The Manchester Conservation Commission (MCC) is a municipal advisory board; but certain statues strengthen its influence. Laws pertaining to wetlands (NHRSA 483-A) specifically give conservation commissions the right to intervene in projects that impact local wetlands. The New Hampshire Wetlands Bureau at the Department of Environmental Services is the agency charged with overseeing wetlands, and
seeks recommendations from MCC prior to issuing permits. MCC also assists the Wetlands Bureau by investigation enforcement issues. Wetlands, including marches, swamps, and bogs, occupy low-lying areas on the landscape. Wetlands are periodically or continually inundated by water and covered by vegetation adapted to saturated soil. Once considered worthless, they are now recongized as important natural resources which provide many ecological and economic benefits. Wetlands can temporarily store flood waters, reduce shoreline erosion, retain pollutants, and provide food, cover and nesting habitat for many animals, which are dependent on wetlands for their survival. In addition, many are aesthetically pleasing and offer varied recreational and educational opportunities.
