Our Work
Watershed Management Plan
During the Summer and Fall, 2024, MLPOA and Winchendon Springs Lake Association (WSLA) applied for a grant from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) to fund a watershed-based study of the area surrounding Lake Monomonac. Now that it has been awarded, we are moving to the next stage of releasing a “Request for Qualifications” (RFQ) to a list of consultants provided by NHDES (New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services). This is a request for qualified consultants to bid on the project. The qualifications will be judged by NHDES, who will guide us through the contracting process. Once a contract is signed the study will begin.
Lake Host Program
The Lake Host Program was created by the NH Legislature in 2000 to minimize the introduction and spread of invasive aquatic plants and animals in NH lakes.
Lake hosts are present at boat ramps to perform courtesy inspections on boats and trailers entering and leaving the lake. These inspections are intended to detect invasive species before they can be transferred into a water body; once established, invasive aquatic animals and plants can quickly and profoundly change the character of a lake and can be difficult and costly to remediate. Financial support for the program comes from various places: MLPOA, WSLA, individuals and state grants managed by NH Lakes.
Water Testing—Volunteer Lake Assessment Program (VLAP)
The New Hampshire VLAP is one of the oldest programs in the state for the protection and preservation of lakes. It was launched in 1985 to establish a citizen-based lake sampling program to assist NHDES in evaluating lake quality throughout the state and to empower citizens with information about the health of the state’s lakes and ponds. This cooperative effort allows state biologists and lake associations to make educated decisions regarding the condition of their lakes.
MLPOA volunteers collect water samples at various locations around the lake each June, July and August. These sample are sent to NHDES, which analyzes and interprets the data and provides an annual water quality report specific to our lake.
Cyanobacteria Testing
Cyanobacteria (formerly known as blue-green algae) are naturally occurring in most lakes, though often in relatively low concentrations. Many species of cyanobacteria grow in colonies that form surface-water “blooms.” Blooms consist of thousands of individual cells and are diverse in appearance, ranging from green, blue-green, yellow, white or black. Research indicates that cyanobacteria concentrations increase as lake nutrients increase.
In 2024, Lake Monomonac, as well as many other nearby lakes, experienced an increase in reported blooms. This increase may be attributed to the use of fertilizers containing phosphorus. Frequent blooms not only represent a health hazard, they impair recreational use of the lake and depress property values.
Potential blooms can be reported through the NHDES Website Bloom Report Form or by scanning the QR code below. NHDES will sample the site to determine if cyanobacteria are present. If concentrations are elevated, it will issue a lake warning (advisory), continue to monitor the affected area until the bloom has cleared and update the appropriate parties. It is advised that if you or your pet comes in contact with cyanobacteria, you rinse off with fresh water as soon as possible.
John Sarasin Lake Education Day
Established in 1969, this joint effort with NHDES was initially titled Lake Ecology Day. In 2005, it was renamed in honor of its founder, John Sarasin. John wanted to impress upon young people the importance of vigilance in protecting lake health. Each spring, fifth grade students from Rindge and Winchendon join NHDES limnologists on pontoon boats supplied and captained by MLPOA members for a day of hands-on water tests that are designed to reflect the health of the lake. Rindge Acres Beach Association graciously allows use of its beach as a launch site.
