How We Work
Education, Research, and Collaborative Action are at the core of all that we do to maintain the very special environment of the Lake Sunapee Watershed. We work with stakeholders throughout the Lake Sunapee Region to find actionable and science-based solutions.
We invite you to join us in our work!
Our Core Strategies
These are the strategies we use as we work toward our mission of preserving and enhancing the environmental integrity of the Lake Sunapee Watershed.
Reduce Non-Point Source Pollution Throughout the Lake Sunapee Watershed
LSPA implements effective stormwater and land-use practices that reduce runoff and erosion, protecting water quality. Projects are identified and prioritized in our Watershed Management Plan, managed by our Watershed Director, and completed through collaborative efforts involving landowners, municipalities, contractors, and volunteers.Educate and Engage Stakeholders in Sound Stewardship
Through targeted outreach, community events, and partnerships, LSPA provides practical tools and information to all stakeholder groups—from homeowners and landscapers to septic installers, planning board members and realtors. Workshops held at our Center for Lake Studies connect subject-matter experts with local stakeholders to ensure that everyone in the watershed has access to the information needed to protect water quality. Ongoing education campaigns, like “Let’s Be Clear,” foster informed stewardship that is visible, accessible, and actionable.Deliver Watershed Education for All Ages
LSPA offers year-round, age-appropriate educational programming designed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to positively impact the long-term health of the Lake Sunapee Watershed. We provide free programs for families, children, educators, and the general public. Our school-based offerings align with curriculum standards and focus on ecological and watershed concepts, while our lecture series and open house events offer engaging and informative experiences for all ages. Every program is grounded in current science, helping to deepen public understanding of watershed ecology and the natural world, and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.Monitor and Share Water Quality Data
We maintain robust, long-term datasets through regular monitoring of the lakes throughout the watershed, including tributaries, and local weather conditions. Our regional water quality lab and buoy-based sensors support scientific research, inform management decisions, and enhance public understanding of water quality. LSPA collaborates with state, national, and international partners—including NHDES, numerous academic institutions, the EPA, the Carey Institute of Ecosystem Studies, and GLEON—in these efforts. We are committed to communicating scientific findings clearly and in formats that are accessible and actionable, helping to inform watershed management efforts and guide local and state policy.Advance Scientific Research on Watershed Health
Our research partnerships—ranging from local colleges to global networks—help illuminate the physical, chemical, and biological dynamics of our watershed. LSPA fosters a collaborative environment where scientists, students, and volunteers contribute to a deeper understanding of our ecosystem. This understanding is essential to protecting the environmental quality of the lakes and ponds throughout our watershed.Prevent the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species
LSPA protects Lake Sunapee through Lake Host staffing, shoreline monitoring, emergency response planning, and public education. These proactive efforts minimize ecological disruption and maintain the lake’s natural state.Inform Policy to Protect Water Resources
LSPA plays an active role in providing science-based recommendations that inform state and local policies aimed at protecting water quality. We provide expertise to town boards and state legislators and support local and statewide initiatives to safeguard New Hampshire’s lakes.Prepare for Emerging Environmental Challenges
In an era of rapid environmental change, LSPA proactively assesses threats, maintains emergency response plans, and adapts its practices based on the latest science. This approach ensures Lake Sunapee’s resilience in the face of emerging challenges, including climate change and increased development pressure.