Millville Lake Protective Association
Salem, NH
Salem, NH
MLPA News
NH Bill HB 1066
From our friends at NH Lakes.
The New Hampshire 2022 legislative session has just kicked off and YOUR voice is urgently needed at the State House!
On Wednesday, January 12, at 1:45 p.m., House Bill 1066, establishing a commission to investigate and analyze the environmental and human, and animal health impacts relating to cyanobacteria blooms in New Hampshire water bodies, is being heard in the House Resources, Recreation, and Development Committee.
Our lakes—including YOUR favorite lake—need you to write or call your legislative representatives before Wednesday, urging them to support this bill.
In 2021, a record number of public health advisories were issued for toxic cyanobacteria in New Hampshire’s lakes. People were told to avoid wading or swimming in the water and also avoid drinking water from the lake for fear of becoming sick. They were told to keep pets out of the water, too. Cyanobacteria blooms are not only a health hazard for humans, pets, and wildlife, they negatively impact tourism and the economy. Cyanobacteria is a statewide problem and statewide solutions are needed. It is time for the legislature to take a comprehensive look at ways to tackle this issue.
If passed, the study commission would be the first time experts from the New Hampshire Departments of Environmental Services and Health and Human Services, environmental conservation groups, veterinarians, universities, and policymakers would come together to address the increasing frequency and severity of cyanobacteria blooms in New Hampshire's water bodies.
Our legislators need to hear from YOU! Call, email, or write members of the committee, or testify at the State House, and tell policymakers how toxic cyanobacteria blooms have impacted your favorite lake and your enjoyment of the lake. Stories and public testimony, especially from advocates like you, will make a difference in getting this critical legislation passed. Below, I have included tips for writing and calling legislators, and providing verbal testimony. And, a link to register in support of the bill.
Thank you, in advance for responding to this call for action, giving New Hampshire's lakes a voice at State House! Our lakes are counting on you.
Committed to clean and healthy lakes,
Michelle Davis, Policy and Advocacy Program Manager
mdavis@nhlakes.org
P.S. Please cc me on your emails and letters and let me know if you have made calls! If you plan to testify in person on January 11, let me know so we can plan our strategy.
How YOU Can Support HB 1066
Send an email to:
HouseResourcesRecreationandDevelopment@leg.state.nh.us.
Mail a letter:
NH House of Representatives
Resources, Recreation, and Development Committee
Legislative Office Building, Room 305
Call committee members:
For phone numbers, see committee member bios
The New Hampshire 2022 legislative session has just kicked off and YOUR voice is urgently needed at the State House!
On Wednesday, January 12, at 1:45 p.m., House Bill 1066, establishing a commission to investigate and analyze the environmental and human, and animal health impacts relating to cyanobacteria blooms in New Hampshire water bodies, is being heard in the House Resources, Recreation, and Development Committee.
Our lakes—including YOUR favorite lake—need you to write or call your legislative representatives before Wednesday, urging them to support this bill.
In 2021, a record number of public health advisories were issued for toxic cyanobacteria in New Hampshire’s lakes. People were told to avoid wading or swimming in the water and also avoid drinking water from the lake for fear of becoming sick. They were told to keep pets out of the water, too. Cyanobacteria blooms are not only a health hazard for humans, pets, and wildlife, they negatively impact tourism and the economy. Cyanobacteria is a statewide problem and statewide solutions are needed. It is time for the legislature to take a comprehensive look at ways to tackle this issue.
If passed, the study commission would be the first time experts from the New Hampshire Departments of Environmental Services and Health and Human Services, environmental conservation groups, veterinarians, universities, and policymakers would come together to address the increasing frequency and severity of cyanobacteria blooms in New Hampshire's water bodies.
Our legislators need to hear from YOU! Call, email, or write members of the committee, or testify at the State House, and tell policymakers how toxic cyanobacteria blooms have impacted your favorite lake and your enjoyment of the lake. Stories and public testimony, especially from advocates like you, will make a difference in getting this critical legislation passed. Below, I have included tips for writing and calling legislators, and providing verbal testimony. And, a link to register in support of the bill.
Thank you, in advance for responding to this call for action, giving New Hampshire's lakes a voice at State House! Our lakes are counting on you.
Committed to clean and healthy lakes,
Michelle Davis, Policy and Advocacy Program Manager
mdavis@nhlakes.org
P.S. Please cc me on your emails and letters and let me know if you have made calls! If you plan to testify in person on January 11, let me know so we can plan our strategy.
How YOU Can Support HB 1066
Send an email to:
HouseResourcesRecreationandDevelopment@leg.state.nh.us.
Mail a letter:
NH House of Representatives
Resources, Recreation, and Development Committee
Legislative Office Building, Room 305
Call committee members:
For phone numbers, see committee member bios
MLPA 2022 Dues
We are now accepting MLPA membership dues payments for 2022. The MLPA membership year is from January 1st - December 31st and dues are only $30.00. Click here to support the MLPA. As always, thank you for your support to "protect and improve Millville Lake."
MLPA 2022 Dates at Chaser's Poker Room
December 17, 2021 - Below are the 2022 dates that the MLPA will be the featured charity at Chasers Poker Room 7 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, Salem, NH 03079. 35% of each day's take will go to the MLPA.
Thursday February 24th - Saturday February 26th
Sunday August 14th - Saturday August 20th
Thursday February 24th - Saturday February 26th
Sunday August 14th - Saturday August 20th
MLPA Fall Meeting Notes
November 23, 2021 - The MLPA Fall meeting notes have been published. Click on the 'MLPA Meeting Notes Members Only' icon above to access them.
MLPA Fall Meeting
October 1, 2021 - The MLPA Fall meeting will be held on Monday November 15, 2021 6:00pm at the Centerpoint Community Church 101 School St. Salem, NH. This is a members-only meeting but membership forms will be available for non-members to join (yearly dues are $30.00) prior to the start of the meeting.
Guest Speaker
Do you have questions about the Millville Lake weed treatment? Then you will not want to miss the meeting. Our guest speaker will be Peter Beisler, Environmental Scientist SOLitude Lake Management. SOLitude does our annual weed treatment.
Fred Wallace, the Director of the Salem Municipal Services Utilities Division, will not be attending the meeting.
Can't make the meeting? Email your questions for Peter to info@millvillelake.org.
Guest Speaker
Do you have questions about the Millville Lake weed treatment? Then you will not want to miss the meeting. Our guest speaker will be Peter Beisler, Environmental Scientist SOLitude Lake Management. SOLitude does our annual weed treatment.
Fred Wallace, the Director of the Salem Municipal Services Utilities Division, will not be attending the meeting.
Can't make the meeting? Email your questions for Peter to info@millvillelake.org.
Keep Leaves Out of the Lake
From the Salem Municipal Services Department - Engineering Division. "Did you know yard waste, including leaves and grass clippings, can be a source of water pollution? When yard waste ends up in our town streets and sidewalks it flows into our storm drains. From there, it goes directly to our local streams, rivers, wetlands, ponds and lakes where it decays increasing the amount of nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorus in the water body, and degrading water quality. Learn more about leaf and yard waste handling, including how to properly dispose of it here: https://www.townofsalemnh.org/.../salemnh_yardwaste..."
Cyanobacteria Information
October 13, 2021 - If you're interested in learning more about cyanobacteria, there's plenty of information on the subject on the 'Maintaining A Healthy Lake' page that you can read by clicking here.
Cyanobacteria Sighting on Millville Lake
October 8, 2021 - From NH DES October 8, 2021
Concord, NH- A cyanobacteria bloom has been observed on Millville Lake in Salem, NH. NHDES alerts lake-goers to be on the lookout for changing conditions and avoid contact with cyanobacteria.
This message serves a local “Alert” for lake-goers to be on the lookout for accumulations of cyanobacteria, especially nearshore of the lake. Advisories are issued once samples are collected and cell concentrations of cyanobacteria are confirmed to exceed 70,000 cells/ml of lake water. This is not an official advisory at this time. NHDES advises lake users to avoid contact with the water in areas experiencing elevated cyanobacteria cell conditions, also known as a bloom. NHDES also advises pet owners to keep their pets away from cyanobacteria blooms.
Cyanobacteria are natural components of water bodies worldwide, though blooms and surface scums may form when excess nutrients are available to the water. Some cyanobacteria produce toxins that are stored within the cells and may be released upon cell death. Toxins can cause both acute and chronic health effects that range in severity. Acute health effects include irritation of skin and mucous membranes, tingling, numbness, nausea, vomiting, seizures and diarrhea. Chronic effects may include liver and central nervous system damage. Be cautious of lake water that has a surface scum, changes colors, or appears to have green streaks or blue-green flecks aggregating along the shore.
If you notice anything resembling cyanobacteria, please refrain from wading, swimming, or drinking the water. Keep all pets out of the water and contact NHDES immediately. Please call NHDES to report a cyanobacteria bloom at (603) 848-8094 or email HAB@des.nh.gov.
Sample cyanobacteria photo:
Concord, NH- A cyanobacteria bloom has been observed on Millville Lake in Salem, NH. NHDES alerts lake-goers to be on the lookout for changing conditions and avoid contact with cyanobacteria.
This message serves a local “Alert” for lake-goers to be on the lookout for accumulations of cyanobacteria, especially nearshore of the lake. Advisories are issued once samples are collected and cell concentrations of cyanobacteria are confirmed to exceed 70,000 cells/ml of lake water. This is not an official advisory at this time. NHDES advises lake users to avoid contact with the water in areas experiencing elevated cyanobacteria cell conditions, also known as a bloom. NHDES also advises pet owners to keep their pets away from cyanobacteria blooms.
Cyanobacteria are natural components of water bodies worldwide, though blooms and surface scums may form when excess nutrients are available to the water. Some cyanobacteria produce toxins that are stored within the cells and may be released upon cell death. Toxins can cause both acute and chronic health effects that range in severity. Acute health effects include irritation of skin and mucous membranes, tingling, numbness, nausea, vomiting, seizures and diarrhea. Chronic effects may include liver and central nervous system damage. Be cautious of lake water that has a surface scum, changes colors, or appears to have green streaks or blue-green flecks aggregating along the shore.
If you notice anything resembling cyanobacteria, please refrain from wading, swimming, or drinking the water. Keep all pets out of the water and contact NHDES immediately. Please call NHDES to report a cyanobacteria bloom at (603) 848-8094 or email HAB@des.nh.gov.
Sample cyanobacteria photo:
Millville Lake Drawdown Update
August 26, 2021 - Fred Wallace, the Director of the Salem Municipal Services Utilities Division, has informed us that the dam will be opened to begin drawdown on October 15th and be at winter level by November 1st.
For those who will need to have their boats removed prior to the drawdown, the concrete barrier near the dam is not blocking access to the water and there is room to back in a boat trailer.
For those who will need to have their boats removed prior to the drawdown, the concrete barrier near the dam is not blocking access to the water and there is room to back in a boat trailer.
Millville Lake Town Beach Results
LakeFest 2021 Thanks & Photos
August 15 2021 - We hope everyone who attended LakeFest 2021 had a marvelous time. A big thanks to the Griddle Guys, Frank and Sheri, Paul, Jack and Adrienne, and Tim and Kathy (and George for the pineapple kabobs!) for hosting the events! Click here for some photos of the day.
SOLitude Lake Management Weed Treatment
August 15 2021 - SOLitude Lake Management is scheduled to treat Millville Lake to control nuisance aquatic weed growth on August 17, 2021 starting at 10:00am. Click here for the details.
MLPA Spring Meeting Notes
July 3, 2021 - The MLPA Spring meeting notes from the June 8th meeting are now on the website for members only. Click the 'MLPA Meeting Notes Members Only' icon above to access the notes. If you are a member and cannot access the meeting notes please let us know by sending an email to info@millvillelake.org.
NH Lakes Lake Smart PowerPoint Slides
June 9, 2021 - Andrea LaMoreaux's, NH LAKES President, PowerPoint slides from her LakeSmart Living presentation given at the MLPA Spring meeting of June 8th, 2021 are available below to download.
| millville_lake_association_lakesmart_intro_06-08-2021.pdf |
NH Lakes Canada Geese - The Ugly Truth
June 9, 2021 - "Canada Geese - Ugly Truth" provided by NH Lakes is available available to read here.
MLPA Spring Meeting
June 4, 2021 - We are excited to announce that there will be an in-person MLPA Spring meeting on Tuesday June 8, 2021 at the Centerpoint Community Church* 101 School St. Salem, NH. from 6:30pm - 8:30pm. This is a members-only meeting but membership forms will be available for non-members to join (yearly dues are $30.00) prior to the start of the meeting. Topics will include MLPA financials, Millville Lake dam, LakeFest, the Millville Circle town beach area trash, the NH Lakes organization, and the MLPA scholarship program.
Update: Guest Speaker Andrea LaMoreaux NH LAKES President - Lake Smart Living
* We will be following the church's COVID-19 rules - currently masks must be worn and chairs will be spaced at a safe distance.
Update: Guest Speaker Andrea LaMoreaux NH LAKES President - Lake Smart Living
* We will be following the church's COVID-19 rules - currently masks must be worn and chairs will be spaced at a safe distance.
Clean River Project Stump Removal
May 11, 2021 - Many thanks to the Clean River Project for helping to protect and improve Millville Lake. They hauled away an additional 25 stumps (6 trailer loads!) from the lake.
Stump Removal
April 27, 2021 - The Clean River Project is on the scene today & tomorrow to remove dangerous floating stumps from Millville Lake. This one is a monster!
Millville Lake Dam Boring Notification
April 12, 2021 - More details of the planned drilling at the Millville Lake dam scheduled for April 16th and April 19th.
NH Lakes LakeSmart Booklet
April 11, 2021 - NH Lakes provided a must-read booklet filled with helpful information on lake friendly living. Download your copy today.
| lakesmartbooklet_2019.pdf |
Dam and Lake Level Update
April 9, 2021 - As you have noticed the Millville Lake water level is down substantially. The reason for this is that the town of Salem is required by the State of New Hampshire to perform an evaluation of the condition of the dam.
A large drilling machine will be brought in to perform the required boring into the lake bed for the evaluation. The boring is scheduled to start on the morning of Friday April 16th and most likely the equipment will be left at the dam over that weekend. The boring should be completed on Monday April 19th.
After the evaluation is completed the “gates” of the dam will be closed and the lake will be allowed to fill to its normal level. In past years the dam has been closed towards the end of April, first part of May. This year we are hoping for April 20th. We will keep you informed on when the dam is closed.
A large drilling machine will be brought in to perform the required boring into the lake bed for the evaluation. The boring is scheduled to start on the morning of Friday April 16th and most likely the equipment will be left at the dam over that weekend. The boring should be completed on Monday April 19th.
After the evaluation is completed the “gates” of the dam will be closed and the lake will be allowed to fill to its normal level. In past years the dam has been closed towards the end of April, first part of May. This year we are hoping for April 20th. We will keep you informed on when the dam is closed.
A Message From MLPA President, Jim Falls
October 26, 2020 - Please read an important message from the MLPA President, Jim Falls, on our blog.
SOLitude Lake Management 2019 Water Quality Testing
March 20, 2020 - SOLitude Lake Management performed Millville Lake water quality testing on August 29, 2019 and September 27, 2019. I received the August water quality results, reviewed them and nothing popped out to me as bad or out of the ordinary. I did not receive the September results until late October (due to a billing mix up), so I did not want to report back to you with only one set of results. When I finally received the September results I reviewed them again and again saw nothing of concern. Our Fisheries Biologist (Ben German) reviewed both sets of results and for the most part he also saw no red flags. He did however feel like it was worth mentioning that the Conductivity was a little higher than he would expect for a water body in this region/geography. Conductivity is a measure of water’s capability to pass electrical flow. This ability is directly related to the concentration of ions in the water. These conductive ions come from dissolved salts and inorganic materials such as alkalis, chlorides, sulfides and carbonate compounds. Compounds that dissolve into ions are also known as electrolytes. The more ions that are present, the higher the conductivity of water. (definition taken from: https://www.fondriest.com/environmental-measurements/parameters/water-quality/conductivity-salinity-tds/.)
Ben's opinion was that the slightly elevated conductivity was possibly due to road salts from the winter. There is no harm at all with the readings seen (330-350 umhos/cm), as they fall well within the acceptable range to support diverse aquatic life (100-1,000 umhos/cm.)
All water quality results looked good, with no reason for concern.
Peter Beisler SOLitude Environmental Scientist
Ben's opinion was that the slightly elevated conductivity was possibly due to road salts from the winter. There is no harm at all with the readings seen (330-350 umhos/cm), as they fall well within the acceptable range to support diverse aquatic life (100-1,000 umhos/cm.)
All water quality results looked good, with no reason for concern.
Peter Beisler SOLitude Environmental Scientist
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