Works of Heart

Works of Heart

The Shape of Things to Come!

Story and photos by Leigh Sharps

When a relative made a special request to Bonni Acton of Holderness to create a metal moose as a mantle focal point, she didn’t know that the new hobby would become such a satisfying pastime for her currently growing small business.

That was 10 years ago and now Bonni sees her artistic opportunities as having no boundaries. In fact, her future is literally in the ‘shape of things to come.’ Those shapes are the basis for the innovative items she produces through her art of metalwork.

“I began by working plasma cut metal by hand to use as hardware in our home. That was before I realized how much more creative and productive I could be with a CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) table set-up. After my step sister asked about making the mantle moose, I went on to fulfill several other requests for her. People began to see what I was creating and started showing interest in my work and I just took it from there,” she said.

This year has been her most prolific thus far. “I’ve been getting many requests from people who get their ideas from everywhere...nature, pictures in books, their pets, family members; they just come up with multitudes of ideas and I take those ideas, design them and produce them.”

 “I discuss with clients to discover what their specific ideas are and whether they intend their items to be for indoor or outdoor use. My media is called ‘mild steel’ (whose natural color is silverish). If it’s for exterior use I suggest they have it powder coated to preserve the material. That method is durable and never rusts.” Powder coating is a finishing process where dry, free-flowing (thermoplastic) powder material is applied to surfaces, and then it is melted in an extremely hot-oven procedure. The surface hardens into an even coating. It comes in many different colors as well.

Bonni then determines color, size and thickness according to a client’s wishes. Using the Adobe Illustrator program, she draws the design and saves it into a DXF file. (DXF stands for Drawing Interchange Format which was developed by Autodesk). It is a computer-aided design transfer system that takes the drawing and imports it into the CNC Plasma Cam program.  

“From there I can make changes or additions to it, as needed, to personalize the end product. The CNC table is 4x4 and I can cut metal 4 feet wide and up to 3/8th inches thick.” 

Bonni continues, “Once the piece is cut, I deburr it and either bring it to the powder coating finish or I will prime and paint it myself.”

However, she says if a powder finish or a hand-painted finish isn’t desired, a client has the option to choose either the natural silver sheen of the steel or a rusted/vintage patina. All are equally popular, Bonni notes. 

She says the inspirations mainly come from her patrons who “have outstanding ideas but then I tell them I can take their ideas one step further and personalize them with names or themes, for instance.” One example she cites is her latest completed project, an entryway hall sign/coat rack which states ‘Rumney Retreat’ festooned with evergreen tree outlines.

Bonni’s metal outline ‘maps’ of Big Squam Lake are popular as wall hangings in varying sizes, but also as smaller Christmas tree ornaments. A friend’s granddaughter was recently gifted a large ‘Squam Lake’ wall metal artwork by Bonni for her university dorm room. “She told me she loved it, her friends all admired it, but most of all, it reminded her of home. That made me happy.”

For now, Bonni plans on keeping her business small but sees it slowly growing. As the holiday season will soon be upon us, she says, “I’m happy to make Christmas gifts. I’ve always loved the different seasons and holidays and the decorations that go along with them, so themed ornaments, etc. are so special. I’ve made personalized birthday gifts, anniversary presents, military items, business signs and other such unique products.”

Some examples of her work are: standing moose and bear outlines, Squam Lake maps with lettering, military medal racks personalized with a last name, flags (distressed, contemporary, themed), welcome signs for a driveway or end of roadway, signs with last names but customized (with a favorite pet’s outline, a frog, turtle, sailboat, a favorite car or truck, etc.), business signs, car logos, key rings in the shape of your car or specialty vehicle and, of course, special signage with your beloved pet’s face outline or paw print to place over his or her bed or bowls.

One of her best sellers this summer and fall were Christmas ornaments featuring outlines of Squam Lake. “I think tourists like the idea of bringing a trip reminder home,” Bonni explains. “Putting those ornaments on their Christmas trees continues to remind them of what a wonderful and beautiful place the Squam Lakes area and the Lakes Region area, in general, are and they are reminded of that every time they look at their ornaments during that joyous time of year.”

Bonni’s specialty items are gaining popularity every day. Anniversary and wedding gifts, company business signs, plaques and architectural metal are all in her expanding repertoire. She recently fabricated a special wall decoration commemorating a couple’s wedding day, which featured a ski lift displaying their mutual interest in the sport. That is just one example of the singular ideas conceived by clients and fulfilled by Bonni. 

When she says she can make the shape of ’cobras’ she just doesn’t mean the snake. She is referring to the design of the CSX Cobra high-performance sports car. Her craft is a natural progression/offshoot from her husband’s business, Acton Custom Enterprises (ACE), which caters to the restoration and fabrication of parts for the Cobra. Bonni also helps in the business, which is a full-service machine and metal fabrication shop. This consists of shaping, welding, designing, building as well as machining most metals. It’s easy to see how her interest in her husband’s business turned into a specialty art form for her.

Bonni says anyone interested in her work should check her Facebook page. “It really showcases the pieces I’ve already done and I’m always updating it with current work. I can sell all the items on the page or I can customize them to certain specifications. If you have an idea, let's talk!” 

Visit on Facebook: ActonMetalArt, or email bonni.acton@gmail.com. You may call Bonni at 603-279-0241. 

Fall in Love with Autumn Hikes

Fall in Love with Autumn Hikes

Hike Yourself Up and Get Out There: Best Foliage Hikes

Story and photos by Leigh Sharps

While summer hikes and walks are definitely outstanding, it is the amazing array of colorful fall foliage that makes this season so very special, especially during this time of ‘social distancing’.

To get ready for viewing the most exemplary palette of bright and subdued hues, pick one of the best hikes or walks in the Lakes Region listed here to enjoy. 

This year the Old Farmer’s Almanac tells us peak foliage week begins October 5 in northern NH, with the week of October 12 being peak season in the Lakes Region (track the peak on almanac.com).

Curious as to how leaves change their color in New England? The mixture of red, orange, purple and yellow shades is due to chemical changes in the trees. The leaves manufacture the ‘food’ necessary for tree growth. The leaf cells contain chlorophyll (which produces the leaves’ green color). The cells and chlorophyll absorb power from the sunlight, which then transforms water and carbon dioxide into carbohydrates. Along with that green shade are yellow to orange pigments and a few other pigments. They are always there, but masked by the green pigment most of the year.

In the autumn, the changes in daylight and temperature stop the ‘food-making’ process and the chlorophyll breaks down, causing the green color to disappear and the other colorful pigments to become visible. Another chemical action takes place after only a few short weeks, which severs the leaf stem from the branch, causing them all to fall and bring on the advent of the next season.

Dogwoods and sumac manufacture red and purple tints and, of course, our plentiful sugar maples in this area turn to a brilliant orange. The oak family and some other species hold fast to their leaves, but the majority of trees with the most colorful plumage lose their leaves.

Evergreen trees (pine, spruce, hemlock, firs, cedars, etc.) stay true to their name Ever-Green and stay that color, or greenish, all year round. There is a whole procedure which regulates the falling of needles, cones, acorns and nuts from trees such as chestnut and beechnut and beech trees.

As always, sunlight, temperature, and the water supply to trees (droughts like we are experiencing now) all influence how bright the colors are and how long the color stays with us. Low temperatures above freezing benefit the bright reds in maples but an early frost will dilute those reds. Rainy and overcast days contribute to the intensity of colors.

Because of this year’s lack of rain, the Almanac predicts colors may not be as bright this year and may not last as long either, so get out there as soon as the leaves begin to turn to benefit from the splendor of fall. Clear, dry and cool days are the best for walks or hikes.

A very easy hike/walk with only one slight elevation attainable for all ages and pets is the Bald Ledge Trail in New Hampton. It’s only lightly trafficked, even on weekends and little known but with amazing views of Lakes Winona and Waukewan. One may also see the Sandwich, Ossipee and Squam Mountain ranges. It’s easily located off Dana Hill Road (New Hampton and/or Ashland end). Follow the public launch/canoe signs to Sky Pond, lovely in itself, and well known to fishermen. 

You may park at the pond area and walk up a short hill to the gated trailhead on the left. As of press time, there was logging going on for the first third of the trail and sometimes there is a sign prohibiting access to the trail during the week. Be observant of signs. Beyond that area, though, it is an easy 20 to 30-minute walk to the top for an amazing panorama. It is clearly the easiest hike with a most rewarding view and it is only 1.3 miles out and back. 

Another colorful autumn hike is the Red Hill Fire Tower via the Hill or Cabin Trail (Lakes Region Conservation Trust). From this summit, you may climb the fire tower for the most fantastic 360-degree views and Lakes Winnipesaukee and Big Squam are easily seen.

Hiker Leah Palmiter of Holderness, says, “Red Hill is easy and quick. A little steep but still easy-going. You can climb to the top of the fire tower (not in service) and there are absolutely beautiful panoramic views!” She also says there is a “sweet concession stand at the base.” The trail can be found on Sheridan Road in Moultonborough at the junction of Rtes. 25 and 109. It is a 3.3-mile loop but note that it is busy much of the year.

The West Rattlesnake Natural Area in Holderness and Sandwich features several trails. They range from 0.8-5.3 miles. There are so many choices and most lead to the summits of East and West Rattlesnake Mountains, which offer the most splendid views of Big Squam Lake, especially in the fall. During peak foliage time, the West Rattlesnake approach is generally busy, especially over Columbus Day weekend. There are two parking lots on Route 113 between Holderness and Sandwich to West Rattlesnake. There are strict rules for no parking on road shoulders, which will result in a $50 fine if you try...they are serious! 

The main entrance is the only crowded one, so these peaks can be reached other ways, mainly by attaining East Rattlesnake Mountain and hiking across to West....both have amazing views of the lake and there are massive lichen and moss areas over the steep ledges to discover and spots to picnic.

Trails include: The Old Bridle Path Trail (easy), Five Finger Point Trail (a walk to the foot of the lake with views at eye-level), the Bridle Path, Col Trail, Ridge Trail, Butterworth Trail, Ramsey Trail, Undercut Trail and the Pasture Trail.

 The University of New Hampshire (UNH) owns a portion of the Natural Area (Armstrong) and the Squam Lakes Conservation Society and Squam Lakes Association (SLA) manage and maintain trails. The SLA maintains a 50-mile network of trails in the central NH area.

For views of Newfound Lake, take a short drive to the Bristol/Alexandria area. Rated easy to moderate, it is a lightly trafficked 1.4-mile trail to Little Sugarloaf Mountain. It’s a loop with the trailhead across the street from the beach at Wellington State Park and connecting to the Elwell Trail. That connects to the Goose Pond Trail (splendid views around the pond) and descends back to the parking lot. The Big Sugarloaf Trail is 4.5 miles and loops back to Little Sugarloaf. ALLTrails.com recommends hiking up Little, over to Big, then back to Little and down to maximize scenery viewpoints. Part of this system is on land owned by the state. It is maintained by the Lakes Region Conservation trust and also stewarded by the Newfound Lake Region Association.

To see the best views of Lake Winnipesaukee (The Big Lake) take Rte. 11A from Gilford/Laconia to Alton. You’ll find Mt. Major, an extremely popular trail, so please have alternatives in mind since it can be crowded on nice days, because it has the best fall scenery over the lake. It is also southeast of Straight Back Mountain in the Belknap Range, where there are other lovely trails. Mt. Major has an elevation of 2,201 ft. and there are a few trails up including the Brook Trail, Boulder Loop and South Loop trails. To access these rather than the main entrance and parking lot, use the Jesus Valley Rd. trailhead entrance. The Society for Protection of NH Forests owns and maintains most of the mountain that is part of the Belknap Range.

The main parking lot and a portion of the trailhead were closed after Labor Day for work on the trails by the Society. The first part of the trail will be re-routed for hikers while years of erosion on the trails are repaired. It’s expected everything will re-open before the peak of foliage season.

There are always lovely views from your car windows in this area, too. If you can’t, or don’t, want to climb Mt. Major you can pull off Route 11 at the viewpoint drive-offs or continue into Alton Bay, take a left and continue to Wolfeboro where there are wonderful views all around Winnipesaukee with many hiking and walking trails.

Two wonderful boardwalks through wetlands offering low foliage colors this time of year, but no summit views, can easily be accessed off Rte. 25B between Meredith and Center Harbor. These are called the ‘Belknap Woods’. The Beaver Pond Loop is just 1.0 miles and the Outer Loop is 2.0 miles. It is maintained by the Squam Lakes Association and just a few of the many trails they care for in the Squam watershed area encompassing about 12 towns.

Further north, the Kancamagus Highway runs from Lincoln following Rt. 112 to North Conway. There are many hairpin turns before the Kancamagus Pass with the highest point of elevation at 2,855 feet. The descent travels beside the Swift River for the remaining 21 miles. This route never disappoints for amazing vistas.

Other fall foliage hikes: Mt. Cardigan in Alexandria/Groton (see Sculptured Rocks area nearby), Mt. Moosilauke in Warren with a 4,802 elevation, Three Ponds Trail in Warren (2.3 miles one way taking about three hours), the Belknap Mountains (Gilford, Gilmanton, Alton), Mount Tecumseh (Waterville Valley) and Mount Chocorua (Tamworth).

NOTE: Please be considerate and pick up after your pets! Also, practice social distancing outside your group and allow space at the peaks. Follow state guidelines to ‘Leave No Trace’ from your walk/hike. Be sure to tell at least one person where you plan to hike/walk for the day if you plan to hike alone. Always bring water and on most peaks there is room for a little picnic if you want to enjoy more time with your family there. Please carry out any trash.

Some of the above information is from local hikers/walkers and from AllTrails.com. Use GPS or online mapping for detailed directions to your goals.

For those who opt not to travel by foot, don’t forget the Foliage Train rides (Hobo and Winnipesaukee RR system) based in Meredith and Lincoln, and the Squam Lakes Science Center tours of ‘Golden Pond’ via pontoon boats. Learn filming history as well as seeing fantastic foliage. 

Also referenced were hiking books written in the late 1970s by the late local author and hiker, Daniel Doan. The books are still very relevant, especially to dedicated hikers and ‘peak baggers’. Those books include: ‘50 Hikes in the White Mtns.’ now in its seventh edition, ‘50 More Hikes in NH’ (co-written, edited and re-published by Ruth Doan MacDougall of Sandwich) and two personal memoirs entitled ‘The Crystal Years’ about growing up and hiking in Orford, and ‘Our Last Backpack’ each written about Doan’s adventures with longtime fellow hiker and ‘peak-bagger’, the late Dr. Claud Sharps of Belmont.

Other local hiking authors include Mike Dickerman (‘White Mountains Hiking History’), Appalachian Mtn. Club NH hiking and walking books (regional/state-wide) and Marty Basch ‘Winter Trails in VT. and NH’, ‘Explorers’ Guide to 50 Best Hikes in New England’ and many biking books.

If you climb (with your dog) during hunting season, please remember your pet needs to wear a blaze orange vest or harness and hikers need a blaze orange hat and/or vest. 

Mountain Biking Experiencing a Surge in Popularity

Mountain Biking Experiencing a Surge in Popularity

By Leigh Sharps

People are looking for ways to escape the rigors of the pandemic restrictions this summer, and outdoor activities are exploding with participation like never before.

A sport that came actively onto the scene in the early 1990s, and has grown immensely since, is mountain biking. It is currently experiencing even greater popularity for those seeking the comfort, beauty and peace of the outdoors.

It is not surprising that Slade Warner and Mike Bombara, co-owners of Rhino Bike Works in Plymouth (there for nearly 30 years) are currently so busy with spring tune-ups and repairs they can hardly keep up. The COVID-19 epidemic has forced them, like many small businesses, to adjust their working hours and limit some services. Although they deliver curb-side requests for parts, etc., all other work on bikes must be done inside with a limited staff. Says Warner, “Business has been challenging with the lock-down. Mike and I do most of the work. People can order services by phone. It’s worked out well. There’s not too much left to browse inside now anyway, but we’re hoping for a partial reopening in the near future.”

Sean O'Leary of Ashland takes a trail at Fox Park in Plymouth.

With the decline of street biking and the constantly burgeoning mountain bike industry, it is no wonder their business has sold out of all bikes, both street and mountain, under the price of $1,000. “We now only have on hand ‘boutique’ type bikes, as we call them, on the upper end between $3,000 to $5,000,” says Warner. “Other than that I cannot get them…I have none left. It’s a global phenomenon right now, even getting parts is difficult. I’m hoping to get some bikes by August but I’m not sure at this point.”

He says street biking has definitely waned in the last decade and it’s why motorists do not see as many large groups of bikers on the roadways. “Road biking was once more popular than it is currently....people are really nervous about getting run over due to cell phone and other electronic device uses by drivers. There is more running and walking now than street biking. Mountain biking, particularly in this region, has grown immensely.”

Safety equipment such as helmets and body padding are of utmost importance for riders and, along with their advice, Warner and Bombara are happy to bring these out for riders in their parking lot. “Head protection is most important and, personally, I wear eye protection,” adds Warner and he recommends bikers bring water, tools, and a charged phone, besides head gear, when riding, especially if one is alone, and to always alert someone where they intend to be riding for the day.

Bikes, physically, have changed dramatically since the sport has evolved over the decades. “That could be a whole other story,” notes Warner. “Everything has changed: narrow tires to fat tubeless tires, materials bikes are constructed from, the suspension has changed to eliminate jarring trail features, the pedals have changed, there’s hydraulic disc brakes now, the way gearing operates….it’s all different; it’s endless. The comfort of bikes has totally progressed. All these changes, it’s the most interesting part of this sport to watch!”

People are taking to the more natural, scenic woods bike rides in the Pemi Valley and Central N.H. areas. There are trails for every level of rider from beginner to the advanced rider and family and pet oriented trails as well.

L-R: Slade Warner and Mike Bombara, co-owners of Rhino Bike Works in Plymouth with a top-of-the-line Santa Cruz mountain bike. (Leigh Sharps photo)

 A recent President of the Pemi Valley Mountain Bike Association, part of the New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA, a 501-not-for-profit organization), Warner notes since the inception of the club in 2014, the trail system has grown and is now the most extensive in the Pemi Valley area. A nearby and beginner/moderate trail is the Gyro trail system starting behind the Plymouth State University ice arena and alongside the Pemigewassett River. “It’s convenient,” says Warner. Another access point is at Fox Park (on Prince Haven St., also in Plymouth). A few years ago the Pemi group organized the Gyro network, connecting it to Langdon and Fox Parks and a town-wide map was created with added ‘You Are Here’ signs for travelers. (Thanks to Greg DiSanto for his assistance in this effort). 

Before the Pemi group joined, NEMBA trails were largely unmarked and maintenance was informal; now they are marked and maintained.

Club members go out, typically in the spring, and cut down trees, look for obstacles, wash-outs, and make repairs. “This group is very active every season and, of course, bikers will get off their bikes and clear debris in the trail when they encounter it after spring clean-up,” says Warner.

A Pemi Valley NEMBA newsletter states, “Over the past three decades, our local mountain biking community has established a large network of trails in the Plymouth, Campton, Thornton and Waterville Valley areas. These trails range from beginner to advanced and are built on a combination of private, public, and federal land.” They have a relationship with the White Mountain National Forest District and they have also formed relationships with Plymouth State University and the Holderness School for land access. The Holderness School, in fact, is the entity allowing mountain bikes on the existing trails in the Gyro system. Altogether, throughout New England, there are 28 chapters in NEMBA with over 7,000 members, with volunteers donating thousands of hours in volunteer trail maintenance, construction, presenting skills clinics, offering trail building schools and they are advocates for mountain biking and other recreational trails. There are thousands of miles of trails in New England with New Hampshire having one of the most extensive trail systems.

D Acres in Dorchester (a not-for-profit Permaculture Farm and Educational Homestead on Route 118) has an extensive connecting trail system which right now, unfortunately, is closed to mountain biking due to COVID-19, but they hope to re-open by early summer. They are still looking currently for volunteers to build and maintain trails. Their trails also extend access to the neighboring Green Woodlands Trail network. They have produced a guide called Pemi Valley ‘Get Outside’ full of hiking and mountain biking maps, including skiing and boating maps in the Plymouth to Warren area. Besides their land and Woodlands, they recommend Gyro, the Warren-Haverhill Railroad Grade and the McVetty Recreation trails. Some of these are ‘double track’ trails, meaning they are wider to allow both bikers and hikers to use the same trails, whereas ‘single track’ trails are just for mountain biking (the majority mentioned in this article). Pemi Valley NEMBA has also volunteered with building and maintaining the connecting trail systems at D Acres.

Avid mountain biker, Sean O’Leary, od Ashland, who bikes alone, with his dog, or with his family of four, recommends his favorite trails. “They’re the Gyro system and Fox Park in Plymouth (Prince Haven Road), Franklin Falls in Franklin (near the dam on Route 127) and Page Hill Trails in Hill (Murray Hill Road).” He notes the Page ride is difficult, Fox and Franklin are moderate/family rides and the Gyro is beginner/family and dog friendly (as are all these trails).

Due to the current virus situation, however, many things have changed currently for bikers this spring. NEMBA has issued guidelines. Some of these are: slow down and stop for others, be patient, bike off-hours and avoid crowded parking lots and locations, ride from your house to trails if possible, do NOT ride in large groups - only immediate family, provide extra space between riders (ideally 30’) and be friendly and respectful of all users’ needs for recreation and physical space; say ‘hi’ to other users. Always bring a fully charged cell phone, riding alone especially.

Also, all NEMBA sponsored events, group rides and in-person meetings have been suspended until further notice. They advise limiting groups and minimizing contact between riders.

Besides the benefits of being able to observe wildlife ‘up close and personal’ there is exquisite scenery to be had, not to mention the fresh air and the physical benefits. “When people first get out and do it they see how fun and healthy it is. They see places they’d never see otherwise. You can take a whole day to hike 12 miles, but on a bike you can do it in an hour and a half! It’s gained in popularity this past decade, particularly, and for a reason: the scenic and recreational value of it. You get out there and can see how very fortunate we are to live in this region!” concludes Warner.

So, if a family member is late for dinner some evening, do not ask why, because they obviously, ‘took the long way home’.

(The current President of the Pemi Valley NEMBA chapter is Kevin Luce. All officers and directors can be found on the Pemi Valley site as well as rules and information. Other trail systems in the Plymouth area include single track riding at the Holderness School, Rattlesnake Mtn. in Rumney, Welch-Dickey region in Thornton and the White Mountain National Forest Recreation area known as Smart’s Brook. Other trails in the White Mountains and central New Hampshire area may be found on the New Hampshire chapter of the NEMBA site. The majority of trails are dog and family friendly. Check NH State Parks on the web as some of the larger and more popular trails are still closed to the public to the end of June. Rhino Bike Works is located off North Main Street at 1 Foster Avenue, beside the Common Man Inn and Spa, call 536-3919, Plymouth, NH. D Acres Director is Josh Trought; their number is 786-2366, Streeter Woods Road, Dorchester, NH.)

Squam Lakes Association: Conserving the Squam Lakes Watershed Region

Squam Lakes Association: Conserving the Squam Lakes Watershed Region

By Leigh Sharps

Photos courtesy Squam Lakes Association

There is no doubt the ambiguous pandemic situation continues to cause turmoil in every aspect of people’s lives right now. This is especially difficult as summer is upon us; a season when most of us anticipate being in the great outdoors and are set to enjoy innumerable recreational choices.

The Squam Lakes Association (SLA) in Holderness has been an integral part of offering outdoor choices year-round, but especially in the spring through fall, and though they have had to alter some activities to comply with state guidelines due to the COVID-19 virus, they still have a variety of activities on tap, such as hiking their extensive trail system. At the SLA, constant endeavors to maintain and secure the quality of lake water, life on and around the lake and conservation efforts remain ‘business as usual’.

The SLA’s mission statement says, ‘The SLA is dedicated to conserving, for public benefit, the natural beauty, peaceful character and resources of the watershed. In collaboration with local and state partners, the SLA promotes the protection, careful use and shared enjoyment of the lakes, mountains, forests, open spaces and wildlife of the Squam Lakes region. The watershed area is a model for living in harmony with unique natural resources and cultural heritage.’ (The watershed area includes, besides the Big and Little Lakes, Barville, Jackson, Kesumpe, White Oak and Sky Ponds and Owl Brook and the Squam River. Towns in the watershed are Holderness, Ashland, Center Harbor, Sandwich, Moultonborough, Campton, Meredith and New Hampton.)

Boating on Squam

Big Squam is six miles long, 6,791 acres, four miles wide, has 61 miles of shoreline and is 98 feet deep. Little Squam is two miles long, half a mile wide, has 408 acres and is 84 feet deep. Big Squam boasts 67 islands. It is the second largest lake in the state, second only to Winnipesaukee.

Adel Barnes, Communications and Outreach Coordinator relates that the SLA was originally known as the Squam Lake Improvement Association. “It was founded in 1904 by community members concerned about the impacts of the logging industry and pollutants on the Squam Lakes. Some of the organization’s first actions in the early 1900s were to address the Ashland Dam’s impact on water levels, initiate measures to control the then-booming population of harmful gypsy moths in the area, and begin regular ‘sanitary inspections,’” Barnes said, adding “the internal organization of the SLA began to resemble what it is today.”

Besides Executive Director EB James, the SLA now has eight full-time staffers who direct/coordinate their respective departments, and 16 board members. Says James, “The staff is continually seeking out and applying for grants that will help us fund our continued efforts in the Squam Watershed.”

To this end, a steering committee was established in 2016 to update the watershed management plan and it involved diverse stakeholders from each town in the watershed area. The plan was completed just four months ago and included future goals and decision making concerning the watershed area, quality of lake water and possible build-outs in the surrounding towns. Responsibility of those towns and their planning/zoning boards was emphasized as were such things as continual water quality testing around both lakes and following contaminant/pollutant and invasive species reports. “It is a daunting task that will take time and will require community support,” noted Director of Conservation Tyson Morrill. “A conclusion of the report, though, is good news. Overall, the current water quality in the Squam Lakes remains ‘near excellent’ per state standards.”

The SLA headquarters/campus and public boat launch is located in Holderness on Rte. 3 and on Piper Cove. James explains it is a relatively recent development. The Old Colonial Eagle motel was purchased by the SLA in 1996 as a location for offices and a public access point to the lake. “It is from this location today we continue to serve our community and over 1,000 SLA members through our efforts in education, conservation, and access to both lakes and 50-plus miles of SLA trails throughout the Squam Watershed. Through cooperative relationships with local and state governments and the dedication of four generations of people who loved Squam, the watershed has been uniquely conserved.”

The SLA has had to cancel, postpone, or limit some programs for the summer. One they have had to suspend is the ever-popular Summer Youth programs. Leigh Ann Reynolds, Director of Education explains, “It is with sadness we are announcing that our Summer Youth Programs have been canceled this year due to the uncertainties surrounding COVID-19. We will continue to offer virtual programs like the upcoming Science Pub and Share Learn Adventure program.” (June 9; at www.squamlakes,org).

Another program, unfortunately cancelled, is their sailing program. “Sailing is a sport many experienced sailors can safely practice while staying physically distanced but the majority who attend our programs are beginners. This makes it harder to teach and assist while maintaining the appropriate distance so we made the tough decision to cancel all sailing programs this summer,” said Reynolds. “Canoe and kayaking rentals also are closed to the public but we are considering solutions to enable rentals later this summer. It depends on our ability to ensure the health and safety of our staff, community and renters.”

Folks who already have reservations for the SLA’s many campsites around the Big Lake and on the islands, will be able to use those sites but no new reservations are being accepted. “This enables us to limit the number of people on the sites, phasing in procedures based on the Governor’s guidance. Depending on that success we’ll decide whether to open reservations up later in the season. However, we will continue to provide people with access to the natural resources of Squam but are prioritizing, again, the health and safety of everyone.” A limited number of docks are provided for the campers only, on Moon and Bowman Islands and Chamberlain-Reynolds Memorial Forest.

There are over 50 miles of trails managed by the SLA which are open to the public. CDC (Center for Disease Control) guidelines require social distancing on the trails and no restrooms are provided at trail heads. If the trail parking lots are full, the SLA and police departments are asking hikers to refrain from hiking that particular trail and find an alternative trail.

A beautiful day at the Squam Lakes Association

The 169-acre Chamberlain-Reynolds Memorial Forest on College Rd. in Center Harbor is owned by the New England Forestry Foundation. It is 3.5 miles and is managed by the SLA. It is described as ‘easy recreational hiking’ with trails connecting and leading to the Big Lake. There are many other trails around the lake the SLA maintains as well, including the extremely popular Rattlesnake Mtn. Trail which has breathtaking views of Big Squam at its peak. The trail website says Rattlesnake is ‘well known and gets overwhelmed quickly but there are many other trail options where hikers can find space, a little seclusion and solitude.’

While the headquarter offices, deck and public restrooms are closed to the public, the campus and boat launch for paddle boats, sailboats, and powerboats with 25 HP or less are still open. CDC guidelines must be followed and, again, those using the area are reminded no restrooms are available and there will be limited sanitization of the picnic tables.

Please refer to www.squamlakes.org for all trail information and clearly designated maps.

(The SLA can be found on Facebook, Instagram, at www.squamlakes.org, or phone 968-7336. General and camping questions: info@squamlakes.org.; education: Leigh Ann Reynolds, volunteer opportunities and membership: Adel Barnes, trails and access: Katri Gurney, conservation: Tyson Morrill, donations and development: Angi Francesco. The SLA also has a partnership with the Lakes Region Conservation Corps. For information on the Corps, contact Danielle Plumlee at www.squamlakes.org.

The Loon Preservation Committee also has information about the effect of specific contaminants on loons on the lake.

A list of all staff and contacts, directors and the executive committee can be found at www.squamlakes.org. Facebook, Instagram and the website are regularly updated.)

Boaters Looking for Early Launching This Year

Boaters Looking for Early Launching This Year

By Leigh Sharps

As the COVID-19 pandemic is, hopefully, beginning to level off, regional marinas have not missed a beat in starting normal preparations for the upcoming boating season. In fact, those types of recreational-based businesses had no need to stop any of their usual activities since the onset of the pandemic due to the fact they are not publicly active from late fall to early spring.

Ice-out being over on all regional lakes for quite some time now, boaters are probably wondering if this summer’s season is continuing as normal. Established boaters know this popular warm-weather livelihood has always been a social distancing activity anyway. Area lakes also place specific restrictions on rafting (how many boats may be anchored together for social reasons). Of course there are also stringent state laws which keep boats a safe distance, not only from each other, but from the shore-land, water skiers, sail boats, kayakers, etc. (see N.H. Marine Patrol‘s standing laws/regulations for details).

Boats already in for the season

Marinas all over the Lakes Region are experiencing a huge surge in requests from second homeowners to put their boats in the water earlier than usual. Squam Lake Livery, a family-owned business since the turn of the century, located in the channel between Little and Big Lake Squam (and where the boat gas scene was filmed in ‘On Golden Pond’) is doing what all Lakes Region marinas and boat show rooms are doing now: continuing to prepare for what appears to be a booming season for this beloved regional recreational activity. Livery owners Tom and Sally Daigneault say, “In April the request for spring service went up by about 50 percent due to the out-of-state property owners choosing to shelter here in their vacation homes. We are hoping to remove some of our self-imposed restrictions in May so we can give our customers the opportunity to enjoy the lake earlier than usual in this unusual time.”

NH Mobile Marine owners Dan Eaton and Gregg Baker (who also run a division called Tow Boat US on Lake Winnipesaukee) located on Route 3 in Holderness say their business has also ramped up. They say they’re about a month and a half ahead of time for their business. Both have been boat mechanics locally since their teens and now have fulfilled their life-time mutual dream to run their own business. Since that modest beginning on their own just five years ago (after each worked for many marinas over the years) they now have seven full-time, year-round employees and they also add a couple ‘teens’ in the summer. They are ready to open their new Ship Store in just a few weeks.

Greg Baker and Dan Eaton of Mobile Marine

Baker says blocks of boaters arrive at different times of the season according to their particular reason to boat. “The local fishermen start. They’re a big block of the first boaters.” 

Eaton says they send owners of the boats they store or maintain ‘Spring Make Ready” letters so they can establish a maintenance and launch schedule for the year. They store some customer boats in a 16,000 sq. foot building in Ashland with a shrink-wrapped outside storage area at their shop location. With the other vessels they winterize and send home with their owners for the winter, they care for 400 in all.

“Between June and July there’s another group of boaters wanting to go in the water. But with what’s going on with the pandemic, everything has shifted and second-home owners started coming up to stay in March and they want their boats in now.”

Eaton understands the desire for boaters wanting access to the lake as soon as they can, but has to advise them there is a process to get the boats safely ready. “Also, we have to tell those with inboards or stern drives that although they can leave their boats in the water late in the fall while the water temperatures are still in the 50s, right now the water temperatures are freezing or below and it can freeze or damage a motor.” 

But with the water quickly warming, they are expecting the 20 or so boats a week they have serviced, and already put in the water, to increase from 30-40 a week by mid-May.

Like a few other marinas, they are a year-round enterprise and keep their full-time employees by running a winter plowing service. “These days if you want to keep experienced employees you have to offer year-round work.” They have about 70 large plowing contracts and are busy all winter. They sell parts and service other plows all winter, too.

The Tow US division is “just like Triple A except for boats,” explains Eaton. “It’s 24-7 on-the-water assistance on Winnipesaukee.” Eaton started that enterprise a couple decades ago and it continues to be a needed service; busy all summer with not only out-of-gas and boat motor problems, but also with recoveries of sunken boats and boats ashore on rocks. And Mobile Marine, like its name says, will go to boaters anywhere on a lake or where they’re stored.

Barry Gaw, owner/operator and managing member of Riveredge Marina, on Little Squam Lake in Ashland (and also of Squam Lakes Landing event venue and Sippican Partners, LLC construction) is extremely optimistic about the upcoming season despite the current pandemic situation. “We are several months ahead of where we normally are at this time for putting boats back in the water. When the schools closed here in NH and surrounding states, particularly Massachusetts, our (long-standing) customers started moving up here to their second homes and scheduling their ‘Boat Spring Make- Readies’ as we call it. Our April became the new May and May will be the new June.”

Gaw says their approach right now is “continuing to service customer boats and scheduling sales appointments outdoors while keeping our main marina building closed to the public. We are pausing boat rentals, too. Our crew is adhering to the CDC (Center for Disease Control) guidelines for the workplace and we keep following those and we also depend on Dr. Fauci (Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) and Dr. Birx (Dr. Deborah Birx, global health official and Ambassador to the office of the U.S. Vice-President as the Coronavirus Response Coordinator) for the clearest and most up-to-date information on how we are to operate.

 “Many folks who generally arrive in June are already here. Once their schools were closed and education became remote for the rest of the year, an opportunity for them to come up early became viable. Everyone who came up early is staying; they will not be going back and forth.” The parent of two little girls, Ellie and Greta, Gaw said, “We get it – last Sunday we went out in the boat and the girls took a polar plunge in Rattlesnake Cove. It felt great to be on the water, outside in the fresh air, doing something so different and wonderful during this stressful time right now, and we saw at least 15 boats which, believe me, is a lot for this time of year.”

Riveredge employees are lucky, too, as the entire crew is working and there have been no lay-offs. “We’re working hard to get boats in the water and we plan to keep everyone employed throughout the season. We are also fortunate to have other businesses, our Fisher Plow dealership and Sippican Construction that allow us to maintain a year-round base of employees who transition from the fall/winter business to the spring/summer season.” 

Riveredge stores 350 boats and recently built a new storage building, increasing their capacity to 400. There are no slips or day valet spots available for rent as “everything was reserved by the end of February” added Gaw.

The marina began in 1939 as Al’s Marine and Appliance store at a main intersection in Ashland. They sold everything from fishing gear to Zenith TVs at some point. There have been just a few owners: Al and Edie Miner, Alan Dale and Skip Van Sickle and family. It has been under Gaw’s watch since 2005. “It has always been part of the surrounding communities. We try hard to take care of the legacy of helping others enjoy their time here on the lakes.”

Their reception/event venue, Squam River Landing, is closed at this time and they are not scheduling events. They continue, however, to take reservation agreements on their phase II building project expanding their development of second homes overlooking Little Squam. “The homes are beautiful and the community has become truly special. We are very pleased the residents value the culture of Squam just as we do, and they are becoming active in helping others in the community as well.” Thirty boat slips/house boats have been sold in just the past two years, bringing the total to 80 with only 20 slips left.

Gaw offers words of advice, “When we all get back on the water, enjoying time with our families and friends, be grateful for all we have in this beautiful state. Let’s be kind to others and respect everyone’s approach to social distancing and keeping their families safe and sound. Squam is a very respectful lake and we are so fortunate to have it this way!”

(Contact Squam Boat Livery at 968-7721, Mobile Marine and Tow Boat US at 968-8600 and Riveredge: land, boat slip sales and construction projects at 968-7711.)