Your Support Needed For Cyanobacteria Commission

Hi all,
Below you will find information from NH Lakes regarding House Bill 1066 which will be before the committee this coming Wednesday, January 12. We would like to encourage you, if you support the bill, to provide that support by email, letter or phone and register your support through the links provided. We believe passage of this bill will be a start to substantively address the increasing threat from cyanobacteria blooms in our lake.
Thank you,

The PLA
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The New Hampshire 2022 legislative session has just kicked off and YOUR voice is urgently needed at the State House! 

On Wednesday, January 12, at 1:45 p.m., House Bill 1066, establishing a commission to investigate and analyze the environmental and human, and animal health impacts relating to cyanobacteria blooms in New Hampshire waterbodies, is being heard in the House Resources, Recreation, and Development Committee.

Our lakes—including YOUR favorite lake—need you to write or call your legislative representatives before Wednesday, urging them to support this bill.

In 2021, a record number of public health advisories were issued for toxic cyanobacteria in New Hampshire’s lakes. People were told to avoid wading or swimming in the water and also avoid drinking water from the lake for fear of becoming sick. They were told to keep pets out of the water, too. Cyanobacteria blooms are not only a health hazard for humans, pets, and wildlife, they negatively impact tourism and the economy. Cyanobacteria is a statewide problem and statewide solutions are needed. It is time for the legislature to take a comprehensive look at ways to tackle this issue. 

If passed, the study commission would be the first time experts from the New Hampshire Departments of Environmental Services and Health and Human Services, environmental conservation groups, veterinarians, universities, and policymakers would come together to address the increasing frequency and severity of cyanobacteria blooms in New Hampshire’s waterbodies.

Our legislators need to hear from YOU! Call, email, or write members of the committee, or testify at the State House, and tell policymakers how toxic cyanobacteria blooms have impacted your favorite lake and your enjoyment of the lake. Stories and public testimony, especially from advocates like you, will make a difference in getting this critical legislation passed. Below, I have included tips for writing and calling legislators, and providing verbal testimony. And, a link to register in support of the bill.

Thank you, in advance for responding to this call for action, giving New Hampshire’s lakes a voice at State House! Our lakes are counting on you.Committed to clean and healthy lakes,

Michelle Davis, Policy and Advocacy Program Manager
mdavis@nhlakes.org
 
P.S. Please cc me on your emails and letters and let me know if you have made calls! If you plan to testify in person on January 11, let me know so we can plan our strategy.
How YOU Can Support HB 1066

Send an email to: 
HouseResourcesRecreationandDevelopment@leg.state.nh.us.

Mail a letter:
NH House of Representatives
Resources, Recreation, and Development Committee
Legislative Office Building, Room 305

Call committee members:
For phone numbers, see committee member bios

—————-—–> Register In Support Here!

Select Date of Hearing: January 12, 2022
Select the Committee: House Resources, Recreation, and Development
Choose the Bill: HB 1066
Indicate Who You’re Representing
Choose Your Position: Support, Oppose, Neutral Advocating at the State House

Who’s My Legislator?
Meeting & Hearing Schedule:
NH House 
NH Senate

Find a Bill
Tips on How to Advocate

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CYANO BLOOM OCCURRING – Nov 8, 2021

Hi all,
We wanted to notify you that we are experiencing intermittent and sporadic cyanobacteria blooms at Province Lake. They have been coming and going along the shoreline of Bonnyman and Point Roads and Lake Shore Dr. It is appearing as green stringers, surface blobs and cloudy green water. This has occurred over the weekend.  We suspect it will likely continue until conditions become unfavorable for its development. 
We cannot say if the water is safe at this time. Each individual needs to make the determination on whether to go in or not, but the guidance is to not go into the water if a bloom is present. It is particularly important to keep pets and children out of the water when a bloom is observed.
The NH DES will be notified and follow up with any other advice.
The PLA

BEACH CLEAN UP AND FALL INFORMATION

Hi All,
It’s been a beautiful fall thus far and many of us around the lake are preparing for the upcoming colder months. Here are a few reminders we’d like to share.
1. Our last Rt 153 beach clean up will be next Saturday, Oct 16 at 10.00 am, rain or shine. It should take about an hour. We will meet near the entrance to the Donville Campground on Rte 153. Gloves and trash buckets/bags will be provided. Just bring yourself and the desire to help beautify our lakeshore after a busy fall. 
2. The dam boards at the Bailey Rd bridge will come out right after Columbus/Indigenous People’s Day. The lake level is still relatively high but may lower when the boards are removed.
3. NH Lakes has some great guidance about not putting leaves, leaf litter, cut grass and other ‘natural’ debris into the lake as it degrades water quality. More specific information is at this link. 
4. There is no nice way to dispatch those pesky mice and rodents that like to invade our homes, particularly during the colder months. It would be best if we don’t use rodent poisons and use some other method (a quick google search will identify a number of methods). We have an abundance of natural rodent predators at the lake (owls, foxes, eagles, hawks, bobcats, racoons) who can be easily poisoned by consuming rodents who have ingested the poison. Please be thoughtful in helping to maintain a safe environment for our wildlife while you winterize.

Thanks,The PLA

WAKEFIELD NEW SHORE LAND DEPT PROPOSAL

The PLA has been asked to share the following information regarding a Wakefield NEW Shore Land Department Proposal sponsored by Chuck Robbins of Wakefield.
The link below is information and an informal survey which will be used by Chuck to determine if a warrant article should be proposed to the Town to ‘create a separate department with people and equipment to combat all Wakefield lakes nutrient loading and erosion problems, as the Town does with all other departments to insure the health and safety of our unique town.’ Resident taxpayers will receive a mailing but Chuck would like input from all Wakefield taxpayers as well. You can submit your questions or response directly to Chuck at shorelandnewdepartment@gmail.com or mail your response to him at 271 Walsh Road, Sanbornville, NH 03872.
The PLA is not advocating for or against this proposal but we are sharing it so Wakefield folks can express their opinion and make their own decision on this matter. Thank you for your consideration,
The PLA

Here is the Link.

GRANT APPROVED TO PROTECT PROVINCE LAKE WATER QUALITY

Hi all,
The Acton Wakefield Watersheds Alliance (AWWA) and Province Lake Association have successfully applied for and received another New Hampshire 319 Grant to help protect the water quality of Province Lake. Section 319 of the Clean Water Act allows the EPA to grant funds to states and local organizations to maintain clean and healthy water bodies, or address specific water quality issues. As a local organization with a full-time technical staff, AWWA acquires these grants on behalf of local lake associations, and helps to implement projects on the lake.
This 319 grant funds a variety of water quality projects and programs. First, if you are experiencing erosion on your lakefront property, AWWA will conduct a free site visit and develop a landscape plan to address erosion. The grant provides funding for AWWA’s Youth Conservation Corps to install stormwater landscape designs on lakefront properties. Homeowners need only purchase the required materials and the labor is free. This is an affordable, lake-friendly landscaping alternative that benefits the lake and protects your shoreline.
This grant also includes a septic system cost-share replacement program. Old and undersized septic systems are a major source of Phosphorus in the lake. If you think your septic system needs replacement call AWWA or visit their website to apply for cost-share funding. Four homeowners will receive up to $4,600 each to be used toward their septic system replacements. These are prioritized based on water quality impact and first come first served so please apply today or call AWWA to see if you qualify.

AWWA Contact Info:
(p) 603 473 2500
(e) info@awwatersheds.org