2023 Newsletter


VOLUME XI                       2023                              Summer


The Annual Meeting will be held on Saturday, July 1 from 10 AM - 11 AM, at the Silver Lake Tennis Association tennis court on Eastside Road (across from 61 Eastside Road). Please wear sneakers, flip flops, or come barefoot – and wear a hat – it will hopefully be hot and sunny! Directly after the meeting, from 11-12 (also on the court), we will have a Silver Lake get together with cookies and lemonade – everyone is welcome, especially kids. It will be a time to re-connect with old friends and get introduced to all of our neighbors on the Lake – look forward to seeing you there! If it’s raining we will meet at Wells Memorial School in Chesham.


Message from George Colony, President of the SLA

To all Silver Lake Association Members:


Welcome to the 2023 summer season! We all look forward to a safe and enjoyable summer of fishing, swimming, sailing, and boating in the cool, clear waters of Silver Lake. And we look forward to seeing all of our summer neighbors, families, and long-time friends who make the summer months so enjoyable and fun on the Lake.


I am very honored to be the president of the SLA this year. The Board has been working over the winter on several important projects:

1) We are creating a revised mission statement for the SLA. A final version will be discussed at the Annual Meeting on Saturday July 1.

2) We surveyed the SLA membership. Two priorities emerged from the results: 1) Members believe that protecting the water quality and environs of the Lake was critical, and 2) Members want better digital tools to enable members to communicate and stay updated. Full survey results will be available at the Annual Meeting.

3) As per the survey, we have decided to continue Lake Host coverage on Fridays and expand into Thursdays from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M in the summer months. This will give us improved protection from invasive species.

4) We are cataloging road drainage sites on West Side and East Side Roads to ensure that as much stormwater runoff as possible is diverted away from the Lake. As documented in the May, 2000 New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Silver Lake Diagnostic Study, phosphorous contained in stormwater runoff poses the highest threat to the water quality of the Lake.

5) Beginning this year we will be initiating once a year briefings on Silver Lake for the Harrisville and Nelson selectboards. Closer communications between the Town of Harrisville and the SLA is particularly important given that the Town has responsibility for administering the boat landing area.

I want to thank all SLA members for your dues and contributions – these funds are critical for funding our Lake Host program. And I want to extend my gratitude to all of the SLA volunteers, especially board members, that work so hard to protect the Silver Lake environment.

I look forward to seeing all members at the Annual Meeting in July.

George
gcolony@forrester.com

Membership Dues Online Payments Now Available

All membership invoices have been mailed to members. If you have not received your invoice, please let us know by sending an email to slatreasurer@slakenh.org

Pay your dues online! Visit our website to pay your membership dues online or make a donation to the Silver Lake Association. 


Officers and Board Members 2023




President: George Colony    email: slapresident@slakenh.org

Vice President: Ted Braun

Treasurer: Mark Bemis email: slatreasurer@slakenh.org

Secretary: Jillian Miner email: slasecretary@slakenh.org


Directors

Pam Banks

Colleen Barry

Mark Bemis

Sean Dexter

Dennis Fallon

Kristen Hill

Adam Kossayda

Jeffrey Miller

Julia Pakradooni



How to Help Preserve and Protect Our Community

 

NH Lakes Association

NH LAKES is the only statewide, member-supported nonprofit organization working to inspire the responsible care and use of all New Hampshire’s 1,000 lakes to keep them healthy for the benefit of current and future generations.

There are a number of free and recorded webinars held regularly to help educate on keeping our lakes clean and healthy.
Check out what they have to offer. 


Through NH LAKES advocacy program, they give lakes a voice in the New Hampshire State House. This program provides information on laws and policies under discussion in New Hampshire and organizes efforts to help protect the lakes we love. Keep up to date with new laws and public discussions with the link below. 

ADVOCACY




Reminder to all who enjoy time on Silver Lake in Harrisville/Nelson.

In addition to following the NH Boating Rules, Silver Lake has two boating rules special to this body of water.

1. On Saturday's and Sunday's, year round, the speed limit of motorboats shall be no greater than headway speed at all times EXCEPT between the hours of 12pm and 6pm. 

NH Department of Safety RSA 270:12

2. Ski Crafts are prohibited from operating on Silver Lake Harrisville/ Nelson, NH State Lake RSA 270-74. Ski Crafts are 13ft or less, capable of exceeding 20 mph and carry no more than two individuals.




REEL IN AND RECYCLE

Just as a reminder, this unusual container wired to a tree at the Stoney Beach boat ramp is for recycling old fishing line. It is another innovation provided to us free by NH Lakes, and is a great way to protect our loons as well as other marine life and water fowl from getting entangled and hurt. We actually have a recycling center to send it to, so please, take the time to use it.


Did you KNOW?!
 

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) is reminding all persons operating a motorboat on New Hampshire public waters that is registered in another state (other than New Hampshire) of a new requirement to purchase and display a New Hampshire aquatic invasive species decal from NHDES. The new law (RSA 487:43) went into effect on July 1, 2019.

Decals can be purchased online for $20 each. You can purchase decals online at NHDES Invasive Species webpage, by clicking on the link for the boater decal, or at the Out-of-State Boater Decal Purchase Page.

The decal must be displayed within 3 inches of a boat's valid registration decal. Decals should be placed on the port side of the vessel. Decals expire on December 31 each year. Proceeds from the decal program will be used for the prevention and management of invasive aquatic species in New Hampshire.

For more information, please contact Amy Smagula at amy.p.smagula@des.nh.gov or (603) 271-2248.


Lake Host Program Report 2023

The Lake Host program continued for the summer of 2022. Our paid Lake hosts were Thom, Ryan, and Kristen. 

Our volunteers were Perry Banks, Volunteer Lake Host; Pam Banks, Volunteer Lake host; Ben Dexter, local coordinator and volunteer.
Our association earned a grant from NH LAKES of $1,750 for our lake host program for the summer of 2022. 

In 2022 we inspected 1793 boats.  Arriving inspections totaled 1,037. Departing boats totaled 756.   The total motorboats were 895.

Our volunteer match program from 2022 reached 139 hours, a cash equivalent of nearly $4,000.

With additional grants from the Harrisville Community Fund and Harrisville Conservation Commission, we expanded paid lake host coverage into Fridays for the first time in many years since the campsites went into conservation. On weekends alone, our Lake Hosts conducted 1,050, 2,000, 1,100, and 1,550 inspections each year from 2019, respectively. Fridays accounted for about 240 inspections. Some Fridays were busier than Saturdays.



Summer 2023
For this Summer of 2022, we welcome Tom, Nancy, and Pam as our newest lake hosts.
NH LAKES provided us with a grant of $2,570. In addition to this grant, your donations over the last year provided us enough funds to continue Friday coverage this year. We're also adding 4 hours of coverage on Thursday. I look forward to the insights the surveys on this new day will provide. 

To lend direct financial support to the Lake Host Program there is a link on the NH Lakes website to direct funds specifically to Silver Lake.  The link to donate is https://nhlakes.z2systems.com/np/clients/nhlakes/donation.jsp?campaign=145&&test=true

Consider volunteering as a Lake Host yourself to help keep our beautiful lake clean and clear of invasive species for many generations to come! 

Ben Dexter, Coordinator, Lake Host Program
Lake 603-827-3296
dexter1benj@gmail.com


2022 Weed Watch Report

The Silver Lake Weed Watchers conducted three inspections during the summer of 2022 and found no evidence of any invasive species. We ask that all homeowners to be familiar with their waterfront and let us know if you see any changes or something new you do not recognize. You are our first line of defense. You can call or text and we will have someone come right out to check on it. We are able to contact NH DES and get an answer the same day about what we find. If we do have a problem the sooner we find it the better.

The main threats to the lake are variable and Eurasian milfoil, fanwort, curly leaf pondweed, hydrilla, and water chestnut. Zebra mussels and Asian clams are also a threat. Detailed information is available at www.des.nh.gov

We would also like to remind everyone to Clean, Drain, and Dry their boat before placing it in the lake. A lot of us have guests who bring their own kayaks when they visit. Please remind them to do the same.

If anyone is interested in becoming a weed watcher please let me know. We are always looking for volunteers.

I would like to thank Pam and Perry Banks, Todd Chamberlain, John Croteau, Sarah Wilson, Mary Beth Mollica, Julia Pakradooni, Eleanor Drury, Doz Delori and Ted Braun. I appreciate all your help protecting this beautiful lake. This summer I would like to welcome Kathy Manfre and Ryan Fallon to our Weed Watching Team. Thank you for stepping up to Volunteer! I hope everyone has a great summer. Call me any time. I am at the lake almost every weekend.

Dennis Fallon, Chair of the Silver Lake Weed Watcher Program

163 Breed Pond Rd, Nelson
Lake 603-827-3570 
H 603-465-3591
C 603-546-5902 

dennisfallon163@gmail.com


Loon Protection Report 2023

2022 was another disappointing year. It was a year the nest failed, meaning the eggs never hatched. I saw the loon nesting on Blueberry Island and all appeared well.  However for some reason, the pair abandoned the nest.  After close inspection, an egg was found submerged in the water…the nest had failed.  Nest failure is not uncommon for loons, and can fail for a variety of reasons.  Water level changes caused by rain or from the wake of powerboats can swamp the nest, close approach of people can flush the birds off the nest or the most common reason, predation by scavenger birds and animals.  The loons themselves can also inadvertently kick the egg in the water as they are not built for walking and are clumsy on land.  The non-viable egg was collected and given to the Loon Preservation Committee (LPC) to be weighed, measure and analyzed for embryo development. It is sad to see this, as part of our joy at Silver Lake is to watch the chicks grow throughout the summer to be strong enough to fledge in the fall.  

Nesting

Finding a nest site is the responsibility of the male, however the male and female build the nest together. It is common for them to return to the same nest site as the previous seasons if they have successfully bred in the past. The nests are bulky platforms made of wet leaves and other plant matter dredged up from the bottom of the lake. The outer diameter is ~ 22 inches and can weight up to 40 lbs.! There is a shallow depression on which the eggs are laid.  

This year I have yet to find the nest.  So I am hopeful our pair have found a new well-hidden site safe from predation, water fluctuations and away from human activity. 

Loon Nest 

Results of 2022 NH Annual Loon Census 

The 2022 NH Loon census documented 786 adult loons, 244 chicks hatched and 177 chicks’ surviving to mid-August, 80 loon chicks and 4 immature loons. 

Annual Loon Census 2023

This year’s annual Loon Census in Saturday July 15th from 8:00-9:00.  If anyone is interested in counting loons (this includes our loons and any visiting loons as well) the census forms are available on the LPC website and submitted electronically.  If anyone would like to join me in this year’s count, I will be leaving our dock at 8:00 am.

Online Census Form – Loon Preservation Committee

Respectfully summited

Colleen Barry
Chair, Wildlife Conservation Committee


Volunteer Lake Assessment Program (VLAP) Report – 2022

From our recent survey of members’ concerns about Silver Lake, water quality stood out. Due to our many years’ involvement in the Volunteer Lake Assessment Program, we have a lot of good data to review and analyze with respect to current conditions and historical trends.

The first question is: how’s it look now? The acidity (pH) of the lake water is improving and last year’s average reading at the upper layer was 7.1, essentially neutral, which is great!  So the lake is recovering from the effects of acid rain over the years. Dissolved oxygen, which is actually a better indicator of lake health than pH, is very good throughout the three sampled levels. Obviously, dissolved oxygen is critical for our various fish species. We often read about cyanobacteria blooms in other NH waterbodies but the concentrations of phosphorus and chlorophyll are low resulting in very low amounts of cyanobacteria in our phytoplankton. Levels of phosphorus and chlorophyll have remained low and stable over the many years of testing. Overall, the lake is very healthy and we want these trends to continue.

Everyone loves to be able to look into the water and see the fish or even loons swimming beneath the surface as they search for food. Our transparency, averaging the view scope and naked eye depths, is 9 meters or about 30 feet. Without the view scope, we can see down about 28 feet; excellent clarity! The conductivity of the water, which is a general measurement of mineral content, is well below state median and has been slowly improving over the years. Some of the improvement is likely due to our efforts to control erosion around the lake and reducing the impact of people entering the lake from much of the conserved land.

With regard to the tributaries, the water is more acidic as expected. However, the Sandy Beach inlet is becoming more of a concern. We seem to be getting more phosphorus from this source. However, the e-coli count is down from what it was in 2021. Now we are seeing slightly more e-coli from Sucker Brook than Sandy Beach. Regardless, these concentrations are far below state standards for public beaches.

People often wonder about their individual impact on Silver Lake water quality. There are two primary considerations – septic and fertilizer. In most cases, septic systems are a significant distance from the lake, usually on the far side of Eastside and Westside roads. We do hope that people have their septic and holding tanks periodically inspected and pumped as needed. If fertilizing lawns and lakeside plants, one must recognize that these are sensitive areas. When soil is acidic, plants have difficulty absorbing nutrients, so it can be helpful to not fertilize and simply get the soil pH closer to neutral with lime applications (but not on dormant grass). If you feel that you must fertilize, avoid fertilizers with high nitrogen and phosphorus levels, the first two numbers on the bag or bottle. Do not let any fertilizer be broadcast into the lake. Also, if you do have a lakeside lawn, create a 3-5 foot vegetative barrier so no rainwater could wash fertilizer directly from grass to the lake. Finally, make sure there is no direct soil erosion from your property into the lake.

Our SLA website has the 2022 VLAP data summary for Silver Lake from the Department of Environmental Services, if you want to dig more deeply into our water quality. https://slakenh.org/programs/water-quality-monitoring/

Ted Braun
Chair Water Quality and Ecosystem Health


Recreation and Safety Report
Official NH Boating Safety Course Online

· SATURDAY AND SUNDAY SPEED LIMIT: The speed of motorboats shall be no greater than headway speed at all times except between the hours of 12:00 Noon and 6 pm (NH Dept. of Safety Chapter 400:SAF-C 402.71).

· HEADWAY SPEED is 6 mph or the slowest speed at which you can still maintain steering, and this applies when within 150 feet of shore, swimmers, and other vessels (especially fishing boats with lines in the water) except when starting water skiers.

· RIGHT OF WAY: Motorboats must grant the right of way to all watercraft including canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and sailboats, and to swimmers.

· DIVERS: Boats must maintain a distance of 150’ from divers at all times...the diver-down flag is a red rectangle with a white diagonal stripe.

· SAFE BOATER EDUCATION CERTIFICATE is required for all operators of boats powered by more than 25hp. Driver must be 16 or older and must carry the certificate on his person while operating. Under 16 may operate if accompanied by a person 18 years or older who has the Certificate. To find out how to obtain your Certificate, click on http://www.boat-ed.com/newhampshire/

· COAST GUARD APPROVED TYPE 1, 2, OR 3 LIFE JACKETS must be carried for all passengers and crew and must be worn by all children 12 and under when riding in any kind of watercraft. NOTE: A paddleboard is considered a watercraft.

· JET SKI CRAFT are prohibited from operating on Silver Lake. NH State Law RSA 270:74

· VIOLATORS OF BOATING RULES AND REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO FINES. · IT WOULD BE A COURTEOUS PRACTICE to respect the privacy of homeowners and maintain a 50’ distance between you and the shore while paddling or motoring.


Burn Permits Required

A seasonal fire permit is issued annually and is required if you plan to have a small controlled fire on your property such as a camp or cooking fire 2 to 4 feet in diameter. It must be contained within a ring of fire-resistive material or in a portable fireplace. Any person violating the permit law and who recklessly kindles a fire that causes damage to property or woodlands could incur fines of up to $2000, one year in jail, and become liable for those damages as well as the cost of battling the fire. When the weather is very dry, “no-burning” notices will be posted at the fire house.

Please contact the following for more information and to obtain this free permit:
Wayne Derosia, Harrisville Fire Chief 603-827-3076
David O’Neil 603-827-3497

Silver Lake Watershed Best Practices

Visit the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) website. 


NH Lakes LakeSmart Program 



Erosion Control

The two biggest threats to Silver Lake water quality are inbound aquatic invasive species such as variable milfoil and runoff from lakeside erosion.

Water testing of tributaries shows that they are generally more acidic and have higher mineral content which adversely affects the quality and transparency. 

Much has already been done to address the erosion situation. In recent years several projects were completed to reduce erosion, most notably at the south end of the lake. 

This year, the SLA has done an inventory of the thirteen Eastside Road catch basins and the three Westside Road ones. The town cleaned these out a little over a decade ago but they are all in dire need of maintenance. Nearly all are filled with silt and leaves so they are not performing as originally designed.

However, it’s not all bad news. The two that deliver the most runoff to the lake, one at the Inn at East Hill camp and the other at 27 Eastside, appear to be performing well. They are reasonably clear and with little silt build-up. We also water test these tributaries.

On Westside Road, the three catch basins and culverts also need attention. At the old Harmony Hollow site where there’s new construction underway, the system has been reengineered and is working effectively. 

We also had a problem this year at 89 Breed Road where there has been a huge effort to redirect Breed Road water runoff south rather than letting out reach the lake. A huge amount of silt had collected in the trench between Breed and Seaver. The town recently shoveled out a little and it is working but it still needs a lot of attention.

The Silver Lake Association is working with the Harrisville highway department to address our concerns. Still to be determined is what our options might be for the Sucker Brook and Sandy Beach tributaries as well as the Breed Pond Road catch basins and culverts at the Nelson end.

Ted Braun
Chair Water Quality and Ecosystem Health



Silver Lake Custom Apparel

The SLA will be offering an online store for you to purchase custom made apparel with our Silver Lake

logo. More information at the yearly meeting.



If you're interested in learning more about invasive plants that may be around the Monadnock area, check out this handy guide from the Dublin Garden Club. 



Local Contacts
Things have changed, and so have open offices, hours and availability at our favorite local stops. 

Harrisville Selectmen’s Office 603-827-3431
Andrea Hodson, Kathleen Scott and Andrew Maneval (Chair) selectboard@harrisvillenh.org
https://harrisvillenh.org/emergency-contacts/hours-of-operation/

Harrisville Town Clerk, Cathy Lovas 603-827-5546
Harrisville Tax Collector, Ann Charbonneau 603-827-5546, Ext.24
Harrisville Police Department, Chief Steven LaMears 603-827-2903
Harrisville Fire Department, Chief Wayne Derosia 603-827-3412
Harrisville Recycling Center, Randy Tarr, Jr 603-827-2920 Fri. 10am-5pm, Sat. 8am-5pm
Harrisville Public Library 7 Canal Street, Susan Weaver, Director 603-827-2918 sweaver@harrisville.lib.nh.us http://harrisvillepubliclibrary.blogspot.com/

Olivia Rodham Memorial Library 1 Nelson Common Road, Nelson, Kris Finnegan, Librarian 847-3214...Monday and Thursday 1-6, Tuesday and Saturday 10-noon, Wednesday 3-6

nelsonlibrary25@gmail.com. Summer Reading Program https://www.nelsonlibrary.org/new-page

Selectmen’s Office 7 Nelson Common Road 603-847-0047  http://www.townofnelson.org/town-selectmen/
Brenna Kucinski (Chair), Michael Blaudschun, Don Carlisle
Administrative Assistant, Edie Drinkwater execadmin@nelsonnh.us

Selectmen meet every other Wed. at 3pm...please call in advance to place an item on the agenda Nelson Town Clerk/Tax Collector...Karen Castelli...847-9043...townclerk@nelsonnh.us Nelson Fire Department...Chief Joseph Sarcione...847-9045
Burn Permits are now available online through the Division of Forests and Lands at nhdfl.org

Nelson Police Department...7 Nelson Common Road...Chief Joseph Filipi...355-2000

Aldworth Manor 184 Aldworth Manor Rd, Harrisville 603-903-7547
The Harrisville General Store 29 Church Street 603-827-3138
Harrisville Designs 4 Mill Alley 603-827-3996
Brown House Bakery 613 Chesham Rd., Harrisville 603-827-3100...Friday-Sunday 8am-2pm. Cheryl Moschan will sell baked goods, breakfast items, lunch specials, soups, sandwiches and homemade bread. Auntie M's Cafe is open again if you'd like to sit a while. Follow them on facebook for the daily specials. Some light catering also.
Grand Monadnock Maple Farm...149 Breed Rd. Maple syrup, maple candy, maple cream, wedding favors, custom packaged syrup...email info@monadnockmaple.com for an appointment.
Community Church of Harrisville & Chesham...827-3733...13 Canal Street...10am Sunday ...Pastor Traceymay Kalvaitis
Chapel by the Lake Methodist Church...529 Granite Lake Rd., Munsonville Sundays 11am...chapelbythelakeumc@gmail.com...847-9999
Nelson Congregational Church...Sundays 9:30am...Pastor Eliot Fay...847-3280



A Warm Welcome!

To our new and returning neighbors who have joined the greater Silver Lake community. Bruce and Louise Brennan, Peter and Claire Bell, Ed Moura and Sharman Howe, and Richard Rowse. 



Celebrations and Remembrances 


Robert Streeter Perry passed away surrounded and supported by the love of family and friends at his home in Keene on Friday, April 7, 2023, at the age of 84.

Over his lifetime, Bob was employed as a camp counselor at the Hill Camp on Silver Lake in Chesham; at Kingsbury Machine Tool Corp. in Keene; GE in Syracuse, N.Y.; Carrier Corporation in Syracuse, N.Y.; as Treasurer, VP and President of New England Acceptance Corp. in Keene; as Treasurer of Perry Motors in Peterborough; and finally two years at the American Red Cross in Keene.


Frederick Asahel Putnam died Jan. 19, 2023, in Peterborough of complications associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

He was born July 4, 1947, in Keene to David and Rosamond (Page) Putnam. Fred was a kind and gentle person, always with a quiet smile for anyone at any time.

He grew up in Keene, the fifth of six children. He attended Tilden School, Keene Junior High School and graduated from Deerfield Academy in 1965. While in high school, Fred won a national essay competition for students born on the 4th of July and met President Kennedy when he went to Philadelphia to recite his speech.

Fred graduated from Dartmouth College in 1969 with a degree in physics. He then volunteered for the Peace Corps, teaching physics and chemistry for two years at the Marudi Government Secondary School in Sarawak, Malaysia.

Returning to the U.S., he earned a masters degree in chemical engineering at Case Western Reserve University and a PhD. in chemical engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. From 1976 to 1981 he was associate professor of chemical engineering at MIT, doing research and teaching in applied surface chemistry. While at MIT, he was at the forefront of building early personal computers to gather better data for his chemistry and control the experiments in his research.

In 1981, Fred left academia and started Laboratory Technologies Corporation (LABTECH), where he wrote and marketed PC-based data acquisition and control software for research and industrial applications, which he ran until the early 2000’s. Over his career, he accumulated expertise in chemical engineering, computer engineering and software engineering — a lifelong learner and entrepreneur.

In 1980, Fred married Susan Thayer Francis of Marion, Mass. Together they raised their three children in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. He was a happy family man and great friend, and an avid snow and water skier, sailor and tennis player. He had a great appreciation for the outdoors in the Monadnock Region and was particularly devoted to the loons on Silver Lake, where he spent summers his entire life.

After retiring, he devoted time to environmental issues through work at Ceres, the Putnam Foundation and Friends of the Public Garden in Boston. In conjunction with his environmental protection interests, he also made trips back to Sarawak and his Peace Corps school, having maintained strong friendships from that experience.

Fred is survived by his wife, Susan, of Peterborough; his children, Todd Putnam (Teissia Treynet), Maggie Warner (Evan) and Seth Putnam (Johanna Brophy); his siblings and their spouses, David and Elaine, Tom and Babs, Jim and Judy, Doz and Francois and Louisa and Kermit; as well as many, many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; and his infant son, Jonathan. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.