“As a former Chair of the NH State Parks System Advisory Council, I personally am well aware of the critical role our state parks play in New Hampshire’s economy, environment, and quality of life.
Prohibiting the siting of landfills in close proximity to these natural and recreational resource gems seems only common sense. The obvious incompatibility of large-scale waste disposal activity with the purposes of our state parks, to say nothing of the potential for degradation of natural and recreational resources as well as the visitor experience, underscores the need for HB 177.
These lands are held by the State in the public trust, and the unsuitability of solid waste disposal facilities nearby these lands cannot be overstated.” Susan Arnold, Appalachian Mountain Club.
“Think of your favorite state park… and attempting to swim, hike, boat, walk, camp, or fish while exposed to foul odors, scavenger birds, feces in waterbodies, noise cannons, blowing dust, trash, and heavy truck traffic. Consider our profitable tourism industry that supports hundreds of jobs.
Common sense dictates New Hampshire must not allow dumps beside state parks. DES cannot protect state parks from landfill developers, but HB 177 can. Let’s put New Hampshire first. State parks are our heritage and legacy.” Nancy Carbonneau Morrison, Mont Vernon.
“It seems to me that our State Parks are a critical ingredient in the secret sauce of our tourism industry. They are as much a part of the “New Hampshire Advantage” as no sales or income tax…If we place a landfill next to your State Park, what do you think it will look like in 30 years?” Rep. Andrew Bouldin (D-Manchester).
“One of New Hampshire’s distinguishing traits is the State’s deep natural beauty. This landscape, especially the forests and lakes, contributes to the environmental and economic health and well-being we enjoy. The protection and conservation of these open spaces is the result of a diverse partnership of public agencies. non-profit organizations and private citizens. We view the intent behind HB 177 as part of the State’s responsibility to steward these natural resources for the long-term public good of all the residents of New Hampshire.” Matt Leahy, Society for the Protection of NH Forests.
“Our 68 state parks are a major driver for New Hampshire’s economy and tourism industry.
Creating the distance of two miles between a state park and a landfill is a reasonable compromise that balances the protection of New Hampshire state parks with the property rights of adjacent landowners.” Patricia Kellog, Littleton.
House Bill 177 states that “No new landfill shall be constructed near a State Park”, and directly protects 68 state parks in NH, including our own local Forest Lake State Park. This is something we can fully support as a business that strives for ecological sustainability.” Ed King, manager of Littleton Food Coop.
“If landfills are permitted to be constructed and operated within two miles of state parks, visitors to those parks can be expected to endure negative impacts, including noxious odors, airborne dust and debris, and increased noise pollution.
An increased amount of truck traffic will service the landfill, with the associated air pollution and traffic impacts reaching well beyond the immediate vicinity of the landfill. Depending on the size of the landfill, upwards of one hundred trucks per day can be expected. In some instances, landfills may even be visible from state parks, greatly reducing the natural viewsheds that are essential to experiencing and enjoying state parks.” Peter Blair, Conservation Law Foundation.
“The NH Sierra Club strongly supports HB177. In talking with many of our supporters we have found unprecedented support for HB177. In fact, we have not heard a single dissenting voice. Like all states, New Hampshire has a trash problem, but it is not dire enough that we need to make every acre in the State available for landfills.” Jerry Curran, NH Sierra Club.
“New Hampshire HB 177 prohibits new landfills from being located within two miles of a state park. The damage that will be done if this bill does not pass is immeasurable. Passage of HB 177 would protect our state parks in ways no current regulation does. This has become an urgent issue.” Cynthia Barrett, Milford.
“A landfill’s odors, waters fouled with the feces of scavenger birds, steady noise, blowing dust and trash from heavy truck traffic would be ruinous for any park. This commonsense bill is an assertion of our right as New Hampshire citizens to Put New Hampshire First — to create a 2-mile buffer around our parks for the public good. State parks are forever. Please protect them forever.” Ralph Akins, former NH State Representative, former mayor, City of Lebanon.
“Our members and supporters live and work near a proposed landfill near Forest Lake State Park and the Ammonoosuc River. We are opposed to the landfill.” NH Audubon Ammonoosuc River Chapter President David Govatski.