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NH Coastal Adaptation Workgroup
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Salmon Falls Watershed Collaborative
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Think Blue Exeter!
Exeter has gone to the DUCKS! Exeter has launched a new educational outreach program about the harmful effects of stormwater pollution. Keep an eye & an ear to local TV & radio for the ducks & THINK BLUE EXETER!
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Street Team Needed!
PREP needs some street team volunteers to help us out with promotion & staffing for our upcoming events!
Could you represent PREP at the Clean Water Community Table at an event?
if you're interested in volunteering for PREP! |
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Welcome to Your Estuaries Partnership News!
September - our Farmer's Markets are bursting with local produce, our waters are warm, our days are dry and sunny and nights are cool and local festivals and celebrations occur around the watershed. It's a fantastic time to be on the Seacoast! Check out our Community Calendar for the fun happening in your town!
This month we feature an exciting project in a neighborhood in Exeter. Brickyard Pond is covered in green, stinky algae and the neighbors who live by it and love it wanted to help. So, the town, local experts and most importantly the residents of the pond have all united to help learn more about why their pond is declining and what they can do to restore it. The project is a fantastic example of coming together for clean water solutions!
We all have local water bodies that we love - whether it be for fishing, walking the dog or just sitting for a quiet moment - which one is your favorite? Let us know on our Facebook wall or via email!
From all of us at PREP, thank you for reading and most importantly for caring,
 Jill Farrell Community Impact Program Manager
The Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership (PREP) |
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Feature Story
Neighbors Unite to Restore Local Pond in Exeter
Margaret Mead once wrote: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
Combine those committed citizens with progressive town leaders, university researchers and community planners and you've got a recipe for success.
Brickyard Pond, a 1.8 acre pond along Kingston Road in Exeter, has long been a community icon. In the not so recent past, there were walking trails around the pond, local Boy Scouts held fishing derbies and the pond and adjacent park provided residents with recreation opportunities and a quiet spot to enjoy the outdoors.Over the past several years the condition of the pond has been on the decline, each summer the pond is covered in a green scum of algae and it has a stinky odor.
 | | Brickyard Pond in 2012, photo from Exeter Town Crier |
In June 2012 the residents of the Marshall Farms Crossing neighborhood approached the town about the pond's condition and wanted to know what they could do to help improve their neighborhood jewel. Exeter's Environmental Planner, Kristen Murphy, saw this as a great opportunity to expand the already established Think Blue Exeter effort and employ some of the techniques she'd learned through various workshops she'd attended.
"Its super exciting to have the neighborhood initiate contact. I attribute a lot of my interest for the project to the Rain Garden Installation workshop that Candace Dolan [Hodgson Brook Restoration Project] put on. She just makes it seem so do-able!"
At the same time the Green Infrastructure for NH Coastal Communities Project was looking for Phase 1 towns so Kristen applied for the grant and got it! The Green Infrastructure Project Team is made up of technical experts from University of New Hampshire Stormwater Center, Geosyntec, staff from the Southeast Watershed Alliance, Rockingham Planning Commission, Antioch University and Great Bay NERR. The project links experts with interested town leaders and citizens for education, outreach and on the ground implementation. The town of Exeter's team includes Kristen, Department of Public Works' Phyllis Duffy, Ginny Raub from the Conservation Commission and Pete Richardson from the Conservation Commission and the Exeter Squamscott River Local Advisory Committee.
On August 18th, the project team hosted a Stormwater Clinic &
 Block Party for the Marshall Farms Crossing neighborhood. Usingwatershed maps and PREP's watershed model they showed residents how their property flows and drains into Brickyard Pond. They explained how a stormdrain works, how in-situ water quality monitors work and what they detect, explained some water friendly lawn care practices and how to install a rain barrel. There were 5 homes that are interested in installing rain gardens so Jeff Hyland, an engineer from Ironwood Design Group, toured the property to prepare the plans for installation.  | | August 18th Block Party |
"This program was great because through the Green Infrastructure Project we had access to these expert resources to deliver some amazing products (watershed map/model, in-situ monitor, rain garden installation info, etc.) and to help us build our confidence and have a nice sturdy expert-backbone to support us," Kristen explained. Up next, there'll be rain garden installations at neighborhood homes in mid-September, storm drain stenciling by the Exeter scouts and Kristen has been contacted by adjacent neighborhoods who would like to be involved in the project. Way to go Exeter!
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Watershed Watch
Our Watershed Watch feature is dedicated to sharing our partners' and others latest research and reports. If you have, or know of a report you would like us to feature in an upcoming issue of Downstream, please contact us and we will be happy to include it.
Return of the River Herring: Restored Access Leads to Record Runs up the Lamprey River
By: Michael Dionne, NH Fish & Game
The wild and scenic Lamprey River could soon be home to one of the strongest river herring runs on the Atlantic seaboard. Herring spend most of their life in the ocean, but migrate into freshwater rivers along the coast to spawn. Thanks to recent restoration efforts with the Wiswall Dam Fish Ladder construction, the 2013 herring return season could be the best yet!
To read all about this great restoration success CLICK HERE.
Overwhelming Risk: Rethinking Flood Insurance in a World of Rising Seas
By: Union of Concerned Scientists
This newly released report focuses on insurance issues related to coastal storms, flooding and sea level rise. It discusses problems with the National Flood Insurance Program and FEMA flood risk  maps, and provides recommendations for improvements that would better reflect the risks and realities of climate change.
The report also makes some recommendations to help address the equity concerns that may arise from increased insurance rates. It includes short case studies for Florida, Virginia, New Hampshire and New Jersey.
Connect to local action on Climate Change with the NHCAW
Durham's Third Way: One Great Bay Community Blazing a New Trail to Clean Water?
By: Sam Evans-Brown, NH Public Radio
A fantastic feature from NHPR about Durham's efforts on controlling storm water and addressing nitrogen inputs into the estuary. It explores all sides of the Great Bay nitrogen issue and features Durham's "green approach" to dealing with storm water, the EPA's regulations and the legal fight with other communities. Definitely worth a listen!
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PREP's Clean Water Champion
James Houle - UNH Stormwater Center
PREP's Clean Water Champion is a monthly feature that
profiles people and partners working to make a difference around our watershed. This month we caught up with James Houle from the UNH Stormwater Center. Jamie has been instrumental in bringing the extremely valuable research and work of the Stormwater Center to the communities around the Seacoast. Through on the ground projects, public presentations and interactive workshops Jamie has led the charge on green infrastructure and low impact development across the region. It is the invaluable work of Jamie and his colleagues at the UNH Stormwater Center that has put UNH and the Seacoast on the national map for innovative and groundbreaking efforts on addressing our nation's number one pollutant - stormwater. We are so lucky to have such a phenomenal Clean Water Champion in our watershed!
 | | Jamie Houle, UNH Stormwater Center |
PREP: How long have you been a champion for clean water?
Jamie: First of all, I grew up in NH, a very water-rich environment. I also had Ms. Bodner as my 4th grade teacher who never missed a chance to demonstrate how much we rely on clean water. It seems intuitive in that we are made of 2/3rds water but I believe the importance of water to be so simple we easily take it for granted.
PREP: How'd you get started in protecting clean water?
Jamie: I grew up in NH so naturally I have had an association with water since a very young age. I also grew up near woods and loved to "fix" the stream in the back of my house. It was a small trickle and I would move sticks and create eddies thinking I had some idea of what served the water best. I lived for 3 years in Ghana, West Africa and worked at developing rain harvesting systems for clean domestic water supply. Water has always been a focus. Most recently with the UNH Stormwater Center I have been focused on ways to treat urban runoff as a resource while securing public health and safety.
PREP: What's your favorite thing to do with or on water?
Jamie: Water recreation is a huge part of my life. While I grew up fishing and water skiing, water in the solid phase has made the most lasting impression on me. Cross-country skiing and playing hockey keeps me interacting with water all year long, which I think is key to enjoying life in a northern climate.
PREP:What's been your proudest moment as a clean water champion?
Jamie: My proudest moment with clean water happens when I interact with youth. I find that much of the context and importance of the resource appeals naturally to the kids. They seem to know something that we forget, that water is essential, forever and very important to the future.
PREP: What's one simple thing you would tell somebody to do to protect the places around the Seacoast they love?
Jamie: Get a rain barrel and discover what an impressive amount of water we are surrounded by. Find ways to keep water safely on your property.
Learn more about Jamie's work at the UNH Stormwater Center
Want more training? Sign up for a workshop - next one is September 19th. (PREP will even cover the cost of the workshop for any town board or committee member!)
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 The Clean Water Community Calendar
As the Community for Clean Water, one of PREP's goals is to keep you informed on the latest outings, conferences, workshops and FUN happening around our watershed so that you, your family, friends & neighbors can get involved!
Below is our run-down for September. If you have, or know of an event that you would like us to feature in an upcoming issue of Downstream, please contact us!
9:30am-4:00pm
Great Bay Discovery Center, 89 Depot Rd., Greenland, NH
The annual Fall Training will prepare volunteer educators for teaching small groups of school children about the cultural history of the Great Bay Estuary and the natural resources found in the region up to 400 years ago. Educators lead a variety of lessons throughout the grounds. A favorite of students is "The Trail of the Arrowhead"-- a 45 minute journey through the forest along the Center's boardwalk. Students sample turkey jerky, smoked salmon, learn about wampum and trade, waterfowl migrations and gather in a birch bark native fishing encampment. Other stops include a tour of the Special Collections artifact room, a simulated archaeology dig and a lesson on gundalows of the Piscataqua Region.
The training session is free with snacks, lunch and all teaching materials provided. Registration for the training is required. Please call the Center at 603-778-0015 or email Elizabeth.Heckman@wildlife.nh.gov
Gundalow Contemporary Coastal Issues Series: Jeff Bolster
6:00pm
Aboard the Gundalow Piscataqua, Prescott Park Docks
This series is FREE FOR TOWN BOARDS, COMMISSIONS &
COMMITTEE MEMBERS!
Join Award-winning author, Jeff Bolster, aboard the Gundalow Piscataqua for a sunset sail and learn about marine biology and ecological insight blended with history.
Call the Gundalow Office 603-433-9505 to reserve your spot on these cruises.
Saturday, September 6-8th
Hampton Beach Seafood Festival
Downtown Hampton Beach
Enjoy the fruits of the sea and celebrate the end of summer at the annual Hampton Beach Seafood Festival. There'll be tons of events, vendor booths, loads of fresh seafood and fireworks! It's a wonderful time for the whole family.
Mount A Community Work Day
9:00am-1:00pm
Mount Agamenticus, York, Maine
Pitch in and volunteer to help keep Mount A the wonderful place it is for hiking and enjoying. Come join the Mt. A Conservation Region team for projects ranging from summit gardening to maintaining trails.
For more info and to sign up call the Conservation Office at
Wednesday, September 11th
Gundalow Contemporary Coastal Issues Series: Ken Baldwin
Aboard the Gundalow Piscataqua, Prescott Park Docks
This series is FREE FOR TOWN BOARDS, COMMISSIONS & COMMITTEE MEMBERS!
Join Ken Baldwin, the Director of the UNH Center for Ocean Engineering, aboard the Gundalow Piscataqua for a sunset sail and learn about opportunities for tidal power in the Piscataqua Region.
Call the Gundalow Office 603-433-9505 to reserve your spot on these cruises.
Thursday, September 12th
Annual Drinking Water Protection Seminar: Extreme Weather Events, How You Should Change for a Changing Climate
All Day
Governor Hill Mansion, Augusta, Maine
Join the Maine Water Utilities Association for the 7th Annual Drinking Water Protection Seminar. This year's seminar will focus on climate change, its affects on drinking water resources and how utilities and managers can adapt and prepare.
University of New Hampshire School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering Celebration
4:00pm
Jere A. Chase Ocean Engineering Lab, UNH Campus, Durham, NH
Join UNH President Mark Huddleston in celebrating the newly formed School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering. PREP will be a part of this new school and we are very excited about the expansion of opportunities for students and research that this will provide.
Saturday, September 14th
FISHTIVAL - NH Fish & Lobster Festival
12:00pm-4:00pm
Prescott Park, Portsmouth, NH
Come join PREP and other non-profits, fisherpeople, chefs, schools
 | | PREP at Fishtival 2011 |
and restaurants at the 5th Annual Fishtival! An interactive,
informative and above-all delicious celebration of local fish, localfisherpeople and our wonderful Seacoast community. PREP will have our awesome watershed model on display for anyone to come 'pollute' and learn about water pollution.
Event is free admission & seafood small plates are $4
Sunday, September 15th
Hawk Watch: Eyes Like a Hawk
10:00am-11:30am
Top of Mount Agamenticus, York, ME
 | | Broad-winged Hawk |
Join the wild bird ambassadors from The Center from Wildlife atop Mt A for a live demonstration of migrating raptors and then view the Mt. A flyway - don't forget your binoculars!
Reservations are required and there's a $7 donation.
Wednesday, September 18th
Gundalow Contemporary Coastal Issues Series: Erik Chapman
Aboard the Gundalow Piscataqua, Prescott Park Docks
This series is FREE FOR TOWN BOARDS, COMMISSIONS & COMMITTEE MEMBERS!
Join Erik Chapman, Extension Specialist at NH Sea Grant/UNH Cooperative Extension, aboard the Gundalow Piscataqua for a sunset sail and learn about Erik's work with the NH fishing industry and University researchers to support sustainable marine fisheries.
Call the Gundalow Office 603-433-9505 to reserve your spot on these cruises.
Saturday, September 21st
UNH Ocean Discovery Day
10:00-3:00pm
Chase Ocean Engineering Lab, UNH Campus, Durham, NH
Judd Gregg Marine Research Complex, New Castle, NH
This annual event highlights the research, work and exciting exploration being done by UNH students and researchers. Interactive, family-friendly exhibits and displays at two locations will engage and enlighten on the valuable and fascinating work of marine science. PREP will be there with our awesome watershed model!
Free and open to all! For program of events, directions and more info visit the website.
New Hampshire Coastal Cleanup
30 sites around the coast & Great Bay
Join in the biggest coastal clean up of the year, join with people  across the globe in cleaning up our shores! The Blue Ocean Society together with other partners organizes this annual all-day, region-wide coastal clean-up - many hands make for lighter work!
Sunday, September 22nd
Piscataqua Oysterpalooza!
12:00pm-4:00pm
Seacoast Science Center, Ordorne State Park, Rye, NH
Last year over 4,000 oysters were slurped at the Annual Oysterpalooza. The event is a benefit for the Coastal Conservation Association of NH's Oyster Shell Recycling Program and their work in restoring Great Bay. The oysters are only a $1 - a buck a shuck!  There's beer, wine, soft drinks and other yummy food samples plus info booths from area non-profits. A fantastic event that's not to be missed!
Early admission donation is $15 per person until Sept 1, $20 until Sept 21, and $25 at the door. Admission donations can be purchased online or at Seaport Fish (13 Sagamore Rd., Rye or State Rd in Kittery).
Save the Dates & Upcoming Conferences
September 10th - 12th
National Conservation Training Center Training: Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
3 Days; 8am-5pm
Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, Wells, Maine
Join the Wells Reserve, the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge and the Maine Community Foundation for this valuable training. This course is designed to guide conservation and resource management practitioners in two essential elements in the design of climate adaptation plans. Specifically, it will provide guidance in identifying which species or habitats are likely to be most strongly affected by projected changes; and understanding why these resources are likely to be vulnerable. Vulnerability Assessments are a critical tool in undertaking any climate change planning or implementation.
CLICK HERE for more info, details on course credit, cost & to register.
October 8th - SAVE THE DATE
RARGOM Annual Science Meeting
Holiday Inn at the Portsmouth, NH Traffic Circle
The 2013 Regional Association for the Research on the Gulf Of Maine (RARGOM) Annual Science Meeting will look back at 2012, a remarkable year in the Gulf of Maine. According to NOAA, 2012 was the warmest year ever in the Gulf and over a broad swath of the North Atlantic, and the high temperatures impacted the physical conditions, biological processes, animal distributions, and fisheries in the region. This meeting will attempt to synthesize the causes and consequences of the 2012 "ocean heat wave" and consider what lessons we can take from 2012 about how the Gulf of Maine will change in the coming century.
November 21st - 22nd
Maine Stormwater Conference - REGISTRATION OPEN
South Portland, Maine
The conference will showcase effective planning, design, maintenance, and funding approaches to address water quality needs, as well as a discussion of the current legal climate related to stormwater.
CLICK HERE to view the conference agenda, speakers & to register
STATE OF OUR ESTUARIES ROLL OUT EVENTS:
If your club, organization, neighborhood or group would like to host a State of Our Estuaries Roll Out Event in 2013, please e-mail us and we'll be in touch to organize a date!
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