Alliance Report

Ossipee Lake’s dirt and gravel roads can be a source of erodible soil, as they are subject to the erosive power of rain and wheels. A free public workshop in Freedom on March 23 will highlight gravel road maintenance techniques to improve performance and durability, while helping protect surface water quality through properly managed drainage.

With snow still falling it's hard to believe it's time for the start of the Ossipee Lake Ice-Out Contest. The contest, sponsored by the Ossipee Recreation Department and New England Rod and Reel, is an annual event in which entrants guess the precise time at which Ossipee Lake is ruled to be ice-free. The winner receives a new fishing rod and reel. Last year's official ice-out was at 4 p.m. on March 24. That was the earliest date in 17 years, according to Broad Bay's Bob Smart. Smart says that despite last year's early date, in most years there is ice on Ossipee Lake through much of April.

Supported by the NH Lakes Association, House Bill 292 would apply a portion of fees raised from the decal program to the $1.5 million annual cost of containing and removing milfoil from state lakes. At present, private landowners, municipalities, and the state are paying the entire cost. NHLA president Tom O'Brien notes the difficulty of securing new lake legislation in the current political environment.

"Yes, Virginia," the lake is frozen over.