Use Your Voice, Support the Fertilizer Bill

[Lake Winnipesaukee Alliance]

Dear Lake Ally,
The 2024 New Hampshire Legislative Session isn't over yet— and our lake needs your voice one more time!

Before Thursday, October 10, we urge you to contact your House Representatives and Senator to request their vote to override the veto on HB 1293, the bill to limit phosphorus fertilizer. This action will help safeguard the health of your lake—and all lakes across New Hampshire—by reducing fertilizer pollution, a significant contributor to plant growth, algae growth and cyanobacteria blooms.

In June, both the New Hampshire House and Senate passed this important bill with broad support. The legislation restricts phosphorus content in lawn fertilizers, prevents application under conditions that promote runoff, and mandates clear educational signage in stores selling fertilizer. These actions aim to inform the public on how improper or excessive fertilizer use harms our waterbodies.

In July, despite these positive steps, the Governor vetoed the bill, citing concerns over the feasibility of its implementation.

As a lake ally, we need your help by October 10 to contact your legislators and urge them to override this veto. Here’s why your voice matters:

Education is Key: Many homeowners don’t realize that incorrect fertilizer use can pollute lakes. The education component of this bill will help spread critical information to protect our water.
Combatting Cyanobacteria Blooms: Phosphorus pollution is fueling the rise of cyanobacteria blooms in our lakes. Reducing phosphorus from fertilizer is one step toward addressing this issue.
Proven Solutions: This bill is modeled after laws successfully protecting lakes in other states.
Calling your representatives is the most effective way to be heard. If you can’t reach them directly, leave a message and follow up with an email. If your lake has experienced a cyanobacteria bloom, share your personal experiences and how it’s impacted your family and community.

You can find your legislators’ contact information here: https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/house/members/

Please let us know if you have any questions. Together, we can make a difference!

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Bree Rossiter
Conservation Program Manager

[WinnisquamZ]

Please tell us how such a law gets policed? Neighbor telling on Neighbor? Photos from kayaking? Will a land owner who has nice grass be accused with no evidence and must pay to defend themselves? So many questions


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[stingray]

Please tell us how such a law gets policed? Neighbor telling on Neighbor? Photos from kayaking? Will a land owner who has nice grass be accused with no evidence and must pay to defend themselves? So many questions


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I may be missing it; but, when I reviewed the bill, I’m not seeing any fines for violating the law if enacted. Is this documented elsewhere? Will that need to be a separate bill?

Overall it just sounds like common sense to preserve the Lakes.

If you look at what the Lakes do for tax revenue for the state, there is a good argument that this is too little too late.


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[Lake Winnipesaukee Alliance]

We're thrilled to share some fantastic news! Today, both the New Hampshire House of Representatives and the Senate took bold action by overriding the Governor's veto on HB 1293, a bill related to the use of certain fertilizers on turf.

This morning, the House voted 232 to 99 to override the veto, exceeding the required 2/3 majority. Later today, the Senate followed with an overwhelming 22 to 1 vote to override.

HB 1293 will now become law! It limits the phosphorus content in lawn fertilizer, prohibits its application under conditions that increase the risk of washing off the landscape, and requires that information be posted in stores where fertilizer is sold to help the public understand how the improper and excessive use of fertilizer can harm lake health.

This victory would not have been possible without your commitment, advocacy and support. Thanks to your help, we’ve reached an important milestone in minimizing excess phosphorus from entering our waterbodies! Congratulations to everyone involved!

[Skippermark]

I try to not get involved in political debate in forums, but I think this is a good thing. We visit the lake several times each summer, and once when we came up, the areas we typically visit were closed due to cyanobacteria. I never expected that here and started checking the DES cyanobacteria map site before heading up to make sure we wouldn't have any issues launching our WaveRunners.

We visited the 1000 Islands in NY this summer, and the images below are from the motel where we stayed and the town's public docks. We were told this was "regular" algae and non-toxic, but residents said it's become a huge problem.

I would hate to see this happen to Lake Winnipesaukee.

[The Real BigGuy]

I think the legislation is a great idea but, as others have stated, what is the enforcement mechanism? Are we going to have the neighborhood "secret police"?

Without enforcement it is just another "feel good" bill passed by the NH legislature that will have little or no actual effect. Kind of like "No Wake", the 150 foot rule, and the lake speed limit.

[John Mercier]

The reason the Governor vetoed supposedly is that he wanted it just to affect lakefront properties. That would have required a slue of new enforcement efforts and been very unfair to those that purchased lakefront properties.

By focusing on the entire State, lawn care specialists and retail operations have an easier time adjusting to the changes, and the enforcement already exists.

[Jeanzb1]

The new law should definitely affect lakefront properties, but it should also affect lawns that are near the water because, as we all know, there is such a thing as RUNOFF! Also, I think the state needs to get very aggressive in monitoring old septic and cesspool systems which are likely leaking. Time is of the essence.


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[John Mercier]

Th septic law change had already been enacted.

[imyourhuckleberry]

I own property in Moultonborough, so this is a welcome change I look forward to the law going into affect.

I also own a DIY lawn care service which uses minimal amounts of Nitrogen and Phosphorus on residential lawns all over the country.

I'm currently making changes to my own business to prepare for this law, and would welcome anyone who wants no brainer compliance to checkout my business.
All our products are natural and organic and fully sustainable for the lakes region in NH.

you can check it out at

getlawnbright.com

[Jeanzb1]

There is a huge difference between having a septic law enacted and having it inspected and enforced. I personally know of several very old camps directly on the water where the septic systems and cesspools are original.


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[FlyingScot]

There is a huge difference between having a septic law enacted and having it inspected and enforced. I personally know of several very old camps directly on the water where the septic systems and cesspools are original.


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Agreed. Also, the septic law is just scratching the surface of the issue, and it is not nearly enough. The only properties affected are those being sold. The very old camps and cesspools that have been there for generations--no impact. We should have a requirement that all systems are inspected/maintained periodically

[John Mercier]

Once the Legislature passes a bill into law, they generally do not go right back to that subject.

[FlyingScot]

Once the Legislature passes a bill into law, they generally do not go right back to that subject.

Understood. I am not optimistic that we will have the right fertilizer laws next year

[ApS]

:offtopic: Somewhat Off-Topic, but millions of lawns were washed into the sea during Hurricane Milton.

So...what should appear only days later, but a giant "bloom" of algae off the coastline.

Spotted from space, it appeared as a long and narrow streak offshore as it killed fish by the millions.

https://www.wusf.org/environment/2024-10-19/red-tide-is-confirmed-off-the-pinellas-gulf-coast

Those of us around The Big Lake should remember the extremely-wet temperate seasons of 2023.

:eek2:

[AltonCAM]

Is it just me or does it seem funny to seek support for a fertilizer bill coming from our government?


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