Judith Spang, Chair 659-5936
The Lamprey River Advisory Committee (LRAC) was formed when the Lamprey was designated a National Wild and Scenic River by the US Congress, and a New Hampshire State Protected River by the NH State Legislature. It consists of representatives from Epping, Lee, Durham, and Newmarket. The LRAC has developed a long range River Management Plan and works yearly on carrying out parts of the Plan. The Committee also reviews all projects which could impact the river for state and federal agencies.
Meetings, open to the public, are generally the first Tuesday of every month, with location rotating among the four towns. Call Judith Spang, Chair, at 659-5936 for more information.
The LRAC is completing the editing and illustration of Lee conservationist Dave Allan’s children’s book on a young Native American’s summer on the Lamprey. Because it is historically correct as well as entertaining, it will supplement the LRAC’s curriculum on the river now being used in area schools. The book will be published in January, 2005.
A recreation subcommittee was formed to address recreational access to the river and create opportunities at suitable sites. The first task has been working with the Town of Epping on the access point at the Rte. 87 bridge with a new informational kiosk.
The Mastway School in Lee continues to be one of several elementary schools using the LRAC’s "Lamprey River Curriculum". In three river towns there are now eight classes using the curriculum, which encompasses hands-on art, social studies, science, and writing.
The LRAC contributed $15,000 toward the reconstruction of a safer and more aesthetic Packers Falls bridge in Durham in order to enhance public appreciation for the site and the river.
Members assisted the Lamprey River Watershed Association in monitoring the Lamprey from Epping to Newmarket. In part thanks to the new Epping Wastewater Treatment Plant and in part due to land conservation and effective local shoreland zoning, the river has maintained its high water quality.
By matching the LRAC’s federal appropriations with funding by towns and conservation organizations, the Committee has been able to support the conservation of 1,432 acres and 6.7 miles of Lamprey River frontage in the 4-town area and over a mile on two of its tributaries, the Little and North Rivers.
In 2004, the LRAC partnered with multiple other parties to assist Frank and Linda Rheinold of Lee to place an easement on their Flag Hill Winery land, with extensive frontage on both the Lamprey and the North Rivers. Margaret Blickle’s 70-acre property in Lee with its highly significant Blanding's turtle habitat was also protected by the Town of Lee and the LRAC in 2004.
Residents interested in assuring that their land remains undeveloped for future generations should contact the Chair about participating in this program. The LRAC pays for most costs to landowners associated with easements.
Federal money has been appropriated to create fish passage at the Wiswall Dam in Durham. The LRAC is participating in a task force analyzing options, include installing a fish “ladder”, removing the dam, or creating a brook that bypasses the dam. The Durham Town Council will be ultimately responsible for the decision
The pilot study to determine how to protect the Lamprey River’s flow levels is commencing and the LRAC has been identifying important river resources that should be protected under the program.
Judith Spang (Durham), Chair
There are currently two openings for members from Durham on the LRAC.
Durham Newmarket
Judith Spang Fred Pearson
Dick Lord
Marilyn Dewey Epping
Jim Hewitt Kevin Martin
Cynthia Belowski
Sharon Meeker
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