Volume LXXX~ December 2024

LSPA's Staff held their annual staff retreat in November at Colby-Sawyer College.

Harbor Happenings

In this season of holidays and special gatherings, it’s gratifying to reflect on the many events that have brought people together at LSPA’s Center for Lake Studies over the past month. We’ve hosted a workshop for septic designers & installers, a conference for fisheries biologists, field trips for local schools, a regional meeting for members of lake & pond associations, weekly story times for young people, a potluck for our board members, and many committee meetings of volunteers who are getting great things done!

These events have brought together hundreds of people who are invested in efforts to protect the amazing environment that surrounds us. We are lucky to have a community that so deeply cares about the work of maintaining the Lake Sunapee Watershed.

Thank you to all who have joined us!

Giving Tuesday is December 3rd!

LSPA has been dedicated to preserving and enhancing the environmental integrity of the Lake Sunapee Region for over 125 years. As lakes across New Hampshire are increasingly threatened by cyanobacteria blooms and invasive species, our LSPA community works harder than ever to protect Lake Sunapee and the surrounding watershed. Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving. LSPA is asking for your support. Your donations are essential and very much appreciated. Donations can be made here.

Upcoming Events

Sunapee Christmas Village

Saturday, December 14th 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

in Sunapee Harbor

Come to Sunapee’s Christmas Village. The Center for Lake Studies will be open for you to come visit and learn all about our amazing Lake Sunapee Watershed and we will have a free holiday take & make craft for children. Learn more about the event here.

Climate Change Educator Workshop

Thursday, January 23rd 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

LSPA Center for Lake Studies

This workshop is designed for middle and high school teachers (formal, non-formal and homeschool) who want to incorporate climate activities and discussions into their lessons. Lunch will be provided by LSPA. $50.00 registration is through New Hampshire Fish and Game. Please click here to register.

Legislative Trainings from New Futures Advocacy

The upcoming year, 2025, will be a budget year in the state legislature. Not sure what that means exactly? You can learn more from these free online trainings provided by New Futures Advocacy. Understanding how our state legislature functions is not simple, but New Futures makes it much easier to learn how we can each weigh in on the legislative process. In last year's legislative session, several bills were passed to protect water quality, including HB 1113 requiring septic evaluations of waterfront properties and HB1293 regulating fertilizers.

Saving Lake Sunapee's Iconic Lighthouses: Construction Continues

LSPA's long standing commitment to Lake Sunapee's lighthouses continues with the start of construction to build new support structures for the Herrick Cove and Burkehaven Lighthouses. Work has began on the Herrick Cove project this fall. Work on Burkehaven is scheduled for the spring. Hansen Marine, a division of Hansen Bridge LLC, is the contractor for the project.

The crew working on the Herrick Cove Lighthouse is drilling the steel pilings for the lighthouse's new support structure down into the bed of the lake. Three of the six piles (four vertical and two at an angle) are now in place. The concrete decking planks have been cast at a location offsite, to be moved into place when the platform is ready. The final steps will be to move the lighthouse off the rotting crib onto the new stable platform and to remove the old crib. The workers installed a turbidity curtain to confine sediment during the drilling process and are working diligently to minimize impacts to the lake during construction and demolition of the old crib.

We are grateful to each of the 288 donors who have already contributed to the Lighthouse Fund in support of this work. Sufficient funds have now been raised to complete the building of the new support structures for the Herrick Cove and Burkehaven lighthouses. (Loon Island Lighthouse stands on a natural rock island which remains a sound base.) Additional donations made to the Lighthouse Fund will support the long-term maintenance of all three of the lighthouses on Lake Sunapee, ensuring that these Lake Sunapee icons are cared for now and into the future. Please click here to learn more about the campaign to save Lake Sunapee's lighthouses.

June Fichter Honored for Service on NH House of Representive’s Exotic Aquatic Weeds and Species Committee (EAWSC)

LSPA’s former Executive Director, June Fichter, was honored for her many years of service as a citizen representative on NH’s House of Representative’s Exotic Aquatic Weeds and Species Committee (EAWSC). A proclamation from Governor Chris Sununu, stated that June’s dedication to the committee “not only helped to mitigate invasive species already in the Granite State, but also played a crucial role in preventing the spread of harmful plants and animal.” Thank you June for your many years of service to NH’s waterbodies! LSPA’s Executive Director, Elizabeth Harper, was recently confirmed as one of the new citizen representatives to the EAWSC.

November Event's Recap

Annual Meeting of the Atlantic International Chapter of the American Fisheries Society

LSPA had so much fun hosting the 48th Annual Meeting of the Atlantic International Chapter of the American Fisheries Society at the Center for Lake Studies in November! This group included many inspiring young people doing great research. Topics included Lumpfish distribution, seabirds as indicators of fisheries conditions, Brook Trout monitoring, eDNA for Coastal Fisheries Monitoring, and so much more. Click here to learn more about Lake Sunapee's fish.

Regional Lakes Meeting: Year in Review

On November 13, we hosted a Regional Lakes Meeting for members of lake and pond associations from across the region to discuss ideas and share concerns. LSPA provided an update on the quick response to detect and remove curly-leaf pondweed, an aquatic invasive species, from Lake Sunapee. Baptist Pond Association provided an update on the results of this year's treatment to control the curly-leaf pondweed infestation there. Attendees also learned about a recent collaboration between LSPA, Little Lake Sunapee Protective Association (LLSPA) and the Town of New London to complete a stormwater management project at Bucklin Beach and about proposed septic regulations in Lake Sunapee Watershed towns. You can learn more about local septic regulations here.

The Regional Lakes Group brainstormed what topics they would like to discuss at future meetings. Check our events page for more information on upcoming meetings.

LSPA Board Potluck

On November 16th, LSPA’s Board had their Annual potluck to usher in the season of gratitude. Thank you to our board members and their families for joining us for this fun event.

Septic Systems: Ensuring Proper Design and Installation for Water Quality

On November 15th, The Center for Lake Studies hosted over 50 septic designers and installers who earned continuing education credits through the NHDES Subsurface Bureau. Presenters included Joe Homer, Retired USDA Soil Scientist, David Aiton, Compliance and Outreach Supervisor from NH Department of Environmental Services, and Pierre Bedard, President and Project Manager of Pierre J. Bedard & Associates. Attendees also included members of LSPA’s Watershed Committee, Sunapee’s Health Officer, and the Chair of Newbury’s Septic Committee, among others. One LSPA board member remarked, “I will never think about soil in the same way again!” Click here for more information about septic systems, including septic regulations in Lake Sunapee Watershed Towns.

Septic Regulations in Watershed Towns

Momentum is building throughout towns in the Lake Sunapee Watershed to address the issues posed by poorly maintained septic systems. Local rules adopted at the town level can help to educate and remind homeowners about regular septic maintenance.

Town of Springfield:

In October 2024, the Town of Springfield’s Health Officer proposed that a new section be added to the town’s regulations of sewage disposal systems and wells. This proposal included the following language: “Everything in the watershed ultimately drains into our groundwater, streams and lakes. Any leaking or failing septic system regardless of proximity to our lakes can have a negative impact on water quality. This is a community issue that requires all residences to participate. Every septic system should be pumped and inspected a minimum of every three years.” You can read the new policies in Section 8 of Springfield’s Regulation of Sewage Disposal Systems and Wells document here. Springfield’s regulations were adopted by the Selectboard on November 11, 2024 at a session that included a public hearing.

Town of New London:

The New London Health Officer introduced proposed septic regulations to the Selectboard at their November 21st meeting. The Selectboard will meet again on December 19th, and the septic rules are expected to be on the agenda, at which time the Selectboard may choose to vote on whether or not to adopt the proposed rules. You can view the proposed rules here.

Town of Newbury:

Septic regulations were proposed in Newbury and brought to Town Meeting in March 2023, but failed to pass. LSPA wrote a letter in support of these regulations which you can read here. The Selectboard has appointed community members to form a Septic Committee to explore, report and recommend rules for septic pumping to the full Selectboard. You can learn more about the committee here.

How can you help?

Don’t wait for septic rules to be implemented in your town – make sure your septic system has been pumped within the past three years.
Support the implementation of septic regulations in your town. Show up to town meetings to be part of the conversation.
Help to inform your friends and neighbors in the watershed about proper septic maintenance.

Learn more on our website.

You can also pick up informational cards on septic maintenance at the Center for Lake Studies at 63 Main Street in Sunapee Harbor or at Town Offices throughout the watershed. Feel free to pick up extras to share with your friends and neighbors!

Mt. Sunapee Resort Delays New Parking Lot Project

Mount Sunapee Resort has received the necessary DES permits to move forward with a parking lot expansion, but has chosen to delay the initiation of the project for now. The expansion was part of the proposed Mount Sunapee Annual Operating Plan which was discussed in the June meeting of the Mount Sunapee Advisory Commission. Several local conservation organizations, including the Newbury Conservation Commission, Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests and Friends of Mt. Sunapee, in addition to LSPA, have expressed serious concerns about the potential impacts of the expansion on wetlands, forests, and the integrity of the wastewater management system and dam at the project site. LSPA’s Executive Director, Elizabeth Harper, who serves on the Mount Sunapee Advisory Commission provided comments to the Commissioner of NH Department of Natural and Cultural Resources during the public comment period that requested that the parking lot expansion project be put on hold until: 1) The integrity of the dam has been thoroughly evaluated by a qualified engineer. 2) Extensive water quality sampling has been conducted on the seepage from the dam. 3) An end-of-life plan is in place for the existing outdated wastewater treatment system. 4) A comprehensive stormwater management plan is in place for the area under lease. And 5) Public hearings are held to allow for input from the community. You can read more about the delay of the project in this article from Valley News.

2020-2030 Watershed Management Plan Updates

LSPA hired consultant Don Kretchmer to identify and prioritize sites for an updated version of the 2020-2030 Watershed Management Plan. LSPA’s Watershed Director, Geoff Lizotte, and LSPA’s watershed consultant, Charlie Hirshberg, met with Don in November to review thei findings from a recent tour of sites that were previously identified as areas in need of stormwater improvements.

Over the summer, Steve Howard initiated a Watershed Challenge Grant with LSPA, offering $30,000 for water quality projects if matching funds were raised. With the generosity of over 30 donors, LSPA was able to meet the challenge! This will provide an additional $60,000 that will be directed towards implementing LSPA’s soon to be updated Watershed Management Plan. Click here to learn about LSPA’s Watershed Management Plan.

LSPA Awarded ARPA Funds to Address Erosion in the Watershed

LSPA was selected to receive $50,000 from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds designated for reduction/mitigation of lake phosphorus and cyanobacteria-related issues. This funding will cover 60% of project costs to address erosion and enhance the shoreline at the Georges Mills Town Beach and along a section of Little Lake Sunapee shoreline. Cash and in-kind match from LSPA, LLSPA and the Town of Sunapee will make up the remaining project costs. This funding was made possible by a one-time ARPA award to NH LAKES who partnered with NHDES to administer this grant program.

Click here to learn about LSPA’s Watershed Management Plan.

These images below are from the project site on Little Lake Sunapee showing current conditions (top picture) and the simulated appearance of the site after project completion (bottom picture).

Watershed Wise

Have you ever wondered what you can do on your own property to help protect water quality? Your landscaping choices can have a big impact. LSPA’s Watershed Wise Program helps property owners to identify changes that can be made, such as additional plantings near the water’s edge, to improve the water quality of streams, lakes and ponds within the Lake Sunapee Watershed.

LSPA staff provide a free evaluation and consultation. Owners of properties that meet the Watershed Wise criteria are awarded a plaque to display on their property. Owners of properties that don’t yet meet the criteria are provided with detailed recommendations about improvements that can be made.

The water quality of our lakes depends on the decisions and actions of individuals like you. Click here to take the Watershed Wise self-assessment. Property visits by LSPA staff will be scheduled for the spring.

Be Watershed Wise While Preparing for Winter!

Protect Our Water Resources and Reduce the Salt!

Most ice melting products contain chloride which is:

Toxic to aquatic life
Damaging to plants
Corrosive to vehicles and bridges
Harmful to pets

Choose lake-friendly methods to manage ice on your property and reduce your impact at the same time.

Use chloride-free ice melting alternatives to minimize impacts on water quality.
Shovel & scrape regularly to minimize the need for salt — don’t let the snow buildup.
Apply sand if needed for traction. Sand can be swept up and reused later.
Apply ice melting products sparingly. A little goes a long way — you don’t need to feel the crunch.
If you use a snowplow service, support those who are Green SnowPro Certified.

Click here to learn more about protecting our water resources and reducing road salt.

Using a Dock De-Icer?

Many people use dock de-icers to protect permanent docks and boathouses from ice damage. However, improper installation of a doc de-icer can:

Lead to widespread thin ice which poses a recreation hazard
Stir up lake sediment which reduces water clarity and releases nutrients stimulating growth of algae and cyanobacteria.
Allow more light into lake year-round, increasing plant growth and disrupting a lake’s natural winter resting period
Lead to high monthly electric bills

Minimize your impact on water quality and recreation this winter by:

Using an appropriately sized de-icer, a timer and thermostat to minimize the ice-free zone around your dock
Setting timer and thermostat to operate de-icer only a few hours a day when air temperature falls below 32° F.
Routinely checking the device to make sure it is operating correctly
Installing the required “Danger Thin Ice” warning signs– it’s the law!

Click here to learn more about dock de-icers.

LSPA Education Update

Nature Exploration Story Time sessions in December include, “Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter” on the 3rd and “Winter Light” on the 10th. Both mornings will be filled with hands-on learning through sensory experiences, guided exploration, creative play, art, and music. LSPA’s story time is designed for young children and their caregivers. Come join the fun!

Winter in the Watershed

Winter officially begins on December 21st, Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year.

Many of us are looking forward to that first big snowfall that will blanket the world in

white and silence. Yet climate science research tells us that our winters are getting

shorter with much less snowfall and ice coverage. (Read more here)

The good news is that we live in a gorgeous area and are able to be outside and enjoy its beauty with or without the snow. Sunset Hill Trail in Newbury is a great winter hike in our Lake Sunapee Watershed. The trail begins across from The Fells parking lot on NH Route 103A. It’s a moderate 2-mile round trip hike on NH Forest Society land that gradually climbs to a viewing spot at the summit overlooking lower Lake Sunapee and lovely vistas. Look for cellar holes and foundations of 19th Century farmsteads along the lower part of the trail. Identify summer flowers by their seed heads in the open spaces. NH Forest Society notes that winter hikers have followed “tracks of moose, deer, coyote, bobcat, fisher, otter, mink, and hare from the shadowy spruce forest along the upper portion of the Sunset Hill trail to the white pines of former pastures along the Old Farm Road trail.” Get outside, marvel at all the gifts winter brings, and enjoy!

Click here for information about the Sunset Hill Trail.

Check out LSPA's Educational Resource Page! This page has resources for parents and families that encourage, excite and engage in the natural world with all its awe and wonder.

The LSPA Kid's Ecology Corner page highlights a wide variety of activities. December is an exciting and wonderful time to explore the outdoors!

Be a Lake Sunapee Watershed Explorer!

Winter is a perfect time to get to know the Lake Sunapee Watershed. Get outside, explore our local forests, streams and lakes and earn a patch! LSPA invites you and your family to learn a bit about the science and history of our watershed through a series of fun outdoor activities that you can find on this list. When you have completed five of these activities you can fill out this form on our website and we will send you a Watershed Explorer patch. You will have good memories, new knowledge and a patch to remember the experience by!

Holiday Shopping? Visit Harborside Trading!

LSPA has partnered with Harborside Trading to sell LSPA merchandise. Make sure you swing by Harborside Trading in Sunapee Harbor while doing your holiday shopping. They are open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11 AM - 5 PM and by appointment.

Give the gift of an LSPA membership!

Unsure what to get your family and friends for the holidays? Give the gift of an LSPA membership! Our ability to continue to protect the Lake Sunapee Watershed depends on financial support from our members. Click

here to gift a membership.

Fall/Winter Beacon

The Fall/Winter 2024 Beacon has been mailed to our members! Click here to view this edition.

Moses's New Tank

LSPA’s turtle, Moses, had a home renovation last month. LSPA staff ordered a new, larger tank for Moses to enjoy. Come say “hi” to Moses and check out his new home if you’re visiting the Center for Lake Studies.

We wish you a joyous holiday season!

The Center for Lake Studies will be closed from 12/25/24-1/1/25.

Send us your favorite pictures around the watershed!

If you have photos from around the Lake Sunapee Region from all seasons that you would like to share, send them to photos@lakesunapee.org and please include your name in your email so we can give you photo credit.