Lakes & Streams Minutes September 26, 2022 Prior to the start of the monthly meeting Chair Sue Pratt announced the Lakes and Streams Volunteer of the Year and presented certificates and gift cards to Jane Taylor and Sue Coakley. Sue thanked the L&S volunteers who were present. Attending: Sue Pratt, Jane Taylor, Jim Lantz, Elaine Lascher, Kathleen Curwen, Karen North, Sara Fogg, Maynard Wheeler via Zoom, Susan Meyer (Board Liaison), Amelia Lantz, guest, Martha Arnold The minutes of the July 2022 meeting were approved as sent. Motion made by Kathleen Curwen and seconded by Elaine Lascher. The financial report was sent to L&S members. Sue Pratt asked that subcommittee chairs look at their areas to confirm nothing is missing. Any outstanding bills need to be submitted ASAP. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Education – submitted by Sue Pratt The lake ecology program at Eastman Recreation summer camp was a resounding success with a return to the age appropriate groups now that the COVID problems have significantly lessened. Diane Sheehan taught grades 1-3 with the assistance of Karen North. An introduction to the watershed and a special emphasis on our loons were part of the program. Susan Pratt taught the campers in grades 4-6. All grades were given the extensive Eastman watershed instruction on the first day and many parents reported that the campers gave them quite an instructive lesson that evening. The second two days included packing a backpack for a day hike and the Leave No Trace protocols for outdoor activities that protect the hiker, the wildlife, the plant life, water quality and the trails themselves.

Lake Appreciation Day was well attended although there was no regatta this year. The subcommittees all participated along with YCC members manning the NH Lakes Watershed Warrior stations. The Eastman Charitable Association had a table as well. Christine Cecchetti asked to meet to develop some new activities for next year. There will be a regatta next year as it is a biannual event. We will also look into bringing back the root beer float. We decided to reach out to Woodlands and Wildlife and Sustainable Eastman Committees. Both committees have indicated that they would like to participate and will bring the idea to their meetings.

As far as our committee is concerned the Lake Hosts have agreed to include a boat inspection demonstration for next year. Requests to have a session on water quality testing and a tour of the dam at the end of the lake have also been suggested.

Water Quality – submitted by Kathleen Curwen Kathleen Jim Lantz, and Sue Pratt met with Rob Nolek to advance the action plan for dredging Mill Pond and for meeting with Mr. Brian Hastings regarding the remediating from flooding of Eastman property from two beaver dams. This will take Steve Schneider’s contacting Mr. Hastings before we can get any momentum. Discussion followed regarding the property flooded by the beaver dams

and whether there is any forward movement in repairing. Eastman maintenance is in touch with the homeowner about potentially putting dirt barriers along the stream. Water Testing: Since our last Lakes & Streams meeting, Jim Lantz and Kathy and Rob Stebbins and I have been out on the lake and the beaches and tributaries twice collecting water samples. In August, the head of the water testing program in Concord for the NHDES, Sara Steiner, came up to accompany me out on the pontoon boat to the deep spot and then she went out with Jim into the upper watershed. It was beneficial to have Sara along to reinforce our sampling techniques, refamiliarizing herself with our watershed, and answering all of the questions Jim and I have been saving up since COVID hit and disrupted the DES visiting cycle. The good news is that in the months of August and September, Eastman had neither cyanobacteria nor E. coli concerns. That was certainly not the case at many of our neighboring lakes and ponds. The drought is the likely culprit but our values for conductivity and chloride for the months of August and September for some sites were the highest that Jim and I have seen since we began sampling. I am sure Jim will speak to that since he does the Stony Brook at two sites and the Mill Pond Dam. In September, I measured a peculiar thermocline at the deep spot. Normally we have three thermal layers, but in September, we had only two.

Fairly uniform temperatures for the top two thirds and then a steep drop in temperature. The bottom layer sample was murky and foul smelling. Watershed Management Plan Updates: The 2020 WMP was translated into an Action Plan several months ago. Consultants from the Watershed Consultants Group completed the Stony Brook Erosion Study and in my opinion it is excellent. It refines and clarifies the erosion issues on the Stony Brook and points us in the direction of: 1) Negotiating with Brian Hastings to remediate erosion on the banks of the Stony Brook in his property 2) Dredge Mill Pond 3) Insert baffles in the two beaver dams on Brian Hastings’ land which obviously means getting his blessing to do so Jim, Sue and I keep pushing but despite an audience with the Board in June, as far as I know, progress is at a standstill and Steve Schneider has not yet send a copy of the Stony Brook Erosion Study to Brian Hastings which is the first step in soliciting a meeting.

Next Steps: The Watershed Consulting Group that did the Stony Brook Study has submitted two additional proposals to Lakes & Streams and ECA for our consideration. The first is a “10 Year Plan for Water Quality Improvements.” This proposal would complete a lakeshore survey for erosion which should have been but was not a part of the 2020 WMP and it will update and prioritize the highest priority sites for erosion control within the watershed. The cost of the proposal is $21,894 and I highly endorse this study. The second proposal is an IDDE – Illicit Discharge and Detection and Elimination of faulty septic and sewer spots around the shoreline. The cost of this proposal is $40,565. I would suggest not going forward on this study until we have completed the 10-year plan study and made some progress on the actionable items from the 2020 WMP itself along with the Stony Brook Erosion Study.

Mill Pond Watershed – Submitted by Jim Lantz This year 2022 we have continued our efforts to study, observe and regularly monitor Mill Pond and its upstream watershed, which comprises about 70% of the entire Eastman Lake watershed, including Grass Pond, Butternut Pond, and Half mile Pond. Mill Pond was re-dammed 50 years ago

as part of the original Eastman Lake development. A very local dredging operation near the inlet as undertaken in 2008. Mill Pond is an important treasure for Eastman not only as a “filter” for the lake, but also for its unique biological habitat (ecosystem) and remarkable neighborhood aesthetics. This year Mill Pond has continued this year to show the effects of progressive shallowing due to the influx of sediment from its upstream tributaries, primarily Stony Brook. The pond again turned a tea-colored brown again this summer as it has for the only past few years, the result of warmer water, shallowing, and biodegrading leaves. An excellent drone photograph by Rick Karash was obtained in May, before the summer browning, confirming historic neighborhood observations of the broad extent of a sediment plume extending along both sides of the pond and a full 600 feet all the way from the inlet to the dam. There were noticeably more aquatic plants (noninvasive) appearing this year as the summer progressed, evidence of the shallowing of the pond. Aquatic plants in reasonable density are a healthy part of the ecosystem. The area near the inlet is becoming extremely shallow; including numerous newly emergent sandbars which are becoming progressively more stabilized and vegetated as the years go by. Waterfowl now walk in this area rather than swim, and the inlet area is no longer accessible to kayaks. Options for restoring and increasing Mill Pond water volume are being evaluated by Eastman Maintenance Manager, Rob Nolek. This could be accomplished by raking, dredging, and possibly (seasonally) raising the dam slightly.

Upstream, the Stony Brook erosion study was completed this summer, listing sixteen areas of potential remediation which will be discussed among Eastman leadership and neighboring property owners including the Town of Grantham. Most of these actions will require cooperation with our upstream neighbors and should be carefully pursued with that cooperation and the overall health of the ecosystem strongly in mind. Salt (chloride concentration) in the Mill Pond watershed continues to be a concern. Eastman Lake chlorides have more than doubled (conductivity 100 to 220) over the past 35 years and are currently the highest of any of our nearby area lakes. The state of NH considers any conductivity values >100 as evidence of human activity. Median conductivity for NH lakes is 43. Mill Pond chlorides are typically higher during the warmer summer months when they typically reach a high impact level (conductivity >500). The source of the chlorides is dominantly Stony Brook between NH10 and I89. This summer chlorides were abnormally high upstream at Stony Brook Frye Road (conductivity >1100), exceeding the New Hampshire state chronic standard (conductivity 835) for several weeks during August and September. Conductivity levels >835 are potentially harmful to freshwater aquatic life. Underlining the impact of road salt use, chlorides more than doubled this summer along the one mile stretch of Stony Brook between Grass Pond and Frye Road. Thankfully these levels had dropped by 40-50% before reaching Mill Pond due in large part to the dilution of a downstream freshwater tributary (Butternut Brook). Beaver activity along Stony Brook near Robin Lane has created periodic flooding and erosion problems. These were temporarily partially remediated but a longer-term solution has not yet been achieved. Again, effective sustainable actions will require the cooperation of both Eastman property owners and neighboring property owners where the dams exist. In addition, we continue to regularly collect and analyze real-time (every 30 minutes) conductivity and water temperature data at Stroing Brook (north end of the lake), as well as at our monitoring site along Stony Brook. Time lapse measurements have provided a clearer picture of how Eastman Lake tributaries respond to both precipitation and salt during both summer and winter, covering a wide range of streamflow and weather conditions. These measurements inform us about how our overall watershed affects Eastman Lake. Lake Host – submitted by Sue Coakley and team

The Lake Hosts have had another good year at the public boat ramp. Almost 50 dedicated volunteers showed up week after week to sit at the ramp and to inspect boats for invasive species. They educated people about the dangers these plants and animals could bring to our Eastman Lake. Several of these were new recruits, some new Eastman residents. Once again, there were no invasive species found this summer, although there were several “catches” of suspicious plants Pages 1-7 from the New Hampshire Lakes Association boater survey dashboard tell the story.

Eastman Lake hosts met with 1290 boats (either coming OR going, so many are repeats.) Most of the encounters were on weekends, with the most in a single day on July 4 and again on July 23, each with a total of 37 boats. The most boats were seen during the 4-6 pm shift, but all shifts from 8 am to 6 pm had more than 100 boat encounters over the season. (There were some days when the 6-8 pm shifts were not covered.) About 75% of the boats were non-motorized. Most of the motorized boats were registered in NH. By far, most boats were coming from and going to Eastman Lake. The Volunteer Match database at New Hampshire Lakes summarizes all the volunteer hours and monetary equivalence: Pay Period 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

average

Hours

Miles

Total $ Match

149 143 118 131 133 158 146 122 131

110 55 44 46 52 53 43 50 50

$3,852.00 $3,670.00 $2,911.00 $3,322.00 $3,416.00 $3,527.80 $3,726.00 $3,118.00 $3,360.30

135

56

$ 3,434.00

1211

503

$30,902.33

The match totaled 1423.7% of the required hours/dollars to renew our grant next year. Thanks to cooperation from our local experts, lake hosts were directed to communicate directly with our weed watchers group. Several specimens were examined and determined to be harmless native species. The weed watchers also answered more general questions from lake hosts and residents about the health of the lake. This year the specimen photos were also sent in to NH Lakes, so they could keep track of “catches” as well as “saves”.

Eastman Lake was fortunate to have no cyanobacteria blooms this summer, although many NH lakes had one or more. We look forward to many volunteers, substitutes and weekend paid staff returning next season. We appreciate the support received from ECA staff when needed and the many walkers who passed by the Lake Host shelter and stopped to thank our volunteers for their work. We thank the many boaters who carefully washed their boats between visits and generously allowed Lake Hosts to inspect each boat and paddle board coming to and going from the lake.

We greatly appreciate the support received from ECA staff when needed, from duplicating forms to hiring the paid hosts. Special thanks to Carole Rodet for her dedication and many hats, and Maureen Connelly for inputting all the boater surveys that were submitted on paper. We thank the Lakes and Stream committee for its support for the Lake Host program. And finally, we want to thank the New Hampshire Lakes Association, who provided grant money, training, and support throughout the season. We look forward to working with all of you again in 2023! Anyone interested in seeing more data about boater surveys, contact Sue Coakley ([email protected]). Anyone interested in seeing data about volunteer hours, contact Sara Fogg ([email protected])

We have had some changes in the Lake Host Team. Dick Mark had to leave the team for medical reasons, and Susan Coakley is moving to Keene in October, 2022. Please welcome new members Nancy Mackenzie and Bob Herrick. Nancy Mackenzie and Sara Fogg will be co-coordinators in 2023.

Weed Watchers – submitted by Elaine Lascher In general the lake has been very clear with the exception of the West Cove area. It was difficult to see vegetation because of the murky water. The cause of this could be the construction on the bridge.

The Weed Watchers are pleased to report another season of lake monitoring with no trace of aquatic invasive species. The team completed 3 complete reviews of each shoreline segment of Eastman Lake. In addition, I received reports from team members that Mill Pond and Anderson Pond show no signs of invasives. Weed Watchers are upping their game submitting reports with photos and descriptions of their observations. We have had an experienced team on the job for the past several years and Betty and I want to acknowledge the dedication and effort Weed Watchers put into their volunteer work. Other observations of note: Weed Watchers and Lake Hosts continue to collaborate on plant material identification. I have noticed that Lake Hosts are becoming more knowledgeable about the common plants they spot on boats, a very positive development.

Several team members, including myself, noticed an improvement in water clarity in the main part of the lake this season. Visibility of plants and the lake bottom increased over a wider area than is typical providing us with a better reporting situation. The water column in West Cove, on the other hand, seemed to hold more particulate matter that practically obliterated plant visibility in parts of the cove where we usually see plants. We surmise that bridge constructions and possibly other Mill Pond factors were at play in this area. In 2021, we saw large swaths of water naiad and native elodea in several places. This year those plant growths were not visible and more typical of past years. The team also noticed an apparent decrease in bass weed at the surface of the water. On further inspection, we noticed a typical amount of bass weed in the usual areas, although it was not reaching the surface of the lake for some reason. Arrowhead was in abundance as was lobelia and pipewort. These species appeared late in the season as they usually do but were more prevalent in all areas of the lake where it grows. As always, plants go through cycles of growth and decline. We include these anecdotal observations for the record in case they are useful in the future.

Youth Conservation Corp (YCC) - reported by Sue Pratt:

The future plan for YCC has started. Four or five adults have been identified who have indicated they could be interested in doing a project. Woodlands and Wildlife have been approached about including a trail project. The annual clean-up at the boat ramp will be done. Several projects around South Cove have been identified. Rob Nolek is hoping to hire a part time horticulturist for Eastman to improve the plantings around South Cove and the Center and make a plan. Members of the Eastman Gardens and Grounds will be willing to take on some segments of South Cove to improve the looks of South Cove. The erosion next to the stairway that leads down from the Covered Bridge to the road that leads to Beach A needs to be addressed. The current stairway is poorly designed and is awkward. They are steep and the steps are high and far apart. Because of people using the ground rather than the stairs, there is a channel for sediment to run from the top down to the lake. The committee was asked to be on the look-out for potential projects. Ned Strong, adult YCC volunteer, will do some construction projects with YCC members.

The Capital Improvement Committee (CIC) is in a holding pattern. Sue and Kathleen are proposing that the same consultants who have worked on the 2020 Watershed Management Plan and recently completed the Stoney Brook erosion study have proposed a shoreline survey of the lake and taking the lengthy list of erosion projects on roads around the lake and sorting them out to those that should be done and can be done internally. NEW BUSINESS:

Sue Pratt informed the committee of the request for mountain biking trails in Eastman. Sue asked members to stay on the alert for any movement to build mountain bike trails. There is a very big concern that any trail built near the lake will lead to erosion, and it is not unheard of for bikers to go off the approved trail and making their own. Susan Meyer, Board Liaison, reported that the location being discussed for mountain bike trails is not along the lake but rather possibly Heath Forest or John’s Glen. LAKE APPRECIATION DAY:

Christine Cecchetti from Recreation asked to meet with Sue Pratt about developing new ideas for LAD. After canvasing Eastman committees Sue got suggestions: Lake Hosts do a boat inspection demonstration outside Peppermint Patties; a dam tour at the boat launch; Woodlands and Wildlife suggested a paddle to Heron Island with a hike around the island. A demonstration of water collection for testing was suggested. Sustainable Eastman is concerned about litter around Eastman and litter on the trails. They propose tying it into the station Leave No Trace project that asks people to identify how long it takes items to degrade. Sue would like to see the Root beer Float back since it draws so many people. It would mean that L&S would need to organize this. The regatta will be back in 2023 and the Watershed Warriors will be back and there will be a table introducing Lake Smart program. Elaine and Karen both indicated an interest in helping with this new project. A repeat in April of the Highlights submission recruiting new L&S members will be sent in. Sue will be looking for a communications coordinator to help the chair.

Karen North introduced the prospect of going to the Loon Preservation Society to get information on the signs used to warn people away from loons while nesting. Susie Burbidge has access to the design so we don’t have to get them from the LPS. Sue will talk with Susie about getting these plans,

and will see if Rob Nolek or Ned Strong would take on this building project and build some signs this winter. There is a need for at least three signs at Heron Lake: the two entry spots at the southern point of the island as well as the entrance to the camping area on the north side of the island. Elaine Lascher pointed out that each year there is a failure to get the signs out as soon as the loons have nested. Maintenance is charged with installing the signs but they don’t have the knowledge of where to place them. Sue would like to see a buoy line around the south point to keep swimmers, boaters and dogs away. Sue will talk with maintenance regarding this. Karen North will work with Sue over the winter getting the signs made. Having a L&S member with maintenance when signs are put out would be helpful. Sue will ask that signs made by Ned by large and say “Island Closed” Sue will ask Suzie Burbidge to write up a short article for Eastman Highlights at the end of season about loon behavior and what is normal vs what to be concerned about. The last meeting will be Tuesday, October 25 at 7:00 p.m. Jane will send the last reports from subcommittees for the quarterly report. Sue will get the budget together to resend for the final October meeting.

Jim Lantz asked if there was a way to submit a map of streams with the quarterly report to be included in the L&S web page for informational purposes. Sue will share the maps used for the watershed management plan.

Jane noticed the 2022 minutes for L&S have not been posted to the website. She will re-send the minutes from April through September. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. Minutes recorded by Jane Taylor