Alliance Report

The state advises swimmers to avoid the blue-green algae scum patches and colored flecks that have been found along the pond's shoreline and coves. Some cyanobacteria produce toxins that can cause human health problems, but the state says the Danforth Pond warning is not based on a toxin evaluation. Instead, it is intended as a precautionary measure.

At an Alliance forum on August 25, Jim Gallagher, the state's chief engineer, detailed plans for a major reconstruction of the Ossipee River dam complex starting in the spring of 2019. The DES official fielded an array of questions during the hour-long meeting, ranging from water levels to historic preservation to fish ladders.

Major Work planned for the Ossipee River Dam next year will likely alleviate flooding to some extent. But because of the geography of the lake, Mother Nature will remain a wild card. This is the last of the articles in our series leading up to the state's public presentation of its plan to replace the dam next year. The meeting is this Saturday, August 25, at 10 a.m. in Freedom Town Hall.

In this 2010 Alliance newsletter article, a state official articulated why the dam needed to be replaced to improve flood protection and prevent a structure failure that would devastate downriver properties. The article is also useful for its recounting of the dam's history.

A long-time resident of Freedom, Ned Hatfield, author of this article, died in July 2017. He was a retired teacher who served his town for a number of years on the zoning board. His deep interest in the lake is evident in this thoughtful article about the environmental implications of winter drawdowns, a topic he felt had not received sufficient attention. We're reposting it, along with other similar articles, to provide context for the August 25th public meeting we're hosting at which the state will present its plan to replace the Ossipee River Dam.