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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!
HAPPY NEW YEAR! With the arrival of the new year brings a lot of planning, budgeting and strategy setting. There is something great about a fresh start, about the flush of new energy that arrives with the new year. This new year the PREP staff also has a new structure, with the departure of our Conservation Program Manager, Derek Sowers, PREP is looking at new opportunities for closer collaboration with our partners to increase effectiveness in meeting shared goals. We are excited about expanding our monitoring program, stepping out into new research endeavors like the estuary spatial planning project that's our feature story this month and continuing to provide our community with high quality research and outreach tools to help inform decisions and actions.
As always, we will keep you informed of our plans and if you have any thoughts or feedback please shoot us an email, give us a call or share your ideas on Facebook with us on how we can continue to help accomplish our shared goals to protect and preserve our valuable estuaries.
From all of us at PREP, we hope this year brings you good health, success and lots of time outside enjoying our wonderful estuaries.
 Jill Farrell Community Impact Program Manager
The Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership (PREP) |
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Feature Story
How Much is Great Bay Worth?
by Kirsten Howard, NOAA Coastal Fellow
A new year is as much an opportunity to reflect back as it is a chance to look forward to the future. So let's do a little exercise. Think back to how you benefited from the Great Bay estuary or another coastal body of water in 2013. Did you take a nature walk to enjoy the beautiful scenery and catch a glimpse of an osprey? Maybe you took a ride on your friend's sailboat. Order local fish or oysters from a restaurant? Or, on a particularly rainy day, did the salt marshes protect you from floods and filter your stormwater pollution? There are so many ways that Great Bay and other coastal estuaries made our lives better last year. But looking forward, those environmental services that we depend on and enjoy are threatened by some big stressors like nitrogen, climate change, development, and invasive species.
 | | Salt Marsh as seen from Nature Walk at GBNERR |
One of the big questions PREP faces in 2014 and beyond is where to focus limited dollars on restoration projects in Great Bay. How can we get the biggest bang for our buck? To figure this out, PREP, The Nature Conservancy, and the New Hampshire Coastal Program have joined forces on the New Hampshire Estuary Spatial Planning Project, a two-year endeavor. Using existing spatial data for the Great Bay estuary and the Natural Capital Project's ecosystem services modeling tool InVEST, the project team and interested stakeholders will identify where restoration projects and other activities on the estuary provide the most value to people. The InVEST models will help quantify and put a dollar value on some of the benefits that we all receive from Great Bay today. With help from stakeholders, we'll design scenarios about the future of Great Bay that incorporate stressors like climate change, possible restoration projects like eelgrass plantings and oyster bed reconstruction, and other activities like oyster aquaculture. By running the ecosystem service models on different scenarios and comparing the results, we can better understand where restoration projects would be most valuable and where activities like oyster aquaculture or mooring fields might be better uses of the space.  | | Fat Dog Shellfish Co. is an oyster farm in Little Bay |
This new knowledge will help PREP and its partners pick and choose among their many priorities--so we can protect and, if possible, enhance the value you get from your nature walk, your tasty seafood meal, and your paddle into the sunset. Together, we've set out to answer some complicated questions and accomplish some big goals: isn't that what the New Year is for?
You can read more or get involved with the New Hampshire Estuary Spatial Planning Project here.
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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.
Regional Clean Water Guidelines for Fertilization of Urban Turf: Final Report
By: NEIWPCC
Over the past few months, New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC) has worked with the states and EPA on a comprehensive revision of the guidelines based on stakeholder comments. The result is this final report to the environmental agency commissioners, which includes a set of 33 regional guidelines that are presented in this report. The guidelines are organized around 5 R's - right formulation, right rate, right time, right place and right supporting actions. It's NEIWPCC's intent that state water quality programs, municipalities and watershed groups will be able to use or adapt these regional guidelines as a basis for outreach and education efforts related to turf fertilizer.
Read the Final Report HERELearn more about the Initiative HERE
Infographic: What is Nutrient Pollution?
By: US EPA
Northeast Recreational Boater Survey: Report & Maps
By: Sea Plan
In 2011, nearly 35% percent of the United States (U.S.) adult population, about 83 million people, participated in recreational boating. Yet, for this nationally important sector, surprisingly little is known about where people boat, the economic impact of marine recreational boating and other information useful for ocean managers, the boating industry and boaters themselves. To help fill this information gap for one region of the U.S., the 2012 Northeast Recreational Boating Survey (2012 NE Survey) conducted by Sea Plan with regional partners gathered spatial, temporal, and socio-economic data on marine recreational boating and boating-based activities, including fishing, SCUBA diving, swimming, relaxing, and wildlife viewing.
CLICK HERE to explore the survey data, interactive maps and more.
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PREP's Clean Water Champion
Chris Keeley - UNH Cooperative Extension & Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
PREP's Clean Water Champion is a monthly feature that
profiles people and partners working to make a difference around our watershed.
In addition to his valuable work with communities he's a phenomenal photographer and his work "Journey to Tanzania" will be on display at Newfields Main Street Art the month of March. Check out his fantastic photos on his website or Facebook. Chris is a young, energetic and very capable champion in our watershed and we're lucky to have him!
 | | Chris alongside a massive 500+ year old Sitka Spruce |
PREP: How long have you been a champion for clean water?
Chris: Since I was a kid! I grew up in Midcoast Maine and spent many childhood adventures on canoe trips, sailing, and swimming at the lake or the ocean. As a teenager, there were several years where my best friend and I succeeded in bass fishing almost every single night (sometimes in the morning, too) from spring into fall. We'd tie my canoe on the roof of my car and visit half a dozen lakes each week (we had favorites, though). The experience provided incredible insight into the rhythm of the seasons, how fish and bird behavior changes, and how the lakes change. We met a lot of anglers and shorefront property owners over the years, and you come to find a real sense of community around a waterbody. I think that we have that around the waters of the Seacoast, too.
PREP: How'd you get started in protecting clean water?
Chris: Well, I began working at UNH Cooperative Extension and NH Sea Grant at the same time that I was finishing graduate school at UNH. My thesis research was focused on how coastal communities in New England are planning for and adapting to climate change. Prior to that, I started meeting people in the field while I worked at the Maine Coastal Program and later through a fellowship with Clean Air - Cool Planet, which is where I joined with the NH Coastal Adaptation Workgroup (NH CAW). I feel very fortunate to continue to be a part of this team through my work with Cooperative Extension, Sea Grant, and the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. I wear many hats!
PREP: What's your favorite thing to do with or on water?
Chris: Wow, as I think about it I realize my whole life has been connected to the water. I've been a skier since I was a child. There's nothing I love doing outside more than skiing. I did a lot of whitewater kayaking in high school, and since moving to the Seacoast transitioned into surfing. And of course, as a photographer, I also enjoy bringing my camera to the water's edge. Waterways offer so much for photographers, from long exposures and scenic vistas to birds, beavers, bugs, and boaters. There's always something to see and do on the water!
PREP:What's been your proudest moment as a clean water champion?
Chris: Last April I traveled to Denver, CO for the first National Adaptation Forum. Myself and a few colleagues from NH CAW delivered a presentation about what NH communities are doing to plan for climate change. Over the course of the three day event I attended many sessions from speakers all over the country, and I felt so proud because what I discovered was that NH's communities are farther ahead than much of the country. I think it speaks to the forward-thinking of our community leaders, their dedication, and the residents that support their decisions.
PREP: What's one simple thing you would tell somebody to do to protect the places around the Seacoast they love?
Chris: Share those places! Celebrate them! Bring people to your favorite places, post photos on instagram (#seacoastnh), and help people understand why the Seacoast is such a diverse, fun, and special place to live. At the same time, though, it's a fragile area, which is why fostering connections to the Seacoast is so important. Effective stewardship comes from having a personal connection to the land and water. There are so many pressures from land use to climate change that can and will change this place we call home. To prepare for these changes, and to reduce changes that are undesirable, we all have to feel a connection to the Seacoast. And what better way than to get out there and enjoy all that the Seacoast has to offer!
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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 February. If you have, or know of an event that you would like us to feature in an upcoming issue of Downstream, please contact us!
Trek across York Pond with GWRLT
10:00am-12:00pm
ROW from York Pond Drive, York
Join Great Works Regional Land Trust, ice conditions permitting, hikers will set out across the pond for a different view of this unique and remarkably pristine area. Great Works has been working in the York Pond area for more than 20 years and has protected nearly 600 acres.
Email or call 207-646-3604 to reserve a spot.
CLICK HERE for more info.
Moose Mountains Regional Greenways Dinner & Auction
6pm-9pm
The Inn on Main, Wolfeboro
Come and celebrate the MMRG's becoming a land trust! Cocktail Hour, silent auction, short business meeting, awards and 3-course dinner and performance by "Creek Man" Gary Sredzienski.
$29 per person. Reservations Required. Call Virginia at 603-473-2020 or email info@mmrg.info.
Winter Farmers Market
Exeter High School
Join Seacoast Eat Local for their 7th annual winter farmers market season. Eat local and support our neighborhood farmers all year long.
For more info, directions and details on the deliciousness
Snowshoe Orris Falls with GWRLT
Orris Falls Conservation Area, Thurrell Rd., South Berwick
When frozen solid, hikers are treated to open views that can't be had the rest of the year. Expect to visit Big Bump, Orris Falls, and Baker's Oven - some of the "Wonders of Tatnic." As time and interest allow, the excursion may extend to Balancing Rock and Tatnic Ledges. Board president Tin Smith of Wells will lead.
Call 207-646-3604 or email to reserve your spot.
Wednesday, February 12th
Coastal Research Volunteers Monthly Meeting
4:00pm-6:00pm
NH Sea Grant Offices, 122 Mast Road, Lee, NH
Jessica Carloni (NH Fish and Game) will report on the results of the CRV's 2013 eel monitoring project. There will be a Volunteer Appreciation Potluck!
Please RSVP by February 5th CLICK HERE. Friends and family are welcome too.
Saturday, February 15th
Beaver Dam Heath Hike with Great Works Regional Land Trust
10:00am-12:00pm
Meet at Grant's Meadow on Diamond Hill Rd, Berwick, ME
Beaver Dam Heath, an important wetland area in Berwick bounded by Rte. 9, Diamond Hill Road, and Old Sanford Road, is one of those places which is inaccessible in warmer months. There is a magic about this isolated, sunken area where the outside world dares not intrude. Explore the frozen beauty of this rare Atlantic White Cedar swamp and learn more about the natural history of this unique and biologically significant region. Michael Wright from GWRLT will lead the hike.
Valentine's Family Moonlight Snowshoe
5:30pm-7:00pm
Mount A Learning Lodge, Cape Neddick, ME
Join the Center for Wildlife (CFW) and the Friends of Mount A for an evening of moonlight adventure! Start in the Learning Lodge to learn about the wildlife of the night with CFW educators and wildlife ambassadors. Following the program, our educators and Mount A staff will lead you on a hike through the woods to see who we hear in the night. We'll also teach a couple of owl calls and keep an eye out for wildlife tracks!
3rd Annual Winter Wildlife Day
10:00-2:00pm
Wells Reserve, Wells, ME
Join the Wells Reserve, Center for Wildlife and York County Audubon to celebrate the wildlife of southern Maine. There will be lots of family fun with live animal presentations, guided walks, and crafts. Snow or no snow, explore the trails and treasures of the Wells Reserve at Laudholm. If the ground is white bring skis, sleds, and snowshoes.
Event is free & open to all! CLICK HERE for more info.
Winter Farmers Market
Rolling Gre
Wentworth Greenhouses, Rollisford, NH
Join Seacoast Eat Local for their 7th annual winter farmers market season. Eat local and support our neighborhood farmers all year long.
For more info, directions and details on the deliciousness
Save the Dates & Upcoming Conferences
March 8th
Great Works Regional Land Trust Spring Dinner & Auction
Spring Hill, Pond Rd., South Berwick
Silent auction, appetizers, dinner, entertainment and live auction all to benefit land protection in southern Maine.
2014 Coastal New Hampshire Climate Summit III
8:30am-3:30pm
Hugh Gregg Coastal Conservation Center, Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Depot Rd., Greenland, NH
March 11th & 12th
Water Words that Work & More than A Message Training
9:00am-4:00pm
Wells Reserve, Wells, ME (3/11)
Hugh Gregg Center at GBNERRR, Depot Rd., Greenland, NH (3/12)
A 2-day boot camp for anyone doing outreach, education and messaging on water issues that's not be missed. Eric Eckl's training will revamp your message and make it even better!
March 21st, 2014
NH Water and Watersheds Conference
9:00am-4:00pm
Plymouth State University, Plymouth, NH
The NH Water and Watersheds Conference is designed to meet the information and networking needs of a broad audience. Participants include scientists; educators; consultants; students; lake, river and watershed groups; environmental organizations; volunteer monitors; municipal board and staff members; elected officials; planners and policy makers. March 25th & 26th
NOAA Coastal Services Center Training: Managing Visitor Use in Protected Areas
All Day
Wells Reserve, Wells, ME
Resource managers, land trust stewards, and planners are invited to attend this two-day NOAA Coastal Services Center-led course to learn how to better understand, monitor, and manage visitor use to maintain quality resource conditions and visitor experiences. During this program, you will obtain the knowledge, skills, and tools to identify and define unacceptable visitor use impacts and to apply strategies and tactics that can be used to address them.
25th Annual Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference
Newport Harbor Hotel, Newport, Rhode Island
The New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC) and the Rhode Island Dept. of Environmental Management will host this valuable conference, it is the premier forum in the Northeast for sharing information and improving communication on NPS issues and projects. The conference brings together all those in New England and New York State involved in NPS management, including participants from state, federal, and municipal governments, the private sector, academia, and watershed organizations. This year's conference will be the 25th annual iteration of the event and will highlight some unique retrospective content about NPS management.
May 19-20th
LOCAL SOLUTIONS: Northeast Climate Change Preparedness Conference
Center of New Hampshire, Manchester, NH
The conference will focus on local solutions that communities can employ to prepare for the present and changing climate, including extreme weather events such as Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Sandy.
All public and private stakeholders are invited to join us at the Northeast Climate Change Preparedness Conference to learn how to better prepare and adapt to current and future climate change impacts and ensure the success and resilience of our communities.
CLICK HERE for more info and to register.
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