The Wolfeboro Waters Committee will host a public informational session on Monday, April 20, 2026, to discuss the management of water levels in Lake Wentworth and Crescent Lake, as well as water flow from these lakes into the Lower Smith River.
The session will take place from 7:00–9:00 p.m. in the Great Hall at Wolfeboro Town Hall and will also be broadcast on Wolfeboro Community TV.
The meeting panel will consist of:
Ted Diers, Water Division Assistant Director, NHDES
Jay Hargy, Dam Safety Engineer, NHDES Dam Bureau
Steve Randall, Director of Public Works
Rich Masse, Wolfeboro Waters
Linda Murray, Select Board Member, Wolfeboro Waters
Water levels for Lake Wentworth and Crescent Lake are governed by two Determinations of Lake Level issued by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services in 1991 and 1993. These determinations require the Town of Wolfeboro to operate the Crescent Lake Dam in a way that maintains lake levels within established seasonal ranges, while accounting for natural factors such as evaporation, below-average rainfall, and storm events.
In recent years—particularly in late summer—the section of the Smith River below the Crescent Lake Dam has periodically run dry, causing harm to the river’s ecosystem. At the same time, lake levels directly affect shoreline properties and recreational use on both Lake Wentworth and Crescent Lake.
Over the past year, the Committee has been working with state agencies and the Town of Wolfeboro to better understand how lake levels are affected by gate opening sizes, and how current operations can be refined to establish clearer operating guidelines within the existing Determinations of Lake Level.
This informational session will provide an opportunity for community members and stakeholders to learn about these findings, hear about proposed next steps, and ask questions or provide comments. The session will also include a discussion of the factors influencing lake levels and river flow, as well as the environmental and recreational impacts associated with current management practices.
Use the link below to join the meeting remotely. Put any questions in the GoTo Meeting chat, and a moderator will relay them to the panel.
Virtual Meeting Link: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/447550261
Access Code: 447-550-261
The April 20 session will share key findings from this effort, outline potential next steps, and provide an opportunity for residents, stakeholders, and lake users to ask questions and offer input. Background information, including the history of dams on the Smith River and the balance between environmental and recreational needs, can be found below:
My primary concern is the large drawdown every five years. I cannot believe that this does not have an enormous environmental impact on the lake. I am specifically concerned about the species that burrow into the sand for protection or to hibernate.
This event was recorded by WCTV-Wolfeboro. Look for the recording on YouTube or contact WCTV .