Key Lake Topics on Tap for The Coming Weekend

Freedom—May 10, 2026—Lake property owner associations are at the forefront of creating awareness that protecting our lakes is vital to sustaining recreation and tourism. The Friends of Ossipee Lake is the center of that effort locally.

On Saturday, May 16, the group will host its Second Annual Friends of Ossipee Lake Workshop. It’s your opportunity to catch up on the most important lake issues by hearing first-hand from state and local experts. The meeting starts at 12:30 p.m. at Camp Calumet’s Johnson Hall. The event is free and open to lake residents and non-residents alike.

Since most of the speaking segments will be brief, there will be plenty of time for questions. Refreshments will be served.

Since being founded by Broad Bay resident and Ossipee Lake Alliance board member Gloria Villari, the Friends group has sought common ground on complex lake issues. It aims to establish goals that can create scale to influence decisions for the greater good. This coming weekend’s speakers, all leaders in their field, reflect the diversity of the work the Friends group has been doing.

Kat Kelleher of NH LAKES will discuss the “Lake Smart” program. The program helps lake property owners attractively landscape their shoreline in ways that protect water quality and wildlife habitat.

Since the Lake Smart program began, four local lake property owners have received an award for their efforts. Villari says more local participants are being sought.

Dennis Gould will also be at the meeting. Gould is the long-time volunteer point person between State officials, the charitable Loon Preservation Committee and dozens of local residents focused on protecting the beloved species.

The collaborative effort annually identifies and protects loon nesting sites, and educates boaters about the need to steer clear during breeding season.

Other speakers will highlight the results of ongoing water quality monitoring, the importance of septic system maintenance, and the management of invasive weeds through the Lake Host and Weed Watchers programs.

“The timing of this event is especially meaningful,” Villari said, pointing to the EPA’s recent publication of “The Economic Benefits of Protecting Healthy Watersheds.”

“People who attend will learn some of the practical strategies and best practices than can help individuals make a difference in preserving our lakes, rivers and ponds and ensuring clean drinking water,” Villari added.

Villari said she hopes that representatives of other area waterbodies will also attend, including Duncan Lake, Connor Pond, Dan Hole Pond and the surrounding river communities.

Camp Calumet’s Johnson Hall is at 1090 Ossipee Lake Rd. in Freedom. Look for the parking signs, or park at the Calumet Conference Center.