CONCORD, NH - The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, February 20, 2018, at 6:30 p.m. to readopt with amendment rules related to public boat access. The hearing will be held at the NH Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH, 03301.

The existing Fis 1600 rules are set to expire on February 25, 2018. The current text of the rules will remain in force until the conclusion of this rulemaking proceeding. The rule draft was developed in consultation with NH Fish and Game Department staff, the Public Water Access Advisory Board, and the NH Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Proposed Part Fis 1601 adds new definitions of terms. Part Fis 1602 provides a listing of Department-controlled boat access areas and a list of areas within state parks managed jointly with the NH Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Part Fis 1603 sets forth standards and restrictions regulating the use of boat access areas, as well as procedures to obtain a special use permit to allow use of an area that would otherwise be prohibited. Part Fis 1604 contains procedures to obtain permission to erect a memorial at a boat access area.

The initial proposal and rulemaking notice may be viewed at www.wildnh.com/legislative/proposed-rules.html (select "Access Rules").

Written public comments on the proposal may be submitted through March 1, 2018. Written comments may be mailed to the NH Fish and Game Department, Paul Sanderson, Esq., 11 Hazen Dr., Concord, NH, 03301, faxed to (603) 271-5829, or e-mailed to comments@wildlife.nh.gov (note "Access Rules" in the subject line).

New Hampshire's Public Boat Access Program is funded through boat registration fees and federal Sport Fish Restoration funds. Fish and Game's Facilities and Lands Division acquires land for public water access sites, refurbishes existing sites, and builds new public boat access areas. For more information on boating access locations in New Hampshire, visit www.wildnh.com/access.


Posted 2/12/18