...plus upcoming programs and events.

The dam—rehabilitated at last. | Debra Marnich

Dear friend, 

This month marked a major victory for lake health and ecology: the completion of the dam restoration and addition of a fishway to Chocorua Lake! After six years of planning and the hard work of many partners, it is a thrill to see this vision become a reality. We are incredibly grateful to our generous funders who made this project possible, and the expertise and experience of our partners that made this project a success.

Thank you so much to our incredible volunteers who showed up in force for stewardship days around the Basin. Caring for public lands takes many hands! We've been relishing these warm, clear, sunny days.

Keep scrolling for more information about the dam, fabulous volunteer photos, our upcoming programs, and a bird's-eye shot of the Basin...

Lake Look: Dam Work Update COMPLETE!

New rock ramp fishway at the Chocorua Lake dam. | Debra Marnich

The Chocorua Lake dam was a busy site throughout the month of October. Extensive preparation work went into the project to prepare the area for equipment access and protect the river ecosystem during construction. Cofferdams and pumps were set up to divert water around the construction site.

There's no such thing as a project without challenges—several storm events breached the water diversion system and delayed the project. Partners from Andrews Construction were quick to remediate damages and re-prepare the site for concrete pouring.

Rebar and forms were set before the dam and fishway walls were poured. Stone and gravel were brought in to fill in the fishway and resemble a natural streambed for fish to traverse. Before the month was over, contractors had the site cleaned up, the water divesion system removed, and all disturbed areas were graded, seeded and mulched.

In case you missed it, the Conway Daily Sun featured the dam project in an article recently: read it here. Thank you very much to Rachel Sharples for visiting the site and helping to spread the word about this achievement. 

Learn more about the dam project and its impact on our ecosystem at the link below:

Left: Pouring a foundation for the new fishway. Right: The dam, freshly poured, with forms in place.| Debra Marnich

Volunteers in the wild

Striking a pose after leaf-blowing and raking the Island's berms and swales (an important natural water filtration system). | Anna Paddock

All smiles after an afternoon of moving fallen trees and cutting back branches to maintain field habitat at Moose Meadows. | Harper Walker-West

Showing off their seasonally-appropriate blaze orange for a day of wrestling buckthorn at the Basin View Lot. It's hunting season in New Hampshire—don't forget your bright clothing when spending time in the woods. | Anna Paddock

Thank you so much to these FABULOUS folks who took the time this season to help manage public lands for the use and enjoyment of all: humans, plants, and animals alike.

Stewardship will pick back up in the spring, when we dust things off from winter and prepare for another busy summer season. We hope you'll join us then! 

In the meantime, keep your eyes out for opportunities to volunteer for Winter Fest- just a few short months away! Let us know if you're interested in helping out.

Support CLC's work today and double your impact

Join a community of care that protects our precious waters, forests, and wildlife. Your support for Chocorua Lake Conservancy means more projects that promote a resilient and beautiful Chocorua Lake Basin, with free and welcoming public access for all. 

Make a gift by Dec. 31st to DOUBLE your impact! Donate by the end of this year and your gift will be matched dollar for dollar up to $25,000 thanks to a generous, longtime CLC supporter. Your gift of $50 will put $100 towards conservation; $100 becomes $200. 

Learn, visit, and volunteer with us

Our educational programs are by donation (suggested $5–$30), kids are free, and all donations count toward your annual giving. Zoom and collaborative programs are free. If you appreciate these programs, please donate to our partner organizations, too.

November

Wonders of Wood, Sat. Nov. 21, 10 AM–12 PM, with naturalist and outdoor educator Hillary Behr. Charlotte C. Browne Woods. Geared toward kids 3 to 10 with a caregiver. More info and sign up HERE.

December

Stories Behind the Stars: the Winter Sky, Wed. Dec. 9, 6:30–8 PM, with storyteller and teacher Matt Krug. Scott Road, Chocorua. Learn some of the stories hung in the sky enjoyed by humans for millennia. More info and sign up HERE.

Blush, gold and green from above on Mount Chocorua. | Pen Hallowell.

A bittersweet farewell to our 2026 LRCC

Harper Walker-West (left) and Olivia Jakabosky, 2026 Lakes Region Conservation Corps members. | Anna Paddock

The end of our first term with the Lakes Region Conservation Corps program came quickly! Olivia and Harper were a huge help this season, supporting everything from stewardship visits to trail maintenance to educational events—they will be dearly missed by us and the many community members that got to know them during their time here. We wish them the very best in their next chapters!

A very special thank you goes to the Korson family for their generosity in providing housing to our AmeriCorps members for the season.

CLC will welcome two new LRCC members next year to serve May through October. LRCC is a part of AmeriCorps, a national service program, and hosted through Squam Lakes Association. Members serve with conservation organizations across the Lakes Region and Mount Washington Valley.

Save the date for...

The best part of February will be back for the 5th time in 2027!

Planning a trip to Chocorua this winter? What better time than Winter Fest weekend, with an exclusive chance to stay in The Preserve at Chocorua's charming Farmhouse, a former inn. Stay close to the Winter Fest action, with access to a sledding hill, snowshoe and cross-country ski trails, and Winter Fest Dinner Dance tickets included. 

Keep your eye out—Winter Fest Dinner Dance tickets will go on sale in December.

Be a part of the Winter Fest magic: become a Winter Fest sponsor to help make this incredible community event happen! See more information about sponsorship and benefits to your business or organization HERE.

Thank you so much to our Winter Fest 2027 sponsors!

October hues: ever changing, always beautiful.

Wishing you a restful and reflective fall.

CLC STAFF

Alex Moot, Executive Director
Debra Marnich, Stewardship Director

Scoop Welch, Engagement Director
Anna Paddock, Communications Director

Troy Emerson, Seasonal Lake Patrol

Sherry Birth, Bookkeeper