Services

The goal of the District’s technical assistance programs is to support sound land use and management decision making. Our Municipal Assistance program focuses on providing practical, timely and consistent technical services to land use staff and commissions in our 26-town service area.

Services provided to municipalities include:

• Comprehensive site plan reviews of proposed residential, commercial, and industrial developments
• On-site environmental assessments focused on natural resources protection
• Soil erosion protection and sedimentation control assistance
• Stormwater management recommendations
• Nonpoint source pollution prevention and source control guidance
• Participation in Environmental Review Team (ERT) studies

The District promotes natural resources conservation and preservation through our Landowner Assistance programs. Staff provides technical assistance to landowners throughout our 26-town service area on issues related to soil, water, plant and wildlife management and protection.

Services provided to landowners include on-site environmental assessments and technical recommendations concerning:

• Management, maintenance, and restoration for backyard water resources
• Stabilization and revegetation of failing streambanks
• Establishment of riparian and wetland buffers
• Soil erosion prevention and sedimentation control
• Native plant species plantings for streams, ponds, and wetlands
• Non-native invasive species removal and management
• Organic landcare and low impact landscaping alternatives
• Nonpoint source pollution prevention and source control

Beyond our core technical assistance programs, the District offers supplementary fee-based services to municipalities, residents, and business owners.

These services include:

• Third-party E&S field inspections and on-site construction monitoring for activities in or near environmentally sensitive areas
• Field surveys and GIS mapping of natural resources, watersheds, and stormwater related infrastructure using GPS technology
• Stream and river water quality monitoring, including identification of pollution problems and sources, e.g., bacteria from failing septic systems
• Volunteer-based vernal pool identification and verification programs
• Natural resources based stormwater pollution prevention assessments to guide street sweeping, catch basin cleanout, stormwater management decision making

Field surveys, inspections, mapping, and monitoring services are offered to municipalities and nonprofit organizations at a competitive, reduced hourly rate. Assistance with applying for grants to fund these types of special projects can be provided upon request.