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Foundation Launches Annual Membership-Fundraising Campaign Print E-mail

May signals the launch of the Lake Wentworth Foundation’s annual membership and fund-raising drive. This year, in keeping with the Foundation’s mission, the mailing has been expanded to include all properties within the Lake Wentworth-Crescent Lake watershed. It is of paramount importance to reach out to all those in the watershed as the future of the Lakes is dependent upon everyone and not just those with waterfront property. If you know of any folks who enjoy these Lakes, such as renters, guests or residents, who may not have received the mailing, please refer them to us and we will see that they are placed on our mailing list. The mailing includes a letter from our President and a color brochure explaining just what the foundation is all about. Of course one of the best ways to find out about the Foundation is by perusing this website where there are maps and photos of our properties and a who’s who on the Board of Trustees.
 
Lake watershed feels storm's impact Print E-mail

The nor'easter that swept through New England on April 15-16, 2008 left behind spring floods and considerable damage to a portion of the Cotton Valley Trail. Streams throughout the area swelled against their banks, and marshes became small lakes in their own right.

At the Fernald Brook crossing along the Cotton Valley Trail, stormwater runoff eroded one side of the bridge, leaving rails of the old Wolfeboro Railroad stretching across open space.

Ice that was already beginning to break up on Lake Wentworth broke free in large sheets and made its way down the stretch of Smith River that joins Wentworth to Crescent Lake.

Lake Wentworth rose several inches overnight, although the lake level at the time the storm hit was low enough to prevent any immediate flooding. The dam at Crescent Lake was reportedly wide open in an effort to keep up with the inflow to the lakes.

June 3, 2009 update: The bridge has been repaired although it has taken time. The second picture, taken in late April 2009, shows a hole possibly created from heavy rains. Fortunately the third picture was taken today and shows the bridge fully repaired. And although the pictures do not show it, considerable work was done by volunteers last fall to remove sticks and logs from under the bridge that was used to make up part of a beaver dam. The LWF provided financial support for the bridge repairs.

Fernald Brook crossing
The Fernald Brook bridge along the Cotton Valley Trail shows the devastating effects of the flooding that swept away the brook's banking. (Shaun Berry photo)

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The Fernald Brook bridge with a hole in it, possibly from heavy rain. (photo by Skip Lorimor)

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The fully repaired bridge in June, 2009. (photo by Skip Lorimor)