News from Newfound

January 7, 2022

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!

A Frozen Watershed

Winter is a time of unique ecological happenings and new opportunities for enjoyment and recreation. Here are some fun facts and tips for enjoying the season of ice and snow.

Lower Temperatures and the Lake

Colder air temperatures cool Newfound's surface water. Since cold water is denser than warm water, it sinks to the bottom, forcing warmer water to move to the surface until it too cools and sinks. This pattern continues until all the lake water reaches 39°F (its densest point). This seasonal stirring of the lake redistributes oxygen and nutrients that plants and animals in the lake ecosystem depend on. Between 39° and 32°F, water molecules at the surface expand and become less dense, forming ice. Low winds are also important for ice to form.

Last year, ice in occurred on January 31st. You can help track ice trends by reporting ice in and ice out to NH Department of Environmental Services: Submit Ice-In and Ice-Out Records

What Happens Under the Ice?

Ice seals the lake off from the atmostphere, so oxygen cannot mix with the water. Over the winter, fish and other organisms can only use the oxygen available under the ice. Once snow covers the ice, sunlight is also blocked out, inhibiting plant growth. Fish slow their body functions and stay at the bottom of the lake, while frogs and turtles burrow into mud to hibernate. Beavers spend much of the winter in their lodges, but if you are lucky you may be able to glimpse them swimming underneath clear ice!

Winter Recreation

An ice-covered lake offers new opportunities to enjoy Newfound, from pond hockey, ice fishing, and ice sailing, to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Spending time outdoors comes with a myriad of wellness benefits and on-ice recreation is an important part of the local economy. While you wait for ice to form on Newfound, check out these other outdoor places to explore in the watershed: NewfoundLake.org/hiking.

Thanks to 3 Lakes Landscaping, Grey Rocks Conservation Area is plowed throughout the winter, offering public access for winter enjoyment.

When is the Ice Safe?

The short answer? Never. While recreating on the ice, always follow these ice safety guidelines. People, snowmobiles, and vehicles regularly fall through the ice on Newfound Lake. Not only is there danger to people and property, but it is illegal for petroleum vehicles to fall through the ice, and can lead to citations and fines of up to $500 per day for each day the vehicle remains in the water, with the cost of removal borne by the vehicle owner.

This video from NH Fish and Game outlines basic ice safety:

We're Hiring!

Education and Outreach Manager

The Education and Outreach Manager oversees all education initiatives and programs under the direction of the Executive Director. They manage education programs, collaborate with NLRA partner organizations, coordinate NLRA's Newfound EcoTours, and deliver programming to area schools. Learn more.

Leave No Trace on Frozen Lakes

Leave No Trace, the set of ethics used to promote conservation in the outdoors, applies to winter activities too. This article from NH DES and NH Fish and Game outlines proper Leave No Trace protocol for on the ice:

Leave No Trace on Our Lakes

Protect lakes - even when they are hidden beneath the ice.

Read more
www.wildlife.state.nh.us

Plan for the Future

A planned gift is one of the most impactful ways you can support the future of conservation in the watershed, helping to ensure the protection of our natural resources for generations to come.

Planned giving encompasses a number of options for donors to best reach their estate planning goals while making a lasting impact on Newfound's future.

Some options include:

Gift cash, property, or a share of your estate through a will or trust
Name NLRA as a beneficiary to one of your assets
Plan a gift of stock
Recommend a grant through a donor advised fund

If you intend to make a planned gift or would like to discuss planned giving further, please get in touch with Development and Communications Manager Audrey West at Audrey@NewfoundLake.org or call (603) 744-8689.