Hi all,
Autumn has arrived and it’s been a beautiful September at the lake. And it’s a good time to reflect back on our summer season, which we hope you enjoyed in spite of COVID challenges.

1. LAKE HOST PROGRAM
Our Lake Host program was very successful this summer. Many thanks to our inspectors who did an excellent job. Our team had four inspectors this year (vs three last year) and we had a longer season with almost 90 more hours of inspection time at the Towle Farm Boat Ramp. We had 693 inspections this year (vs 559 in 2019). No invasive species were found and with no invasives reported by the Weed Watch Team, Province Lake remains invasive free. 

The cost of our Lake Host program, which your membership supports, was ~$9000. If you have not had the opportunity to become a member this year, we would encourage you to do so at membership so we can continue this valuable program next summer.

2. THE DROUGHT
Obviously, we are experiencing a drought and this has resulted in the lowest lake level in our recorded history. There is no flow into the lake from the tributaries and we hope to get some rain soon. The dam is still in place at the Bailey Rd outlet but it will be removed, as required by the State of NH, on Oct 18. We expect the lake level could drop another 10-12 inches at that time if the drought persists so plan to remove your boat and dock accordingly.

Several of you have noted that water is being removed from the lake by Province Lake Golf for irrigation. This is allowable by the States of Maine and NH and there is no concern that the lake will be ‘dewatered’. As the golf course is within our watershed drainage, all water removed (excluding what evaporates) will eventually find its way back into the lake.
 
3. WATER QUALITY
After inspecting several areas, we are happy to report we have not had a significant cyanobacteria bloom thus far this year. We continue to be vigilant and please report a bloom should you observe one. 

Given COVID, we have not been able to do the usual water quality sampling this year. We are planning to resume the program next year and are seeking volunteers for water/cyanobacteria sampling. If you are interested, please reply to this email and we will contact you with details. 

4. PLA BOARD- LOOKING FOR THOSE WHO LOVE THE LAKE
The PLA is looking for members in good standing interested in becoming a board member in 2021. If you are interested, please reply to this email and we will contact you with details. 

5. LOCATION OF PRENTICE WOODS PRESERVE
Several of you have asked about the location of the Prentice Woods Preserve off of Bonnyman Rd, Wakefield. Jill Eldredge of Moose Mountain Regional Greenway has kindly provided the following information ‘The property is approximately 17 acres lying on either side of Prentice Woods Rd in Wakefield. A rudimentary map to help you locate it as attached. Any GPS search of Prentice Woods Rd will also give adequate direction. The property lies about halfway down the road in the lowest lying area and you can identify it based on the lack of houses and some orange surveyor’s tape.’ If you are interested in the learning more and supporting MMRG and Prentice Woods Preserve, the link is help-us-protect-the-prentice-woods-preserve-in-wakefield-nh

Enjoy the fall and be well,
Lorie for the PLA