Lake News - October
Hello Crystal Lake!
Well they ended up pulling the boards a bit later than anticipated (just this past Tuesday). So far the NH Dam Bureau has taken out just two boards and will be taking out an additional 3 - 5 before it's all said and done. Expect the levels to come down about 4' in total. Congratulations to those lucky enough to still have a boat in! I've got a number of things for you today including a DES Fact Sheet, NH LAKES Shoreline Newsletter, and a note from Shirley. Let me start with the DES Fact Sheet...
Well, it's chainsaw season! Frequently questions come up about taking trees down around the lake, what you can take down, and what you shouldn't take down. I thought folks might be interested in the DES rules on the topic. (Please see the attachment at the end of this email.) It's actually pretty well done and an interesting read. The one thing I would add is that there are the rules... and then there is the spirit of what we are all trying to achieve which is pristine water quality for decades to come. As stated in the Fact Sheet, "Nature's most economical and efficient water purification system is a combination of native shoreland plants". Let's use the DES rules as our minimum standard and continue doing everything we can to preserve this beautiful place. Oh... and Nice Job to all the folks that have been working with NH LAKES to get their Lakesmart Awards! Well done!!!
Secondly... below you will find a copy of the monthly NH LAKES newsletter. It's a good one with several interesting articles and links to two recent webinars. One thing I just learned today, which is not in the newsletter, is that HB 105 was sent for "Interim Study". (This was the NH house bill which would have created a loon license plate with the proceeds going to cyanobacteria mitigation loans and grants.) Basically "Interim Study" means the bill has been put on the shelf and not going to move forward for at least a year. (Not good news.) As we enter the legislative session, I will keep you updated on lake related bills and things we can all do to help support lake friendly legislation.
And lastly, a note from Shirley...
It's time to plan for the holidays! As you think about gifts for your friends and family who love Crystal Lake, Crystal Lake apparel would make a great gift (or maybe for yourself, also). I have long sleeve t-shirts, and three styles of sweatshirts - crew, hooded pullovers, and hooded full zips. There are many infant, toddler, and youth items available (hoodies, onesies, bibs, etc.). I have attached a flyer with some of the available items, I can also special order other apparel. I have attached additional pages with items that have been popular which can be special ordered. Also, color options are available by special order. Please let me know by Friday, November 7th if you would like to place an order. I am well stocked right now, but if I need to order more, I will need to do it by November 10th for holiday delivery. If you are out of the area, I can send your order to you, or directly to the person you are gifting.
If you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Warm regards,
Shirley
Thanks Everyone. Have a great weekend and be safe!
Talk Soon,
Dan
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Erin M. at NH LAKES <emastine@nhlakes.org>
Date: Sat, Oct 18, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Subject: SHORELINES - Your monthly NH LAKES newsletter
To: Dan <danregan2011@gmail.com>
Dear Dan,
It's hard to believe, given the cold weather we've had lately, but my family and I were boating and swimming at Lake Winnipesaukee just two weeks ago! As we swam, the lake's telltale sulfur smell this time of year let me know we were witnessing fall turnover firsthand. As much as we've enjoyed the unseasonal warm weather, the return of cooler temperatures is good for our lakes.
Read "How Autumn Transforms New Hampshire’s Lakes" to learn more about this natural change happening to our lakes below the surface.
Working together for the lakes we all love,
Erin Mastine, Outreach Manager
LAKE PROTECTION TIPS & MORE
Join Us in Welcoming Larry Keane to our Board of Directors
On joining the board, Larry shared, "I have personally experienced the harm that bad policy choices and decisions can have on the quality of our cherished lakes. I am honored to have been elected to serve on the NH LAKES Board of Directors. I hope my nonprofit legal and advocacy experience can contribute to the success of the organization and to achieving its important policy goals to protect all of New Hampshire's lakes, which are such a vital part of our community and way of life." Learn more about Larry here.
If you are interested in serving on the NH LAKES board, contact Andrea Lamoreaux, NH LAKES President, at alamoreaux@nhlakes.org.
Don't Let Leaves Litter the Lake
When leaves fall to the ground, they naturally decompose and restock the soil with nutrients and organic matter. But what happens when there’s no soil to land on? What happens to those nutrients when leaves land on streets and driveways where they can’t be recycled into the soil? Here’s the short answer: they litter the lake with pollution! The good news is you help prevent leaves from littering your favorite lake. Read "Don’t Let Leaves Litter Lakes" to find out how.
The Holidays are Right Around the Corner
What better addition to your table for holiday gatherings than NH LAKES wine glasses?! Get yours today. They make great host gifts, too!
Estate Planning By the Numbers
Sixty-four percent of Americans say having a will is important—but 68% don’t have a will in place. October 20-26 is National Estate Planning Awareness Week. This year, we’re reminding our community that it's a good idea to have a plan in place, no matter your age or wealth. With FreeWill, you can create your plans in just 20 minutes online and protect the people and lakes you love. Create your free will today.
Your Old Boat Can Still Make Waves
Donate your boat to NH LAKES and skip winterization costs while helping preserve New Hampshire’s beautiful lakes. Free pick-up is included and we accept all types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, RVs, boats, and more. Donating is easy! Learn more at https://nhlakes.careasy.org/home.
Lake-Friendly Boat Winterization
All good things must eventually come to an end. At the end of each New Hampshire summer, there will come a time for those of us who boat to conclude our boating season and put the boat into hibernation. Read more here for lake-friendly boat cleaning and engine winterization suggestions.
NEWS FOR YOU
Swim Season Wrap: New Hampshire Saw Same Amount Of Cyanobacteria As 2024, More Fecal Bacteria
The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) officials have stated that the cyanobacteria bloom occurrences in 2025 were about the same as in 2024, though the messaging and reporting system was modified this year. Read more here.
To Get ‘Toxic Stew’ Out of State’s Lakes, Legislators Eye New Ways to Fund Cyanobacteria Mitigation
Lake-minded New Hampshire legislators are gearing up to tackle water quality once again this session, after some measures aimed at preventing and treating cyanobacteria blooms were voted down or softened last session. Read more here.
Stormwater Treatment Key to Preserving New Hampshire’s Lake Health
Stormwater treatment, the rise of cyanobacteria, and road salt use are the most critical factors in the health of New Hampshire’s lakes, and Francestown’s lakes are no exception, according to Ted Diers, assistant director of the Water Division of the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. Read more here.
A Tiny, Spiny Invasive Species Could Mean Big Changes for New Hampshire Lakes and Fish
In New Hampshire, the spiny water flea has not been present long enough to know just what that upset might look like for the state’s lakes. Newfound is only the third New Hampshire lake confirmed to host the creature, which was first spotted in lakes Winnipesaukee and Winnisquam in 2023. But lakes elsewhere in the country, including the Great Lakes, have been dealing with water flea invasions for decades, and scientists said findings from those systems could shine a light on what New Hampshire can expect from this new, hard-to-shake visitor. Read more here.
EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
Watch the Webinar Recording: Watershed Management Planning for Your Lake
Watershed management plans are essential for restoring and preserving the long-term health of our lakes. However, knowing where to start when developing a plan can be tricky. On October 8, Forrest Bell, founder and owner of FB Environmental Associates, joined us to talk about what it takes to identify water quality problems in your watershed, propose solutions, and create a strategy for implementing them. Watch the recording here.
Watch the Webinar Recording: Cyanobacteria in New Hampshire’s Lakes: New Findings and Updated Messaging from NHDES
On October 15, Amy Smagula from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services joined us for an update on the status of cyanobacteria blooms in New Hampshire’s lakes during the Summer of 2025 and to find out what to look out for this fall. Amy will also explain the updated messaging from NHDES regarding public health guidance. Watch the recording here.
Reminder: 2026 Local Source Water Protection Grant Applications Due November 1
The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services provides small grants to water suppliers, municipalities, and other local organizations to protect drinking water sources. Learn more here.
ARE YOU SUPPORTING YOUR LAKE ASSOCIATION?
Lakes can’t take care of themselves. For over 30 years, New Hampshire’s lakes have benefited from a vibrant partnership between NH LAKES and people like you, working together to restore and preserve the lakes we all love.
It works! You can do your part to preserve and restore your favorite lake by contributing to both NH LAKES and your favorite lake association. To learn more about how NH LAKES partners with lake associations and for a list of our partner associations, click here.
The lakes we all love can’t take care of themselves. They need you to do your part. You can invest in restoring and preserving the health of our lakes by making a charitable donation today.
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