The Newfound Lake Region Association (NLRA) is introducing an initiative to protect our region’s principal drinking water supply. Located almost entirely in Alexandria and supplying roughly 3,500 Bristol residents, the Newfound aquifer can provide clean water to thousands of people for decades to come, if properly protected and managed.

The Ground Water Trust Fund is a multi-million dollar State resource created to protect water supplies through land conservation. The NLRA, with local towns and our conservation partners, intends to use this Fund to help protect the Newfound aquifer.

Land conservation is rarely simple. With multiple parcels held by different landowners, the need for diverse funding sources, the aquifer’s location in two towns, and participation of multiple parties required over a period of years, the path to success is complex.

NLRA and The Forest Society are hosting a public meeting, specifically geared to Town Boards and landowners, to explain the initiative and answer questions. The meeting will be held on Tuesday August 13, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Alexandria Town Hall, and is free and open to the public.

Local support of this conservation concept is critical. Following meetings with both Alexandria and Bristol Select Boards, the NLRA is pleased to say that Board members are excited by this initiative, and plan to attend the August 13th meeting.

Protecting clean drinking water, as well as the wetlands, streams, high-quality soil, and rural character that are all part of the Newfound aquifer region makes perfect sense. Please join us on August 13th in Alexandria’s classic New Hampshire town hall to help figure out how to do it.