Welcome to the NH Method Website!

The Method for Inventorying and Evaluating Freshwater Wetlands in New Hampshire (NH Method) provides communities, conservation groups and natural resources consultants a practical method for evaluating wetland functions. Originally published in 1991, the NH Method (2011) has been updated for the first time in 20 years.

The revised 2011 version of the NH Method is available electronically via this website. Click on the NH Method Manual tab above to access the document as downloadable Sections and Appendices.

Previous users of the NH Method will find the basic structure and format look very similar. Updates have included adding new scientific information and new technologies, along with revising evaluation questions for clarity and to incorporate data from recent studies.

Note that we are not publishing paper copies of the 2011 NH Method. By having the document available electronically, it can be easily updated on a regular basis. Updates to the NH Method will be posted on this web page.

The NH Method has withstood the test of time - over the past 20 years, it has been (and continues to be) widely used by New Hampshire communities and environmental consultants. It appears to be the most frequently used wetland evaluation method for town-wide and watershed-based wetland assessments in the state. Since it was published in 1991, the NH `Method has been adapted for use in several other states. 

• Wetland Resources and References (click here for a complete listing)
• NH DES Wetlands Bureau
• NH DES Wetlands Rules (Env-Wt 100-900)
• Prime Wetlands
• Aquatic Resources Mitigation Fund (NH DES Wetlands Bureau)
• Wetlands Reserve Program (NRCS)
• NH Association of Natural Resources Scientists