City of Laconia Conservation Commission

Current and Past Commission Projects

AUGUST 5, 2010 INVASIVE SPECIES TABLE AT SIDEWALK DAYS 

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• Stream Cleanup Program -The City's Conservation Commission has partnered with the Laconia School District's Project EXTRA! to accomplish a much needed "City Stream Cleanup" effort which was started during the summer of 2008. Project EXTRA, is an after school program in Laconia designed to encourage children and young adults to engage in healthy choices during out-of-school time in order to be successful in their academic endeavors, and to learn fun and interesting activities which will transmit both social and personal benefits. Since beginning this program, the Project EXTRA students have helped to improve the condition of Black Brook which runs from Gilford into Laconia near the Union Avenue McDonalds, as well as the entire stretch of Durkee Brook which runs from Belmont into Laconia and outlets at Lake Winnisquam. This collaborative project is intended to be pursued annually as the watershed in our small City is precious and a hand's on approach to education is a great means of protecting these natural resources as well as fostering future environmental stewards.

• Natural Resource Inventory - During the summer of 2008 the City Conservation Commission contracted Watershed to Wildlife Inc., natural resource consultants based out of Bethlehem New Hampshire, to complete the City's 2009 Municipal Natural Resource Inventory (NRI). Together with members of the Conservation Commission and City Planning staff, the most sensitive wildlife habitat areas and land with particular environmental importance within the City were carefully studied and recorded for use in the final NRI report. The report is now available, in the fall of 2009, for public view .

           Laconia NRI Report 2009

• Earth Day Native Garden Planting - During the spring of 2008, the City Conservation Commission began working to start an annual program to create native gardens at the local City parks and playgrounds. The Commission has installed one native garden at Robbie Mills Park in front of the concession stand and will be installing a second native garden at Robbie Mills Park for Earth Day 2009.

• Conservation Easement Acquisition - The Commission is actively pursuing the acquisition of sensitive lands within the City in order to preserve them as conservation easements. A number of areas within the City are prime wildlife habitat which are critical for the survival of numerous species that add a great deal to the character of the Lakes Region. By acquiring these lands through the pursuit of conservation easements, we can help to preserve the diverse local flora and fauna as well as the unique landscape that our region of the State has provided us with.

• Conservation Easement Monitoring - The Commission has had  success in the past in pursuing the acquisition of conservation easements. The City currently has 10 conservation easements with some new potential projects on the horizon. Each of these easements is monitored by the Commission throughout the year to assure compliance with all conditions set forth within the Easement deed.

• Water Quality Monitoring - Conservation Commission members are affiliated with the Lay Lakes Water Quality Monitoring program as well as a separate grant funded water testing program at the Lakes Region Community College administered by one of our City Commission members.