebanon landfill for composting for use as daily cover at Landfill location, eliminating need for 5 hour weekly drive to Unity, Maine.
Town exploring community-wide composting program based on Montpelier, Vermont model; Highfields Institute retained to develop pilot program for implementation by Hanover restaurants and Town has supported launch of food composting program in Ray Elementary School. Draft report received in late December – currently being evaluated.
Chamber implemented expanded weekly Hanover Farmer’s Market on Green during summer of 2010.
Replacement of lawns with wildflower fields – reduces weekly mowing
Expansion of community garden to meet increasing demand; potential need to scout for second location based on projected demand for 2010.
Wastewater sludge is currently trucked to Maine for composting and then sold for re-use as fertilizer; beginning in 2011, sludge will be trucked to Lebanon landfill for composting for use as daily cover at Landfill location, eliminating need for 5 hour weekly drive to Unity, Maine.
Town exploring community-wide composting program based on Montpelier, Vermont model; Highfields Institute retained to develop pilot program for implementation by Hanover restaurants and Town has supported launch of food composting program in Ray Elementary School. Draft report received in late December – currently being evaluated.
Chamber implemented expanded weekly Hanover Farmer’s Market on Green during summer of 2010.
Community Connections
Hanover Conservation Commission
The Conservation Commission was established by the 1966 Hanover Town Meeting "for the proper utilization and protection of the natural resources and for the protection of watershed resources of Hanover." (NH RSA Chapter 36-A). Important natural resources include wetlands, water bodies and groundwater, all critical for our water supply, the Town Forest and other conserved lands, trails and other open space, scenic views, and wildlife habitat."
Upper Valley Land Trust
The Upper Valley Land Trust helps people conserve land. We engage people in the vision and process of land conservation and in the stewardship of conserved lands. UVLT provides conservation leadership, tools and expertise to permanently protect the working farms, forested ridges, wildlife habitat, water resources, trails and scenic landscapes that surround residential areas and commercial centers and make the Upper Valley a truly special place to live. Our conservation projects secure the mixture of land uses so critical to the region’s vitality and identity.
| Hanover Conservation Council
The Hanover Conservation Council is a private, non-profit organization focused on land conservation in Hanover NH. The Council is dedicated to the conservation of land and water, and to deepening the appreciation of natural resources for the benefit of the Hanover community and beyond.
Upper Valley Trails Alliance
Promoting Trails, Connecting Communities.
The Upper Valley Trails Alliance advocates for the use, maintenance and development of trails in the region. Through education, outreach & stewardship we:
|
February 7, 2009 Community Workshop Archive
2/07/09 Community Workship - Priority Actions
- Amend Town laws & zoning ordinance to mandate energy efficiency & sustainability in new construction & renovations, including and such as:
- a) density, cluster development, in-law apartments;
- b) Town & school project = net zero;
- c) LEED and EnergyStar mandated levels; d) facilitating financing of improvements through municipal loan projects;
- e) a luxury tax per sq. foot dedicated to sustainability projects
- Encourage residents, businesses, & Dartmouth to maintain green spaces in sustainable, responsible ways through:
- a) Tightening zoning & protecting areas like Mink Brook, Pine Park, Oak Hill, Balch Hill;
- b) Prohibiting pesticides, herbicides, etc.;
- c) Limiting small engine use;
- d) naturalized landscaping;
- e) Town composting; (Waste/Recycling connection)
- f) reviewing & referring acceptable green contractors;
- g) small utilities company for municipal buildings or more for renewable energy.
- Use smart growth principles in Town & College planning including high-performance building, zoning, village centers, & mixed use
- Partner with regional municipalities & private stakeholders on smart growth implementation
- Actualize Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health system incorporating the sustainability principles & population wellness goals
- Amend/develop zoning regulations that support sustainability
- Ensure that school grounds, town greens, ball fields, & golf courses are 100% pesticide free
- Develop a long term resource plan [for DHMC], minimizing physical & other infrastructure needs, & incorporating the sustainability principles
