Lamprey River: 2005 Annual Report

Like the Packers Falls Bridge, the LRAC seeks to connect people to the river.

Photo by Ecophotography

JANUARY 2005 ANNUAL REPORT – LAMPREY RIVER ADVISORY COMMITTEE

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.

LRAC ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2004

Public Information and Education

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.

Review of River-Related Development

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.

Water Quality Monitoring

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.

Land Conservation

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.

Fish Passage at Wiswall

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

Instream Flow Study

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.

PRIORITIES FOR NEXT YEAR

Work on conservation of Lamprey corridor properties in Durham, Lee, and Epping totaling over 400 acres and 14,000 feet of river frontage.
Assist the town, state, and federal agencies in determining the best fish passage solution for Wiswall Dam.
Review and make recommendations on the Instream Flow Study for the Lamprey.
Monitor the study on a potential regional wastewater outfall pipe into the Atlantic, which could have an impact on water levels in all rivers where treatment plants now exist.
Continue to monitor water quality in partnership with the Lamprey River Watershed Association (which is seeking volunteers for the coming summer).
Address streamside erosion problems in recreational areas on the river.

LRAC Members:

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

Lee                                                      At Large
Joe Ford                                              Brian Giles
Frank Reinhold
Dick Weyrick
Kitty Miller

Sharon Meeker