Dear Members, Neighbors, and Lake Lovers:

We start this Gazette with a quote from the well-loved naturalist, John James Audobon.  “A true conservationist is a man [or woman] who knows that the world is not given by his fathers but borrowed from his children.”

Lake Hosts by the Numbers:  NH LAKES notes “Not all heroes wear capes, some wear Lake Host shirts.”  

It couldn’t be truer of our crew!  Again, our team has stepped up and will be adding some hours to the schedule, but the core schedule remains 6am-6pm.  Regular duty began yesterday, Saturday, May 23.   Thank you, Lake Hosts!

While our WQMP team surveys the chemical and biological attributes of our lake, the Lake Hosts provide hands and eyes-on barriers to the entry of invasive species.  In 2025, Spofford program racked up:

• 1,691 hours worked
• 5,927 inspections (arriving and departing)
•  57% motorboats, 43% non-motor 

New Designs:  In time for the summer season, we have 3 fresh new designs available at the SLA Store.  Order your cap, T-shirt, hoodie or other items now. Fulfillment by mail is 2-3 weeks.  Or pickup your order at Bulldog, 147 Winchester St. in Keene.  Call first to confirm pickup time, 603-352-7217.  All proceeds go to support the SLA’s ongoing programs.  In 2025, that amounted to nearly $1,000.  Thanks Bulldog! 

Membership Dues:  On May 16, letters were posted to all who have yet to renew in 2026.  If yours hasn’t arrived, be on the lookout.  A remittance envelope is included.  

Our programs take time, volunteers, and money. State and Federal grant funds that supplemented SLA dollars aimed at reducing phosphorous-laden runoff have been suspended. Thus, we will need to rely even more heavily on membership dues and fundraising efforts.

Please renew today.  Perhaps you might even consider increasing your dues to the next membership level. If that’s not possible, adding an extra $20, $50, or $100 would go a long way. Simply send a check to the SLA, PO Box 177, Spofford NH 03462 or donate conveniently online.  You can easily set up or log into your account to donate. If you have forgotten your password, just click the “forgot password” link to easily reset it. 

Whichever way you give, take a moment to update your contact information.  Does the SLA have your preferred email, home or local addresses?  Has your phone number changed?  Do we have an email for your spouse or partner?  Thanks for keeping us apprised.  Feel free to send any account updates to info@spoffordlakeassociation.org.

Water Quality— Water quality remains our top priority.  We are back in the swing of things with the first of the VLAP testing teams (on-water and shoreline) heading out on Tuesday, May 26. 

In November, Laura Diemer of FB Environmental updated us on the state of Spofford Lake, particularly as relates to phosphorous sediment testing and what it means to any possible future remediation.  Did you miss the session?  If so, check it out on our YouTube channel.  We are already following up on a number of her recommendations.   

Septic Inspection and Maintenance:  As a reminder, all septic systems must be recertified every 4 years.   All septic tanks must be pumped every 3 years.  Don’t forget to send proof of these actions to the Town.  Failure to do so may result in penalties.  

Community Events:

• Chesterfield Farmers Market:  Held in front of Town Hall, the season began yesterday and will continue into October.  
  
• Beaches:  Both North Shore and Ware’s Grove opened on May 23 for basking in the sun and frolicking in the oh-so-chilly water. 
  
• Stone House Tavern Museum.  Now open for the summer, 10am-1pm, Saturdays only. 
  

Avian Update:  Our eagle eyes in the sky, Lee Brockman, reports that it is unlikely that Spofford will see wee ones this year.  The adults are seen too frequently off and away from the nest.  

On the plus side, the Loon Preservation Committee has spotted a loon nest on the west side of the island.  Please respect the warning signs.  Kayakers, in particular, please do not cross the cordoned off area.  Paddling too close to the nesting area spooks the birds and may result in unintended consequences.  

Enjoy the Memorial Day holiday, the unofficial start of summer.  At the same time, reflect on the original intent of Memorial Day, a national remembrance of military personnel who serve and sacrifice for our country.  

With fond wishes,

The Spofford Lake Association