Dear Friends of the Lake,
Last Friday (1/7/22) we received an urgent message regarding the status of HB1066 from State Representative and sponsor Rosemarie Rung. The passage of this bill will establish a cyanobacteria study commission to investigate and analyze the environmental and human and animal health impacts relating to cyanobacteria blooms in New Hampshire water bodies. For the first time, various experts from state to local officials would collaborate to address the threat of cyanobacteria and make recommendations for how to mitigate this growing threat.
The bill is scheduled for a public hearing before the House Resources Recreation and Development Committee on Wednesday, January 12 at 1:45 pm in Concord, NH at the Legislative Office Building Room 305.
Click Here to view the bill text.
Cyanobacteria blooms have been documented at an increasing rate over the last few years across all of NH waterbodies. There have been 6 state health advisories issued to various waterbodies in the Winnipesaukee watershed since 2019. This past summer we received a multitude of reported cyanobacteria sightings from various locations around the lake.
Click Here to view our list of observations and advisories.
This is a concern, not only for the ecosystem, but also for human health. Some forms of cyanobacteria produce and store toxins, which are released when their cells die. The health concerns associated range in severity from skin irritation to central nervous system damage.
As stewards and supporters of our beautiful lake and surrounding watershed, please consider using your voice to support HB1066 with a public support letter or email. Your personal testimony should include your name and address, your concerns and observations, and a recommendation that HB 1066 passes.
Emails can be sent to:
HouseResourcesRecreationandDevelopme....state.n h.us.
Letters can be mailed to: NH House of Representatives, Resources, Recreation and Development Committee, Legislative Office Building, Room 305, Concord NH 03301.
Thank You,
Bree Rossiter
Conservation Program Manager
Lake Winnipesaukee Association
(603) 581-6632