Chocorua Lake Conservancy’s Adept Balancing Act

By Mark Okrant

Throughout the history of this nation, forward-thinking individuals and organizations have exhibited a strong concern with maintaining environmental quality. In 1964, passage of the Wilderness Act launched a period of federal conservation legislation. This was followed in 1965 by enactment of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act, and approval of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and the National Trails Act in 1968.

Closer to home, during 1968, a volunteer-led, nonprofit land trust organization, the Chocorua Lake Conservancy (CLC), was formed in New Hampshire. At that time, the CLC made Chocorua the only major New Hampshire lake with protection measures for its entire shoreline. That program predated similar efforts within the state as a whole. 

What is the Chocorua Lake Conservancy, and how does it function? The mission of the organization is, “to protect the scenic and natural resources of the Chocorua Lake Basin and its surrounding area through a series of measures. These include conservation practices, land protection, easements, maintenance of land for public access, and the development of a community of support.” 

At first glance, one might think conservation is as simple as posting a number of signs around Chocorua Lake. In reality, conservancy is considerably more complicated. The reader is advised to look closely at two elements of the organization’s mission statement: protection of scenic and natural resources versus public access. As conservators of natural spaces have learned, many visitors can be cavalier in their treatment of the locations they visit. Public land managers must contend with people hiking off-trail, driving or parking off-road, trampling vegetation, not packing out trash, abandoning campfires, and overcrowding areas that have limited carrying capacities. 

In its effort to be protectors of local lands, lake, forests, and historically important buildings, the Chocorua Lake Conservancy is armed with an effective toolkit. This toolkit contains conservation covenants, conservation easements, education and outreach programs (i.e., events), and a phalanx of dedicated volunteers, members, and donors.  

A conservation covenant is a voluntary agreement between landholders and an authorized body, such as the CLC. Its purpose is to protect the natural, cultural, or scientific value of the effected properties. Examples of restrictions within covenants are: minimum lot sizes, building height and setback restrictions, as well as prohibitions of billboards, commercial extraction of sand and gravel, altering natural drainage, and clear cutting within 150 feet of the lake. To date, the CLC has protected three thousand acres of land through 74 conservation covenants. 

Conservation easements are legal agreements that restrict development or specific other uses on private property. The landowner retains ownership, but gives up the right to conduct certain other actions, including creating subdivisions. These rights are donated to the land trust. Easements are granted in perpetuity, meaning all future owners must honor the uses presented within the document. In some towns, owners who grant easements may benefit by being taxed based upon the restricted land use of the property, as opposed to fair market value which can be considerably higher. Easements are responsible for protecting hundreds of additional acres on more than 100 properties within the Chocorua region. 

According to Lynne Flaccus, Stewardship Director of the CLC, the organization receives a great deal of support from the surrounding community to achieve its mission. Hundreds of volunteers, members, and donors make this possible. As part of its membership drive, the organization reaches out to surrounding communities’ schools and libraries. While emphasizing the positive impact that is derived from conservation efforts, Flaccus stresses that the CLC does much more than protect property. Because these protected lands are available for public access, residents and visitors are reminded about their responsibility to care for the natural world contained within these spaces. 

In this regard, the Chocorua Lake Conservancy has much in common with land trusts throughout the country. In each instance, it is essential that visitors join local residents to “do their part to make the experience better for everyone involved.” For example, according to the www.alaskacenters.gov website, visitors must do more than watch wildlife. They also need to respect the land they walk upon—leaving no trace and treading lightly. 

During the pandemic, the Chocorua area experienced a considerable influx of visitors, as people were desperate to get outside, away from quarantining at home. With Route 16 passing alongside Chocorua Lake, many more people than is typically the case tried to access the beautiful view of Mount Chocorua. This meant that the small parking lot was stretched beyond capacity, as were the picnic area and boat access points. In an effort to minimize what could have proven hazardous, the CLC increased the amount of signage and supervision to ward off traffic accidents, litter, and damage from compacted natural surfaces.  

Planned events have a substantial role in building a sense of community while spreading the CLC’s message. There are two categories of events—public and social. Flaccus’ favorite events are organized walks. As a trained naturalist, she enjoys taking groups of 15 to 20 people on exploratory hikes. Always, as they walk, she encourages people to investigate their surroundings. In this way, an appreciation for conserving nature is fostered. Social events consist of picnics, wherein volunteers, members, and landowners have an opportunity to share viewpoints. (Events that were not cancelled during the pandemic were conducted as Zoom sessions, rather than in person.)

During the summer of 2021, Flaccus estimates there will be nearly 50 events. While a substantial portion of the in-person events had been cancelled during the pandemic, she hopes to conduct a majority without having to rely on Zoom. This will allow the Conservancy to focus on its stewardship activities, wherein members and volunteers will engage in planting, weeding, and how to address invasive species. 

As is true of other land trusts throughout the region, the Chocorua Lake Conservancy will maintain a balance between its primary mission as protector of natural spaces, while encouraging people—residents and visitors alike—to partake in the beauty of the environment. The vital message that our environment can be used without misuse is being delivered most effectively.

For more information about the stewardship efforts of the Chocorua Lake Conservancy, and to donate or learn how to become a CLC volunteer, email Lynne Flaccus, Conservation Stewardship Director, at lflaccus@chocorualakeconservancy.org.