The Francestown Conservation Commission and the Francestown Watershed Study Subcommittee will present “Navigating the Waters: An update on the health of our lakes, an overview of the challenges they face, and an inspiring call to action,” on Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Francestown Town Hall.
The program will be presented by Ted Diers of the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Water Division, who was the keynote speaker at the 2024 NH Lakes Congress in Meredith.
Diers will discuss the condition of Francestown’s two largest lakes, Pleasant Pond and Scobie Pond, which is also known as Haunted Lake, and threats such as cyanobacteria, milfoil and other invasive species. He will also highlight “LakeSmart” practices that residents, especially waterfront property owners, can adopt to help reduce pollution and contamination in local waters.
According to the Francestown Watershed Study Subcommittee, Francestown has 35 miles of rivers and streams, 1,255 acres of wetlands and 380 acres of “Great Ponds.”
LakeSmart strategies for keeping lakes and watersheds clean include practicing environmentally sound landscaping, which reduces the amount of nitrogen shed into the lake by fertilizers and lawn supplements.
Outdated or faulty septic systems, road and driveway salt, and the use of soap products in lakes also contribute to cyanobacteria and poor lake health.
All residents of Francestown are encouraged to attend. The presentation is free.
For information about LakeSmart go to nhlakes.org/lakesmart/.