Eileen Chabot

I am strongly opposed to HB 1603. All members of our NH legislature need to understand that HB 1603 mandates requirements that are essentially impossible to fulfill. This bill states that these requirements for "current and verifiable requires state agencies to provide current and verifiable evidence of an endangered or threatened species presence are unnecessary for either submission or approval of permit applications." This provision is in direct conflict with RSA 212-A:9. Inventories are the only method that can provide evidence of the "presence" of endangered or threatened species. However the State of NH Department of Environmental Services (Ecological Reviews) Data Check Tool is utilized to provide the necessary documentation for submission and approval of permit applications. The DataCheck Tool is an online data screening tool that allows the public to screen a proposed project for known locations of rare species and exemplary natural communities. This tool is used by applicants to satisfy a requirement of permit and grant applications in New Hampshire. It does not "impose restrictions" on the Applicant. I strongly urge you to Vote "No" to HB1603, as inexpedient to legislate -- it is in direct conflict with NH RSA 212-A;9 and will limit protection for threatened and endangered species and their habitats in New Hampshire. Our wildlife species and their habitats attract tourism in NH.