Dear Members, Friends, and Lake Lovers:

Results of Town Vote:  We are happy to announce that the Town of Chesterfield and its voters once again agreed that preserving the quality of Spofford Lake remains important.   On March 15, voters approved the proposed 2025 budget, which includes $8,000 for our ongoing water quality management program. This funding, along with monies from the SLA, will support the analysis of data from the monitoring buoy purchased and submerged over the deep spot of the Lake in 2024.  Data from the buoy will be crucial to refining and directing future efforts to address the ongoing internal loading situation.  Thank you Town officials and voters or helping us help Spofford Lake!

Spring Tips for a Healthy Lake:  As we navigate mud season in Spofford, remember that spring runoff significantly impacts our lake's health and can contribute to poor water quality and the growth of cyanobacteria. 
Here are some key actions you can take to safeguard our lake:

• Manage Runoff: Observe how rain and snowmelt flow across your property and consider adding vegetation to divert and absorb runoff,
• Clean Your Property: To prevent pollutants from entering the Lake, remove debris from your yard and shoreline, including pet waste, and
• Improve Drainage: Ensure proper driveway drainage, clean out ditches and culverts, and consider stormwater management practices like dry wells or filter strips. Contact a LakeSmart coordinator for free expert advice.

Let's work together to maintain healthy water quality for everyone's enjoyment!

Stay in the Know:  Effective January 1, 2025

New Fertilizer Restrictions:  With the goal of preventing toxic cyanobacteria blooms, HB 1293, restricts the use of fertilizers containing high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. It prohibits fertilizer application within 25 feet of any body of water or storm drain and establishes conditions under which fertilizers cannot be applied, e.g., during rain storms or on frozen ground. 

New Boat Registration Rule:  All boats registered in the State of New Hampshire must now, per HB 1304, display two decals, one for registration and another for the boat fee. The boat fee has increased by $3.00.  Decals must be displayed on each side of the bow of the vessel.  HB 1304 is designed to protect federal funding for the NH Marine Patrol.  State boating fees support critical programs, including aquatic invasive plant management and prevention activities.  

The Chesterfield Watersheds:  Local ecologist Jeff Littleton's lecture, "Watersheds 101," is now available on YouTube. It explains why watersheds are vital to the Town's economic health and how residents can protect them. Chesterfield has four major watersheds and the Chesterfield Conservation Commission (CCC) has launched an educational series to raise awareness. Recent activities include a Beaver Walk and an outdoor education night with the Chesterfield School. This spring, plans are underway for an in-field presentation in the California Brook Natural Area. For 2026, the CCC will collaborate with the school on a watershed-themed project.