Dear Members, Neighbors, and Lake Lovers:
Benthic Cyanobacteria Mapping Results: To better understand benthic cyanobacteria and the problems facing Spofford Lake, the SLA arranged for an underwater survey to be completed. Having this documentation will help with permitting, if and when, remedial work becomes necessary.
On August 27, a team spent upwards of 7 hours on the hunt for benthic cyanobacteria ‘beds,’ see the NH DES Benthic Fact Sheet. Armed with an underwater drone camera, the team photographed, sampled, and mapped the shoreline of the Lake up to depths of 5 feet, though spot checks were taken at greater depths as well.
The team consisted of Laura Diemer, Certified Lake Manager, FB Environmental; Amy Smagula, Director, Jody Connor Limnology Center & Chief Aquatic Biologist, NH DES; and Dr. Amanda McQuaid, Extension State Specialist in Water Quality and Ecotoxicology, Professor of Limnology, and Director of Lakes Lay Monitoring Program, UNH.
The full 10-page Spofford Lake Benthic Cyanobacteria Survey report can be found here. The team focused its time on the western shorelines, where the majority of blooms have occurred, including the most recent bloom in August. They also surveyed select sites on the North and South Shores, the B&K Club, and Ware’s Grove.
Store: The temperatures have definitely dropped, so it’s time to refresh your Fall and Winter wardrobes with some SLA gear. How about a Vineyard Vines vest, a cozy North Face fleece, a comfy hoodie, a long sleeve shirt, or travel mug for your favorite warm beverage? We have something for everyone, including children and grandchildren. And don’t forget, the holidays will be here before you know it. Order soon as delivery takes 2-3 weeks. An SLA gift is not only a great gift for friends and family, but all proceeds from the Store, managed by Bulldog in Keene, go to the SLA’s Lake Preservation Fund.
Fishing Tournaments: The last one for the season is in the books. The kids from the ‘603 Club’ of Keene High School turned out in great number; 23 boats put in. While we don’t know who won, they were all smiling and having a good time. See you next year. |
Community Events:
- Chesterfield Historical Society (CHS):
1) The fifth printing of Spofford Lake, A Retrospective of Her Cottages, Camps, & Resorts can be purchased at the Chesterfield Historical Society (CHS) on Thursdays from 9:30 to noon. The cost is $45. Pay by check or exact cash. No change for cash purchases and no credit cards. The CHS wishes to extend its appreciation to Nancy Potter Thompson who, once again, facilitated the printing of her mother’s legacy.
2) A yet untitled book by Pam Walton and Melanie Jangro covering Spofford Lake from 2008-2027 is underway. While Marty Potter’s book will forever be the historical touchstone, her research ended in 2007. Pam and Melanie are looking for your family stories and other factual contributions from the past 20 years that are not covered in Marty’s book.
The ownership of cottages/houses has been completed up through July 2026, but the heart of the book is still being gathered. Do you have a story about your family’s cottage? Do you have historical information not shared in Marty’s book, genealogical relationships, number of generations, traditions, poems, photos, and stories that will make readers smile. Pam hopes to collect these, cull through them, and use selections to form a book of reasonable length and reasonable price. With luck, the book will be printed in 2028.
Email your ideas to Pam at pawalton4@gmail.com. Her phone is 908-399-5641. Or drop of your remembrances off at the CHS, Thursdays 9:30-noon.
- Pierce Island Swim. According to the event organizers, the Swim was a “massive success!” Thanks to all who came out to both swim and support the event…50 swimmers and an awesome group of volunteer kayakers followed our swimmers. The morning kicked off clear, calm and chilly but quickly warmed up turning into a perfect morning for a swim! Thanks to the numerous individuals and groups who shared the event with other swimmers in the area, we are excited to have almost doubled our participation from last year and hope to continue to grow in 2027.” Plans are already being made for Labor Day next year.
On behalf of the Spofford Lake Association, it is with much appreciation we accept the Pierce Island Swim donation, which was added to our Lake Preservation Fund. See you in 2027. The organizers “are thrilled to announce that the event raised $1,025,” which was “donated to the SLA and used to continue to maintain and protect our beautiful lake!”
- Spofford Lake 10K. October 25. Join the first official running of the Spofford Lake 10k. Welcome to runners of all ages to the very approachable 6.2 mile loop starting at Wares Gove Beach! Proceeds to benefit local food shelters and athletic programs. For more details and to register, check the website.
Lost Kayak: Found near Namaschaug Landing, this is your last chance to claim your kayak before the winter sets in. If it is yours, contact nancyknaus@yahoo.com.
Enjoy the last days of the season. Sincerely,
The Spofford Lake Association
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Water Quality
