Welcome to the Newfound Connection
Each edition of the Newfound Lake Region Association newsletter features events, news, trivia, and the people of the watershed—everything a Newfounder needs to know!
| |
The NH legislative session is in full swing. Two bills with the potential to protect lake health are going before the NH House of Representatives. Read the details and take action to protect clean water! | |
HB 1103 - Changes to the Shoreland Protection Act
What it does: This bill revises the penalties of the Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act to make it easier for the Department of Environmental Services to enforce penalties for violations that harm lakes, rivers, and streams. Read the bill.
Why it matters for Newfound: The Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act regulates development of shorelines. Protecting undeveloped shoreland keeps Newfound Lake clean–plants and trees act as a filter for stormwater, stopping pollution before it can enter the lake.
HB 1103 Hearing Information:
- Date: Wednesday, January 17, 2024
- Time: 1:00 p.m.
- Committee: Resources, Recreation and Development
- Location: Room 305, Legislative Office Building, Concord, NH
SUBMIT YOUR ONLINE TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT HERE
| | | |
HB 1113 - Shoreland Septic System Improvements
What it does: This bill requires old or unapproved septic systems on shoreland property to be evaluated and, if failed, replaced before the property can be sold. Read the bill.
Why it matters for Newfound: A study from UNH found septic systems to be a source of pollution entering Newfound Lake through groundwater. As shoreland properties change hands, this legislation will stop old, failing septic systems from polluting Newfound Lake.
HB 1113 Hearing Information:
- Date: Wednesday, January 17, 2024
- Time: 2:00 p.m.
- Committee: Resources, Recreation and Development
- Location: Room 305, Legislative Office Building, Concord, NH
SUBMIT YOUR ONLINE TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT HERE
| | | |
Now Recruiting: AmeriCorps Service Members! | |
|
Protect Newfound’s land and water as a Newfound Watershed Steward. Part of a regional AmeriCorps program that runs May-October, Watershed Stewards are immersed in local conservation efforts: water quality monitoring and protection, invasive species prevention, environmental education, and more!
Learn more and apply: NewfoundLake.org/Watershed-Stewards
| |
|
January 16, 1-3pm & January 20, 10am-12pm
Grey Rocks Conservation Area
178 North Shore Rd, Hebron, NH
| Investigate what's going on under the ice and snow and make a craft to take home. | |
|
|
February 13, 1-3pm & February 17, 10am-12pm
Grey Rocks Conservation Area
178 North Shore Rd, Hebron, NH
| Explore animal tracks, evergreen plants, and how nature responds to winter, plus make a nature journal to take home! | |
|
|
February 21, 10:30-11:30am
Minot-Sleeper Library
35 Pleasant Street, Bristol, NH
| Join us for a story time that explores how local species of all kinds make it through winter. Afterward, we’ll make pine needle crafts to take home! | |
|
|
February 27, 6-7:30pm
Minot-Sleeper Library
35 Pleasant Street, Bristol, NH
| Get an in-depth look at the health of the Newfound Watershed, current conservation efforts, and emerging threats. Bring your questions and concerns about watershed health! | |
|
Protecting Loons in Winter | |
There’s still reports of loons on Newfound!
Here's what to do if you see a loon trapped by the ice.
| |
Loons migrate to the coast in the fall and winter, but they can be seen on lakes until ice-in occurs. Because loons need a quarter mile of open water to take flight, there is a risk that loons will become trapped if lakes freeze over quickly. Local community members and the Loon Preservation Committee are actively monitoring loons on Newfound.
To report a loon trapped in ice, contact the LPC using this form: https://loon.org/report-loon/.
| |
Three Reasons to Become a Monthly Donor in the New Year | |
Monthly donors sustain our year-round programs that protect Newfound. Here's why you should sign up today! | |
|
Increase your impact. When we can count on your sustained support, we can stay focused on our mission to protect Newfound and plan our conservation initiatives with confidence.
Simplify your giving. Monthly donors don't need to remember membership renewal dates! They have peace of mind knowing their giving is automatic.
Every drop counts. Just $5, $10, or $25 a month makes a big splash over the course of a year!
| |
The Newfound Lake Region Association is dedicated to protecting Newfound Lake and its watershed. | | | | |
