Winter News – January 20, 2026

 You may remember the line, “It’s been a quiet week in Lake Wobegone” if you listened to Prairie Home Companion.

Webster Lake is a little different, of course, but it certainly slows down a bit during the winter months. We have been having variable weather; one day this week we couldn’t see the other shore of the lake due to the fog, a day later we could easily walk on dry pavement along Lake Shore Drive to the top of the lake! Life continues as Sucker Book is in rather full spate these days…

1. WLA member John Marrapese tells me that the snowmobile club has prepared 12 miles of trails for use! 

2. If you haven’t checked out Veteran’s Memorial Recreation Area at 266 Flaghole Road (not a typo!) you are in for a pleasant treat–it is a local park run by volunteers from the Franklin Outing Club; we found it a great place for sledding with kids.

3. Your Board of Directors has been busy this winter working to remediate the milfoil infestation in Chance Pond, the outflow of Webster Lake. WLA has applied for and received a grant from the Department of Environmental Services to help with funding this effort. We are presently finishing the paperwork on the grant and engaging a contractor for a chemical remediation program. This will occur probably mid-summer;more details as the final schedule is set.

4. Our association is a contributing member of the New Hampshire Lakes Association, which tracks legislative bills that affect the health of lakes and watersheds.

We are in the period where bills are being reviewed by committees of the House and Senate, and your input is actively sought. 

You may weigh in online, testify in person, or simply attend meetings of the various committees.

NH Lakes staff attend meetings, present testimony, and effectively lobby for bills that support lake health. Their website includes links to informational webinars on the status of bills, and steps you can take to support or oppose bills.