Our Work
Watershed Management Plan
During the Fall of 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. We received the great news in January of 2025 that we had been awarded the grant. A “Request for Qualifications” (RFQ) was then released to a list of consultants provided by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) inviting them to bid on the project. The qualifications were judged in conjunction with NHDES, who then guided us through the contracting process. FB Environmental was selected among the three responses submitted.
FB Environmental is currently working with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) to create a site-specific project plan. As part of the study, they will conduct a watershed survey to identify road access and runoff issues throughout the Lake Monomonac watershed. A shoreline survey of lakefront properties will assess potential sources of pollution, and a septic system review will be conducted for all properties surrounding the lake. This review will rely on both property and municipal records. In addition, a questionnaire regarding septic system use and maintenance will be sent to residents in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The data collected through this process will help establish a clear water quality goal for Lake Monomonac.
A buildout analysis will also be conducted. This exercise models a scenario in which all available lots are developed to the maximum extent allowed by current zoning and regulations. The results will help us understand the potential long-term impact on the lake.
Ultimately, the watershed management plan will outline specific projects aimed at helping us meet our water quality goals. It will also include information on potential grants and funding sources to support implementation.
A final public presentation of the plan is anticipated in October 2026.
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
Questions and answers about Cyanobacteria (Click to view PDF.)
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.
Invasive Eurasian Water Milfoil
MLPOA works with NHDES to control the invasive Eurasian water milfoil on the lake. Each spring and early fall (if time allows) NHDES surveys our lake and maps where they find milfoil. At present we control the milfoil on the lake with the use of divers harvesting the milfoil. We contract with divers recommended by NHDES. We have a grant agreement with NHDES for costs. (In 2025 it was a 50% grant.) We have treated specific areas of the lake chemically in the past and are now using divers to manually remove the smaller less dense plants that exist today. Today, only smaller/less dense areas exist.
The red dots on the 2025 lake map (right) identify milfoil areas which are being removed by divers.
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. NH DES tells us that we are the only lake in NH holding a Lake Education Day!
Lake Education Day a Big Success!
On Thurs June 5, 2025 we had 10 NH DES limnologists, 42 fifth grade students from Rindge Elementary, teachers, and chaperones in 9 boats out on the lake water testing and learning about NH water quality. The kids were very inquisitive—we’re hoping to build future environmentalists! Lake Education Day furthers the MLPOA mission of educating the public about lake stewardship. Thanks to all for helping to make it a wonderful experience for the students by sharing or captaining a boat; RABA (Rindge Acres Beach Association) for the use of their beach in launching the boats; and of course to Laureen Moran, Lake Day Ed Coordinator and Secretary of MLPOA.
