Tuesday, July 22nd, 7-8:30 PM Protecting and Restoring the Exeter River through Innovative Science and Planning: Two New Studies Throughout the ten towns in the Exeter River watershed, land is being converted to suburban and urban land uses. The increase in urbanized land use results in hydrologic impacts to the Exeter River and its tributaries. These impacts can result in flooding, washed-out roads, erosion, threats to drinking water and lost of wildlife habitat. Two new studies will provide valuable river management tools to help local officials and watershed residents protect and restore the Exeter River: The first study will examine the fluvial geomorphology of the Exeter River watershed in order to understand the natural and human-caused forces that shape the river and its tributaries. Results from this study will be used to identify, prioritize and implement site-specific restoration projects to reduce impacts from flooding, erosion, undersized culverts, and habitat degradation. The NH Department of Environmental Services is teaming up with the Exeter River Local Advisory Committee (ERLAC) and other local partners to conduct the study. The second study will result in the development of a long-range management plan for state-owned lands in the watershed. There are approximately 750 acres of state-owned land in watershed communities. An inventory of this land will be completed and your community has an opportunity to discuss how state-owned land in your town is managed. This informational meeting will be held in the Hilton Auditorium at the Rockingham County Nursing Home, North Road, Brentwood, NH. For more information, please call the Exeter River Local Advisory Committee at 778-0885. Photo: Fordway Brook, Raymond, NH. Photo by Sally Soule.

 

	Saturday, May 10th 10 am-Noon Vernal Pool Workshop Raymond Saturday, June 7th 11 am Fish Ladder Tour Next to 11 Water St Downtown, Exeter Saturday, June 24th 6 pm-8 pm Canoe & Kayak Paddle and BBQ Gilman Park, Exeter July Canoe & Kayak Paddle Phillips Pond, Sandown August Water Quality Monitoring Workshop Sandown September Fly Fishing for Kids with Great Bay Chapter of Trout Unlimited Exeter October Bus Tour of the Watershed Call ERLAC at 778-0885 for more event information		Fish Ladder Tour Access next to 11 Water Street Restaurant Downtown, Exeter
			Adults and children are invited to view the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's fish ladder in downtown Exeter to see fish making their annual journey around Great Dam from salt to fresh water. Staff from Fish and Game will be on hand to explain the purpose of the fish ladder, describe the types of fish using the ladder, and the department's extensive habitat restoration efforts. Migratory fish such as smelt, alewife, blueback herrying, American shad, American Eel, and sea lamprey all migrate between freshwater and saltwater. These fish face significant challenges on route, including dams such as Great Dam and degrading water quality upstream. On-going efforts to improve and sustain tthe ecological health of the Exeter and Squamscott Rivers, as well as other tributaries to Great Bay, are important for maintaining diverse fish stocks in the watershed. Dress for the weather and join us! This FREE workshop is presented by the Exeter River Local Advisory Committee (ERLAC) and the Raymond Conservation Commission. For more information, please call the Exeter River Local Advisory Committee at 778-0885.