No, removing sand from New Hampshire’s beaches violates state and federal laws, including the NH Coastal Zone Management Act and the NH Public Beaches Law, which designate beaches as public trust resources. Violations may incur fines up to $2,500 under RSA 483-B:14, with enforcement by the NH Department of Environmental Services (DES) and local conservation commissions. Federal protections under the Clean Water Act further restrict unauthorized removal, particularly on federally managed shorelines like those in the Isles of Shoals.
Key Regulations for Taking Sand from the Beach in New Hampshire
- RSA 483-B:14 (NH Coastal Zone Management Act): Prohibits the removal of sand, gravel, or other natural materials from state beaches without a permit, classifying such acts as unauthorized disturbances of coastal ecosystems.
- NH Public Beaches Law (RSA 216-A): Designates all public beaches as protected areas where extraction activities are expressly forbidden, with enforcement delegated to local conservation commissions and DES.
- Federal Shoreline Protections (33 U.S.C. § 1323): Applies to federally managed beaches (e.g., Isles of Shoals), requiring permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for any material removal, subject to environmental impact reviews.
Local ordinances, such as those in Hampton Beach and Rye, impose additional restrictions, including seasonal bans and heightened penalties for commercial extraction. The NH DES monitors compliance, and recent 2026 guidance emphasizes stricter penalties for violations impacting coastal resilience. Permits for scientific or conservation purposes require prior approval from DES and may involve public review.