Looking for a way to connect with the Lake?
There are many ways in which you can help us protect this beautiful lake.
There are many ways in which you can help us protect this beautiful lake.
LWA advocates for public policy by promoting conservation, preservation and protection for Lake Winnipesaukee and it’s surrounding watershed. As part of our advocacy efforts we track new bills that are being proposed to the New Hampshire State Legislature, provide updates on bill status and encourage the public to voice their opinions to their state representatives.
You can express your support in 2 ways.
1.) Attend a Hearing in Person (preferred)
Before a bill can move to the full House or Senate, it undergoes discussion in committee. These public hearings provide an opportunity for representatives to hear testimonies, pose questions to the bill’s sponsor and other stakeholders, including the public. If you plan to attend a hearing, please sign-in when you enter the hearing room. Be sure to specify your stance, in favor or opposed, and express your desire to speak on the bill if you’d like. When addressing the full committee please be sure keep it brief, around 3 minutes, and speak how the bill benefits or threatens the region and the environment as well as potential negative impacts if it is not passed.
2.) Submit Remote Testimony Online
Use the remote sign in form to also share your support for this bill:
Step 1- Fill in your personal information
Step 2- Select the date of the hearing
Step 3- Select the bill
Step 4- Indicate your support and upload your testimony.
Step 5- Review and submit.
Your testimony, in person or online, should include the following:
1.) Introduce yourself and explain why you are writing in a polite and respectful manner.
2.) If you are contacting them to discuss a specific legislation include the title of the bill in the subject line.
3.) In the first sentence or two, state whether you support or oppose the bill and why.
4.) Consider adding a personal anecdote and include how the bill would affect you and your community.
5.) Include your contact information: name, phone number, address and email.
Click Here to Find Your Representatives
Click Here to View House Committee Contacts
Click Here to View Senate Committee Contacts
Click Here to Submit Your House of Representatives Online Testimony
Click Here to Submit Your Senate Online Testimony
*Please note that you will not be able to submit your online testimony until a public hearing date has been set*
How a Bill Becomes a Law in NH
These are the bills that LWA is tracking at this time. It will be updated throughout the legislative session.
Bill Number | Bill Title | Sponsor | Topic/Issue(s) of Interest | LWA Position | Synopsis from NH LAKES | Status | Committee/ Hearing Date | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HB1103-FN | relative to revising the penalties of the shoreland protection act. | Rosemarie Rung (Prime) | Surface Water Quality Protection Act | Support | Would make it less burdensome for DES to enforce the act. The Dept. would not have to prove that the violation caused damage or that the violator made a good-faith effort to correct the problem before issuing a fine. | Hearing Date Scheduled | RR&D 1/17/24 LOB 305, 1pm | |
HB1113 | relative to shoreland septic systems. | Rosemarie Rung (Prime) | Septic Systems, Water Quality | Support | This bill modifies requirements for site assessment studies of shoreland septic systems when a property is sold. If system is not approved by DES or approved more than 20 years ago, a detailed septic evaluation by a NH permitted septic system designer. would be required If system is found in failure, DES and local health officer must be notified and this must be included on the site assessment report. Failed systems would need to be replaced prior to close of the property. | Hearing Date Scheduled | RR&D 1/17/24 LOB 305, 2pm | |
HB1143 | including control of cyanobacteria blooms under the New Hampshire clean lakes program | Rosemarie Rung (Prime) | Water Quality | Support | This bill requires the department of environmental services to provide remedial actions for cyanobacteria blooms under the New Hampshire clean lakes program. | RR&D | ||
HB1229 | relative to the purchase and sale of any interest in real property abutting public waters. | Rosemarie Rung (Prime) | Surface Water Quality Protection Act | Support | This bill requires buyers, lessees and transferees of shoreland property to acknowledge minimum requirements for compliance with the shoreland water quality protection act. | RR&D | ||
HB1250 | enabling the creation of certain village districts. | Dan Wolf (Prime) | Watershed Management | Support | This bill allows for consistent environmental policies for towns that share a body of water. | House Municipal and County Government | ||
HB1293-FN | relative to prohibiting the use of certain fertilizers using phosphorus. | Lorie Ball (Prime) | Water Quality | Support | No turf fertilizer sold at a retail store can exceed 0.67% phosphate unless for establishing a new lawn, for lawn repair, or if soil test indicates phosphorus deficiency. No fertilizer sold for use on turf shall exceed application rate of 1 lb/1000 sq ft. A retailer selling phosphorus fertilizer must post certain signage. | In Committee | Envr & Agr. 1/8/24 LOB 301, 10AM View Recording | |
HB1301 | relative to wakesurfing on public bodies of water. | Will Darby (Prime) | Water Quality, Boating Safety | Support | This bill allows the department of safety to restrict or prohibit wake surfing on a public body of water pursuant to a petition and hearing process. | In Committee | RR&D 1/10/24 LOB Room 305, 10AM View Recording (skip to 5:13) | |
HB1314-FN | relative to the comprehensive state development plan | Chuck Grassie (Prime) | Environmental Interest | Support | This bill adds provisions to the comprehensive state development plan concerning protection of natural resources and identifying environmental threats. It specially adds a section on the protection of lakes and wetlands. | RR&D | ||
HB1360 | relative to emergency authority on the public or coastal waters of the state. | Dan Wolf (Prime) | Water Quality, Recreation, Safety | Support | This bill allows the department of safety to establish an emergency maximum speed limit on public and coastal waters for up to 10 days due to weather or environmental conditions. | RR&D | ||
HB1390 | relative to regulating wakeboating and wakesports. | Linda Tanner (Prime) | Water Quality, Recreation, Safety | Support | This bill establishes prohibitions and limitations for the operation of wakeboats and their use in wakesports on public waters of the state. Defines a wakesports zone (50 acres of 500 ft from shore, 20 feet deep | RR&D | ||
HB1562 | relative to personal watercraft. | Rosemarie Rung (Prime) | Recreation, Water Quality | Support | This bill removes the term "ski craft" from laws on navigation of state waters and defines such craft as personal watercraft. | RR&D | ||
SB394-FN-A | relative to the cyanobacteria mitigation fund | Jeb Bradley (Prime) | Water Quality | Support | This bill makes an appropriation to the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund. It appropriates $1M to the Dept. of Environmental Services for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. Of this amount, $350,000 shall be allocated as rebates/reimbursement directly related to an in-lake cyanobacteria treatment for Lake Kanasatka | In Committee | Finance 01/04/24, State House Rm. 103, 1:40pm View Recording | |
SB431 | relative to wake surfing | Timothy Lang (Prime) | Recreation, Water Quality | Oppose | This bill adds restrictions for engaging in wake surfing on a public body of water. No person shall engage in wake surfing on a body of water that is less than 50 acres in size. No person shall engage in wake surfing within 200 feet of a shoreline, dock, pier, boathouse, or other boats or on a portion of a body of water with a width, measured from the nearest shoreline to the second nearest shoreline, of less than 400 feet. | Transportation | ||
CACR14 | relating to the environment and natural resources. Providing that the state shall maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment for present and future generations. | Timothy Horrigan (Prime) | Environmental Interest | Support | This constitutional amendment concurrent resolution would require the state to maintain a clean and healthful environment and protect New Hampshire's natural resources. | In Committee | Envr & Agr. 1/8/24 LOB 301-303, 1PM View Recording | |
HB1142 | relative to requirements for relevant work experience before taking the exam to be a septic designer or installer. | Mark McConkey (Prime) | Septic Systems | Support | This bill requires a period of active engagement in the trade of septic system design before taking the exam to be a septic designer or installer. | RR&D | ||
HB1144 | relative to requirements for sewage disposal information to be disclosed during real estate transactions. | Mark McConkey (Prime) | Septic Systems | Support | This bill requires certain information to be disclosed about sewage disposal systems during real estate transactions of dwellings and food service establishments. | Commerce and Consumer Affairs | ||
HB1294-FN | relative to prohibiting the state of New Hampshire from enforcing the regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency. | Michael Granger (Prime) | Environmental Interest | Oppose | This bill states that the federal Environmental Protection Agency has no constitutional validity in this state, and requires that the New Hampshire department of environmental services provide for all environmental protection in this state. | In Committee | Envr & Agr. 1/8/24 LOB 301-303 11AM View Recording | |
HB1503-FN | relative to the definition of wetlands. | Erica Layon (Prime) | Wetlands | Oppose | This bill excludes certain areas from the definition of wetlands. | RR&D | ||
HB1554 | relative to certified culvert maintainer program reporting. | Mark McConkey (Prime) | Runoff Water Management, Water Quality | Support | This bill specifies who in a municipality shall submit a quarterly report on culvert maintenance. | RR&D |
Property owners can minimize impacts from stormwater runoff through simple actions such as planting native vegetation along the shorefront, installing gravel driplines along roof edges, and making sure that path and driveway runoff is filtered into the ground rather than running over the land and into the lake.
Take the steps below to sign up for your FREE, voluntary and non-regulatory property assessment. Our Winni Blue Crew is partnering with NH Lakes to offer the LakeSmart program to property owners as part of our Keep Winni Blue initiative.
If your property is deemed “Winni Blue & LakeSmart” you will receive a sign to place on your property! Thank you for doing your part to keep the Lake Winnipesaukee watershed clean and healthy.
Afraid the lake is going to turn brown, and you will no longer be able to swim around?
Alarmed the milfoil will touch your toes, and send you home with the woes? Scared that all of the boat wake may be giving the lake a bellyache? Well, have no fear because all you need to do is VOLUNTEER!
We need your help in protecting the Lake Winnipesaukee Watershed. The following volunteer opportunities are available:
As a non-profit, the Lake Winnipesaukee Association relies on funding from individuals, businesses, public agencies and private foundations.
The Business of Keeping Winnipesaukee Blue – Recognizing that the ‘economy and environment’ are opposite sides of the same coin, with Lake Winnipesaukee our common currency, it is important that we work together to ensure Winnipesaukee stays blue and clean.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2023 BUSINESS SPONSORS!
E.M. Heath, Inc. MI-BOX of Central NH
Moulton Farm
These businesses have pledged their commitment to protecting Lake Winnipesaukee by sponsoring programs, outreach materials, and events.
We are proud to recognize them and thank them for their support.
Company sponsorship opportunities are available for programs, events, and specific projects. Recognition will be provided at the sponsored event and will be listed on the page related to the program or event.
For information about Underwriter Benefits associated with sponsorship, please email us at mail@winnipesaukee.org or call us at 603-581-6632.
We truly appreciate and thank you for your support!
Show your love for Winnipesaukee and help us keep it blue, clean, and healthy by following these Winnipesaukee dozen practices.
Wash cars and boats away from the lake.
Inspect your boat and trailer for invasive animal and plants.
Never feed the ducks and geese.
Never rake leaves or dump sand into the lake.
Inspect and pump septic systems regularly.
Put a bilge sock in your boat.
Eliminate or reduce the use of household hazardous products.
Stabilize soil with native plants and/or mulch to prevent erosion.
Aid our lake protection efforts – become a member or donate to the LWA.
Use phosphate free fertilizers and cleaning products.
Keep the natural vegetation and buffer along the shoreline.
Educate your friends and neighbors.
Enjoy the beauty. It’s why we live here.
Here are some additional tips to enjoy the lake to its fullest:
January
Anything you throw into a river, stream, or even a storm drain is going to end up in the lake. Those tiny cigarette butts are litter too. Dispose of garbage properly and, yes you are going to hear it again, “Reduce! Reuse! Recycle!” and the fourth ‘R’ – Repair! Start the New Year off making a greater effort to reduce your trash output and increase your recycling.
Save yourself time and set up a few containers in your garage to sort recycling. You may want to sort your recycling as you go along or maybe it is easier to keep a smaller container under your sink and throw all recyclables in it until it is full and then sort it in the garage or wherever you choose to place your sorting center. It’s easy. It’s simple. It’s stupid not to do it.
February
Don’t be the stink of the neighborhood! Make sure your septic system is not leaking or overflowing by having the system inspected every three to five years and pumped whenever necessary (a recommended 2-3 years for permanent residents and 5-6 years for seasonal residents). If you do not take care of your tank properly, settled solids might wash into and clog your leach field as well as contaminate groundwater. Not only yucky but also very expensive to fix!
March
Time for spring-cleaning! Buy eco-friendly cleaners such as Seventh Generation/Harmony, Ecos, Earth Rite, Ecover, and Life Tree. Dispose of any hazardous household chemicals properly, not down sewer or storm drains. By reducing the amount of chemicals going into your septic system, your system will stay balanced and avoid the risk of groundwater contamination that may poison your well water and the lake. Storm drains run directly into the lake so it is important not to “pour” oil or any other hazardous chemicals into the drain. In the Lakes Region, Household Hazardous Waste Day is held on the last Saturday in July. For more information on where and when to dispose of your hazardous waste, contact your local town office or the Lakes Region Planning Commission (603-279-8171).
April
Celebrate Earth Day! Plant trees, shrubs, and flowers on shorefront property (vegetative buffers) as well as on other exposed areas near drainage systems. Vegetative buffers help remove sediments and other nutrients from runoff before entering the lake. Runoff traveling down driveways and camp roads directly into the lake may be diverted through the woods or into a vegetated buffer.
For examples of species that work well as vegetative buffers in New Hampshire environments, refer to the UNH Cooperative Extension’s “Landscaping at the Water’s Edge” publication or the “The Best Plants for New Hampshire Gardens or Landscapes”, both available through UNH Cooperative Extension. Belknap and Carroll County Conservation Districts hold an annual tree & shrub sale in April (ordering deadline is usually in Feb/Mar) which offer a large variety of native plants to choose from. Call BCCD at (603)527-5880 or CCCD at (603)447-2771 for details.
May
It’s time to build little Johnny that float you told him he could swim to once he was old enough. Construct docks and floats with environmentally friendly materials. Pressure treated and painted wood have chemicals proven to be harmful to living organisms. Cedar, redwood, cypress, recycled wood/plastic, and aluminum are all safe materials to use for dock and float construction.
June
Quack! Quack! You may be tempted to throw those cute waddling ducks a cracker, but think twice before you do. There is plenty of natural food for the ducks to feed on. Feeding them anything not naturally occurring in the watershed will put unnecessary amounts of nutrients (duck poop) in the lake. The excess nutrients (duck poop) act as excess fertilizer, which can result in algae blooms, not to mention increasing the chances of getting duck itch.
July
Are your neighbors not talking to you because they are utterly disgusted at the fact your lawn is brown? Well good for you! Grass is supposed to turn brown over those hot dry periods. Don’t worry, your grass isn’t dead; it’s just dormant. The grass is taking a nap and will turn green once again when the conditions are right.
If you are using fertilizer, do not try dumping more and more fertilizer on your lawn to turn it green. Most likely there is more than one reason for your lawn not being healthy. Have your soil tested by the UNH Soils Analytical Laboratory to find out how much fertilizer and what type you really need (for more information contact the UNH Cooperative Extension nearest you). If you don’t test your soil, try adding some lime to the lawn to counteract acidity and allow the nutrients present to be absorbed by the grass. A few other tips for keeping your lawn healthy are:
– Aerate the soil with an aerating machine.
– Leave grass clippings on your lawn to act as a natural fertilizer and irrigate your lawn.
– Keep grass long (at least 2 inches) to promote deeper roots and shade to discourage weeds.
– Make sure your lawn mower blade is sharp (if the tips of the grass are jagged after mowing, you need a sharper blade).
August
Going on vacation to enjoy the last few weeks of the summer sun? Bringing your boat with you? Don’t forget to make sure you are not transporting any nuisance species such as milfoil into our lake or into any other lake. Inspect your boat and trailer, particularly on the rollers of the trailer and on the boat motor. Put any plant material or anything else you find in a trash bag and dispose of properly. It is also recommended to wash your boat with very hot water away from the lake, flush the motor, and let it dry for two days before launching it into another body of water.
September
Don’t do it in the lake! Using soap or phosphorus-containing detergents to bathe, wash boats, or anything else for that matter may cause algae blooms by increasing phosphorus levels in the lake. Wash your car and boat over grass instead of paved driveways or concrete.
The grass and soil will help filter out the phosphorus instead of allowing it to run directly into the lake. And whether in the city or the country, cleaning up after “Benji” is a must so that we don’t end up swimming in his manure.
October
Wouldn’t it be so easy to just rake the leaves from the yard right into the stream behind our house? No mess, right? Wrong! Vegetative material will add phosphorus and other nutrients directly into the lake as well as create excellent habitat for leeches at your personal swimming area.
Keep leaf piles and brush piles at least 250 feet from the shoreline or 50 feet from any other drainage. Never dump leaf or brush piles into the lake or any other drainage area such as a stream, river, or storm drain.
November
Be like the pilgrims and serve a free-range turkey for Thanksgiving. It’s better for you and it’s better for the turkey. Gobble! Gobble!
Be thankful for the lake; join LWA and support our efforts in protecting the lake and surrounding watershed.
December
Are you tempted to buy one of those tacky frosty white artificial Christmas trees just like you had growing up? You may think an artificial tree is eco-friendly because you will use it year after year, but studies show that most people get rid of their fake trees after 6 years where they end up in a landfill. Artificial trees are also made with petroleum-based products, nonrenewable resources, which produce pollution during collection and synthesis of the products. Buy a real Christmas tree grown on a tree farm where the trees benefit wildlife habitat, stabilize soil, buffer water supplies, provide oxygen, and spread holiday cheer. For more information on Christmas trees go to realchristmastrees.org.