October 2015

The

Monitor

The Newsletter of the Newfound Lake REGION Association

Preserve Our Legacy – A Clean, Healthy Newfound Lake

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ver the past few years, with growing support from our members and partners, the NLRA has achieved amazing success. From scientific research, to public education, to land conservation we consistently exceed expectations. In the Spring 2015 issue of The Monitor we introduced the Good Neighbor Bill of Rights and a three-point strategy that drive our mission to keep Newfound

Lake clean and clear. This edition identifies critical threats to Newfound and explains how we can work together to ensure a legacy to be proud of. Three core strategies will protect Newfound’s clean water, guard its hillsides and ridgelines, and steward wildlife habitat and traditional land use. Each strategy is supported by one or more new and existing programs. With your continued commitment, we will achieve

Loon Island reflected in autumn mist. Photo by Newfound Photography

substantial success in a short time. Our core strategies and new programs are: • Encourage and Enable Individual Action. Reduce impervious surface, help stormwater soak in to the ground, and protect shoreland vegetation to preserve your property values and keep your water clean. Our Water Watchdog program will assist individuals with simple projects that make a big difference. Continued on p. 14

From the Executive Director

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ooking back at our goals for 2015, I am struck by two things. First, what an ambitious agenda. Second - we did it! In this edition of The Monitor you will see what I mean, as we share stories about Grey Rocks trail construction, expert EcoTours, Watershed Outdoor Week (WOW), and more. Central to this newsletter is our Three-year Plan for urgent work to keep Newfound’s water clean and its surrounding hillsides unspoiled. We

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s time marches on, our Newfound hills and forests are witness to houses popping up, joined by windmills; more and bigger boats on the lake, and increased car traffic. Our gem

have long been mindful of this need, but now must accelerate our efforts. We have charted an effective path forward, and are calling on our members to commit to stewarding your land, becoming a local activist, and increasing your financial support. For our part, the NLRA will continue to make the best use of the resources you entrust to us, and will convene and lead all parties that wish to protect and preserve Newfound Lake for current and future generations.

We hope that you enjoy this issue of The Monitor, and that you are as excited as we are about the challenges ahead and what we can accomplish together. See you around the watershed!

Boyd Smith, Director

President’s Message of a lake is in danger of losing its luster. Now is the time for our wakeup call! Like many of you, I grew up on Newfound. We know it’s not as clear and clean as it was 50 years ago, and

the drop in quality breaks my heart. Yet its beauty continues to motivate me and so many of you to preserve and protect it. We still have precious hillsides and forests, and our waters remain clearer than most anywhere on earth. So, I am urging you all to heed the warnings and help us re-double our efforts. NLRA’s Three-year Plan calls for immediate and aggressive action. I hope you will join us before it’s too late. Sincerely,

Rob Moore, President Summer sunset over Newfound Lake Photo by Pat Bourque 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, Kathy Bird, Trish Connolly, Parker Griffin, Bob Martens, Ed McNierney, Hans Mundahl, Greg Wagner Staff: Boyd Smith, Executive Director; Andrew Veilleux, Program Manager; Mario Capozzoli, Relationship Strategy Coordinator; 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 Balancing Community Planning and Conservation

By Dan Sundquist, GreenfireGIS, for Every Acre Counts

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ommunity planning typically emphasizes where and how a municipality will grow to accommodate future development. Land conservation tends to be opportunistic, with a Conservation Commission (and/or other conservation partners) reacting to willing landowners who wish to permanently protect their property. Coordinating these two critical goals is required to balance a Town’s vision of its future with reality. As part of Every Acre Counts: The Newfound Watershed Management Plan, twelve natural resources were ranked equally and combined in a regional co-occurrence map of the 100-square-mile Newfound Lake watershed. A co-occurrence map identifies areas where natural resources such as streams, wetlands, aquifers and prime agricultural soils, are “co-located.” Thus, Newfound watershed co-occurrence maps indicate where to focus future development and conservation to best achieve local values and vision. The map on this page shows the effect of overlaying several resources. Darker colors indicate areas of more “co-located resources” that suggest higher priority for land conservation and stewardship versus development. Lighter areas tend to indicate less impact form development. The largest area of co-located resources is the Fowler River valley in Alexandria and Bristol. The resources underlying the darker color include primarily floodplain, aquifer, wetlands, riparian buffers, drinking water protection areas, and future water supplies. Prime agricultural soils and wildlife habitat values are also significant. The situation is similar in the Cockermouth River valley of Groton and Hebron, although at a smaller scale. Middle to high co-occurrence are also

Resource Co-Occurrence Map found in the uplands of western Alexandria and Groton, and along the ridge separating the Fowler River and Cockermouth River watersheds (the so-called “Spruce Ridge”). The eastern portion of the watershed has conspicuously lower co-occurrence values. This does not mean there are no natural resources worthy of conservation. Rather, the data are from statewide surveys; a closer analysis of the eastern watershed would no doubt discover more

details. Finally, with regard to water quality in Newfound Lake, tributaries entering the Lake from the east all contribute phosphorus (and other nutrients), and at a Town scale are important for riparian and wetland protection. The map on page 14 shows the cooccurrence values overlaid with conservation and public lands in green. The colors of the co-occurrence map can be seen beneath the conservation land, showing Continued on p. 14 The Monitor / October 2015xxxx3

Around the Lake Eagles and More at Grey Rocks - 2015 Trail Construction Complete

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n a perfect morning in late June, framed by blue sky and white clouds, a young bald eagle soared over the Grey Rocks conservation property, paying little heed to the people far below. Taking this vision as a sign of good

fortune, the leaders of the Grey Rocks trail project awaited the imminent arrival of counselors and staff from Camps Onaway and Pasquaney, coming to lay the foundations for a new trail system. In short order, nearly forty 80-pound

Onaway and Pasquaney Campers building a bridge at Grey Rocks. Come visit Grey Rocks soon – and please demonstrate our “carry in-carry out” policy. Photo by Anne Connolly

Watershed Master Plan Phase IV - Implementation

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n late August we learned that the NLRA and our project partners will receive the lion’s share of available State funds to prevent stormwater pollution. Working closely with watershed towns, homeowner associations, and private residents, our project team will improve road drainage to reduce erosion and stormwater pollution, educate residents on low-impact land regulation, and continue to advocate for a healthy balance of conservation and growth.

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We are especially pleased by the NH Department of Transportation’s commitment of $110,000 of drainage improvements on North Shore Rd. near Sleepy Hollow in Hebron, to prevent further damage caused by stormwater and sedimentation. The new funding provides a huge lift to our pace of work to protect Newfound, and we are both excited and honored by this wonderful opportunity.

bags of cement and a few dozen sizeable boards disappeared into the woods in the arms and on the backs of the campers, along with tools to dig holes and mix cement for the foundations, and to clear and widen trails. Progress was rapid and visible amid a flurry of digging, mixing, pouring, pounding, lifting and cutting. By just after 4 p.m. the crews were reporting back to base, or wandering over to other sites to check on progress. By 4:30, the work was done and all except the team leaders had departed. During several more work days held over the course of the summer, campers from Onaway and Pasquaney, local Boy Scouts, NLRA members and special volunteers Ed and Dan Carl continued to work under the direction of Grey Rocks chief steward Les Mills. By mid-August, trails and bridges were finished, directional signs installed, and observation platforms built. During October more than a dozen students from New Hampton School protected the new wood with a liberal coating of non-toxic preservative.

Fisherman’s View by Herb Darcy, NLRA Member Herb has spent many years on and in Newfound Lake and shared this note with us: September 22, 2015 I rode around the entire lake this afternoon in my little boat. It was like a mill pond. I encountered two fishermen, one pontoon boat, one paddle boarder, five herring gulls, seven adult loons and four juveniles.

Around the Lake View from the Water - September 2015

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t’s almost time to hang up my swim fins and stow my canoe away for the season. I swim almost daily from Brown’s Beach, where I have spent summers since 1952. Using a mask, fins and snorkel is a fun way to commune with bass as they diligently escort me out of their territory, and to watch perch and hornpout resting in the weeds. In late summer, I frequently see schools of fingerlings nibbling on the thick algae beds or darting through the rocks near Mayhew Island. Swimming in the clear waters of Newfound Lake is a sublime privilege that cannot, and must not, be taken for granted. When paddling my canoe, I often collect litter from the Lake. There’s always a mixture of beer cans, swim goggles, golf balls and, this summer, a brand new fishing pole and lure that I was able to return to its’ owner. There are also many leaded jigs and treble hooked lures that have been snagged on branches or broken off by fish. Those I collect carefully, as they can be deadly to loons and other water fowl. The clarity of Newfound’s water depends on our watershed’s natural filtering system. The majestic slopes of Mt. Car-

by Rain Burns, NLRA Member

digan feed the headwaters of the Fowler River with crystal clear rain water that gathers in volume yet remains pure as it winds down through the rich farmlands of Alexandria. We cannot stop the Fowler or Cockermouth Rivers from depositing silt, nor can we stop algae from growing in ever-warmer water. We can use the influence and educational tools of the NLRA to protect our watershed by curbing lakeside development, limiting hillside tree removal and working to prohibit the man-made drainages that send flurries of debris raging into the lake. Protecting the integrity of our natural systems is the life’s work of NLRA and its members. Newfound Lake has changed over the years, and not always in natural ways. The white sandy bottom has become mottled with silt and algae, and the shallows are less pristine. We are striving to preserve a shining gem, a stellar example of abundant watershed that will, with our vigilance and protection, continue to filter and purify the Newfound waters. As I watch two little girls frolicking knee deep in Newfound, I only hope that they, like I, will be able to enjoy a world-class clean lake, 60 years hence.

The Good Neighbor Bill of Rights A Performance-based Approach to Land Stewardship In Spring 2015 we introduced an innovative approach to shared stewardship. We think good things are worth repeating! The Good Neighbor Bill of Rights: As a property owner, I recognize my right to use and develop my land in accordance with all applicable and relevant or appropriate regulations. As a good neighbor, I equally recognize my responsibility to respect my neighbors’ rights by not allowing any of my actions or impacts, such as stormwater runoff, air pollution, light, or noise to leave my property. In addition, I commit to build in harmony with my surroundings to preserve the views of the Newfound watershed. Please be part of creating a community of Good Neighbors!

After the storm: A Newfound double rainbow. Photo by Rob Moore

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Around the Lake July Leadership Gathering to Celebrate Success

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LRA’s third annual Leadership gathering was hosted by Andy and Linda McLane at their new cottage in Hebron to celebrate our shared love for, and commitment to, Newfound Lake and its watershed. From the good fellowship of the guests, to a water’s-edge display of adult loons teaching their chick, to the special ambience provided by the NH Music Festival string quartet, the evening was full of Newfound magic. After a warm welcome from NLRA President Rob Moore, NLRA Trustee and

Land Management Chair Parker Griffin spoke on the state of land conservation. Using a map of conserved land in the Newfound watershed, Parker got straight to the point and shared some excellent news. “The Newfound land partnership has conserved roughly 2,500 acres with ten projects in six years,” Parker announced. Holding up the map, he added “orange is good.” NLRA Director Boyd Smith addressed the audience, acknowledging our many shared accomplishments. The NLRA is recognized through-

New Hampshire Music Festival musicians sharing their talents

out the State as a leader in watershed conservation, a position that creates both responsibility and opportunity. He expressed his concern that the watershed remains vulnerable to unintended change. “Degradation from stormwater runoff and loosely

regulated land use threatens to undo our good work,” he said. Introducing next steps, he added “the NLRA is developing a three-year plan to make substantial progress towards securing Newfound’s legacy. We will need all our members Continued on p. 15

...the NLRA is recognized throughout the State as a leader in watershed conservation, a position that creates both responsibility and opportunity.

Adult loons with chick at the July Leadership Gathering

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PRESERVING OUR LEGACY A THREE-YEAR PLAN FOR A CLEAN NEWFOUND LAKE

Newfound Lake and its watershed are truly special – a place of natural beauty and peaceful refuge for those who live and play here. Newfound Lake’s standing as the cleanest lake in New Hampshire is threatened by stormwater pollution and loosely regulated development – threats that will reduce our quality of life and our property values. Now is the time to take action and protect our little piece of heaven!

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Our Three-Year Plan for the Newfound Lake Watershed Our legacy is being threatened. Pollution from erosion and stormwater runoff and damaged views from development (600 new homes in the past 12 years) are changing Newfound Lake and impacting our property values. Newfound Lake is under increasing pressure, and we need to work harder to protect our legacy. With nearly three decades of water monitoring, ten years of watershed research, and successful projects with numerous partners, the NLRA knows what to do to protect Newfound Lake. We need your help to accelerate our pace! Implemented by 2018, the following strategies and key programs are the path to success: Foster individual property stewardship to help prevent erosion and stormwater pollution.

Projected – 1,100 Houses in 15 Years

Implement the Water Watchdog program to train landowners and local youth to build practical solutions to stormwater pollution. Complete at least 50 Water Watchdog projects on 20 or more properties.

Build Town compliance capacity through transparency and shared staff. Build web-based notification of land-use changes. Advocate for shared professional planner/compliance position.

Create local advocates for sustainable development in each watershed Town.

Lead land conservation efforts to protect water and views, prevent hilltop construction, and permanently preserve traditional uses such as forestry, agriculture, and recreation.

Recruit and educate local landowners to support land-use that matches local vision. Provide professional education in sustainable land-use and planning. Adopt three or more major regulations (e.g. riparian buffers, steep-slopes, viewshed) in three or more Towns. 8xxxxThe Monitor / October 2015

Conserve high-priority land parcels, including viewshed, headwater streams and the Cockermouth and Fowler River valleys. Conserve at least 2,500 additional acres.

Design and implement Grey Rocks restoration plan to return the former commercial area to a more natural condition. Inspire stewardship, public participation and education through volunteerism and informed use. Our goal is to complete these key programs by 2018. If we act quickly, we can preserve our Newfound Lake legacy.

What We Need To Succeed The NLRA depends on member support to succeed. More than a quarter of our members have contributed for 15 consecutive years or more. You have brought us this far, and we are asking you to accelerate your future giving to preserve our legacy. To meet our goals by 2018, we need to quickly increase funding for additional internal and external Hilltop construction can damage views expertise in these areas: Scientific Research, Water Watchdog Program and Local Advocacy. Build on our January 2015 partnership agreement with Plymouth State University to utilize graduate-level researchers for important topics. Hire summer interns to help implement our Water Watchdog program. Engage our proven and trusted planning partners to educate advocates for sustainable land use. Caption goes here

We need to act now to protect our lake. Membership, Programs, and Administration. Our members are our best resource for success, and our programs educate and engage the public, but current staff time (less than two full-time positions) is too limited. We will add one full-time equivalent to focus on membership cultivation and office administration, and raise our Program Manager to a full-time position.

Stormwater polluting Pasquaney Bay

Grey Rocks Restoration. We will retain experts and engage the public to design and implement an innovative and educational approach to restore Grey Rocks to a pre-commercial condition.

Communications and Marketing. The NLRA has terrific resources in our membership, local relationships, and scientific data. We will choose a respected and responsive communications and marketing partner for improved message consistency and delivery. The Monitor / October 2015xxxx9

What’s next? Our pace depends on yours. We are prepared to accelerate our pace of protection to to defeat threats to Newfound Lake, and our ability to ensure Newfound Lake remains clean and clear. No one focus our shared resources, we can leave a legacy of else is rising to this challenge, and no one else can do beauty for future generations. the job that lies ahead. With your deeper commitment

Solstice Sunset over Pasquaney Bay

Our challenge is to make substantial progress in a short time. Beginning this fall, here’s how you can support our Three-Year Plan: • Increase your total yearly giving by 50% • M  aintain your Membership and encourage your friends to join • Participate in our Water Watchdog program

• Advocate with your town planning board for sustainable and responsible land use • Support land conservation • Make a planned gift to ensure your perpetual support

Together we can Preserve our Legacy!

Programs Lake Week - NLRA Leads Newfound Community Celebration

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esponding to a nostalgia for some old-fashioned fun, in late July NLRA presented Newfound’s first annual Lake Week, with five festive events starting with our Barn Dance and concluding with the Hebron Fair. The news attracted Channel Five Chronicle and the Manchester Union Leader to Bristol to share the excitement, and raised awareness for our mission through family activities around the watershed.

The Sun Always Shines on the Hebron Fair!

Barn Dance – sashaying the night away at the TTCC

Newfound at a Glance

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ewfound Lake is known for how clean it is. Often times the first thing that we hear when introducing the NLRA is “Newfound is the cleanest lake in the country, right?” The good news is that we have a very clean lake and the association is doing everything we can Lake Week Begins! Fishing-Day: The first cut is the deepest to keep it that way. There is no list of the cleanest lakes in the country and if there were, it may not be the most acGrey Rocks Boards - Sent a Message, Funded a Project! curate. Every lake is sampled differently y summer’s end we sold roughly 120 purchase helped to fund Grey Rocks’ and some aren’t sampled at all. We can hemlock boards engraved with per- bridges and observation platforms, as well only try to keep this lake from declining sonal messages from nearly 100 NLRA as educational and informational signage in quality and, if possible, improve certain members. Summer employee and Plym- scheduled for installation in Spring 2016. characteristics of the water quality. This year we recorded some of the best outh State student Geoff MacDonald set Thank you for being part of this fun and water quality readings that we’ve seen in up shop with Grey Rocks Steward Les worthwhile effort! Mills and produced the fine work you PS - There are still a few boards left for a while. The clarity was frequently meacan see each time you cross the bridges engraving. Call today to see if one or more sured as far as 30 feet deep and phosphorous concentrations held steady. built for the Floodplain Loop trail. Your of them can be yours. 2015 was dry, and dry summers wash fewer pollutants and sediments into the lake. Combined with the fact that we are still invasive free, recent results are encouraging. Let’s take this opportunity to build community awareness and resilience against potential future threats.

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Engraved Grey Rocks Boards installed on bridge — Our special thanks to the Quabbin-toCardigan Trails Grants program, Camp Pasquaney, Les and Elaine Mills, Parker Griffin and Camille Bharucha, all who purchased boards, and to our many volunteers!

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Programs Expert EcoTours Learning On Water

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n 2015, hundreds of passengers experienced a Newfound EcoTour on the NLRA Madelaine. EcoTours are one of our most dynamic educational programs, with each trip showing passengers an environment and history that are more complex and interconnected than we often give credit for. The information and content of EcoTours evolve as our guides expand their wisdom and local lore every year. In 2015, we introduced Expert EcoTours, bringing in-depth knowledge to specific topics from our partners at NH Audubon, NH Fish & Game, the University of New Hampshire, and the NH Department of Environmental Services (DES). Heidi Baker, a naturalist at the Newfound Paradise Point Audubon Center, led our first Expert EcoTour. Heidi shared her knowledge and enthusiasm with a full complement of curious passengers who learned about birds, fish,

Departing Grey Rocks with Family and Friends

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See more of Newfound with an EcoTour

plankton and their place in Newfound’s food chain. As we coasted the shoreline of Paradise Point we saw bald eagles, loons, herons, and kingfishers. It’s always special to share the outdoors with so many amazing species, and to learn about them from an expert! Our second Tour was led by Ben Nugent of NH Fish & Game. Ben and his colleague spent a half hour before

the tour collecting macroinvertabrates (“bugs”) from a nearby stream, including mayflies, caddisflies, dragonfly nymphs, and damselflies. Ben explained that these strange-looking species, which are a primary source of food for Newfound’s larger fish, indicate a healthy aquatic ecosystem. On our third Tour, Bob Craycraft of the University of NH, taught passengers how to test water quality and monitor Newfound’s famous clarity and cleanliness. Bob has led water quality monitoring on Newfound Lake for over 20 years and is responsible for monitoring dozens of other lakes throughout the State. His work depends on local volunteers and organizations like NLRA to test water quality at different times of year and after significant storms. The data gathered over a period of years informs and guides important policies necessary to keep our water clean. Amy Smagula, Director of the DES Exotic Species Program and a nationallyrecognized authority in her field, concluded our summer of Expert EcoTours. Amy provided each passenger with tools Continued next page

Programs

Watershed Outdoor Week – Newfound Kids Go Wild for the Outdoors

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arly on Monday, August 24, 40 children from throughout the Newfound Lake region arrived at the Tapply Thompson Community Center (TTCC) to launch the first annual Watershed Outdoor Week, or WOW Camp. Through a partnership with TTCC, the Newfound Lake Region Association (NLRA) and several other local organizations, campers were treated to one last, fun-filled summer week before returning to school. WOW camp focused on education and creative play in the wilderness, with Camp activities that highlighted the riches of our region while teaching children about the water cycle, plants, wildlife, and our impacts on nature. WOW began at Grey Rocks with hikes, boat tours and berry picking along the water’s edge. Tuesday’s rain was not a problem with the indoor space at the AMC Lodge, nestled under the eastern face of majestic Mount Cardigan. After the rain stopped, campers walked woodland nature trails guided by AMC naturalist John Lennon. On Wednesday the NLRA ferried campers to Wellington’s Cliff Island, where everyone

EcoTours Continued from page 12 to identify good (native) and bad (invasive) aquatic plants. As we cruised close to shore, Amy pointed out species of plants that grow both under (submergent), and above (emergent) water. We thank our experts for leading an EcoTour and will ask them back for more tours next year. If you want to take an EcoTour or have an idea for a speaker, contact Andrew at [email protected] or 603-744-8689.

played games, swam, and built stick forts among the rocks and trees. The next day Audubon Paradise Point Director Emily Hyde hosted a day of canoeing, hiking and wildlife education at the north end of Newfound Lake. Wrapping up the week, on Friday the campers travelled to the Slim Baker Lodge for campfire meals and great views of Bristol and Newfound Lake from Inspiration Point. Education is a large part of the NLRA’s mission, but to truly learn about nature you must experience it. Giving children (and adults) free time to explore the wilderness instills knowledge that can be more important than simple facts. Hands-on outdoor learning at a young age develops a deep respect and love for the environment that supports us. This respect for nature is the first step on the way to protecting and stewarding our natural resources. Thank you to all of our WOW Camp partners for making this wonderful week possible – we look forward to the next WOW Camp in 2016. As one of our young campers said, “I can’t wait to go home, so I can go to sleep, and come back tomorrow!”

WOW Campers at the Slim Baker Lodge

WOW campers reflect on the week from Inspiration Point

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Around the Lake BALANCING, Cont’d from p. 3

where high-value resources are conserved. The Goose Pond tract in eastern Alexandria is a recent example of conservation permanently protecting high-value resources. High-elevation areas shared by Alexandria and Orange, and land along the border of Groton and Hebron, are fairly well protected. These areas have thus been preserved for forestry, recreation and wildlife habitat, reflecting their historical uses. The Fowler and Cockermouth River valleys are not well protected, nor are the high ground (Spruce Ridge) separating those two watersheds or the uplands located in western Groton. The simple approach used to rank important natural resources is general and

conservative. More advanced, Townspecific mapping would adjust resource rankings to reflect local values. If the rankings are shifted (for example riparian buffers are given a rank of “2”) the final map would change, and would better reflect a “shared vision” of community and conservation planning. Editor’s Note: Author Dan Sundquist has provided land use analysis, mapping and consulting for Every Acre Counts since its earliest phases. As principal of GreenfireGIS, he continues to work with the NLRA supporting Newfound watershed Towns in their goals to balance smart growth and land conservation. He can be contacted at [email protected] or through the NLRA at [email protected].

PRESERVE OUR LEGACY Cont’d from p. 1

• Strengthen Town Land-use Policy. Recognize that growth potential is limited and balance development and conservation to maintain cherished rural character (see page 3). Polices that protect highest-value natural resources guide growth effectively and economically. We will recruit and educate local advocates to support Planning Board efforts to achieve the Town and watershed vision. • Continue Conserving Land. Large blocks of unbroken forest are the source of views that refresh our souls and the crystal-clear water that feeds the Lake. Conserved land provides these benefits and more (recreation, forestry, wildlife habitat) forever. Our Grey Rocks property will be managed as a model for land conservation and public use. Newfound needs our help now or we will lose what we love. The work ahead is challenging, but within our reach. Let’s invest together to ensure our Newfound legacy.

Membership Recognition Correction Twin Designs of Bristol, NH has been an NLRA Business Member since 2013. Co-owners Brad and Jim Tonner’s personable demeanors and artistic talents have been a great addition to the revitalized Central Square, and we are pleased to have Jim and Brad’s support as Business Members.

Resource Co-Occurrence Map

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Membership Preserving Our Legacy - A Clean, Healthy Newfound Lake

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o you want to help protect the place that gives us so much, to make positive contributions that provide satisfaction and pride, to be a true steward of Newfound Lake and its surrounding land? As an NLRA member we know your reply is a resounding “Yes!” Our goal is to build key programs that achieve our three core strategies by the end of 2018. This will require expanding NLRA staff, hiring external partners, and effectively engaging watershed residents and towns. Our work is urgent and important – we need to invest resources

now to stay ahead of inevitable growth and permanently protect our clean water and land. This newsletter highlights the urgent need to address a number of growing threats, and what you can do to help. Together we can protect the clean water and healthy forests that create the little piece of heaven known as Newfound. We must stand up for what is important to us, and the time to act is now. In a few weeks, our year-end Annual Fund will ask you ramp up your donations, starting as soon as possible so that

we can pick up our pace of protection immediately. The NLRA will commit our time and talent to make the very best use of your investment. We pledge to reward your trust with the highest level of integrity and respect, by leading the effort to protect and preserve Newfound now and forever. Please watch for our letter asking for your full-throttle commitment. We promise to repay your trust with thoughtful action and leadership that preserves our shared Newfound legacy.

July Leadership GATHERING Cont’d from p. 6

to join in our increased efforts to protect what we love.” Perhaps the most transformative part of the evening came from a feature performance by the NH Music Festival string quartet. Playing a piece named The Lark and written by Franz Joseph Hayden, we were entranced as we listened to the clear and sweet interplay of the musicians. The connection between the power of music and the gifts that Newfound provides each day was clear: both possibilities are in our hands, as musicians and stewards of the watershed. Our Leaders provide critical support to the NLRA, from financial stability to opportunities such as land conservation, purchase of the NLRA Madelaine, and endowment contributions that provide a perpetual gift. Please contact Boyd at the NLRA office if you would like to become part of the NLRA Leadership Team.

A robust and exciting Leadership Gathering

Together we can protect the clean water and healthy forests that create the little piece of heaven known as Newfound. We must stand up for what is important to us, and the time to act is now.

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The

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Monitor

Newfound Lake Region Association

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

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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 mail this form and your check, payable to NLRA, to: NLRA, 10 North Main St., Unit 1, Bristol, NH 03222. Name Email address

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