Under RSA 482-A:15 and administrative rules Env-Wt 700, individual municipalities may elect to designate wetlands as “prime-wetlands” if, after thorough analysis, it is determined that high-quality wetlands are present. Typically, a wetland receives this designation because of its large size, unspoiled character and ability to sustain populations of rare or threatened plant and animal species. Field and “desk top” data are used for the evaluation process.
After high value wetlands are identified, the municipality holds a public hearing before the residents of the community to vote on the designation. Once the municipality approves the wetlands for designation as prime, the municipality provides to the DES Wetlands Program a copy of the study and tax maps with the designated prime wetlands identified. DES reviews the submission from the municipality to ensure that it is complete and in accordance with Env-Wt 702.03.
Once the prime wetland submission is considered complete and approved, DES will apply to any future projects that are within the prime wetland or the 100 foot prime wetland buffer, the law and rules that are applicable
The following communities have designated prime wetlands:
| Andover | Gilford | Newington |
| Atkinson | Goffstown | Newmarket |
| Barrington | Hampton | Northwood |
| Bow | Hampton Falls | Pelham |
| Brentwood | Hillsborough | Portsmouth |
| Brookline | Holderness | Salem |
| Center Harbor | Hooksett | Sanbornton |
| Derry | Meredith | Sandwich |
| Enfield | Nashua | Tamworth |
| Exeter | New Ipswich | Weare |
| Fremont | New London | Wolfeboro |