Dear WWA Members and Friends,
The WWA staff and volunteers work year-round to protect the lakes and lands within our watershed. A key part of this effort involves engaging with the community, building partnerships, and collaborating with stakeholders. To ensure that Lake Wentworth and Crescent Lake are considered in town decisions, I serve as an appointed member of the Wolfeboro Waters Committee, which advises the Board of Selectmen on water-related issues.
This summer, several members of the committee—including those invested in the health of Lake Wentworth and Crescent Lake—noted that the Smith River, below the Crescent Lake Dam, ran completely dry on multiple occasions. While this was a drought year, we believe that more careful dam management could help prevent extreme fluctuations, such as the river running dry or rapid changes in lake levels.
Wolfeboro Waters reached a consensus that maintaining a continuous flow in the lower Smith River is essential for aquatic wildlife, recreation, and overall lake health. Stagnant water in Crescent Lake, or excessive water release, can lead to turbidity, stirring up nutrients and potentially increasing plant and algae growth. Keeping water flowing over the dam is important for the health of Crescent Lake and Lake Wentworth. It is important to note that the mandated summer and winter lake levels will remain the same—this discussion is not about changing those requirements but about managing water flow more effectively to reduce negative impacts.
To address this issue, the committee recommended that a stakeholder group be convened to explore ways to balance lake level management with maintaining water flow in the Smith River. The Board of Selectmen agreed and supported the formation of a working group, including representatives from the NH Department of Environmental Services (DES), Fish & Game, lake associations, the dam operator, and Public Works. The goal is to improve dam management practices to better protect surface waters while preserving recreational opportunities.
For more details, you can watch the full presentation by WWA and Wolfeboro Waters Committee Member Rich Masse, along with my comments, on Wolfeboro Community TV’s YouTube channel:
- Full discussion: [1:45:45–2:15:30]
- Summary of the issue: [2:00:00–2:04:30]
Click here to access the background information submitted to the Board of Selectmen, which is part of the public record.
We will keep you informed as these discussions progress.
Sincerely,
Julie Brown
Executive Director
Wentworth Watershed Association