Spofford Lake Association

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Spofford's Water Quality

November 19, 6:00 pm

In-person at: Town Hall, 518 Route 63, Chesterfield, NH

Via Zoom at: see below

The August phosphorous core sampling results have arrived. Learn about the state of Spofford Lake’s water quality and what potential actions may be needed to improve and protect it. Laura Diemer, Senior Project Manager, Lakes Services Lead, & Director of Operations, FB Environmental (FBE) will discuss the results and outline future remedial actions, their timelines and costs.

In the August 24 Lake Lover Gazette and Core Sampling 2.0 video, we reported on our recent efforts to better understand the levels of phosphorous across the Lake, and the extent to which Spofford is likely approaching a state of widespread phosphorous internal loading.

A field team from FBE conducted (on August 12) phosphorous core sediment samplings at 12 locations (see the map) along major flow lines and at varying depths within the Lake. The samples sought to identify the different fractions of phosphorous, allowing for an estimate of the total mass of phosphorus stored in the lakebed and, importantly, the portion of phosphorus that could be released into the water column when deep waters lose oxygen. We already know from data coming from the continuous monitoring buoy, located over the deep spot, that Spofford suffers prolonged periods of low dissolved oxygen (DO) at 14 and 16 meters.

When bottom waters go anoxic (oxygen-free), the natural balance is lost, sediments release bound phosphorus, a condition called “internal loading,” which in turn fuels excessive toxic algae (e.g., cyanobacteria) and plant growth. Both are highly detrimental to a lake and its recreational users. Fish and other water life are also negatively impacted.

Join us to learn what can be done to protect our cherished Spofford Lake. We hope to see you on Wednesday, in November 19 at Town Hall @ 6:00pm. Or log into Zoom to participate remotely at:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82642143669?pwd=PIw106qs0nLXSFg0WLn1uxvYEW95rN.1

Meeting ID: 826 4214 3669, Passcode: 03462

Water Quality Meeting, Member Dues, Cyanobacteria, Words of Praise, October 19

Dear Members, Neighbors, and Lake Lovers:

Community Meeting on Water Quality:  Sorry for the delay.  We had hoped by now to have scheduled a date for a community meeting (with a Zoom option) to report on the results of the August phosphorous cores sampling.  Unfortunately, the Wisconsin lab doing the analysis has yet to confirm a date of completion.  Once the results are in hand and our partner FB Environmental provides us an action plan, we’ll announce meeting details. So, stay tuned.

Membership and Lake Preservation Fund:  While our work programs have not diminished, indeed they have increased, membership dollars and Lake Preservation Fund contributions are behind 2024.  Remember, the SLA works on a calendar basis, so please send your 2025 dues and LPF donations in ASAP.  Login here to your account. Or send a check to:  SLA, Box 177, Spofford NH 03462.  New members are always welcome to join us.  We appreciate your continuing support.

Cyanobacteria, Actions at State Level:  During a NH LAKES webinar on October 15, Amy Smagula, Chief Aquatic Scientist & Director of Jody Connor Limnology Center, NH DES updated folks on the State’s more precise alert/warning system, educational outreach, and the cyanobacteria mitigation plan.  To watch the recording of this session, click here.

Please report any possible cyanobacteria blooms to both the State and the SLA.  For contact info, go our cyanobacteria webpage.

Why contact the SLA?  The SLA has a small team well versed in the cyanobacteria most common to our lake, i.e., benthic mats.  Working with the homeowner, we can respond quickly to send the sample for analysis.  Depending on our assessment, in addition to sending it to the State, we might also send a sample to a Florida lab specializing in cyanobacteria.  This yields much quicker results than what we get from the over-burdened State lab.
Words of Praise: We are very proud that our September Gazette elicited a number of favorable reactions. Here are a few:

“As usual, we are in your debt for your continued dedication and work to preserve the integrity of our beautiful Spofford Lake. Thank you for your vigilance and efforts on behalf of all of us who call Spofford our home.“
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“These are terrific emails. Thank you for authoring and sending them!  Lucky to be a part,“

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“This is terrific!  Thanks for sharing. It's encouraging.”

If you have any reactions to our content or suggestions on improvement, please info@spoffordlakeassociation.org.   In the meantime, thanks to all for the kind words.

Until the next Gazette,
The Spofford Lake Association

New Invasive Species, Spiny Water Flea: This new invasive has already been found in Lakes Winnipesaukee and Winnisquam. While small, it poses harm in many ways