october 2014

The

Monitor

The Newsletter of the Newfound Lake REGION Association

Your Lake – Love It or Lose It

Onaway Point and the Franconia Range from Little Sugarloaf at Sunrise (Photo by Boyd Smith)

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he NLRA’s mission is to protect and preserve Newfound’s clean water and extensive undisturbed forest, which together support our special quality of life and the local economy. For many years we have monitored water quality in the Lake and its tributaries, inspected boats to prevent invasive species from taking root, conserved land to maintain habitat and rural aesthetics, and engaged the public and our many partners in educational programs and events. Since 2007, through our Every Acre

Counts watershed planning efforts, we have invested thousands of dollars and hundreds of labor hours supporting Town planning and local stormwater prevention projects. During the past two years the NLRA has committed substantial time and effort in preparing and following a thoughtful path of opposition to the development of our ridgelines with commercial wind facilities. Regardless of our work and that of many others, we are losing the race to maintain Newfound’s legendary quality. Our competitors in this race are the

slow, incremental and relentless development of our land and related degradation of our water, and the general lack of strategic land-use planning and enforcement at both the individual and municipal level. Anyone long familiar with Newfound recognizes the subtle decline in water quality. Noticed as more slime on the boats and rocks, a green tint to the water, less “crunch” and more “puff ” in the bottom sand, these consistent observations indicate what our years of scientific Continued on p. 3

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From the Executive Director

hile attending this year’s annual meeting, it struck me that this is my eighth year as Director of the NLRA. We have had amazing success in the past few years, from our new pontoon boat and the Newfound EcoTours program, to our land conservation partnership and over 1,600 acres of protected lands, to our water monitoring and invasive species prevention programs, and improvements to our Grey Rocks property. Yet I am worried and dissatisfied (admittedly these are character traits). In spite of years of work and thousands of dollars of Stateand membership-funded programs, our

land and water are nearly as vulnerable to continued degradation as they were when I started. Contemplating the foundations of our success, it is clear that only by the actions of others can the NLRA achieve our mission. In short, we are at best an effective catalyst for positive change. My most deeply-held goal for Newfound is to meet the NLRA’s mission. Using the information and steps outlined in this newsletter and other NLRA publications, please join me in this legacy work to guarantee that the Newfound of our youth is passed on to others as we found it. Earlier this year I saw Mark Mc-

Donough, owner of The Homestead restaurant. Mark, who is a busy guy, recognized me but did not remember my name. He knows me as “the watershed guy.” This is a milestone on my journey to achieving part of NLRA’s Newfound legacy. I hope all of you will join me in being a “watershed guy or gal.” See you around the watershed!

Boyd Smith, Director

President’s Message

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rotecting our lake starts with protecting our ridgelines. The reason that Newfound Lake is so pristine is the wilderness that surrounds it serves as its water filter. In a healthy watershed, run-off soaks into the earth before making its way into rivers and streams and eventually the lake. Drainage ditches and culverts that direct run-off right into the lake end up choking the lake with pollutants that compromise its purity. Therefore, Newfound’s ridgelines and hillsides need our constant, vigilant protection, and I am delighted to say

that many conservation-minded organizations in our area are united behind this common cause. Indiscriminate foresting or clearing of land for development has always been a top threat to the lake, and is fast becoming even more so. We must not only be mindful that all development is done with the utmost care and attention to the wellbeing of the entire watershed, but that home owners also tend to threats like septic overflow, gas and oil spills, and lawn fertilizer. By supporting NLRA, you help us

to protect the lake and its watershed. I thank you for your faith in NLRA and ask you to spread the word of our organization’s good work and mission so that we have more people uniting to preserve Newfound Lake in all its pristine clarity for future generations. Together, we can protect the lake from the top down.

Rob Moore, President

The Monitor is a publication of the Newfound Lake Region Association. NLRA Officers and Executive Committee Members: Rob Moore, President; Ken Weidman, Treasurer; Helga Stamp, Secretary; Karen Boyd, Andy Connolly, members-at-large Trustees: Jennifer Berry, Trish Connolly, Parker Griffin, Ed McNierney, Laura Moore, Hans Mundahl, Greg Wagner Staff: Boyd Smith, Executive Director; Andrew Veilleux, Program Manager; Karen Boyd, Volunteer Membership Coordinator

Newfound Lake Region Association 10 N. Main St., Unit 1, Bristol, NH 03222 P: 603-744-8689 [email protected]

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Around the Lake YOUR LAKE – Love it or Lose It Cont’d from p. 1 measurements confirm – Newfound is less clear and has a higher concentration of algae than in the past, and this trend is continuing. Extensive research into the dollar value that New Hampshire’s lakes add to the local economy suggests a loss of roughly 30% in overall revenues if water quality declines, a lake becomes overcrowded, or views of forests and ridgelines are spoiled by development. Think about what a 30% drop in activity and lake-front property values (which subsidize the tax base of towns with waterfront) would do to the Newfound community. Demand for contractors, service organizations, retail stores and shops, property maintenance and more would all decline. Out-migration of families in search of employment would mean fewer teachers and other government employees and facilities would be required. A downward spiral would ensue. In addition to the huge, negative economic impact of declining water quality, there is the deeper sense of sorrow from losing something that has always been special and here for us to enjoy and share with friends and family. Who wants to say that Newfound is no longer one of the cleanest lakes in New Hampshire, a State known for its crystal-clear water? Under the “business as usual” approach of current regulations, weak compliance and unchallenged personal choices, it is realistic to predict the loss of Newfound as we know it in a generation or less. This is really bad news. The good news is, with relatively simple changes in regulations and personal land-use, we can improve and protect our clean water, healthy forests and local economy for ourselves and future generations. If you love Newfound and don’t want to lose it, make a difference

Declining water clarity in Newfound Lake – A real and growing threat

The good news is, with relatively simple changes in regulations and personal land-use, we can improve and protect our clean water, healthy forests and local economy for ourselves and future generations. by committing to one or more of the following actions: • Prevent erosion and stormwater runoff on your property. This will keep rain where you can use it (in your well and on your lawn and gardens) and filter it before it reaches our streams and ponds. • Work with your local Planning Board to develop and pass regulations that protect riparian buffers, prevent steep slope and ridgeline development, and blend our buildings into the landscape. Each of these policies makes a positive difference that will improve the local economic base over time. Be prepared to speak at Town meeting about the values of such policies and practices.

• Work with your Select Board to ensure that land use changes, including residential and commercial development, road maintenance and forestry practices are all closely monitored for compliance with existing regulations. Whether rules are State or local, it is only by taking full responsibility for our own property and towns that we will maintain the local control that ensures a prosperous and healthy future. The NLRA, through our efforts and those of our many partners, can be a catalyst for positive change. It is up to those who own property, or have the right to vote in the watershed towns, to take action to protect what we all love. The Monitor / October 2014xxxx3

Around the Lake

Sugarloaf Ridge and Goose Pond Conserved!

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fter more than seven years of research, hopes and dreams, roadblocks and disappointments, a long-time Newfound vision has come true. Four hundred magnificent acres that abut Wellington State Park and encompass the inspirational Sugarloaf ridges, magically pristine Goose Pond, and unspoiled rugged and diverse habitat were permanently conserved on September 25, 2014. Anyone that has ever visited this prop-

Goose Pond in all its summer beauty

erty knows how wonderful it is. If you have not been there yet, photographs give merely a sense of the beauty that permeates this place. Add the smells and sounds of undisturbed woodland near the pond or the eagle-eye view of Newfound Lake and the far away Franconia Range from the Sugarloaf ledges, and you will know what an important achievement has occurred. Sunrise over Wellington from Little Sugarloaf Big thanks go to Don Berry, President of the Lakes Region Conser- land ownership and values from August vation Trust for years of persistence and 2007, reinforcing the need for vision, pawise counsel, as well as to Brian Hotz tience and persistence when working to of the Forest Society for his assistance conserve our land for future generations. in the early days of this dream project. We look forward to sharing more inNLRA Director Boyd Smith is pleased formation with you as the transaction is to have been a piece of the puzzle in this completed, and coordinating the local long-view success. Checking his records partnership required to steward this refrom the early days, Boyd found notes on markable parcel for generations to come. The NLRA and Town of Bristol, along with NHDES Commissioner Tom Burack and senior NHDES staff, hosted NH Senator Jeannie Forrester and Representatives Suzanne Smith and Tom Schamberg on a Newfound fact-finding mission. The group learned about how local partnerships are maximizing the impact of federal and State funds, and the need for additional support and collaboration to create a sustainable balance between environmental quality and development.

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Around the Lake

NLRA and Newfound Sands Collaborate to Protect Cummings Beach

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he Cummings Beach stormwater pollution prevention project was a major initiative completed in 2012 by the NLRA with the Town of Bristol and other key partners as part of the Every Acre Counts watershed plan. With $10,000 in State funding through the NLRA, roughly $10,000 in NLRA labor match, and approximately $40,000 in materials and labor from the Town of Bristol, this highly visible and effective stormwater treatment system has a substantial positive impact on Newfound’s water quality. In addition, the site provides prominent educational opportunities as it receives regular use throughout the year by Bristol residents and visitors. Following each of several recent major storm events, hundreds of pounds of sand and silt have been stopped by the system, caught in its catch basins and treatment swale. Town personnel have cleaned the basins, removed sediment from the swale, repaired and cared for the system and generally taken ownership. While the swale is performing as designed – preventing sediment from washing in to Newfound Lake – continually cleaning it after repeated storm events is not an efficient way to operate. To be more effective, stormwater runoff needs to be treated in manageable increments, starting with upstream sources. Late in 2013 the NLRA contacted the Newfound Sands homeowners association and two individual residents that live across West Shore Road and uphill from Cummings Beach to look for ways to reduce erosion of their shared dirt driveway. The goal

Cummings Beach stormwater treatment swale (July 2012)

was to prevent runoff from repeatedly filling the treatment system with sediment while reducing risk and expense to the Association. The response of all parties involved was prompt, enthusiastic, and supportive. With Fred Bryan and Carter Adams of Newfound Sands, Mark Bucklin and Jeff Chartier of the Town, Mike Vignale of KVPartners (treatment swale designer) and Bruce Wheeler (Newfound Sands abutter and long-time Bristol educator), the NLRA helped coordinate site visits

and conceptual planning, and contributed $500 towards the engineering design, bid document and construction observation contract. The NLRA also assisted with State shoreland permit preparation. At their September 6th association meeting, Newfound Sands members voted overwhelmingly in favor of investing up to $40,000 for the project, with construction scheduled for fall 2014. This work is exciting and important for a number of reasons, from building a partnership that effectively brought ideas and resources together to solve a shared problem; to improving access, safety and drainage for Newfound Sands and West Shore Rd.; to reducing the amount of sediment clogging the Cummings Beach treatment swale. All in all, another stormwater success story in the Newfound watershed!

Primary source of sediment to Cummings Beach stormwater treatment system

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Around the Lake

Stone Gate Acres Completes Major Stormwater Mitigation Project

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Excerpted from an article by Stone Gate resident Jim Bivona, which originally appeared in the Hebron Town Newsletter, July 2014.

ver the years, Stone Gate Acres’ beach and drainage ditch has experienced significant erosion from the storm water drainage off North Shore Road onto Stone Gate Road, resulting in exposed utilities, and filling in of the swimming area and mooring field with debris, sand and gravel. In 2012, the Stone Gate Acres Beach Committee decided to develop a plan to remediate the situation and preserve our portion of Newfound Lake. Unfortunately, no one on the committee had the expertise to resolve the problem. The committee reached out to several resources including the Town of Hebron Select Board (Curtis Mooney, Tom Gumpp, Ellie Lonske), Casey Kuplin (Hebron Road Agent), Boyd Smith (Newfound Lake Region Association), Doug King (NH DOT), Craig Day (NH DES), Kevin French (Surveyor), and representatives from the utility companies. 

 After many meetings and hours of discussions, a plan was developed to remediate the storm water drainage. The solution included changing the pitch of the

Stone Gate cul-de-sac, prior to construction (April 2013)

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Stone Gate Acres post-construction results showing (clockwise from upper left): new pavement; improved ditching with vegetated swale; asphalt berm to prevent direct runoff in to lake; and improved drainage with catch basin.

road, enclosing the ditch, installing several catch basins, re-burying the utilities, and enlarging the water catchment area off North Shore Road. In addition, the Stone Gate Association parking area was graded to create a large catch basin, the road was paved and asphalt curbing was installed to prevent further beach erosion. The Select Board was very supportive of the project and ultimately sponsored a $35,000 warrant article that was unanimously passed at the March 2013 Town Meeting. Stone Gate Acres Association partnered with the Town to complete the project by voting to spend $11,000 to pave

the parking area and install curbing. Casey Kuplin, Road Agent, began construction of the road in the spring of 2014; the road was paved on June 16th by Bryant Paving. Casey did a phenomenal job reconstructing the road, all the while taking the time to ensure that the residents’ properties were minimally impacted.

 The Stone Gate Road project is a great example of identifying a significant problem affecting both private property and the lake, determining the cause, consulting with a team of experts to come together on a solution, garnering support to fund the project, and having the right contractors execute the remediation. The whole project took about 2 years from inception to completion.



Around the Lake

NRLA Annual Meeting

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ur Annual Meeting on August 16th was humming with energy. A full room of attentive and committed NLRA members and Newfound supporters gathered to honor Bob and Natalie Rooke, who accepted the NLRA Founder’s Award on behalf of the Charles Foundation, Inc. The Foundation was the lead donor to the NLRA endowment and the 2013 Annual Fund challenge match. Bob and Natalie, who have enjoyed Newfound with their families for many years, have graciously supported the Newfound community with generous portions of their substantial time, talent, and treasure.

Natalie and Bob Rooke enjoying a moment at the 2014 Annual Meeting with friends and fellow members.

The highlight of the meeting was observing the birth of a new partnership between the NLRA, NH Wind Watch and the Newfound / Cardigan Legal Fund (see related article on page 8). Lori Lerner of NH Wind Watch and Andy McLane of the Newfound / Cardigan Legal Fund both spoke to the missions of their organizations, and the common ground for land conservation shared with the NLRA. Parker Griffin, NLRA Trustee and Chair of our Land Management Committee, summarized current conservation progress and future plans, including roughly 1,600 acres conserved since 2010 through our partnership with the Lakes Region Conservation Trust and the Forest Society and the support of the John Gemmill Newfound Fund. With the withdrawal of the Wild Meadows and Juwi Wind projects, NLRA, Wind Watch and the Legal Fund will work together to conserve large parcels of ridgelines to preserve them for forestry, views and water quality. While the Spruce Ridge project to the north of Mt. Cardigan remains active and a cause for concern, its progress will be monitored closely with the goal of preventing commercial development of this sensitive area. Thanks to everyone that joined us to celebrate our common cause of support for Newfound, and to the Town of Bridgewater for once again providing such a marvelous meeting space for the community.

Classic Canoe Donated in Honor of Maurice Huckins

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rdered direct from Old Town in 1958 and delivered via train and truck to Newfound Lake for use by Maurice Huckins, this classic beauty spent its life in Newfound Lake, paddled by a man who loved the place deeply. To honor Maurice, who passed away recently, his daughter Helen Noel and her sisters and mother offered Maurice’s canoe to the NLRA for any purpose that would best serve the organization. The NLRA Trustees, recognizing the rare and powerful meaning of this generous gift, intend to keep it as a symbol of what the organization exists to protect – the priceless memories of families who deeply love the Lake. You can see this magnificent craft at West Shore Marine in Bristol, where NLRA Trustee Greg Wagner has it proudly displayed in his showroom. The NLRA wishes to express our gratitude to Helen and her family for entrusting us with this meaningful part of their Newfound family history. 1958 Old Town canoe, purchased by Maurice Huckins and donated by his family in his memory.

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Around the Lake

Update from the Newfound / Cardigan Legal Fund

From The Newfound / Cardigan Legal Fund Steering Committee (Tim McGrath, Andy McLane, Chris Keppleman, Peter Silbermann, Bill Everett, Judy Preston, Bruce Traumuller, Brad Gleason and Steve Shulman)

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s many of you know, we changed the name of our organization from the Wild Meadows Legal Fund to the Newfound Cardigan Legal Fund (“NCLF”) shortly after Iberdrola announced that it was abandoning its plans for the Wild Meadows project. We have now shifted our attention to Energias de Portugal’s (“EDPR”) interest in constructing a wind project of similar scope in the Spruce Ridge area. The proposed Spruce Ridge project involving approximately 21 turbines encompasses Spruce Ridge and Mowglis and Oregon Mountains in the towns of Groton, Hebron and Alexandria. The 500 foot turbines would be located just a mile and half from Cardigan Mountain from which all of the towers would be clearly visible. It would be about three miles from Newfound Lake from which many of the towers would also be visible and dominate the skyline. A delegation from NCLF met in July with representatives of EDPR, including their Executive Vice President for the Eastern Region, Bill Whitlock. While the meeting was cordial and respectful, we made it very clear that we believe Spruce Ridge would have the same adverse impact on the aesthetics and economy of the region as Wild Meadows and there is no chance that EDPR could modify its plans to allay our concerns. EDPR has already erected one meteorological test tower in Groton and, after filing a legal action against the Town of Alexandria, now has been issued a building permit for a second “met” tower, which we expect them to erect by

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Commercial wind project status in Newfound watershed, summer 2014

the end of this year. The time period required for meteorological testing is one to two years. So if EDPR does proceed with testing and goes ahead with an application for site approval, SEC proceedings are still a long way off. Our hope is that EDPR takes our objection and the objections expressed by New Hampshire Wind Watch, AMC and others to heart and abandons this project just as Iberdrola and Juwi Wind abandoned theirs, however, based on their pursuit of the Alexandria met tower by filing a legal action, it appears that they have made a decision to at least advance the project through this data collection phase. Everything we did by way of research, legal strategy and expert testimony development for Wild Meadows is readily transferrable to Spruce Ridge. And Senate Bill 281 that was recently signed

into law strengthens our case that Spruce Ridge would not pass muster on the SEC’s aesthetic criteria by stating that the Committee must consider: “Impacts as evaluated through a visual impact assessment prepared in accordance with professional standards by an expert in the field”; and “Cumulative impacts to natural, scenic, recreational, and cultural resources from multiple towers or projects, or both.” The latter is important because of the proximity of the existing Iberdrola project in Groton to the proposed Spruce Ridge project. If and when the time comes, we will be well along in our preparation for SEC proceedings. To date, thanks to the generous support from so many of you, we have raised over $150,000; much of which was expended in the Iberdrola Wild Meadows opposition. When we have a clearer Continued on page 13

Programs As the New Program Manager…

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he dictionary definition of community couldn’t be more appropriate throughout members of the NLRA: “a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.” The connection with the Newfound Region is very apparent among all who live or recreate in the region. A quote from Dan McLean of the Tapply-Thompson Community Center came mid-way through the summer on a pontoon boat full of excited TTCC campers: “I won’t ever go anywhere else but Newfound Lake.” This struck me as a bold statement at the time but then I real-

by Andrew Veilleux

ized there really is no need to go anywhere else. This area is host to many spectacular opportunities from fishing and hiking in the summer to snowmobiling and skiing in the winter. Not to mention the great food, ice cream, music and entertainment around the lake. The generosity of the Newfound Watershed community has been widespread and contagious. I can’t thank our volunteers enough for the hard work they put in for this association and how welcome they’ve made me feel. The watershed is a spectacular resource and I am so happy that I get to live, work and play here. In Andrew’s free time he enjoys sailing on the lake.

EcoTours: Relaxation, Fun and Education

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he EcoTours program has been a gem of the Newfound Lake Region Association. We’ve had the pleasure of bringing hundreds of people out on the lake to show them what we are all about. Our tours are meant to facilitate the en-

joyment of the lake from the comfort of our pontoon boat, Madelaine, while informing passengers about the threats to the watershed and how to solve them. Education doesn’t have to be feared on this tour (just ask anyone who’s come out with us). Passengers participate in water testing, using our sampling equipment, to find the clarity of the water and the temperature down to at least 30 feet deep. We also share a wealth of history that took place on the lake. Do you know what the word “Pasquaney” really means? Do you know what a thermocline is? All of our passengers have walked away knowing the answer to these questions and much more. We owe a great deal to those who make EcoTours possible, including the Von Weber fami-

ly, Glenn and Anne Dorr, and Greg Wagner at West Shore Marine. The Madelaine was purchased through the generous contributions of the Von Weber Foundation, Greg and several other NLRA members. Greg also donates all services of West Shore Marine for the maintenance of the boat. The Dorrs contributed an endowed fund to support Eco Tours for the TTCC. These donations have allowed so many to experience and learn about the lake. In the upcoming season we hope to expand the EcoTours by providing several additional features. We plan to host experts in wildlife, water quality, biology, and other fields in an effort to delve deeper into specific areas of knowledge. We will also consider several “special” tours such as sunset and holiday tours. If you or someone you know is interested in joining us, or you have general questions about our tours, send us an email (info@ newfoundlake.org) or call 603-744-8689.

EcoTour for Tapply-Thomson Community Center (TTCC) campers and counselors on the NLRA Madelaine

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Programs

Watershed Report Aquatic Invasive Species

In this region we have a number of threats to our lakes. Arguably, one of the most detrimental to our lake is the invasion of exotic plants such as Variable Milfoil, Fanwort, and Water Chestnut. To put it simply, what makes these plants so dangerous is their rapid growth and the absence of native predators. These plants are almost always transported through the retrieval and launching of boats. Fortunately, we are confident that Newfound Lake has no such Invasive Species (for now). We would like to keep it that way. Through our Lake Host and Weed Watcher programs we prevent introduction and promote early identification of invasives. Our lake hosts have found no invasive plants in 2014 but it is not uncommon to find at least one plant a year,

which is all it takes to start a large colony of these species. Our weed watchers survey key areas of the lake to ensure no invasive plants have slipped past our Lake Hosts. This program will be expanded next year to target high-risk areas such as public access points and prime invasive species habitats. This will require more volunteers to get in their boats and survey areas around the lake. We plan on making at least one trip on our pontoon boat to inspect the near-shore environment as well as to educate passengers about weed watching. We are looking for a few dedicated boaters to help our efforts succeed. Please call or email for more information and to become invovled.

To retrieve water samples from the depths of the lake, we sometimes use this capsule which is lowered into the water and closed to only capture water from that depth. It is known as the Van Dorn Sampler.

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This plant, Bladderwort, is commonly mistaken for Variable Milfoil, one of the most dangerous invasive plants. When in doubt let NLRA know!

Lake Water Quality

With only a few strong storm events this year, the lake water quality held at consistently high levels. The NLRA monitors for several key characteristics: Clarity, Temperature, Phosphorus, Dissolved Oxygen, and Chlorophyl. While temperature and clarity are easy to understand, the other variables are not quite common knowledge. Phosphorus and Chlorophyl are somewhat related. They both correspond to the amount of algae and microscopic plant growth. When these levels rise, expect the lake to change color to a greenish hue. Dissolved Oxygen is self-explanatory, but why would it be important to have oxygen dissolved in our water? Two words: Healthy Fisheries. Fish need this oxygen to breath. Newfound Lake continues to score excellent marks for water quality. All variables are at levels that are only seen in the highest quality water bodies. Our lake monitors reported visibility at depths below 30 feet under water and an average

Programs Watch our web site later this fall for the 2012-2013 water quality sampling report and older sampling reports from UNH. These comprehensive and detailed reports are the foundation for many of our policy recommendations for land stewardship and stormwater pollution prevention. summer surface temperature around 74 degrees. These numbers change throughout the summer depending on weather factors such as rain and temperature. These numbers for last year were around 26 feet for clarity and 71 degrees. Though the clarity is higher this year, the long term trend is declining in locations such as Pasquaney and Mayhew Bays.

Tributary Water Quality

When sampling tributaries to the lake we look at similar parameters as our lake monitors, with some minor changes. Because the streams and rivers contain large amounts of runoff from roads and residential properties, we try to identify pollutants more than we would in the lake, though we still look at temperature and clarity. Clarity can tell us a lot about the pollutants entering the water (i.e. dirty water indicates nearby land erosion or run-off ). Another factor that tells us of water pollution is Conductivity. We know how well an electrical current can pass through pure water. By comparing how the current passes through a tributary’s water we can determine how impaired the quality is. This works well for determining how road salt (de-icing) affects the water quality. The main tributaries in the Newfound Watershed are the Cockermouth and the Fowler Rivers, which are generally pristine. There are 35 sites in the Watershed

These volunteers are using a meter to measure several characteristics of water quality. Data is recorded and samples are collected at 35 different sites in streams around the Newfound Watershed.

that are monitored by NLRA volunteers, making “watershed averages” much less informative. Instead, it may be more useful to give highlights. Some areas of higher conductivity are the Whittemore Brook and Georges Brook sections close to the lake, while the lowest is seen on the high altitude sections of the Fowler and Cockermouth Rivers. Low turbidity is seen throughout the watershed except in most areas after heavy rain events. Watch our web site later this fall for the 2012-2013 water quality sampling

report and older sampling reports from UNH. These comprehensive and detailed reports are the foundation for many of our policy recommendations for land stewardship and stormwater pollution prevention. Please let us know what you think about our programs, and let us know if you have any questions or want to become more involved in learning about how to protect our clean water! All of these programs can always use more great volunteers. If interested, contact Andrew at 603-744-8689.

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Around the Lake

NLRA and PSU to Formalize Partnership

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he NLRA and Plymouth State University (PSU) have been working together for many years on watershed protection projects, including social surveys, culvert assessments and land-use planning analysis and recommendations. We are pleased to announce that we are well on the way to formalizing our partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to be finalized and signed by late 2014 or early 2015. The MOU will outline the fundamental terms that will allow us to create more

specific short- and long-term projects of mutual interest to NLRA and PSU. Working with Center for the Environment (CFE) Director Dr. Joe Boyer and Associate Director June HammondRowan, as well as other key PSU faculty, NLRA Director Boyd Smith and Program Manager Andrew Veilleux will develop a menu of NLRA projects that will benefit the Newfound watershed. These projects will be designed to be implemented by PSU upper-class and graduate students working in the fields of environ-

Catching up with Social Media (a quick guide to finding the NLRA in The Cloud)

With the evolution of the www.

NewfoundLake.org website, it has be-

nesses and organizations at twitter. com/NewfoundRegion.

come apparent that many other social

YouTube: There are some amaz-

media websites were also in need of an

ing videos from our community on

overhaul. If you are on Facebook, Twit-

the YouTube account. From northern

ter, or even YouTube you may have no-

lights and aerial flyovers to wake-

ticed our new presence throughout the

boarding and shipwreck dives, this

recent summer season. This is an effort

channel has all of the videos produced

to engage everyone in the conversation

by NLRA and our members. Search for

of our association’s mission. We will

Newfound Lake Region Association on

continue to be sharing all information

www.YouTube.com and we’ll be near

and breaking news through several

the top of the list!

venues using the following sites:

TripAdvisor: This travel site is a

Facebook: The first place to check

great resource for visitors to the area.

for any recent news or local happen-

We would like to let them know our

ing. We will be providing notifications

organization exists and that our com-

of upcoming local events as well as

munity cares about the watershed. You

follow-ups with pictures. Find us at

will also find reviews of the lake and

www.Facebook.com/Newfoundlake.

our EcoTours. If you’ve been on our

Twitter: If you’re looking for a quick

tour, please leave a comment about

update on the organization, check our

your experience. Go to www.Tripadvi-

Twitter page. We will share comments

sor.com and search for Newfound Lake

and news from local residents, busi-

Region Association!

Prefer one-stop shopping? Use the icons at the bottom of each page on the NLRA website! 12xxxxThe Monitor / October 2014

mental science, policy and planning, ecological economics and communications. At this stage, we envision a collaborative partnership where educational growth and experience support environmental health and sustainability, and everyone involved benefits. The NLRA is excited and honored by this opportunity to work more closely with the staff and students of PSU, building on our legacy of collaboration for success.

Local Schools Making a Difference

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ith the New Hampton School so close to the lake, it’s no wonder these kids would get involved with the Newfound Watershed and NLRA. This fall, after the acquisition of Goose Pond and the Sugarloafs, the freshman class of NHS will participate in a trail clean-up day. The mission of the day is to experience the views and beauty of this area’s wilderness while leaving the property cleaner than they found it. A short educational session from Andrew Veilleux, NLRA Program Manager, will take place involving “Leave No Trace” practices and trail maintenance techniques. Garbage found on the trail usually includes cans, bottles, wrappers, and sometimes even snowmobile parts from the nearby trail network. Removal of this waste is the first step in making sure this new conservation property in the Newfound Watershed is managed to the best of our ability.

Around the Lake

Grey Rocks Conservation Area Progress and Plans

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LRA’s Grey Rocks property in Hebron consists of roughly 30 acres of the Cockermouth River delta, and includes three distinct biological zones with a rich diversity of plants and animals. Already home port for the NLRA Madelaine and Newfound EcoTours, Grey Rocks has become increasingly popular with paddlers, fisher-folk, bird watchers and people that simply want a little fresh air. During 2014 the NLRA embarked on the next step of our goal to make Grey Rocks a premier destination for lowimpact and intimate contact with Newfound’s natural bounty. Working with

ecologist Dr. Rick Van de Poll and Grey Rocks land steward and NLRA member Les Mills, we have designed a system of trails and observation platforms that will provide a closer look at the delta’s fecund habitat while protecting its fragile ecosystem. We have met Trail system layout for Grey Rocks (construction planned for 2015) with and received approval for trail construction from the ZBA, as well as from the State of NH. Hebron Conservation Commission and Our vision for completing this phase of the Grey Rocks project is to engage a broad segment of the public in a “barnraising” type of event, where skilled crew leaders direct willing volunteers in a focused effort to build the trails, crossings, platforms and informational signage in a period of one week or less during the summer of 2015. There are few things more satisfying than coming together with other people to build something of lasting value. A deep sense of satisfaction and ownership comes with such a shared experience, and we hope that you will join us when the time comes to “raise the Grey Rocks barn”.

Kayaker enjoying Grey Rocks guided paddle with ecologist Rick Van de Poll

LEGAL FUND update, Cont’d from p. 8 picture of EDPR’s longer range inten- our strong supporter base; to monitor evtions, we will renew the push in fundrais- erything that EDPR does; and to keep ing to insure that we have an appropri- our supporters advised periodically of ate war chest in place well before SEC our activities and efforts. We have not proceedings commence. In the interim, and will not let our guard down until this we will continue our efforts to build on last project is defeated or the developer

abandons its efforts. Once that occurs, we will then turn our attention to supporting the work of the Newfound Lake Region Association and others in their efforts to keep our Newfound ridgelines free from unwanted development. The Monitor / October 2014xxxx13

Membership Annual Appeal – Help Protect Newfound

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he NLRA annual appeal is our yearend drive to solicit support for the coming year. It is the second of our two annual calls for funding (the first being Membership in the Spring), and attracts more than half of our financial support. Because three quarters of our operating funds are contributed by members, a successful annual appeal is required for us to meet the growing challenges of our mission. These challenges include protecting Newfound’s clean water which is declining in clarity as a result of stormwater pollution, preventing infestation by invasive species, and stopping random and poorly-planned development from scarring our hillsides and views. Our goal for 2015 is to substantially increase our ability to engage more members and towns to act immediately and take actions to reverse these troublesome trends. Time is absolutely not on our side. Your contributions to the annual appeal will ensure that we can prevent Newfound’s decline and pass along a prestine Lake to future generations. We will be mailing our appeal letters in late October. Please watch for them in your mailbox, and plan to make a contribution that is meaningful to you and reflects your desire and ability to keep Newfound Lake clean.

Make Your Donations in Stock The NLRA, through the support of Tom Berry of UBS, has the ability to receive gifts of stock. This is a very simple process that can increase the amount of your donation through equity growth and tax advantages. Please contact Boyd at [email protected] or 603-744-8689 for account and brokerage information.

Membership Recruitment – Strength in Numbers

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LRA Members are the core strength of our organization, and we are blessed with deeply loyal and generous families that have supported our work for many years. A necessary step to protecting Newfound’s clean water is substantially increasing membership participation - our Trustees have set a goal of 1,000 families or more by 2016. The best way to reach this goal is by current members recommending NLRA membership to friends and family. Your testimony on behalf of the NLRA demonstrates faith

and trust in our organization and its mission and strategy, and your words have meaning to those that know you. The principal benefit of NLRA membership is being part of the only organization working full-time and year-around to protect Newfound’s clean water, which is our quality of life and foundation of the local economy. Please play a vital role in raising our public profile and influence by recruiting one or more new members to the NLRA in 2015 and beyond.

Our goal for 2015 is to substantially increase our ability to engage more members and towns to act immediately and take actions to reverse these troublesome trends. 14xxxxThe Monitor / October 2014

Welcome to the newest members of the Newfound watershed!

Membership

Reflections on the water at sunset over Hebron Bay (photo by Parker Griffin)

Newfound Shore to Shore and Clear Water Societies

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he Newfound Shore to Shore Society recognizes members who have made a contribution for 15 consecutive years or more, a remarkable demonstration of loyalty and support. The NLRA is honored to have almost 25 percent of our membership belong to the Shore to Shore Society. We thank you for your many years of commitment to Newfound Lake and the organization that serves it! The Newfound Clear Water Society was created to acknowledge and thank members that have committed to including the NLRA in their estate planning. Contributions from Clear Water Society members will be added to our endowment, which is an important long-term source of funding through interest growth and principal protection. Please consider adding NLRA to your estate plans and making a contribution that will continue in perpetuity.

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Membership Form

Member support is vital to help us protect Newfound Lake. Please renew your membership or join NLRA today!

Please email this form and your check, payable to NLRA, to: NLRA, 10 North Main St., Unit 1, Bristol, NH 03222.

Name Email address:

Permanent Mailing Address:

Summer Mailing Address:

n Please check here if you are interested in receiving email communications (web-based newsletters, annual report, news updates). Membership Categories: n n n n n n n

Volunteer opportunities: Please check all that apply.

Steward $2000+ Newfounder $1000+ n Lake Host/Invasive Species Protection Sustaining $500+ n Water Quality Monitoring/Education Supporting $250+ n Watershed Mapping/Land Conservation Maintaining $100+ n Events/Publications/Outreach Family $50+ Individual $35+ n Membership Development

You can join online at www.newfoundlake.org!

n Strategic Planning

The Monitor / October 2014xxxx15

The

Monitor

Newfound Lake Region Association

10 N. Main St. Unit 1 • Bristol, New Hampshire 03222 Telephone: 603-744-8689 [email protected]

ADDRESS Service Requested

Visit www.Newfoundlake.org or www.facebook.com/NewfoundLake for news and upcoming workshops.

Printed on recycled paper.

Calendar All NLRA events are free and open to the public.

November 6

ReVision Energy and Newfound Lake Region Association A Presentation on Local Action, Conservation, and Solar Energy Bristol, NH Public Library 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Workshops and Events – Check www.facebook.com/ NewfoundLake and www.newfoundlake.org for updates!

Downtown Bristol and the northern watershed boundary as seen from Inspiration Point

Non-Profit Organization US Postage PAID Keene, NH 03431 Permit No. 142