ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

CARING FOR OUR LAKE

We all benefit from Laurel Lake's wonderful environment and wildlife.  Its clean clear water, abundant wildlife, and healthy ecosystem are the main ingredients in making this such a special and enjoyable place for all of us...our Little Spot of Heaven.  It follows, then, that we all assume shared responsibility and joint stewardship of our lake environment.  This webpage provides information and resources that we all can use in protecting the health of Laurel Lake. 

 

What is environmental stewardship and when does it happen?  Simply put, environmental stewardship is caring for the natural environment through active participation in conservation efforts and sustainable practices all year long.  It is a belief in the importance of keeping our natural surroundings healthy and translating that belief into action.  Specifically related to Laurel Lake, tending to the health of our lake’s ecosystem yields direct benefits to its water quality and wildlife, and ultimately, to our overall quality of lake life.  It is a combination of community awareness, personal behaviors and actions, targeted projects, and reasonable protective oversight.

 

Why does good stewardship matter?  Laurel Lake has been a desirable vacation spot for decades dating back to its days as South Pond.  Over the years the number of people coming to this special place to enjoy its clean water and abundant wildlife has grown.  And while that is not necessarily a bad thing, the balance between nature and human use is delicate.  Things that we do and products we use to add convenience and enjoyment to our lives also can harm our natural surroundings and the quality of lake water. By being good caretakers of Laurel Lake and its surrounds, we ensure its continued good health and our continued quality of lake life.

 

Who are the stewards of our lake environment?   Most Laurel Lake property owners and those living in its watershed area realize that the value of their property is directly impacted by the overall health and desirability of the lake and its surrounds.  Just as we care for our property, we must give equal energy to being caretakers of our lake eco-system if we wish to keep it healthy for future generations.  Guests of Laurel Lake also enjoy the privilege of its clean water and abundant wildlife.  They, too, assume responsibility for protecting the lake environment for all to continue to enjoy.  And, of course, the State of New Hampshire, Town of Fitzwilliam, and Laurel Lake Association each play a crucial role in protecting the health of Laurel Lake through legislation, funding, improvement projects, caretaker programs, and general awareness initiatives. 

 

How can we be good caretakers of Laurel Lake?  It starts with each of us.  First, be aware of state and local environmental regulations and guidelines that are in place for the purpose of protecting Laurel Lake and others like it.   Know them and practice them.  Second, learn more about programs that are in place to help guide us in protecting our environment.  Third, take action – individually and collectively – on real things that will protect and enhance the Laurel Lake ecosystem.  Basic personal action and behavior go a long way in achieving these desired results. 

 

Where can I learn more about all of this?  In addition to the great general information and resource links provided in this section, it also contains examples of actual environmental stewardship initiatives here at Laurel Lake and around the region. Send your stewardship accomplishments to the LLA website so we can post them.  Examples of noteworthy stewardship might include improvements to septic systems, regrading driveways and using pervious surfaces to reduce runoff, adding a cistern to your gutters, planting water soaking vegetation and adding trees along the shore, or switching over to low phosphorus organic fertilizer.  Let's celebrate these environmental caretaking efforts together and learn from each other.  Check out these great resources listed below!

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