SB598

We need to protect our lakes. They are already struggling with cyanobacteria. Our economy and value of the outdoors requires action. Please pass this bill. Jason Saghir

NH lakes and waterways are a state treasure and a vital part of the tourism industry and must be protected.This bacteria is extremely harmful and it’s ongoing mitigation is critical.

Cyanobacteria blooms are increasing across New Hampshire, threatening public health, drinking water, recreation, and local economies. I have a house on Bow Lake and the blooms are getting more frequent and has kept my family and dogs out of the water. The existing mitigation fund has supported communities in implementing projects to address cyanobacteria blooms, but is now nearly depleted and demand is growing. I recognize there is no single solution to funding cyanobacteria mitigation at the scale needed in NH. SB 598 is a critical step toward developing long-term funding solutions that reflect the shared responsibility of all who benefit from clean, healthy lakes and rivers. Please support this bill.

Dear Chair Harb and Members of the Committee, The Rivers Management Advisory Committee (RMAC) is writing to express its support of Senate Bill 592, which allows regional planning commissions to include habitat strongholds and wildlife corridors in their plans. The RMAC supports this bill because • Rivers are wildlife corridors, providing habitat for aquatic species and resources to non-aquatic species; • Rivers cross municipal boundaries, yet downstream reaches are reliant on the management practices conducted upstream; and • Regional planning to maintain these essential habitats and corridors is essential for consistency throughout the river reaches. The RMAC is a legislatively created body charged to work with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) to administer RSA 483, the Rivers Management and Protection Program. The Governor and Council appointed Committee is composed of members from business, agriculture, hydroelectric, municipal government, water supply, conservation, recreation, fish and game, and historical interests. Should you have any questions regarding our testimony in support of SB 592, feel free to contact me at 603.796.2615 or MLT@naturesource.net. Sincerely, Michele L. Tremblay, Chair ec: Senators Watters, Rosenwald, Birdsell, Avard, Perkins Kwoka and Altschiller and Representatives Harvey, Bixby and Ouellet RMAC Representatives Robert R. Scott, Commissioner, NHDES

I support SB 598 because it moves to develop stable long term funding for cyanobacteria mitigation. Doing so is in the interest of Granite Staters!

It is critical to continue providing sources of funding support to the cyanobacteria mitigation fund. As blooms increase the resources required to maintain the quality of our drinking water and the beauty of our lakes and natural resources also increase. Supporting this bill is not only supporting our communities rights to clean drink water supplies, but supporting the preservation of the jewels of our wonderful state.

I live on a small lake, and I am aware of the fact that cyanobacteria blooms are increasing across New Hampshire. I have learned that the existing mitigation fund is nearly depleted, and I support the creation of a task force to develop long-term, sustainable funding for New Hampshire's Cyanobacteria Loan and Grant Fund. Please support SB 598.

Cyanobacteria blooms are increasing across New Hampshire, threatening public health, drinking water, recreation, and local economies. The existing mitigation fund has already supported communities in implementing projects to address cyanobacteria blooms—but is now nearly depleted as demand grows. There is no single solution to funding cyanobacteria mitigation at the scale needed statewide. SB 598 is a critical step toward developing stable, long-term funding solutions that reflect the shared responsibility of everyone who benefits from clean, healthy lakes and rivers. I support this bill.

Thank you for allowing me to submit this testimony. Cyanobacteria is a threat to our waterbodies. Recent blooms in New Hampshire have continued to grow and threaten our rivers and lakes. SB598 can provide critical funding for research into solutions that benefit us all as well as future generations. The importance of clean waterbodies - can not be understated. Water matters. fleur

Please support this bill! We need long-term funding for cyanobacteria management! It is a threat not only to our health, mental health and safety, but also our economy which is heavily dependent on tourism and recreation in our beautiful lakes. These blooms, which are becoming more and more prevalent in NH, threaten so much of our quality of life in the Granite State. The first mitigation fund was an excellent start, but because there were so many lakes and lake associations that needed help with funding to manage these growths, it is nearly depleted. We need a committee specifically tasked to monitor, brainstorm, bring stakeholders together with state officials and craft a long-term, sustainable plan to fund cyanobacteria management and treatment. Please support this bill.

Harmful cyanobacteria blooms are a major threat to New Hampshire communities around lakes, and sustainable funding is needed to fight them.

Cyanobacteria can be a health hazard to people and pet. We need to find ways to control this alge. Thank you, Susan Baney

Cyanobacteria blooms are increasing across New Hampshire, threatening public health, drinking water, recreation, and local economies. The existing mitigation fund has already supported communities in implementing projects to address cyanobacteria blooms—but is now nearly depleted as demand grows. There is no single solution to funding cyanobacteria mitigation at the scale needed statewide. SB 598 is a critical step toward developing stable, long-term funding solutions that reflect the shared responsibility of everyone who benefits from clean, healthy lakes and rivers.

We must do everything possible to reduce Cyanobacteria blooms throughout NH lakes. Please support this bill.

Cyanobacteria blooms are increasing across New Hampshire, threatening public health, drinking water, recreation, and local economies. The existing mitigation fund has already supported communities in implementing projects to address cyanobacteria blooms—but is now nearly depleted as demand grows. There is no single solution to funding cyanobacteria mitigation at the scale needed statewide. SB 598 is a critical step toward developing stable, long-term funding solutions that reflect the shared responsibility of everyone who benefits from clean, healthy lakes and rivers.

My wife and I are writing to express our strong support for SB 598, which establishes a task force to study and recommend sustainable funding sources for the Cyanobacteria Mitigation Loan and Grant Fund. We live on Silver Lake in Madison, which experienced its first toxic cyanobacteria bloom in September 2023. That year was a record for New Hampshire, with 69 reported blooms statewide. In our case, torrential rains washed nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers into the lake, followed by unseasonably warm weather that created ideal conditions for the bloom. As extreme weather events become more frequent and home construction increases along State Highway 113, the removal of natural vegetation for views will inevitably lead to greater erosion and runoff within the watershed. It is critical that we have the resources necessary to address these threats. Please support SB 598 to ensure our New Hampshire lakes remain healthy and pristine.

Cyanobacteria blooms are increasing across New Hampshire, threatening public health, drinking water, recreation, and local economies. The existing mitigation fund has already supported communities in implementing projects to address cyanobacteria blooms—but is now nearly depleted as demand grows. There is no single solution to funding cyanobacteria mitigation at the scale needed statewide. SB 598 is a critical step toward developing stable, long-term funding solutions that reflect the shared responsibility of everyone who benefits from clean, healthy lakes and rivers.

I believe a state-wide effort to mitigate cyanobacteria is essential for our lakes. I support establishing a task force to develop long-term, sustainable funding for New Hampshire's Cyanobacteria Mitigation Loan and Grant Fund. Thank you for your consideration.

My wife and I are active members of the community of homeowners around Half Moon Lake in Barnstead. Our lake has been troubled by blooms of cyanobacteria. This bill is important to all of us who are working to prevent ecological and economic damage caused by cyanobacteria.

Cyanobacteria is a growing problem in NH with devastating consequences. We cannot just stick our heads in the sand and hope it goes away. Please support SB598 as an important first step in solving this problem for NH lakes by creating a task force to develop long-term, sustainable funding for New Hampshire’s Cyanobacteria Mitigation Loan and Grant Fund.

Cyanobacteria blooms are increasing across the state of New Hampshire not only threatening public health, drinking water, and recreational activities, but also real estate values. Lakes that experience cyanobacteria blooms become less desirable and as these blooms become more frequent and larger they will make our lakes undesirable. Our lakes are one of our most important draws for the tourist industry. A sustainable long-term funding solution is needed to address this issue before it's too late. Please support this bill Thank you for your consideration, and for your service in the legislature. Respectfully, Frank H. Lemay

I support funding for cyanobacteria mitigation which has become an increasing problem in our beautiful lakes. One of the reasons we bought in the Sunapee area was the quality of the water in the region. This is increasingly in danger unless resources are allocated to monitor water quality and take action when cyanobacteria is detected. Our enjoyment of the area and our investment in it are both at risk.

My husband and I have lived in Meredith on Lake Winnisquam since 1998. I'm writing in the hopes that you will vote to support this bill. In the last couple of years our summers have become unpredictable. We have a Labrador Retriever who is always in the water either on his own, with grandkids, friends or anyone else that will swim with him. Unfortunately due to cyanobacteria blooms in the last few years, we can't let our dog or grandkids in the water until we check for blooms. Ingesting a bacteria bloom can make them sick. These blooms are increasing across all of NH, threatening public health, drinking water, recreation, and local economies. The existing mitigation fund is now nearly depleted as demand grows. There’s no single solution to funding cyanobacteria mitigation at the scale needed statewide. This bill is a critical step toward developing stable, long-term funding solutions that reflect the shared responsibility of everyone who benefits from clean, healthy lakes and rivers.

All: Hi. I am a full-time resident living in the Lake Sunapee Watershed and fully support SB 598 (creates a task force to develop long-term, sustainable funding for New Hampshire’s Cyanobacteria Mitigation Loan and Grant Fund, bringing together state leaders and stakeholders to recommend practical solutions.) Our lakes and streams need a dedicated state funding source to help fight toxic cyanobacteria blooms. This is our opportunity to protect the environment, wildlife, local and state economies, and the real estate tax revenue generated by property values. I urge you to vote in favor of SB 598 and help ensure a healthier environment for all who depend on New Hampshire's lakes and streams. Much appreciated, Jeff Estella 617-784-3961