In New Hampshire, property adjacent to public waterbodies is protected by laws designed to prevent runoff and other pollutants from entering the water. The overarching statute is known as The Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act. Within areas close to the water, vegetation removal, excavation, fill, and development are regulated. For information about the provisions of this law, the NH Department of Environmental Services has excellent links and videos explaining how the regulations work: https://www.des.nh.gov/land/waterfront-development/protected-shoreland
NH DES is the state enforcement agency for this law, although other governmental entities are authorized to investigate and take action wherever violations occur. As an example, it is unlawful to bring in sand to create a beach at water’s edge. The same goes for clear cutting of trees. If you suspect that a lakefront property is being developed or altered contrary to the law, you can notify the following people to alert them to your concern (probably better to call than to email)
#1. Nottingham Code Enforcement Officer: Dale Sylvia 603 679-9597 X 1; dsylvia@nottingham-nh.gov
#2. Conservation Commission Chair: Sam Demeritt 603 395-1739 (C), 603 942-7060 (H); samueldemeritt@aol.com
#3. Nottingham Town Administrator: Ellen White 603 679-5022; TA@nottingham-nh.gov
#4. DES Shoreland Emergency contact number: 603-271-2147. Leave a message if Dottie is not there to pick up or after hours. She will call you back and forward contact information and concerns to David Price, DES Compliance Specialist Land Resources Management Program (DES inspector for our area)