Dear Members, Neighbors, and Lake Lovers:

Stormwater Runoff Improvement Webinar:  Many thanks to the SouthWest Regional Planning Commission (SWRPC) for organizing the October 9 session, which is available here.  The session focused on the second 319 grant (nonpoint source pollution) awarded to Spofford Lake and the outlined actions taken at various properties including the boat ramp parking area, Linfield Lane, Lake Drive, and the Silverdale area, where the work is now complete.  Grant partners, Jason Cooper, Southwest Regional Planning Commission (SWRPC) and Mindee Goodrum from FB Environmental, along with Tim Mosher, an involved homeowner, noted immediate and meaningful results at the sites.  Goodrum also noted that Spofford’s 2018 Watershed Management Plan called for a reduction of some 42 pounds of phosphorous per year.  Including projects completed under the first grant, a possible reduction in phosphorous from both grants is estimated to be about 30%.  More precise results will come from the Water Quality Monitoring Program and will take years to confirm.  Additional reductions are expected from any engineering work undertaken from the “Pinnacle Springs” grant (see below) being managed by the Town.  In any event, Goodrum commended the SLA for the many efforts it has made.  If you are interested in participating in a future grant, please reach out to us.

Pinnacle Springs Road Update:  FB Environmental Associates (FBE) and Horsley Witten Group (HW) make up the project team working for restoration of proper watershed flow to advance water quality improvements into Spofford Lake.  Funding for this project was secured through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) administered by the NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES).

Beginning in April with input from many landowners, FBE and HW have focused their planning on three major problematic areas, which cause drainage issues into wetlands flowing into the Lake.  The areas are:  78 Pinnacle Spring Road, Horse Pond which flows onto Bennett Road, and the culvert outlets on the east side of Pinnacle Springs Road.

In October, HW has published its stormwater management conceptual design in a document entitled Spofford Lake Watershed Plan Implementation Pinnacle Springs Road Study Area.  These conceptual designs were shared with the public at an October 8 Zoom meeting.  Feedback was welcomed.  From this point, discussion with FBE and HW will take place about the feedback from participants and final plans discussed.

Lake Water Level and Boat Ramp Renovation:  Lake water level has been drawn down sufficiently for the renovations to proceed. A start date is expected soon.  Once the work is complete, the boards at the spillway will be replaced to rebuild the water level.

You may have seen a backhoe near the boat ramp.  Work installing a new culvert from the parking lot to the Lake has been completed.

LakeSmart:  Congratulations to Spofford’s own Chris Oot, who was recently acknowledged by NH LAKES for modifications to his property to qualify for LakeSmart.  The Oots join at least two other families on the Lake to have earned such distinction.

Use of Lawn Fertilizer:  Earlier this month, the NH House of Representatives and the Senate overrode the Governor's veto on HB 1293 relative to using certain fertilizers on turf. Phosphorus pollution is a known contributor to the increasing frequency and severity of cyanobacteria blooms in our lakes. The bill limits the phosphorus content in fertilizer used on lawns, prohibits fertilizer from being applied under conditions that increase the risk of it washing off the landscape, and requires that information be posted in stores where fertilizer is sold to help educate the public on how improper and excessive use of fertilizer can harm lakes and other water bodies.  HB 1293 becomes law on January 1, 2025. 

Sharing Knowledge: On October 29, Bayard Tracy and Larry Robbins visited the Swanzey Lake Protective Association (SLPA) and four members of its Board of Directors for the purpose of sharing experiences, particularly as the SLPA looks to conduct its first Watershed Management Plan.  Other topics included building a strategic partnership with local government and community leaders and developing communications and membership plans geared toward lake residents.  

Save the Date:  The SLA 2025 is set for July 26 at the Spofford Yacht Club.  

Membership Dues:  Yearend will soon be here.  Don’t forget to support the SLA and all its programs by renewing your membership now.  Click here to log into your account or to set one up.  If you prefer, send a check to The Spofford Lake Association, PO Box 177, Spofford, NH 03462.  And if your company has a company match program, please do the necessary submissions so that the SLA also benefits.  Thanks so much.

Sincerely, 

The Spofford Lake Association