Derry Hampstead

Atkinson

Spring 2009 News from Big Island Pond Corporation

CALENDAR BIPC Annual Meeting Saturday, July 11th Be sure to mark your calendar for the annual meeting. Stay informed about events and issues around the lake. Meet your neighbors and chat with old friends! BIPC items (aerial BIP photos, shirts, etc.) will be on sale to raise funds for BIPC programs. Held at the Olde Meeting House, Emerson Avenue., Hampstead, NH. 9:00 am Coffee; 9:30 am Meeting Big Island Pond Fireworks Saturday, July 4th after dark Rain date: Sunday, July 5th Invite your friends to an evening of pro- Get ready for fun! Professional wakeboarder Jimmy Trask grew up in Hampstead fessional pyrotechnics. Send your dona- on Big Island Pond. Photo courtesy of ArleneTrask tions NOW to make sure we have fire- works on July 3rd! If you can help with WAKEBOARDING PRO STARTED ON BIP by Bob Trask setup or teardown,call Tammy at 490-4740. You may have seen them last August,when BIP was the scene of a photo and video shoot Weed Diver Blog of professional wakeboarders, who are native New Englanders. One of the riders is Check out the BIP Weed Diver Blog: Jimmy Trask, a 24 year-old native of Hampstead and has been wakeboarding for 12 www.bigislandpond.com/WeedDiverBlog years.Quickly,wakeboarding became his passion and he decided to move to Florida to is managed by Paula Holigan and people pursue his wakeboarding career full-time. can go on there to see our progress..pic- The photo shoot was for an article, which ran in the March/April 2008 issue of Alliance tures..learn where they can help. Wakeboard magazine that focused on Jimmy and three other professional riders from New England:Ben Greenwood,Keith Lyman,and Mike Marsh. BIP is featured nicely in both the article and on Alliance Wakeboard’s website in the Photos and Video sections.You can check it out at www.alliancewake.com. Wakeboarding is one of the fastest growing water sports. Jimmy, who now lives in Florida, plans to be back to BIP this July to ride and run some coaching clinics. He competes at events around the U.S. and is now training alongside his Mastercraft and CWB teammates and giving private lessons. You can see more about wakeboarding and Jimmy on his website, www.jimmytrask.com.

Many attended BIPC’s first Spring Fling held Many thanks to Ram Printing for printing the Ponderables. May 9, including EMS demostrating .

Big Island Pond www.bigislandpond.org page 1 LETTER FROM THE should be complete this summer. PRESIDENT With the building of the Suction Harvester (nicknamed Milfoiler) and Hello everyone, the volunteer dive team having a com- My name is pleted schedule,the Board of Directors Kevin Magner have decided to postpone the treat- and I will be the ment of the lake with 2,4-D to combat acting President variable milfoil. of BIPC. Big Fragment barriers have been installed Island Pond has with more on the way. Please be care- been a part of ful of them,as they are very important my life for over in containing the spread of this inva- Thanks to Bruce Cambriello for making forty years. The lake has always been a sive plant. several of these floating and Milfoiler signs. special place for my family and friends. If you see weeds growing please do When having first timers to “The Lake”, not try to uproot them. This will only TOURS OF BIP it seems to be met with the same com- compound the problem. Please call ments, such as“ I drive by here all the Have you ever wanted to take a tour of your area director, inform a weed time and never knew”to“you have to the lake as the day wanes into sunset? At watcher and we will arrange the prop- be kidding me”. the BIPC Spring Fling, Eastern Mountain er removal. However, if you see weeds Sports provided opportunities to get I have only had one “bad” experience FLOATING on the water surface, please out on Big Island Pond.They expressed a at BIP. In the Spring of 07’ a piece of dispose of them away from the waters desire to support our efforts in bringing marsh,that I’m sure you all have heard edge. A big thank you for the out- the BIP community together with some about, landed in front of our house standing work of the dive team, weed kayaking experiences. Think about join- (and two neighbors’). Picture, if you watchers, the weed management ing a group to paddle the lake to see its will, a 200’ x 100’ piece of land just oversight committee and to the peo- natural wonders—learn about the showing up on your doorstep.It was a ple involved with the construction of wildlife that makes BIP home. If you are sight to behold. the Suction Harvester. interested in taking a tour of the lake What I thought would take years to Please think about donating time or with your or with one that E.M.S. clean up took about a month with the money to this cause. To be effective, provides at a deep rental discount, email help of this community. Thank you we need your help. Rose Colby at [email protected]. again! When the cleanup was com- Given interest in the activity,we will post plete I felt a desire to volunteer my times and tour attractions to all who are time in any way I could, becoming a Kevin Magner interested in learning more about the director and now taking over this post. President, BIPC wonders of our beautiful lake. Last fall several volunteers got togeth- er to repair the spillways, do some patching of the dam walls and general LAKE PROPERTIES maintenance. The ramp was also repaired at that time.Thank you to all Big Island Pond Corporation gratefully acknowledges those involved. the support of Big Island Real Estate of Hampstead, NH. Due to the floods of 06’, the state has Their generous contributions underwrote the cost of asked us to update our Emergency printing this issue of the Ponderables newsletter. Action Plan.This plan calls for a study of the plan for response if the BIP dam failed completely and the impact it would have on homes, roads, bridges and any other structures. within a 10,000-acre flood zone. The plan also covers contact information for state and local agencies and our board.This 603.329.5903 • [email protected] has been an ongoing endeavor and www.bigislandre.com P.O. Box 601, 90 Blueberry Circle, Hampstead, NH 03841

page 2 www.bigislandpond.org Big Island Pond Although he seemed strong, to those that knew him,he had a soft,compassion- ate side. His enormous sense of humor and hospitality drew people to him.When the sunset cruises on Big Island Pond became too cold,Dale headed south to be with his winter family in Bonita Springs.He will be tremendously missed by all who knew him. His generosity extended further than the lake. Dale was a member of the Saugus Lodge of Elks # 2100 where he served as Past Exalted Ruler, Past District Deputy and raised over $100,000 for the Mass. Elks Scholarship Committee. He had earned the Eagle Scout Award and retired from Saugus High School where he had been a teacher for 26 years. Jimmy Trask delivers a show that makes everyone smile. Photo courtesy of Garrett Cortese He is survived by his wife, Valjean Anderson, his son, Eric Anderson of DALE ANDERSON: A FRIEND Hampstead, his daughter, Christen Enos TO ALL THAT KNEW HIM and her husband Carl of North Reading, MA, and his two grandchildren, Mathew by Cindy Lanouette and Raelene Anderson. Valjean has also A dear friend to Big Island Pond and all been a supporter of BIPC having been that knew him, Dale Anderson, passed the recording secretary for many years. away unexpectedly in February 2009 She will be returning to the lake late and is now conducting sunset cruises in May. Please stop by her dock and share a heaven. Dale was one of the founders hug and fond memory of Dale. She of the Big Island Pond Corporation, would love that. collaborating with Warren Kruschwitz, Evelyn Shore and others.Dale served as Vice President and Treasurer for many years and was still an Area Director at the time of his passing. He was a loyal and dedicated supporter of our lake association and often participated in summer water testing with Herb Dale Anderson will be missed. If you did not Lippold and always helped with repairs know him, you missed something special. to the dam.

BOAT OPERATOR LICENSE NOW REQUIRED course and home study guide are available and will allow you to take pre-tests and receive a course completion slip. Upon You MUST have a boat operator's license if operating a power- completion, call 1-888-254-2125 to schedule a time for a boat of more than 25 hp. In June 2006, House Bill 1463, was proctored examination at any of our numerous locations. passed which requires everyone to take a The State of NH also recognizes a certifi- proctored examination in order to receive cate issued by another state, if it meets a New Hampshire education cer- their standards. tificate. It also requires everyone to get a minimum of 80 percent on the examina- Check the Division of Safety, Boating tion. Individuals must be a minimum of 16 Education department for more information. years of age to take the test. A classroom www.nh.gov/safety

Big Island Pond www.bigislandpond.org page 3 FRAGMENT BARRIERS You may have noticed floating fragment barriers south of the Governor’s Island Bridge. These were designed and installed by NH Dept. of Environmental Services to catch any weed fragments floating from the northern areas. They also catch pine needles, leaves, branches and debris. The barriers must be cleaned often to be effective.If you are out in your small boat and could clean the barriers, that would be very helpful.Take a pail or bag with you to collect the debris. Don’t The NHDES has installed weed barriers at the southern side of the Governor’s Island Bridge. Please let anything escape! Take your collection be careful as you maneuver the lanes.You can help by CAREFULLY collecting the debris. with you to be disposed or deposited far We invited anyone that was interested sun canopy for the Milfoiler. A special away from the lake shore. If there are to view the State harvester at our thanks goes out to Rockingham Boat invasive weeds in the collection,we don’t Fisherman’s Access. The State harvester and Steve Seuss. Steve is a resident on want them blowing or washing back into was launched along with a small crew. BIP and donated a Boat Safety Package the lake. This responsibility belongs with Big Island Pond’s own Master Diver Bob and a swim ladder for our DASH boat. all of us to keep these barriers clean. Patterson went into the water with the He also had his Rockingham Boat State diver and after using the harvester mechanics go through the motor and he became convinced this would speed tune it up. Steve was amazed at the up the removal of plants tenfold. good deal we got on the boat, motor One of the people that was interested in and trailer.The Milfoiler was pronounced this technique was Steve French from it in great condition. Governor’s Island. He set to work to find Because of their generosity, BIPC asked funding so we could build our own the residents of Governor’s Island to weed harvester. Late last year BIPC name our vessel. As usual, they made a received a $10,000 donation from the party out of it. Several suggestions came French Foundation (several members of forth and then there was the vote: the the French/Williams family) for the pur- Milfoiler was the chosen name! Jenna (4), Sarah (7) and Mom clean the fragment barriers.The little ones made up a chase and building of a harvester. Big Watch for the Milfoiler on the lake and song about it and look forward to doing this. Island Pond is one of the few lakes in the volunteer to become part of this innova- Jeff and Linda Gorton are teaching their kids State to own a harvester thanks to the tive weed removal approach. Go to our to care for the lake at an early age. generosity and faith of a group from website www.bigislandpond.org and Governor’s Island. click on the link that takes you to the THE MILFOILER Over the course of the winter, a used Weed Harvesting/Dive Blog to track the pontoon boat, motor and trailer were progress. Let us know how you would by Cindy Lanouette purchased. A band of hearty lake volun- like to help.We have a spot for everyone! One of the ways of dealing with our teers offered their time, expertise and invasive aquatic weeds is Diver Assisted camaraderie to meet and reconfigure Suction Harvesting…or DASH for short. the boat from a pleasure craft to a work- We started looking into this option “in ing suction harvester boat.The boat was our dreams” a year ago. There are very launched April 18th and has been test- few of these units in existence in the ed, refined and is actively harvesting the State of New Hampshire and if you early season weeds. Those that helped wanted to rent one, along with its divers, build the harvester include Skip it would cost you a small fortune per Lanouette, George Halkiotis, Ken day. The NH Dept. of Environmental Heinrich, Paul LaRochelle, Len Snell, Dan Skip Lanouette demonstrates the Milfoiler, a Services has a couple and they brought Tallini, Bob Trask, Bob & Jen Waselchuck. custom manufactured suction harvester that one down for us to try last September. Thanks to Dave Reynolds for donating a assists divers with the removal of Milfoil on BIP.

page 4 www.bigislandpond.org Big Island Pond Complete the order form below BIP items and return with payment by June 29

Item Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Total Price

Boat Tote with navy straps @ $6 White with navy oat tote Navy Cooler Tote @ $6 Can coolies Maroon Cooler Tote @ $6

Navy Beach Towel @ $15

Navy or Maroon $3 each cooler tote Can Coolie # of Red # of Royal # of Green # of Purple $12 for 5

Floating $3 each Key Chain # of Yellow # of Pink # of White # of Red $12 for 5 Floating key chains Total: Proceeds fund Big Island Pond programs, maintenance and events. Navy beach towel Name: Phone(s): Total enclosed: Address: Email:

✁trim and return BIP shirt order form by June 29 BIPC HOSTS COMMUNITY SPRING FLING The day was not complete for anyone who attended without a walk out to Sunset Brook to see the newest addition to the by Lisa LaRochelle lake, the Milfoiler. The newly constructed Diver Assisted On Saturday May 9th Big Island Pond Corp. held a community Suction Harvester (DASH) was in full swing with members of spring fair at the Sanborn Shores Acres Campground. The the dive team beginning the task of reducing our invasive event was centered on the importance of our healthy lake and weed populations. the watershed we live in. Information on the Shoreline We hope that all those who joined us had a wonderful time Protection Act, Lake-Host programs,Water Quality testing, and connecting with friends and neighbors from around the lake. the need for Good Gardening practices along the water was Several mentioned that they had a renewed sense of apprecia- presented. Thanks to the efforts of many volunteers from tion for our wonderful lake and how our daily actions and around the lake. Also on hand were Eastern Mountain Sports activities have a direct impact on the health on BIP. with kayak demonstrations and the NHDOT with a terrific demonstration and talk on the impact of Storm Water Run-off on our lakes and streams (see photo). Our hosts, Dave and Suzanne Reynolds, at the campground provided fair,friendly food and fun.We are grateful to them for lending a hand and providing a space where the entire lake community could come together. Let’s not forget the kids. There were plenty of things for the kids to do and learn. From coloring and activity books to a duck pond lake trivia game, there was no need for boredom. Locally and online eco-friendly activities are available to both parents and kids.

Big Island Pond www.bigislandpond.org page 5 F. Y.I. Water Quality So far, we are really getting good results with Milfoiler, the suction harvester. In We will do our major testing during Important Contacts just one day we harvested 90 gallons of June, July and August as usual. Oxygen Area Directors See list on p. 8 early season milfoil from the Blueberry test will be done in June rather than NH Marine Patrol 877-642-9700 Cove area. The Spring growth is much August to see if the water turnover 603-293-2037 smaller and easier to get before it gets a resulted in good oxygen near the bot- NH Fish & Game 603-271-3129 lot of top growth. We are working the tom. By August much has depleted Boater Ed. Classes 888-254-2125 bugs out of the system and then plan to below the thermocline. Sampling for involve as many people as we can.This is Mooring Permits 603-293-0095 chlorides (salt) has already taken place. Boat Registration 603-271-2333 EVERYONE’S issue, not just a few. Please Dale Anderson will be missed as a long NH Department of 603-271-3503 help however you can. Environ. Services (permits) time contributor. If you would like to get involved contact Important Web Sites In general, parameters of phosphorus, us through the website www.bigisland- www.bigislandpond.org chlorophyll A, transparency and conduc- pond.org or call Cindy at 329-6560. www.des.state.nh.us tivity are getting worse yearly. www.state.nh.us/safety Until about 2004 phosphorus values www.nhlakes.org were running fairly level, then seemly www.boat-ed.com began a slope upward. www.nhfishandgame.com Phosphorus is the most important param- www.wildlife.state.nh.us eter measured in our pond since it is the Did you get a Permit? nutrient that typically determines the rate Over the past winter, several properties of pond aging, and has a great effect on on BIP have been ‘modified’.Some were chlorophyll A (algae) and transparency. not aware that they needed state and/or WE CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! By local permits and were fined. Don’t let not using fertilizers within 25 feet of the this happen to you. When you file, make shoreline; planting shrubs and trees close sure you include BIPC as an abutter. to the shoreline; and restricting sand Permits for docks, moorings, and walls dumping into the water or near the water may be obtained through an application line (State Law). Are you pumping your process. If you have questions contact septic tank regularly and have an ade- your Area Director or get more info at quate leach field away from the pond? Variable Milfoil in BIP. Dots note samples found. Pink area is suggests heaviest areas.. www.des.state.nh.us. It is up to you whether our pond ages prematurely. We must mount a strong Send BIP stories and photos Fisherman’s Access effort to combat chemicals in our lake! We were up and running April 1 with 3 Weed Watcher Program We need your articles and ‘tidbits’ in the people selling keys; Jim Foucault and Big Island Ponderables and on our web Herb Lippold on Lippold Rd. and a new Cindy Lanouette and Jen Waselchuck site. Please send us your photos (new or volunteer,Len Snell on Escumbuit Rd.We have taken on the responsibilities of old), stories, events and questions or try our darndest to limit it to fishermen coordinating the Weed Watcher activities comments. Send them to BIP but occasionally a recreational type on BIP.Bob Patterson is in charge of the Ponderables, P.O. Box 297 Hampstead, might get by us. Let us know by the divers. When he schedules dives, which NH 03841 or email to auntdorothy@big- number on the stern if you see a sticker are every Sat and Sun., Jen calls people islandpond.org. Make sure to include boat violating the contract. on the list to help with top support. We your name, phone number and return need your help. Please volunteer. What At the junction of the ramp extension address. www.bigislandpond.org does top-side support do? You’ll catch and original, there was as much as a 5” any fragments with a net, deflect any IMPORTANT NOTICE step which built up over the years. that may approach, and perhaps Concrete left over from the dam spillway CHILD’S LIFE JACKET RULE help on the harvester changing weed was used to level up and cover much of collection bags. We also need people Effective August 17,2007,all children 12 the ramp. that can supply food for the workers. It’s years old and under are now required to Shareholders may put their boat in or a good cause and a great way to get to wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life out by calling Herb Lippold at 898-9248. know your neighbors. jacket while boating in New Hampshire.

page 6 www.bigislandpond.org Big Island Pond DO YOU ATTEND THE FIREWORKS? WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT This year we need your support to help with setup and breakdown, as well as donations to cover the cost of the fireworks them- selves. We are asking that you be as generous as possible in your donations.We appreciate any amount, but the more we collect, the better the display! If you invite friends and family to view the firework, consider asking them for a donation too.There are no corporate sponsors or town involvement.Your donations will determine the length and quality of the fireworks show. We’d also like to get the word out to those that are not on our mailing list but enjoy the celebration.Talk it up! Send donations & this form by July 3 to: Big Island Pond Corp.,c/o Fireworks Fund, PO Box 297,Hampstead,NH 03841 ❑$25 ❑$50 ❑$75 ❑$100 ❑ other ______❑ I want to help setup/breakdown

Name ______

Mailing Address ______

Town/State/Zip ______

Phone(s) ______email ______

Lake Address ______

✁trim and return by July 3rd Please make check payable to Big Island Pond Corporation AUNT DOROTHY’S DO'S provide you with a weed identification anchors and move them as the diver AND DON'TS ON BIP chart.A healthy lake has native weeds so progresses. The weed collection area don’t panic and think every weed is a on the boat would also need to be Aunt Dorothy hopes that a few of her bad weed. If you find a spot that looks managed by you raking and bagging words of wisdom will help to prolong the like it matches an invasive species on the the weeds. health of Big Island Pond and make lake chart,contact us and we will check it out. FEED THE CREW: We are also looking for living more enjoyable for everyone. You should go on the BIPC website sandwiches, snacks and drinks for the However we tackle our aquatic invasive www.bigislandpond.org or call Cindy at /harvester crews on dive days.This weed problem, the operative word is 329-6560 with your report. will enable them to stay on the water OURS.This problem does not belong to DIVE DAYS TOP SUPPORT: Again, this is and do at least two consecutive dives on a select group of people. It is everyone’s out on the water with the now famous every single weekend day between now responsibility to pitch in and help or no Milfoiler vessel. It is truly fascinating to and October. method will be successful.Whoever you watch the DASH (diver-assisted suction COMPOST:Would you like a day’s harvest are, you need to find a way to help with harvester) in progress. While harvesting, for your compost pile? Due to the water this problem. Here are a few ideas how the diver may break off a fragment of an content, the weeds break down quickly you can help: invasive weed. You would be in your into wonderful soil for your garden! WEED WATCHERS:If you like to be out on non-motorized boat of choice and will the water, then this is your spot to help. use a net (provided) to catch fragments. DON’T WAIT.Call now and get on the list Our lake is divided into 16 areas.We need You may also be asked to keep an eye for your favorite spot. If we have lots of “scouts” from all 16 areas to get in their on the diver in the water. The dives volunteers to share the duties, no one kayaks, , small boats, waverunners typically run for two hours. will get worn out.We all share the beau- at least twice a month. Tough job, huh? PILOT/RUN THE HARVESTER TOPSIDE: tiful resource of BIP and we all need to Pick a sunny day (which will help you see This would involve driving the 24-foot take ownership of the invasive aquatic into the water better). Slowly pass back pontoon boat to the dive location and weed problem.Call Cindy at 329-6560 or and forth through your area looking for working with the dive crew. A NH Safe email to [email protected] weed patches. Depths over 15 feet need Boating Certificate is required. You not be checked as at that depth light would start the suction motor, monitor does not reach the bottom as well so and adjust its operation. You may also Got a good idea? Send your Do’s & Don’ts to weeds don’t normally grow there.We will need to be able to manage the [email protected]

Big Island Pond www.bigislandpond.org page 7 Big Island Pond Corporation P. O. Box 297 Hampstead, NH 03841

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

YOUR Area 1 Hemlock Heights Patsy Goodridge 329-5822 Noreen Mercier 560-4871 DIRECTORS & Lois Paul 329-5549 REGIONS Area 2 Lobster Cove David Holigan 329-6534 The bylaws of Big Island Bill Roberts 329-8125 Area 3 Boulder Cove John Henry 329-5114 Pond Corp.call for a John DeVitto 329-6543 board of directors of Area 4 Conley’s Grove-Atkinson Mary Ann Casey 893-4964 32 members,with two Herb Lippold 898-9248 members from each of the Area 5 Conley’s Grove-Derry Sal Gioe 898-9453 Ken Heinrich 893-1827 16 areas.Your Director is Area 6 Chase’s Grove Bob Soboleski 898-1025 your primary contact to the Kevin Magner 978-973-5057 Board and you should make Area 7 Dixon’s Grove Kathy Lombard 898-5438 your views on matters per- Drennan Lowell 890-0046 taining to Big Island Pond Area 8 Lakewood Estates Douglas Dixon 893-8575 Glen Potvin 893-1498 known to them. Area 9 North Shore Brian O’Riordan 759-7352 Officers are elected by the Joe Squeglia Jr. 234-5919 Directors,Directors are Area 10 Germantown Al Craig 898-9016 elected by the shareholders Alice Ward 898-2993 Area 11 Collette’s Grove Carol Lombardi 898-6484 in their area.If no election is Tammy Symons 490-4740 held,a shareholder may volunteer and be appointed by the board. Area 12 Pine Acres Dick Jones 329-5081 Rick Mitchell 329-4079 Area 13 Sanborn Shores Dan Tallini 329-5948 Westy Longshore 329-6043 President ...... Kevin Magner Area 14 No.Hampstead Shore Gene Handel 329-6205 Vice President ...... open Chuck Sem 329-8006 Treasurer ...... Drennan Lowell Area 15 So.Hampstead Shore Cindy Lanouette 329-6560 Recording Secretary ...... Lois Paul Al Sandler 571-7995 Registrar ...... Paul LaRochelle Lisa & Paul LaRochelle 329-7364 Corresponding Secretary ...... Lisa LaRochelle Area 16 Governor’s Island Marian Harman 978-692-3907 Holly Hildreth 224-3258