The NH GRANIT Conservation/Public Lands data layer contains a digital record of parcels of land of two or more acres that are mostly undeveloped and are protected from future development. Smaller parcels that adjoin previously mapped parcels or represent unique features, such as a bog or state-owned boat ramp, may also be included in the data layer.
Several "levels of protection" are recognized, as follows:
1) Permanent conservation land. Land permanently protected from development through legally enforceable conservation easement, deed restriction, or outright ownership by an organization whose mission emphasizes protecting land in perpetuity. More than 50% of the area will remain undeveloped.
2) Unofficial conservation land. Not permanently protected through any legal mechanisms. Owned by a public institution, public agency, or other organization whose mission may not be focused on conservation, but whose clear intent is to keep land for conservation, recreation or educational purposes and in mostly natural land cover.
3) Unprotected water supply land. Not permanently protected through any legal mechanisms. Owned or controlled by suppliers of public drinking water, including unprotected supplies owned by municipalities, subdivisions of municipalities, and private water systems serving 500 people or more.
4) Developed public land. No known institutional or legal mandates to prevent conversion of natural land cover to human uses. Includes public land having, or expected to have, developed infrastructure on more than 50% of its area (e.g. beaches, picnic areas, ball fields, boat ramps, municipal wellfields).
9) Unknown.
Note that some properties included in the data layer are privately owned and not open for public access.
The Conservation/Public Lands data layer is updated periodically. Data gaps may occur if 1) a parcel has been protected since our last data update, or 2) a parcel was inadvertently overlooked during previous mapping phases. If you identify such gaps, please review the materials below and contact the GRANIT Conservation/Public Lands Data Manager.
Conservation/Public Lands data submission materials:
Conservation/Public Lands Data Standard
Digital Submission Instructions