Messages from the Association President & Board
RE: UPDATE Regarding Tangle Wood Road Lots abutting HSA land
An HSA member who purchased the lots requested an easement to put a driveway over HSA land on Pinkham Rd to access their lots on Tangle Wood Rd. The matter was sent to HSA counsel on how to proceed. The HSA attorney advised, due to the restrictive covenant's permission for an easement from Pinkham Rd. that an easement could not be granted. Information concerning tree cutting or construction on lots not in our association is not an HSA matter. Any questions or complaints should be directed to either the Town or the lot owner.
The HSA Board of Directors
RE: Resolution Voted on and Approved at the Annual HSA Meeting!
HAMPSHIRE SHORES ASSOCIATION RESOLUTION
Adopted August 5, 2023
Offered by: David Miller-56 Shore Drive, John Mullen-34 Shore Drive
“The Hampshire Shores Association, with the recent outbreaks of Cyanobacteria on
Sunrise Lake, urges its members to do their part in reducing phosphorus and nutrients
inputs into the waters of the Lake. The water quality of Sunrise Lake is vital to the health
and our enjoyment of the Lake, and we specifically urge all members to:
1. Do Not use phosphorus and nitrogen-based fertilizers on their lawns within 250
feet of the shoreline.
2. Check the functionality of their septic system and have it inspected every five
years.
3. Use phosphorus-free detergents if one’s home has a washer and dryer.
4. Maintain naturally vegetated buffer areas along one’s shoreline beyond their beach
to avoid excessive run-off from severe storms.
These simple steps by residents can help protect Sunrise Lake from further outbreaks
and offset the impacts of warmer waters and more severe rain events causing increased
run-off of pollutants into the Lake.”
Note: The recommendations in this resolution are supported by laws and regulations of NH DES and the
“Sunrise Lake Watershed Management Plan dtd 2022”
2023 Sunrise Lake Milfoil Mitigation Program
The 2023 Sunrise Milfoil Mitigation Program continued to mitigate the milfoil infestation in the lake. Since our herbicide treatment in 2019, we experienced a light infestation breakout and harvest was low in 2020 and 2021. Last year we saw the harvest increase to 61 gallons and now to 71 gallons in 2023. The rise in volume could be attributed to climate and boat activity. The program continues to utilize hand pulling by state approved divers. While we will most likely continue to see outbreaks of the invasive weed, it could be controllable with continuos harvesting and awareness of residents. We highly encourage all residents to be diligent in monitoring the invasive plant and report any findings or questions either to the Middleton Conservation Commission’s Exotic Aquatic Species Coordinator or NH DES. Total diver cost for the extraction of milfoil, amounted to $2,527.75. The grant from NH DES reimburses the town for 50% of the cost. Our share for extraction amounted to $1,263.88, which are covered entirely by the Milfoil Capital Reserve Fund and local donations. Thus, no expense to the Town. We also again applied for a State grant for mitigation funds for 2024. DES has informed that grant funding for the 2024 Exocit Specifies Program is not finalized, and is pending clarification and possibly legislation. Thus, bid guidance advising how to proceed with obtaining bids and due dates, is delayed as well. Its expected that the State will sort the issues out and that 2024 grant approvals and amounts will be set. I will provide an update as soon as NH DES informs me. Our success in working to control invasive species is attributed to the support of the residents of Middleton, private resident donations, and donations from the Hampshire Shores Lake Association. This support has provided ample funds in the Milfoil Capital Reserve Fund and a non-lapsing General Fund Account. What this has afforded the Town has been not to request any funds from taxation for 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and now 2024. The Conservation Commission wants to thank the people of Middleton for supporting this effort. The ability to continue with the milfoil mitigation plans will enable the community to minimize the effects of invasive species in Sunrise Lake and control the infestation for the long term and improve the overall health of the lake for the residents of Middleton. Sunrise Lake is a major asset to the town and contributes a major portion of the town’s property value and tax revenue. Randy Barnes Exotic Aquatic Species Coordinator Middleton Conservation Commission
RE: Sign Board
We are continually updating the name sign board at the corner of Butler & Pinkham Please do NOT take down names, put up your own boards or change the board. If you have any updates that you would like made, you can please complete the Google Form here or email questions to info@hampshireshores.org
RE: Yard Waste
Just a reminder not to dump refuge on property other than your own. Chapter 163-B LITTER CONTROL LAW.
RE: Updating Your Contact Information
If you need to update your contact information with the Association, please complete the Google Form here.
Don't forget your dues!
A reminder to all members that dues for 2024 will be due July 1st. The organization's by-laws provide for late fees to be collected. "Any member whose dues have not been paid by July 15th shall be assessed a late fee of $15.00. An additional late fee of $40.00 shall be assessed at the end of each quarter (that is September 30, December 31, March 31, June 30...) that the dues remain unpaid." Save yourself the hassle and expense. Please make checks payable to Hampshire Shores Association and mail to: Hampshire Shores Association, PO Box 85, Union NH 03887.
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Note: All officers and directors are volunteers; all of their work and that of other volunteers is unpaid. Membership in the Association is NOT voluntary, however. Your deed makes you a member, with all of the rights and responsibilities, including paying your dues. Members who do not pay their dues are subject to legal action.
So you want to have a campfire?
Campfires on the beach have always been a part of lakeside living. Toasting marshmallows, burning marshmallows, and dropping marshmallows in the fire plus continuously moving to keep out of the smoke just adds to the fun. But, like most things that are fun there also are responsibilities and rules. Campfires require an annual fire permit issued by the Division of Forests and Lands via the Middleton Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department.
Camp and cooking fires are controlled fires (Category II), no greater than 4 feet in diameter contained in a ring of noncombustible material or a portable fireplace. In Middleton, a category II fire only can be kindled between the hours of 5:00 PM and Midnight, conditions permitting (not during unfavorable weather conditions or when a fire hazard is posted.) There is no need to call for permission to burn a category II fire when you have a fire permit.
Click on the Town link for updated information to obtain a permit: Fire Permit Information
Information from the Conservation Commission
Can be found here.
Information about lake beaches, cyanobacteria, and what to watch for in lakes
FAQs about milfoil treatment
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No swimming for 24 hours after treatment within 200 feet of treated areas.
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Don't use the treated water for irrigation or watering plants for 30 days.
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Lake water within 1,200 feet of the treated area shouldn't be used for cooking or drinking until tests indicate its safety.
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Treatment will not be applied within 50 feet of wells so there should be no restrictions on well use.