NHLA News

In this section:

Why Trees Grow Where They Do in NH Forests
Legislative Committee Updates

Why Trees Grow Where They Do in NH Forests

This is the book referred to by Jon Batson in his article, Bonsais: Circus of Trees and Every Thirty-Five Feet in the May 2010 NHLA Newsletter. It is divided into three files due to size.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Legislative Committee Updates

For NH Legislators, the past year was newsworthy in a few different ways for NHLA membership. Here is a brief synopsis of bills that have been passed in to law, or proposed bills that are in committee review longer:

Bills signed in to law:

• HB 48 - Establishing a committee on Agriculture in the Classroom within the Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food.
• HB 61 - Establishing a definition of "sustainable energy" for purposes of Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Energy Board.
• HB 70 - amends the law regarding the taking of stone by specifically listing stone from a stone wall and loam, and provides for treble damages based on the cost of materials and restoration, including attorney's fees and costsHB 189, enabling municipalities to establish energy commissions.
• SB 60 - establishing a commission to study water infrastructure sustainability funding. SB 134-FN - making various technical changes to the Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act.SB 195, modifying the procedures for the trimming, cutting or removal of trees by utilities.

Bills retained by committees for study:

• HB 222 - requiring the DES to consider direct and indirect impacts of project proposals on the wetlands.
• HB 232 - permitting the Pesticide Control Board to establish pesticide fees.
• HB 487 - enabling municipalities to adopt a property tax exemption for compliance with green building standards.

For updates on these and other NH State Legislation bills, go to: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/default.htm

When the legislature reconvenes, you will be able to read reviews of the proposed bills for the session in our NHLA newsletter and online, as part of the work the legislative committee has undertaken.

Each representative on the Agriculture and Environment Committee has been given a CD copy of the interview on NHPR's Morning Edition program "starring" Dr. Stan Swier et al from UNH on the issues about Asian Longhorn Beetle and Emerald Ash Borer, among other invasive pests.

If you are interested in joining the Legislative Committee of NHLA, please contact Cris Blackstone, cblackstone [at] goldstarttf.com.