Alton Bay, NH

Members of the Alton Shores Association have access to association owned beaches on Sunset Lake and Hill's Pond. Seasonal water is provided to members and the association maintains many of the roads. They are an organization that relies on volunteerism and camaraderie, to the benefit of our community. There is an annual meeting where members have an opportunity to become involved in the association. There is an annual work party that involves one day of clean up followed by a dinner party. Summer family activities such as group hikes or association wide cookouts are encouraged. Most of all, Alton Shores is a place to relax and enjoy life.

As for practical matters, there is ‘911' emergency service access in the community. In winter, the town plows the main road through the association.  The area's lakes and ponds offer swimming, fishing, boating and an opportunity to appreciate nature. Nesting loons attest to the purity of the water and moose and bear sightings verify the well being of the ecosystem in this region.

Finally, the people make Alton Shores a community. Whether at one of the beaches with the kids, in kayaks just after dawn, on mountain trails for the day or just on the back porch with neighbors, people make it great. There are many life-long friendships that began here during summer vacation. People seem more at ease among the camps and homes, the lakes and hills, the warm summer afternoons and frosty winter nights. Some say that they leave their worries on the other side of the mountain as they approach Alton Shores. Others claim that there's something about the clean air that comforts and relaxes them.

New Hampshire often experiences severe and damaging winter weather - most recently the destructive ice storm of ‘98 which caused extensive tree damage in several areas of the state. Property owners, particularly those with waterfront property, are well advised to thoroughly plan out cleanup efforts before they begin cutting or removing any trees or brush. The N.H. Department of Environmental Services (DES) offers the following advice for storm damage cleanup to help ensure compliance with the N.H. Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act (CSPA), RSA 483-B.

Protecting the Shoreland. The DES Shoreland Protection Program urges property owners not to hastily remove storm-damaged trees, thinking that they are going to die or that they are otherwise exempt from tree-cutting regulations set forth under RSA 483-B. In areas that fall within the shoreland protection zone (within 150 feet of a public waterbody), the regulations pertaining to tree removal still apply regardless of the circumstances, e.g. ice storms. Dead, diseased, unsafe, or fallen trees, saplings, shrubs, or groundcovers may be removed. Their removal is not counted toward the limitations of tree removal set forth by RSA 483-B. However, in order for trees to be removed as designated "hazardous trees," property owners should consult with a certified forester or arborist.

Assessing the Damage. The N.H. Division of Forests and Lands offers the following criteria in assessing the effects of storm damage on the health and longevity of trees: Trees with branches broken off should completely recover. Those with extensive trunk damage may survive with human intervention, however their longevity may be in question. Anyone with questions about damaged trees are urged to contact an arborist for advice. Most often, winter storms cause "cosmetic" damage to trees, and within a few years those trees will replace their lost limbs and foliage.

Other Considerations. Also be aware of the following restrictions as they pertain to RSA 483-B. The operation of wheeled machinery within a wetland requires a permit. Slash piles and chipping are not allowed within 50 feet of the reference line of a waterbody. Burning is not allowed within 50 feet of the water. Stump removal is also not permitted within 50 feet of the reference line. DES recommends that property owners take photographs of trees that have been seriously damaged before they are removed. Lastly, please give tree removal careful consideration - it takes decades for a tree to reach maturity, and only minutes to cut it down.

DES recommends that anyone planning to cut trees within the protected shoreland zone be aware of the regulations set forth by RSA 483-B. Further information may be requested by calling DES's Shoreland Protection Program at 271-7109 or 271-6876.

In the 1950s, the N.H. Department of Fish and Game began importing mallard ducks into the state to add to the game population. What they did not realize was that not only were they importing ducks, but a tiny parasite, cercarial dermatitis, in the ducks' blood stream as well.

What Causes Swimmers' Itch?
Swimmers' itch (also called cercarial dermatitis) is a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to contact with certain parasites of birds and mammals. Snails become infected with these parasites and then release them in fresh and salt water. Swimmers' itch generally occurs during the summer months.

What are the Symptoms of Swimmers' Itch?
Symptoms include tingling, burning, or itching of the skin within minutes or days after exposure. Small reddish pimples appear within 12 hours, which may develop into small blisters. Itching may last up to a week or more, but will gradually go away.

Is Swimmers' Itch a Health Hazard?
No. The swimmers' itch parasite is not parasitic to humans and causes no human diseases. No treatment is required for the rash. The rash will go away naturally within a few days, and there are no lasting effects. The same lotions used for mosquito bites and other itching rashes can control the itching caused by the rash. Swimmers' itch cannot be spread from person-to-person.

Is Swimmers' Itch Related to Water Quality?
No. The presence of swimmers' itch is not related to pollution or poor water quality. It is a natural life cycle. Although it has been present in the state for many years, it has never been a significant nuisance problem in most New Hampshire lakes.

Is There Any Way to Prevent Swimmers' Itch?
No. The adult parasite lives in the bloodstream of infected host animals such as ducks, geese, gulls, swans, as well as in certain aquatic mammals such as muskrat and beaver. The parasites produce eggs that are passed in the feces of the host bird or mammal. So if the animal feces land in the water, the water becomes contaminated.

How Do I Avoid Swimmers' Itch?

• Avoid swimming in areas where swimmers' itch is a known problem or where signs have been posted warning of unsafe water.
• Avoid swimming near or wading in marshy areas where snails are commonly found.
• Towel dry or shower immediately after leaving the water.
• Encourage health officials to post signs on shorelines where swimmers' itch is a current problem.
• Do not attract birds by feeding them in areas where people are swimming.

I have worked with Nanci Coughlin on my own personal mortgages as well as referring her to my clients. She is attentive, professional, straight-forward, knowledgeable and is an experienced mortgage originator. Her contact information is as follows;

Nanci Coughlin - Mortgage Originator

Meredith Village Savings Bank

82 Wolfeboro Highway, P.O. Box 1440

Alton, NH 03809

email: ncoughlin@mvsb.com

website: www.mvsb.com

603.293.0374

800.922.6872

603.293.4522 Fax

603.393.6073 Cell

603.517.1727 Pager

By: Monique Tenander

From the view of the cockpit, see what it is like to land on frozen Alton Bay, Lake Winnipesaukee.

You Tube Video Courtesy of: Rori Stumpf of Medway, MA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbZ32bPLvyE

Photo by: Mike McDavitt