Lee Natural Resource Inventory

Natural Resource Inventories (NRI) are a critical tool for proactive land use planning. An NRI analyzes the natural landscape of a community using current data and best available science, considers local and regional context and goals, and translates this information into an actionable document that highlights natural resource management priorities. The Lee NRI provides a comprehensive reference to inform decision-making processes for the Select Board, Conservation Commission, Planning Board, Zoning Board, town staff and landowners to create a resilient future in the Town of Lee. Additionally, the NRI provides supporting documentation for the Town’s Master Plan.

Outreach efforts to gather local information and sentiment included a community workshop on April 9, 2024 in which approximately 33 people attended to share their views, including priorities, of the natural environment in Lee. In addition to the workshop, a community survey was developed and published, yielding 103 completed surveys.

FB Environmental, Inc. (FBE) conducted an in-depth special study and analysis of water resources and water quality protection within the Town of Lee. The analysis identifies areas in the Town where these resources are most concentrated. The results are intended to guide future conservation efforts focused on protecting drinking water resources, and designated water resource protection areas such as shoreland conservation and protection zones, wellhead protection areas, wild and scenic river designations, impaired surface waters, and groundwater reclassification areas, among others.