A bold vision for a Great Bay.

• Position: New Hampshire

The aptly named Great Bay Estuary is a vast area of tidal wonders that is one of New Hampshire's--and New England's--precious natural resources. CLF-NH is taking steps to see that doesn't change.

Consisting of Great Bay and Little Bay, and the adjoining, tidal Piscataqua River, the estuary contains a broad diversity of habitats, including salt marshes, mudflats, channels, eelgrass, and rocky intertidal zones. This creates a critical breeding and nursery environment for finfish, shellfish, and other invertebrates, and harbors important food sources for many species of fish, mammals, and birds. Of New Hampshire's overwintering waterfowl, 75% are found on the bay portions of the estuary. What's more, seven major rivers flow into the Great Bay Estuary, draining 930 square miles, mixing fresh water with salt water, and helping to create a highly productive, uniquely sensitive environment--all-too sensitive, which is why we've launched a multi-year initiative to protect and enhance this treasure.

According to the New Hampshire Estuaries Project, the greatest environmental threats to Great Bay's water quality and habitat are proliferating acreages of: 1. impervious surfaces (roofs, parking lots, and roads)...