As a Designated river, the health of the Isinglass River depends on all riparian landowners sharing in the responsibility of river and watershed protection. 
Under the NH Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act a permit may be needed for any work done in the 250-foot buffer zone from the river's edge.  Please contact NH Department of Environmental Services before you make any changes to your property in this zone.

What activities require a shoreland permit?
  • Within the protected shoreland, new construction or construction that modifies the footprint of existing impervious surfaces, using mechanized equipment to either excavate, remove or form a cavity within the ground and filling any areas with rocks, soil, gravel or sand requires a shoreland impact permit.
  • Many low impact activities that propose no greater that 1,500 sq ft of total impact area, of which no more than 900 sq ft is new impervious area, may qualify for a shoreland permit by notification.
  • Impacts that will occur within surface waters or their banks, including replenishing beach sand, or within wetlands, tidal areas or the 100 ft tidal buffer zone and sand dunes are jurisdictional under RSA 482-A and require a wetlands impact permit.
  • Accessory structures may also be regulated, see this Guidance on Shoreland Accessory Structures
  • Water access structures and shoreline stabilization may also be regulated

Use the DES Frequently Asked Questions page to determine if a shoreland permit is required.

Additional Shoreland Protection fact sheets include:     
Wetlands permits may also be required for docks, shoreline stabilization, or adding sand to a beach

If you have a septic system that needs replacement or repair, you should refer to the DES Septic System Rules and this guidance document for systems in the protected shoreland

If you are selling a waterfront home with a septic system, you will need a site assessment study
Non-native plant species pose a significant threat to the river and watershed's natural ecosystems. Many of these invasive plants are escapees from gardens and landscapes where they were originally planted. To make sure you are not purchasing or have on your property, the worst invasive plants,  check out this NH Prohibited Plants List

You can also get landscaping tips from UNH Cooperative Extension in Landscaping at the Water’s Edge: an Ecological Approach
Whether or not you live in the protected shoreline, DES also has this informative document: