Project Summary

The City of Keene applied for an Alteration of Terrain (AoT) permit from NHDES for improvements to the Patricia T. Russell Park. The City received a grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) of $400,400 to complete the improvements that included improvements to parking areas, a playground structure, a trail, and stormwater improvements. The proposed project also included restoration of Beaver Brook to address bank destabilization, river sedimentation, invasive species infestation, and poor aesthetics.  

The NH Natural Heritage Bureau determined there to be potential habitat on this site for the Species of Special Concern wood turtle (Clemmys insculpta) and Endangered common nighthawk (Chordeiles minor). A Wildlife Habitat Assessment was completed in order to assess the potential for design impacts to these species that included coordination with NH Fish and Game Department to revise design and planting plans to include conservation measures that are appropriate for protection of habitat for these species. As a result, the AoT permit was issued in a timely manner and the project was constructed on schedule.