Kezar Lake Protective Association

Current Threats

Milfoil and other exotic plants

Two species of milfoil, Eurasian and Variable, are non-native and of great danger to lakes. If introduced, they are nearly impossible to eradicate and take over native plants quickly. Milfoil isn't the only concern. Wild celery made an unexpected appearance in the brook running through the North Sutton town commons requiring hand-pulling to control the weeds.

Read more on Exotic Species — The Frightful Fourteen — and Invasive Bugs. Non-native species will have a long-lasting detrimental effect on our landscape in the coming years. They hog the energy and crowd out indigenous plants and animals.

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Phosphorus Pollution

Recent weakening of environmental regulations could turn around the gains made in the previous three decades. The Clean Water Act was a huge impetus for cleaning up Kezar Lake's past pollution from a phosphorus overload. Read ex-DES Commissioner Tom Burack's editorial "Tackling Phosphorus in Our Lakes. Great Progress has been made in 25 years." Many successful clean-ups count this legislation as responsible for returning waterways to their near-original state from pea-soup consistency.

Road Salt

In the Northeast, we depend on salt to make our roads, driveways & walkways safely usable in winter. It is cheap and available. But there are dangers to humans, wildlife and the environment as the salt concentration increases with repeated use. Alternatives to salt include wood chips, an idea being tested in Quebec, beet juice and pickle brine and others.  Read more on salt usage:

• The Hidden Dangers of Road Salt

• What Happens to Salt Used on Roadways?

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Erosion: Run-off from roads, roofs, driveways, & impermeable surfaces cause stable areas to break down and travel into the lake.

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Septic Systems Failures: These are environmental and public health problems. Particularly near water bodies, regulations need to be followed. NH DES applications, permits and information.

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Boat Pollution: Keeping Sewage & Greywater out of NH Lakes.

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Trash of all types is an out-of-control problem: Glass, cans, plastic and garbage of all types are beginning to clog our wetlands, beautiful roads and trails. Many residents, including the Sutton Ridgerunners and other groups, clean up after others. It is a Sisyphean ordeal as the trash reappears immediately. This issue affects Sutton and the Kezar Lake area intensely, although the phenomenon is widespread. Carry-In/Carry-Out applies throughout the town to all refuse.