October 2013

The

Monitor

The Newsletter of the Newfound Lake REGION Association

Sustainable Solutions for Watershed Protection

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LRA continues to pursue a steady, shared effort using these tools four-part strategy to achieve which are close at hand, we can preserve our mission: strategic land con- what we love. servation of large, undeveloped workNewfound Lake and its streams and ing forest blocks; municipal land-use ponds still have some of the cleanest regulations that require riparian buffers, water in New Hampshire because most steep slope protection and low-impact of the watershed is covered with healthy development; water quality monitoring forests. Forested land, especially when and reporting to identify threats and potential solutions; and communications designed to stimulate informed, grass-roots actions. However, the only way that Newfound will remain clean and clear for years to come is for all of us – NLRA, our Members, and a critical mass of Newfound property owners, businesses, schools and summer camps – to take an active role in Sculptured rocks, Groton, NH (Photo: Patrick Bourque) land-use policy. Support land conservation. Get to know local Town planning and devel- adjacent to a water body, is Nature’s suopment rules. Build relationships with preme system for slowing runoff and members of Planning Boards. Request filtering phosphorus-carrying sediment. and vote for land-use rules that require For every doubling of velocity, water’s riparian buffers, steep slope protection, ability to move material increases nearly and low-impact development. With 20 times, while phosphorus is the nutri-

ent most required for plant growth and algal blooms. Thus, slowing stormwater runoff is one of the most effective ways to protect water quality while also preventing erosion of our roads, fields, and hills. Watershed-wide hydrologic modeling being completed by our University of NH partners Jeff Schloss and Bob Craycraft is putting reliable numbers on previously-identified major threats. Alarmingly, their work indicates that removal of 10% or more of forest cover will increase phosphorus loading by roughly 40%, while residential and commercial development at historical rates under a “business-asusual” approach for the next 30 years will nearly double the phosphorus load to Newfound Lake. Either of these outcomes alone will significantly degrade our clean water. In combination – a reasonable outcome under current land use practices – the adverse effects will be even worse. Continued on p. 5

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From the Executive Director

am writing from our new office space in the TD Bank on Bristol’s recentlyrejuvenated Central Square. It is an exciting time of both real challenges and new possibilities for the NLRA and our Newfound community. There is a feeling of fresh energy from the crisp and clear autumn weather and the growing awareness that local action is required to preserve local values. Your watershed association has had another very active and successful year. With your support, we have helped pass energy policy and planning legislation to improve the site-selection process for commercial wind projects; conserved

roughly 1,000 acres of pristine forests; monitored Lake quality for our 29th consecutive year; inspected over 3,000 boats for milfoil and other invasive species; provided stormwater management assistance for summer camps, homeowner associations and individual property owners; served over 300 passengers on our educational Newfound Eco-Tours; maintained a robust business membership and raised over $10,000 with our Mega-Raffle; and opened the Grey Rocks conservation area to the public. As outlined in the lead article, the key to preserving Newfound Lake is simple – everyone who cares for the watershed

needs to take part in crafting and implementing sustainable, low-impact landuse rules, such as preserving or building riparian buffers and taking extra precautions during steep-slope development. The NLRA can be a catalyst, but our Members and partners are the fuel that powers success. Thank you for your support. See you around the Watershed!

— Boyd Smith, Director

President’s Message

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ow we use our land directly affects how clean our water will be. Through a concerted effort to conserve large forest blocks and manage new and existing development, we can maintain and improve our magnificent lake and its beautiful tributaries. My hope is that a collective effort on the part of all of us, individually and as members of the many groups in and around the area, will move us toward this common goal. Throughout this Newsletter, you will find suggestions on how you can make a real and lasting difference as an individual and as a member of NLRA. I want to share one personal example of

how we can leverage our efforts and accomplish our mission through thoughtful collaboration. In August, I attended the Hazelton Farm land conservation dedication in Hebron. At the event were members of the Forest Society, Fish & Game, NLRA, the Lakes Region Conservation Trust, the Newfound Land Conservation Partnership, and NLRA’s Land and Watershed Committee. These six groups, with the help of individual donations and a partnership with the John Gemmill Newfound Fund, established a conservation easement on a 272-acre property which will be preserved forever as a working farm with open fields, hiking trails, and

a beautiful stream flowing through it. The Hazleton project is a noteworthy example of how we can protect the watershed and preserve our precious jewel of a lake. In the spirit of its success, I thank each individual, business, and organization that supports NLRA and its mission. Together, we can keep Newfound Lake pristine – a lake we know as the clearest we have ever seen. Sincerely,

— 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; Jan Collins, Andy Connolly, members-at-large Trustees: Jennifer Berry, Karen Boyd, Trish Connolly, Parker Griffin, Ed McNierney, Laura Moore, Hans Mundahl, Greg Wagner Staff: Boyd Smith, Executive Director; 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 Camp Onaway and NLRA Learn Together — By Isabel Rollison, Camp Onaway Councilor

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his summer a group of ten Onaway girls had the opportunity to learn about the ecology of Newfound Lake when Mr. Boyd Smith from the Newfound Lakes Region Association visited camp in early July. Onaway

with many exciting maps and sampling tools. The girls took turns collecting samples along the shore and venturing out in the motorboat to observe and record the water clarity around Onaway Point. The girls enjoyed peering through the AquaScope to examine the water clarity and comparing samples of the lake and stream water around our beachfront. The hands-on activities helped them understand the importance of protecting our lake and Camp property. Mr. Smith explained the importance of plants and vegetation along the waterfront, as well as the relationship between landscaping and erosion at the water’s edge. The girls also enjoyed identifying and analyzing different parts of the lake on the maps Mr. Smith brought with him that depicted water depth and the streams that feed fresh water into our lake. It was a privilege to have Mr. Smith visit Onaway this Onaway campers looking through the AquaScope summer. The girls genuinely girls come from across the country and enjoyed learning more about Newfound around the world every year to live for Lake and could not wait to tell all their the summer on Newfound Lake. And friends about what they had learned. while they swim, boat, and watch sunsets on Campfire Rock on a regular basis, (Ed. note: Camp Onaway campers, staff this summer some took advantage of a and alumni have been generous supporters unique opportunity to learn about what of the NLRA for many years, and the camp the NLRA does to keep the lake and its is incorporating stormwater management surrounding shores clean and protected. practices into their educational curricula and Mr. Smith, the NLRA Director, ar- facility operations. We greatly appreciate our rived at Onaway on a sunny afternoon Camp Onaway partners!)

NLRA Web Update

NLRA is pleased to announce an effort is underway to update our web site. The overall goals are to redesign the web site with a modern presence that professionally represents the organization. We also want to ensure the new site integrates with our eNewsletter and social media channels and encourages site visitors to engage with the NLRA. The site redesign is being undertaken by a small and talented group of NLRA Board and staff, including Jenn Berry, Parker Griffin and Boyd Smith, led by Trustee Hans Mundahl, Director of Technology Integration at New Hampton School. “I’m very excited to be involved with this effort,” says Mundahl. “The NLRA is doing remarkable work and it’s time for the web site to more fully represent the energy, passion, and community involvement of the organization!” The web redesign process will be ongoing during the winter months, with a planned site launch in early spring 2014.

Errata

We missed some recognition for Membership renewals in our Spring 2013 membership edition, and want to be sure to thank Meredith Funston for being a Family-level contributor. Sorry for our errors – we will keep working to improve!

The Monitor/October 2013xxxx3

Programs

Summer Programs Lake Hosts: Front-line Force Fighting Unwanted Invasions!

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ur Lake Host staff and volunteers monitor the Wellington State Park boat ramp, inspecting incoming boats and trailers for possible invasive species and educating boaters about these risks. Presently, Newfound Lake is invasive free, and we want it to stay that way. In order to ensure that the busiest times of boat traffic are well monitored, staffers monitor the ramp for 12 hours a day during weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day. This summer, they inspected over 3,000 boats and found no invasives.

Tremendous gratitude is due to our dedicated staff : Tammi Turmel, Nicole Stevens, Bruce Turmel, and Ben Prive, paid for through our NH Lakes Association Lake Host grant and dedicated funds from Alexandria, Bridgewater, Bristol, and Hebron. Special thanks are also due to our stalwart, informed and personable volunteers: Helga Stamp, Jack Weir, Betsy Twombly, and Phil Twombly. Lake hosting is critical to the lake’s health and cleanliness, and being a Lake Host volunteer is an excellent opportunity to provide an important community service.

Water Quality Monitoring a Powerful Tool for Sound Decisions

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LRA, with substantial and steadfast support from Bob Craycraft (UNH Center for Freshwater Biology) and a number of talented and committed volunteers, has completed our 29th consecutive year of Lake monitoring and our 6th consecutive year of stream monitoring. The information collected by this hard work is used to better understand the overall health of the Lake, the extent of threats to its clean water, and the ways we can prevent pollution. As noted in prior Newsletters, water quality is declining at the Pasquaney Bay (see graphs from UNH below) and Mayhew Island sampling stations, including decreasing clarity and increasing plant growth (measured as chlorophyl-a). Algal blooms have recently been reported in both Follansbee Cove and San-

PASQUANEY BAY

PASQUANEY BAY

Annual Chlorophyll a (1986-2012)

Annual Secchi Disk Transparency (1986-2012)

2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 1985 1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013

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14.0

Median Water Transparency (meters)

3.0 Median Chlorophyll a (ppb)

born Bay. Anecdotal evidence indicates more silt in the sandy beaches and slime on boat hulls – new and unwanted findings for Newfound Lake. While the 10-year median in-Lake phosphorus levels remain steady (4 – 5 parts per billion), we have seen record high water temperatures of 80 degrees for two of the past three years and have experienced tremendous rain events such as Tropical Storm Irene and the 2013 Labor Day flash floods that delivered huge amounts of phosphorus-laden sediment to the Lake. When we consider these unmanageable weather events combined with the manageable effects of runoff and pollutants from lawns, roads, and inadequate septic systems, the reasons to act against declining water quality become even more clear and critical.

12.0 10.0 8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0 0.0 198 198 198 199 199 199 199 199 200 200 200 200 200 201 201 5 7 9 1 3 5 7 9 1 3 5 7 9 1 3

Programs Newfound Eco-Tours Best Year Ever!

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013 was a banner year for Newfound Eco-Tours! Through the dedication of our staff and volunteers; partnership with The Inn on Newfound Lake (www.newfoundlake.com), the Tapply Thompson Community Center, the Plymouth Region Chamber of Commerce, and a growing number of satisfied customers, the NLRA and the SS Madelaine introduced over 300 passengers to the wonders of watershed science and the beauties of Newfound Lake. Using a new dock provided by our partners at the NH Marine Patrol, we embarked and returned on many a two-hour tour from June through August. During their time on board, young and old alike observed and tried their hands at water monitoring, learned about the watershed, and savored delicious home-made ice cream donated by The Mill Ice Cream and Fudge Factory (www.themillfudgefactory.com). Special thanks are due to our informed and committed crew: Jan Connor, Kate Mausolf, Andy Connolly, Bob Martens, Les Mills, Herb D’Arcy, and Ken Chorney. Newfound Eco-Tours has thrived in large part due to NLRA Trustee Greg Wagner, owner of West Shore Marine (www.westshoremarine.com), who donates the services and fuel that keep the Madelaine running in tip-top condition throughout our busy season, as well as assisting with installation of our new dock, saving NLRA precious resources for other critical programs. Please contact the NLRA to plan your Summer 2014 Eco-Tour with a boatload of family and friends – custom tours to fit your schedule are readily available!

Newfound Eco-Tour at former Wellington Park dock

Farewell and Thanks

In late August Program Direc-

tor and Events Coordinator Nikki Wooster-Goodwin left the NLRA to pursue other opportunities. We would like to thank her for her time and passionate work on behalf of the NLRA over the past three years during which she led the Lake Host, Eco-Tour, and Water Monitoring programs to their highest levels of success. Good luck with your new endeavors, Nikki!

SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS, Cont’d from p. 1 Everyone who has ever lived near or visited Newfound Lake agrees – this is a beautiful place, rich in clean water, healthy forests, expansive vistas, and vibrant rural character. Since 1971 the NLRA has worked to preserve Newfound’s great beauty for current and future generations. Through our work and our connections to the Newfound community, we know there are only a few key actions required to maintain what we all care so deeply about. The tools for a sustainable environment and economy are in our hands. Contact us at the office or refer to our web site for more information, and sign up for Watershed eNews and join us on Facebook for updates on how you can make a real difference!

The Monitor/October 2013xxxx5

Around the Lake

Protecting the Newfound Lake Watershed Through Land Conservation

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By Parker Griffin, NLRA Trustee and Chair of Land & Watershed Committee

ne of the best ways to protect water resources (streams, river, ponds, lakes) is by conserving the lands around them. Since 2011, over 1100 acres of land in the Newfound Lake watershed have been protected through conservation easements, increasing the total percentage of conserved land in the watershed from about 13% to nearly 15%. Through its partnership with the Lakes Region Conservation Trust (LRCT) and the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, the NLRA Land and Watershed Committee has helped originate and complete seven easements over this period covering high value conservation land in Alexandria (700+ acres) and Hebron (450 acres). This significant progress has occurred as a result of several years of effort, with financial support from the NLRA, the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, and the John Gemmill Newfound Fund established in 2011. This fund was established in memory of the late John Gemmill by his daughter Helen, to assist with upfront landowner transaction costs (such as surveys and appraisals). Increasing concern about future commercial wind farm development in the area and adverse reaction to the existing wind farm in Groton has focused attention on the hilltops and ridge lines around the lake. Property owners in the water-

Hazelton land conservation celebration, August 2013 (Photo: Parker Griffin)

shed are asking just how protected these are in view of the threat of additional commercial wind development. In the context of furthering land conservation efforts in the watershed as a whole, and continuing to focus on high conservation value land, the Land and Watershed Committee will continue its program of reaching out and educating land owners about conservation alternatives, understanding that there is an in-

tensifying concern about maintaining the virtually pristine ridge lines and hilltops surrounding Newfound Lake. If you are a property owner interested in understanding more about conservation alternatives available to you or if you are interested in helping in this effort, please contact either Martha Twombly (603-744-6332) or Parker Griffin (603-238-0056).

Since 2011, over 1100 acres of land in the Newfound Lake watershed have been protected through conservation easements, increasing the total percentage of conserved land in the watershed from about 13% to nearly 15%. 6xxxxThe Monitor/October 2013

Around the Lake

Grey Rocks: A Newfound Conservation Area

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LRA’s Grey Rocks conservation land is some of the richest, most diverse, and sensitive habitat in the Newfound Watershed! The ecology and human history available to the observant visitor is guaranteed to enrich your Newfound experience. Take a walk along the water’s edge to the River’s mouth for a view across the marsh to the surrounding hills, or paddle your canoe or kayak along the intricate shoreline. Look for signs of plants and animals that call this area home. Travel lightly throughout this special place so others may also enjoy it for years to come. Located where the Cockermouth River enters Newfound Lake, Grey Rocks’ 30 acres exemplify the boundary between land and water. The River drains roughly 18,100 acres in Hebron and Groton, or 30% of the 60,000-acre Newfound Lake watershed and supplies nearly 25% of the water to the Lake. Originating from elevations more than 2,000 feet above sea level, it tumbles over ledges and boulders as it descends its headwaters and dives through Sculptured Rocks before winding along a lovely vale draped with fields and forests and underlaid by a productive aquifer. Newfound’s famously clean water, of which three quarters comes from its tributaries, is the result of the watershed’s extensive healthy forests, which keep its streams clean and cool. Preserving large blocks of forest lands, maintaining riparian buffers along all streams, ponds and wetlands, and following sustainable use and low-impact development practices in the watershed will keep our water clean and our forests healthy for generations to come.

Special thanks are due to NLRA Trustee Greg Wagner and the Grey Rocks Task Force for developing a property management plan and recommending the Grey Rocks name to the NLRA Board. Task Force members included

Chair Greg Wagner and members Dick Cowern, Les Mills, Dave Ryder, Peter Brown, Roger LaRochelle, Ben McLane, Doug McLane, Dave Mallard (LRCT), Victor Field, Vin Broderick, Ken Weidman, and Boyd Smith. Grey Rocks – A Newfound Conservation Area was donated to the NLRA by Andy and Linda McLane in December 2011 and is being stewarded by the NLRA and our partner the Lakes Region Conservation Trust. With the help of our members and numerous volunteers, we envision building a nature sanctuary for public use and possible future home for the NLRA that is a model of low-impact and sustainable land use. Experience this beautiful place up close – take a walk at Grey Rocks!

Newfound Marina – Circa 1970s

Newfound Marina – 2010

Scrap Removal – 2012

Grey Rocks Sandbar – 2012

Planning Task Force – April 2013

Dock Installation – June 2013

Grey Rocks Marsh – 2012

Informational Kiosk – June 2013

We have arrived! Les and Rudy at Grey Rocks – June 2013

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Around the Lake

NLRA Annual Meeting – Reconnecting and Recognition

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n August 10 at the Bridgewater Town Hall, over 60 NLRA members came together to share coffee and pastries donated by Bristol’s Dunkin’ Donuts and fresh food donated by Bristol Shop n’ Save, to renew old acquaintances, to affirm commitment to NLRA and its mission, and to learn about the latest NLRA initiatives. Dan Sundquist, a central contributor to the Every Acre Counts Watershed Management Plan and local land conservation efforts, spoke engagingly and eloquently about threats to the watershed from stormwater runoff and poorlyplanned land use, with recommendations for low-impact development and “smart growth.” A copy of Dan’s August 10, 2013

Les Mills Recognition: From left, Les Mills, Rob Moore, and Ken Weidman at 2014 Annual Meeting

donation of the Grey Rocks property. Andy and Linda have deep family connections to the area, dating back to the early years of the last century, when Andy’s grandmother Dorothy established and ran a summer camp called Grey R: Former NLRA Director Change Parker travelled all the way from China!

L: Listening to Dan Sundquist at the Annual Meeting (Photos by: Parker Griffin)

presentation is located on the NLRA web site at www.newfoundlake.org/watershedmasterplan/presentations.html. With profound gratitude the NLRA Founder’s Award was presented to members Linda and Andy McLane, for their many years of membership, their substantial financial support, and their generous 8xxxxThe Monitor/October 2013

Rocks, after which the NLRA property has been named. In addition to her accomplishments as the founder of the camp, Andy reports that Dorothy was the first woman in the State of New Hampshire to receive a driver’s license! The McLane family has provided visionary leadership for Newfound Lake, and

NLRA was proud to honor them at this year’s annual meeting. Special recognition was also given to Les and Elaine Mills for their countless contributions toward cleaning up and maintaining the Grey Rocks property. Their donation of time, labor, and materials has made Grey Rocks a safe, welcoming, and beautiful refuge. Wrapping up the morning, former NLRA Director Change Parker returned to Newfound for the first time in twenty years and performed a heartfelt song he wrote for the Lake, donating the song to NLRA for posterity.

Around the Lake In Memoriam

The NLRA lost one of our own

this summer with the passing of T. Holmes “Bud” Moore. While Bud was well known and deeply respected far beyond our area, Linda and Andy McLane receiving NLRA Founders Award from Director Smith and President Rob Moore (Photo: Parker Griffin)

Newfound was a special corner of the world that meant a great deal to him and his family. NLRA

NLRA and NH Lakes Association Partnership Grows Stronger

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e are proud to announce that NLRA Director Boyd Smith joined the NH Lakes Association (NH Lakes) Board of Directors in June. NH Lakes is a State-wide watershed protection organization with demonstrated success in their Lake Host program and clean water legislative advocacy. NLRA has been a member of NH Lakes for nearly a decade, with our regional role complemented perfectly by NH Lakes’ State-wide responsibilities. The relationship between our two organizations, originally established through the Lake Host program and Lake Conservation Corps rain garden project, has just taken an important step towards higher purpose and effectiveness. Visit NH Lakes at www.NHLakes.org to learn more about our watershed partner!

Septic System Suitability Poor Near Newfound Shore

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ecent analysis of soil and development within 250 feet of Newfound Lake by Dan Sundquist of Greenfire GIS has identified some alarming information. This zone, which represents State-protected shoreland, consists of 650 acres, of which 62% are severely constrained due to poor filtering capacity (excessively or somewhat excessively drained soil; 45%) or shallow depth to bedrock (17%). Other constraints, such as high water table and steep slopes, are widely present, but proper engineering and construction can potentially mitigate their adverse effects. This same 650 acres contains 577 primarily residential buildings. Of these buildings, 392, or 68%, are located on soils that are severely constrained for septic systems. Many existing septic systems are likely antiquated or undersized; thus, septic systems are a substantial source of phosphorus to the Lake, especially in areas of excessively drained soils and shallow coves and beaches. The modeling work being completed by UNH identified septic systems as the source for roughly 7% of phosphorus contributed to the lake. Using Dan’s information and results from a possible septic survey, the model will be used to refine estimated phosphorus loads with a goal of identifying feasible remedies.

was profoundly fortunate to be the recipient of Bud’s love of the Lake, expressed through his wise counsel, mentorship, and generous contributions of time and financial support. One of Bud’s legacies was to bring out the best in everyone he met. We will do our best to honor him with our work.

Join us in the Cloud Year ’Round

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ant to connect with us and all the other Newfound fans out there in the big, wide world? Visit www. Facebook.com/ NewfoundLake, sign up for our Watershed eNews via our web site at www.NewfoundLake.org, share our links with all your Newfound connections, and stay connected year ‘round! Always looking for words and images that convey your love of the Lake!

The Monitor/October 2013xxxx9

Membership Bristol’s TD Bank Helps NLRA into New Home

Left to right: Boyd Smith, Pat Field, Carrie Nyberg, Ann Rominger, and Michelle Dyment

After many years of providing below-market rental rates to NLRA, our former landlord Tom Crouse sold the building. We approached TD Bank in Bristol’s Central Square about the possibility of leasing space on their second floor. From our first conversation with Branch Manager Pat Field through subsequent discussions with corporate leaders, the bank’s answers have always been a resounding “yes!” In early September, NLRA signed an agreement with TD Bank for use of a suite of offices on the second floor that harken back to the earlier days of this magnificent old building. In addition to being centrally located in a classy and adaptable space, TD Bank has even been able to improve on our previous excellent rental rate. NLRA is deeply grateful to TD Bank for their support of our work, and we look forward to our partnership in serving the needs of the Newfound community. We also thank Tom Crouse for providing us with an affordable home for so many years.

Special Recognition

The NLRA has been helped along over many years by hundreds of committed members and partners, and we want to provide special recognition to a few of these people for their contributions to our success. Shani and Ben McLane Last June the NLRA launched our Leadership Recognition Circle with a party hosted by Shani and Ben McLane at their beautiful hilltop home in Bridgewater. The Leadership Recognition Circle is our way of saying thanks to members able to donate $1,000 or more annually to NLRA. While every member of NLRA plays a vital role in our organization, Leadership Circle members are a critical source of strength and stability. We want to extend our gratitude to Shani and Ben for opening their home to benefit Newfound Lake.

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Phoebe and Frank Griswold Long-time NLRA members Phoebe and Frank Griswold have quietly and steadfastly stewarded the organization for 18 consecutive years. This summer they graciously allowed Director Boyd Smith to speak at a Vespers service at the Old Town Hall in Bridgewater. This was a deeply moving experience that stimulated reflection and conversation about our obligation to be responsible stewards in our role as the dominant species on Earth.

Carolyn Isaak Carolyn has been a dependable and professional partner for years, consistently delivering high-quality editions of The Monitor, locating an affordable source for color printing, maintaining fair costs for her services, and working closely with us to bring you the latest and best stories from Newfound Lake. Carolyn is also the Executive Director of the NH chapter of the American Institute of Architects and can be reached at 310 Marlboro St. #2, Keene, NH 03431 and at 603-499-2143.

Continued next page

Membership Newfound Watershed Needs You!

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s you have read in this Newsletter, NLRA is doing exciting and positive work to protect and preserve the beauty and vitality of Newfound Lake in the face of real and growing threats. However, time is not on our side, as evidenced by the recent leasing of almost 10,000 acres of watershed ridges and high country for commercial wind development, declining trends in Lake water quality, algal blooms, increasingly frequent major storm events, and a growing sense that the Lake is not as clean as it used to be.

ing for low-impact development and land use. Request ordinances that require riparian buffers, additional care when developing steep slopes, and criteria to preserve the aesthetics of the landscape. Support such ordinances when they come up for vote at Town meetings in March of each year. When you receive our letter regarding this year’s Annual Fund, we hope that you will join us in our commitment to protect Newfound Lake and its watershed by donating

We hope that you will join us in our commitment to protect Newfound Lake and its watershed. As a member of NLRA, you can help protect the Lake and its land from these threats in two very basic, meaningful and rewarding ways. First, you can continue to keep NLRA in the top three charitable organizations you support financially. Your donations to NLRA fund a small organization with a big mission and make a tremendous difference to us. Second, you can contact your Town Planning Board Chair and learn what steps your Town is takRECOGNITION Continued from p. 10 Karen Boyd Karen has spent countless weekend hours entering member donations, managing our database and preparing thank you letters for all our donors. Her dependable, thorough, and friendly approach to this critical work makes a huge difference in our ability to operate.

as generously as possible. Through the Charles Foundation, Inc. match (see details at right), when you exceed the amount of your most recent donation, your additional gift will be doubled! Thank you for your thoughtful consideration and meaningful support. With your continued commitment, we can achieve our shared vision of enjoying Newfound’s pristine water, forests, and habitat for many years to come. NLRA Mailing Crew Led by Newfound Shore to Shore Society member Nancy Howard, NLRA mailings, annually amounting to hundreds of letters and inserts, are folded, stuffed, stamped, and sent by steadfast volunteers Jan Billups, Carol Debrule, Paula Cummings, Barbara Matthews, Libby Desfosses, Jane Ramsay, Sandra Cummings, Ellie Batchelder, Judy Twombley, Annie Fitzpatrick, and Sue Martens. Thanks, Friends!

Major Challenge Match Offered

Fall brings our year-end appeal for financial support which we call the Annual Fund. Combined with Spring Membership renewals, these two appeals provide roughly 75% of our operating resources. This year, we are extremely excited to share the news that one of our long-term donors has offered a substantial challenge match to support our goals. The Charles Foundation, Inc. will fully match any increase in giving over your most recent donation, up to a total of $25,000. This generous challenge will also apply to new donors and corporate matches (such as the GE Foundation). The Charles Foundation, Inc. has been a leading supporter of the NLRA for many years, and we are deeply grateful for the Foundation’s generous and meaningful contributions to our stability and success.

Lake and Stream Monitors Our water monitoring volunteers are an absolutely vital part of the NLRA. In all kinds of weather and terrain, these volunteers collect the samples analyzed by UNH that provide historical baselines and early warning of threats to our clean water. Many of these volunteers have been sampling for years, and are experts in their areas. We are deeply grateful to Herb D’Arcy, Carol and Steve Gunn,

Continued next page

The Monitor/October 2013xxxx11

The

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

Monitor

Newfound Lake Region Association

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

Change Service Requested

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

Printed on recycled paper.



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, 800 Lake St. 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). 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

Membership Categories: n n n n n n n

You can join online at www.newfoundlake.org!

n Strategic Planning

RECOGNITION Continued from p. 11

Linda and Dick Beyer, Lyn and John Egsgard, Val and Jack Scarborough, Ken Weidman, Ali Plankey, Ron Olson, Bob Twombly, and Katie and Finn Callahan for all your diligent and important work. Parker Griffin As a new Trustee, Parker has jumped in with both feet, leading the Land & Watershed Committee, assisting with the Investment Committee and Communications Task Force, and taking excellent photographs of various NLRA events to share with our members and partners. NLRA Moving Crew Thanks to Helga and Ken for helping haul the last loads from old office to new, with special thanks to Rudy for his truck and wrestling the fire-proof file cabinet into submission. Thanks again to all of you for going above and beyond to support the NLRA!

NLRA_News-Web-LoRes-31Oct13.pdf

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