Saving a New Hampshire Treasure

Permanent State Protection Next Step for Lake Natural Area

By Alliance Staff [Editorial]

Freedom – December 5, 2005 – The Ossipee-funded botanical report has been released and the results are clear: Ossipee Lake Natural Area remains as unique as previous research has shown.

Four plant natural communities were documented in the area of the proposed beach – all of them rare and one of them not known to exist elsewhere in the state. Plus the beach area contains multiple instances of one of the state’s endangered plants. It’s a remarkable total and it’s clear there is much more to be found elsewhere in the preserve.

After years of neglect by the state agency DRED, the Natural Area has proven its resiliency. What is needed now is for area residents, elected officials and environmental groups to work together to seek the kind of permanent state protection that DRED’s own staff has been recommending for a decade.

We hope Ossipee’s selectmen will proceed with the second phase of their study. The results will provide important additional documentation of the site’s value and unique place in the community. And those studies should be the starting point for additional research – not just on plants but also on the rare wildlife and ancient settlements that are known to exist there.

We hope the new study will be a matter of pride to everyone in our area and a source of inspiration to teachers and environmental hobbyists, as was envisioned in the property’s 1969 deed restrictions requiring use of the land for education.

Ossipee Lake has more special places than any other lake in the state, and the Natural Area is its crown jewel – once again shown to be a place like nowhere else.

Please read the report on our website at www.ossipeelake.org/report and the history of the Natural Area at www.ossipeelake.org/longsands. Then join us in seeking permanent state protection for this unique property for the benefit of all. Look for an announcement soon on how you can help in this effort.

David Smith, Executive Director
Ossipee Lake Alliance
Freedom

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