BLA President’s Update: Treatment Success, Summer Reminders & Fundraising Goals

Hello all – hope everyone is having a great start to the summer! I wanted to reach out quickly to let everyone know the status of a couple things heading into the best months of the year!

1. The alum treatment is done! Thanks to all for staying off the water during this process. The weather was perfect (i.e. no wind), though the 3” of pine pollen that seemed to drop as well as the dead sunfish (from annual spawning stress) didn’t quite make it as nice to start as I would have hoped, but now that pollen season is ending the clarity is continuing to improve. Clarity isn’t the critical piece to this treatment (bonding to the bottom anoxic areas is the primary goal) but it’s a nice byproduct after this application. The PH of the water was balanced during the entire treatment, with no major spikes identified during the application, which was great. Some folks have asked why their area wasn’t hit directly with the application; as a reminder the only areas to be treated were locations of depths below 14’ (like all other treatments allowed in the State of NH). We encountered an area along Broadway to the public beach that was inaccurately represented on the NH bathymetry maps used for the design; this location was shown to be around 10’ in depth when in fact it ranged between 14’ and 17’ deep. With permission from the DES, we added this area to the scope since Solitude was already onsite and they’re only going to charge us for the materials which was great.
2. Big Thank Yous owed to the following people:

• All the private donors from the BLA – it was a nearly impossible task to raise six figures in a couple of months, but we greatly appreciate every one of you who donated and made this possible for our community. I believe we’ve accurately updated the website to reflect the donations made but if we’ve missed you accidentally please let us know and we’ll update it immediately.
• Amherst Taxpayers & Michael Almeida specifically – Michael, thank you for letting me know how a citizen’s petition works, and helping me get it prepared with 2 hours to spare! Though the permitting treatment far exceeded the $100k warrant article value – this anchored the entire project budget and gave people the confidence that this was going to happen.
• Andrew Pataky – Ways & Means Committee – thank you for your questions at deliberative, and for thoughtfully re-voting with your members to support this treatment. This was likely the critical piece residents used as a guide to vote for this measure.
• BLA Fundraising Committee – Jeff Affeldt, Rick Wenzel, Dino Pioli, and Vicky Judson. Your support, strategies, and dogged effort got us to the point where we could make this happen. The Baboosic community is indebted to you for your service toward this major improvement.
• BLA Board – the other members including Rick Wenzel, Dino Pioli, Sharon Hickey, Sue Cullen, Steven Sher, Domenic Mandile, Tom Boland, Ellen Constant, David Hanlon and Maria Ruggiero. In addition to the normal duties of this board for social, safety, merchandise, communication, and project improvements to this lake, your efforts were critical for continuing to fundraise for this project and future restoration efforts for Baboosic. Special thanks to Tom Boland for tracking the donations properly and establishing the financial infrastructure needed for the largest fundraising in the history of our lake, as well as shepherding us through the official NH charitable trust registration process.
• DES members (Amy Smagula especially, Hillary Kenyon (our certified lake manager), Dominic Meringolo (Solitude – alum applicator), and James Steinkrauss (Rath, Young and Pignatelli – Permitting Assistance) – thank you for your efforts in getting this permitting process over the hump and turning this design into a reality, along with making adjustments during the treatment to encapsulate a slightly larger area based on the actual field conditions encountered. Being the 5th waterbody in NH to have this treatment vs 944th is a good thing!
• Town of Amherst Recreation/Camp YJ/Four Seasons Beach – thanks to the recreation department for allowing the operations to take place at the town beach; with the tractor trailers etc., it would have been a lot more difficult to complete this work at a different location. Thanks to YJ & Four Seasons Beach Association for allowing BLA events to take place on your property as well as your generous donations to this treatment.
• Keller Nunley & David Geyer – thank you for the great video and drone footage of the application taking place

3. What do we do now? The treatment is done; now it’s time to enjoy summer! And pay/protect/monitor it – here’s what we’d like to ask from folks:

• Keep an eye on the areas outside the deep-water treatment areas. As previously noted, we were only allowed to treat 87 acres (out of 228) that were deeper than 14’ (and theoretically represent the areas of anoxia, when dissolved oxygen goes away and the phosphorus loses its iron bond). It is possible that there will be minor blooms which may occur from areas with excessive plant growth choking out dissolved oxygen. We really want to keep an eye on where this occurs for future planning purposes.
• Stormwater mitigation – one thing both the DES and our CLM noted that with the steep terrain that most of us have for residences, it’s imperative to try and create whatever buffer we can to keep minimize runoff into the lake. This includes shrubbery along the lake edge where possible. There are some good ideas in the NH lakes website link below. We are also assisting the Amherst & Merrimack DPWs to complete their stormwater pollution study/watershed update, which will recommend areas for improvement around the lake which we will likely assist with. Feel free to reach out to the BLA if you’re aware of a sticky runoff area that you think could be a good candidate. https://share.google/BGiilYc0kaLraI4pD
• Clean/Drain/Dry/Inspect – Our previous herbicide treatment was tremendously effective a few years ago. Our weed watching crew (led by Marc and Michell) is constantly reviewing the lake and so far, so good! (knock on wood). That said, if you have a ramp, or let a friend bring a kayak over, it’s important to ensure nothing undesirable comes into this lake. It took years of constant scuba diving, and pulling weeds, then paying tens of thousands of dollars to treat the milfoil areas before it completely took over. Ideally, we don’t want to have to do it again!   https://nhlakes.org/clean-drain-dry/
• Fireworks/Lawn Fertilizer etc. – Fireworks are the best part of summer and being on the lake. Would just ask to try and direct away from the lake, if possible, though not at your neighbor’s house (unless you don’t get along and they have good insurance). If wrappers etc. get into the water, please remove them shortly thereafter. I’m not aware of anyone using fertilizer for keeping their lawn green; but if you are, please don’t. It’s a revaluation year; some dandelions and clovers in your lawn will attract honeybees, which is nice, and maybe even drop your assessment down a little bit! (while also keeping any new phosphorus from getting into the lake, which is most important!)
• Septic Systems – always a good idea to get your system pumped annually (when they fail, it’s usually in January or February and a lot more expensive to replace at that time!). If you need a list of good providers, or a hand with design/replacement of an older system, please let us know.
• Finally fundraising – We are close to reaching our goal of $595k that we originally set out, but we really need to make the final push over this summer to meet and hopefully exceed this value. Our intent is to create an endowment for Baboosic Lake that will allow us to continue to our mission of stewardship of this waterbody for years to come, hopefully without having to bother you for a long time! For our final fundraising push, we’re asking folks to post the attached link to social media, friends, family etc. that may enjoy Baboosic but don’t necessarily live around the lake full time.  https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-baboosic-lake. 

 
Thank you all for your support; sorry for this droned on for a bit, but the good news is you shouldn’t have to hear from me for a while. Hope everyone has a great summer and we look forward to seeing you soon!  Remember these dates –
 https://www.baboosiclake.com/social.html
 
Sincerely,
Obadiah Dart

Greetings Baboosic Lake Friends!

Great news, Baboosic Lake community!
The alum treatment has been successfully completed — slightly ahead of schedule thanks to smooth weather and everyone’s cooperation. Because of that, we’re happy to share that the lake will officially reopen June 10th 2026 at 4 PM.

Thank you to everyone who stayed off the water and helped make this important project a success. Your patience truly made a difference for the long‑term health of Baboosic Lake.
Enjoy the water, and have a wonderful afternoon on the lake!

Thank you for helping protect Baboosic Lake for years to come.

The Baboosic Lake Association, though its contractor, Solitude Lake Management, is planning an application of aluminum sulfate (alum) to Baboosic Lake. The purpose of this treatment is to improve water quality, reduce nutrients (phosphorus), and control algal blooms. We anticipate the public beach area will be restricted during the treatment dates as it will be used for the staging area for the treatment barge to refill its tanks. Treatment Schedule The application is currently scheduled to take place between 6/1/2026 and 6/10/2026 approximately, weather permitting.
What to Expect
• Safety: Alum binds with phosphorus, creating a flocculent that settles to the bottom, which is a safe, proven method to reduce algae.
• Water Usage: All recreational activities on, in, or from the waterbody are PROHIBITED during all periods of chemical treatment associated with this permit. Further, swimming in and water withdrawal from Baboosic Lake are prohibited for 24-hours following each day of chemical treatment as it relates to this permit. (currently not anticipated for the weekend of 6/6 & 6/7/2026).
• Appearance: You may see a barge-like applicator boat operating in the specified areas. The treatment may cause a temporary increase in water clarity.
More Information
                For a detailed map of the treatment areas, safety data sheets (SDS), or to ask questions about the project, please visit https://www.baboosiclake.com/ or contact Obadiah Dart at [email protected]  
                We are committed to maintaining a healthy ecosystem for Baboosic Lake and appreciate your cooperation. 

BLA Restatement of By-Laws

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RESTATEMENT OF BY-LAWS
BABOOSIC LAKE ASSOCIATION
ADOPTED ON: 5/3/2026
 
These Bylaws constitute a full and complete restatement of the prior bylaws of the Baboosic Lake Association. This restatement was duly adopted in accordance with Article XIII of the prior bylaws, upon the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the members present and voting at a duly noticed meeting of the Association.
 
Upon adoption, these Bylaws supersede and replace in their entirety all prior bylaws and amendments of the Association.
 
ARTICLE I: PURPOSE
 
The purpose of the Association is:
 

1. To educate the public on the care, quality, and preservation of Baboosic Lake and its surrounding watershed.
2. To educate the public on invasive species prevention.
3. To educate the public on boater safety and to monitor safety on the lake.
4. To educate responsible individuals on proper water quality testing procedures.
5. To assist and protect citizens using the lake by funding and performing water testing and publishing alerts if unsafe conditions are identified.
6. To protect, preserve, and improve the quality of Baboosic Lake and its surrounding watershed.
7. To nominate at least one charitable organization annually to receive a donation in the name of the Baboosic Lake Association.

 
ARTICLE II: MEMBERSHIP
 
Membership in the Association is open to all persons or entities having an interest in its purposes. Membership shall be granted upon completion of an approved application and payment of annual dues.
 
There shall be two classes of members:
 

1. Voting Members

A voting member is entitled to one (1) vote and must hold title to property located on or within the area of Baboosic Lake bounded by Camp Road, Baboosic Lake Road North, Baboosic Lake Road South, Pavilion Road, Walnut Hill Road, Embankment Road, Red Gate Lane, and Lake Outlet Road (see Annex 1).
Voting members shall be entitled to one vote regardless of ownership of multiple properties or lots.
 
 

1. Non-Voting Members
   
   

A non-voting member is any individual or entity with an interest in the purposes of the Association who pays annual dues but does not have voting rights.
 
ARTICLE III: OFFICERS
 

1. The officers of the Association shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Officers shall be elected at the annual meeting and shall serve terms of two (2) years.

 

1. No individual may hold more than one office at a time.

 

1. A vacancy in any office shall be filled for the unexpired term by appointment of the President, subject to approval by a majority of the Board of Directors.

 
ARTICLE IV: PRESIDENT
 

1. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Association and of the Board of Directors.
2. In addition to duties outlined in these bylaws, the President shall perform such other duties as may be required by the membership or the Board of Directors.

 
ARTICLE V: VICE PRESIDENT
 

1. In the absence of the President, the Vice President shall exercise and perform the powers and duties of the President.

 
ARTICLE VI: SECRETARY
 

1. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Association and the Board of Directors and shall record and maintain accurate minutes and records, except those pertaining to the Treasurer.

 

1. The Secretary shall also perform such other duties as may be required by the President or the Board of Directors.

 
ARTICLE VII: TREASURER
 

1. The Treasurer shall receive all funds of the Association and deposit them in financial institutions approved by the Board of Directors.

 

1. The Treasurer shall disburse funds in accordance with instructions approved by a majority vote of the Board of Directors and shall provide a financial report at each Board meeting and at the annual meeting.

 

1. An annual financial review shall be conducted by a Certified Public Accountant selected by the Board of Directors.

 
ARTICLE VIII: MEETINGS
 
The annual meeting of the membership shall be held in May or June at a date, time, and place designated by the Board of Directors. Notice shall be provided at least ten (10) days in advance.
 
Special meetings may be called by the Board of Directors at any time with at least ten (10) days’ notice to members.
 
A quorum shall consist of:
 

1. Fifty percent (50%) of the Board of Directors, and
2. At least ten percent (10%) of the membership.

 
ARTICLE IX: BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 

1. The management of the Association between membership meetings shall be vested in the Board of Directors.

 

1. The Board shall consist of the officers plus eight (8) additional directors elected at the annual meeting. Directors shall serve two (2)-year terms and may serve consecutive terms.

 

1. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term by appointment of the President, subject to approval by a majority of the Board.

 
ARTICLE X: FISCAL YEAR
 
The fiscal year and membership year of the Association shall run from January 1 through December 31.
 
ARTICLE XI: PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
 
Meetings shall be conducted in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order.
 
ARTICLE XII: BOARD MEETINGS AND ATTENDANCE
 
The Board of Directors shall meet monthly. Meetings may be rescheduled at the discretion of the President.
 
Any Board member who misses more than two (2) consecutive meetings or more than three (3) meetings in a calendar year without an excused absence, as determined and recorded by the Board, may be removed and replaced by a majority vote of the Board.
 
 
ARTICLE XIII: AMENDMENTS
 
These bylaws may be amended by an affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members present and voting at any annual or special meeting, provided that the proposed amendment is submitted in writing to the Board of Directors at least thirty (30) days prior to the meeting.
 
ARTICLE XIV: CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
AND PECUNIARY BENEFIT TRANSACTIONS
 
Section 1. Purpose
 
The purpose of this Article is to protect the interests of the Association when it is contemplating entering into a transaction or arrangement that may benefit the private interest of an officer, director, or other disqualified person, and to ensure compliance with New Hampshire law, including RSA 7:19-a.
 
Section 2. Definitions
 

1. Interested Person
   Any director, officer, or member of a committee with Board-delegated powers who has a direct or indirect financial interest.

 

1. Financial Interest
   A person has a financial interest if the person has, directly or indirectly:
2. A compensation arrangement with the Association;
3. An ownership or investment interest in any entity with which the Association has a transaction or arrangement; or
4. A potential ownership, investment, or compensation interest in such an entity.

 

1. Pecuniary Benefit Transaction
   A transaction in which a director, officer, or other disqualified person has a financial interest and in which the Association provides or receives goods, services, or anything of value.

 
Section 3. Duty to Disclose
 
An Interested Person must disclose the existence of any financial interest and all material facts to the Board of Directors prior to any discussion or vote on the transaction.
 
Section 4. Determining Whether a Conflict Exists
 
After disclosure of the financial interest and all material facts, and after any discussion with the Interested Person, the Interested Person shall leave the meeting. The remaining Board members shall determine whether a conflict of interest exists.
 
 
 
 
Section 5. Procedures for Addressing the Conflict
 

1. The Interested Person may make a presentation at the meeting but shall leave during the discussion of, and vote on, the transaction.

 

1. The Chair of the Board (or disinterested designee) shall, if appropriate, appoint a disinterested person or committee to investigate alternatives to the proposed transaction.

 

1. The Board shall exercise due diligence and consider whether the Association can obtain a more advantageous arrangement with reasonable effort under the circumstances.

 

1. A transaction may be approved only if a majority of the disinterested directors determine that:

 

1. The transaction is fair and reasonable to the Association;
2. The transaction is in the best interest of the Association; and
3. The transaction furthers the Association’s charitable purposes.

 
Section 6. Documentation and Recordkeeping
 
The minutes of the Board of Directors shall contain:
 

1. The names of persons who disclosed or were found to have a financial interest;

1. The nature of the financial interest;
2. Any action taken to determine whether a conflict was present;
3. The Board’s decision as to whether a conflict existed;
4. The names of persons present for discussions and votes;
5. The content of the discussion, including any alternatives considered; and
6. A record of any votes taken.

 
Section 7. Violations of the Policy
 
If the Board has reasonable cause to believe a member has failed to disclose a conflict of interest, it shall inform the individual and allow an opportunity to explain. If a violation is determined, the Board may take appropriate disciplinary or corrective action.
 
 
 
Section 8. Annual Statements
 
Each director and officer shall annually sign a statement affirming that such person:
 

1. Has received a copy of this policy;

1. Has read and understands the policy; and
2. Agrees to comply with the policy.

 
Section 9. Compensation
 
A voting member of the Board who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from the Association for services is precluded from voting on matters pertaining to that compensation.
 
Section 10. Periodic Reviews
 
To ensure the Association operates in a manner consistent with its charitable purposes and does not engage in activities that could jeopardize its tax-exempt status, the Board shall periodically review transactions and arrangements subject to this policy.
 
Section 11. Use of Outside Experts
 
When appropriate, the Board may rely on the advice of legal counsel, accountants, or other professionals. Such reliance shall not relieve the Board of its responsibility to ensure compliance with this policy.
 
ARTICLE XV: GOVERNING LAW / FORUM
 

1. This Association is organized as a voluntary corporation under RSA Chapter 292 of the State of New Hampshire, also known as the New Hampshire Voluntary Corporations and Associations statute.

 

1. All provisions of these bylaws shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with RSA Chapter 292 and all other applicable laws of the State of New Hampshire.

 

1. Any reference to laws governing nonprofit or charitable corporations shall be deemed to refer to the applicable provisions of New Hampshire law, including RSA Chapter 292 and RSA 7:19-a, as amended.

 
ARTICLE XVI: DISSOLUTION

1. The purpose of this Article is to restate, clarify, and supersede Article 3 of the Articles of Agreement of the Baboosic Lake Association executed on July 14, 1984, with respect to the disposition of assets upon dissolution.

 

1. Upon the dissolution of the Association, the Board of Directors shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all liabilities of the Association, dispose of all remaining assets exclusively for the purposes of the Association.

 

1. Such assets shall be distributed to one or more organizations that are organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, or environmental purposes and that qualify as tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as determined by the Board of Directors.

 

1. Any such recipient organization shall be selected by a majority vote of the Board of Directors and, to the extent practicable, shall have purposes consistent with the protection, preservation, or improvement of Baboosic Lake or similar natural resources.

 

1. The distribution of assets shall be made in accordance with all applicable laws of the State of New Hampshire.

 

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Letter from the President (March 2026)
 
Hello everyone, I’m reaching out today to let you all know that after 20+ years of soak up the rain projects, 12+ years after installing a community septic system (and paying the highest rates in the state, or installing expensive personal wastewater treatment plants), and 3.5 years after specifically pursuing an alum permit, we have now received our Surface Water Discharge Permit, allowing Baboosic Lake to become the 5th waterbody in our state (out of 944 total) to achieve the ability to combat the scourge of cyanobacteria and make our Augusts great again! This has been a tremendous effort pushed by the Baboosic Lake Association, and your continued support of our group has allowed it to happen.

Our current plan is to begin the alum treatment on June 1st, and weather permitting, completion by June 10th (with NH DES required rest days on June 6th and 7th). Fortunately, we locked in our contract with Solitude a few months ago (based on aluminum/diesel price futures subsequent applications for other lakes in future years will be substantially more expensive). We will be sending out notifications by mail confirming to all limitations of lake use during this period (and discussing during the annual meeting). By June 12th get ready to get your snorkeling gear ready to see more of this lake than you ever have (which might be a little scary, probably a lot of beer cans, hats, towels etc)!

This will be a generational change for our lake. As we’ve discussed, unfortunately, generational change is going to require a generationally sized personal investment from this community for it to occur, or we get pushed to 939th in line to apply for this permit later in the future. There is very little state assistance that will be coming to our aid to complete this project; the good news is we are re-submitting our cyanobacteria mitigation fund application to specifically assist us with the $60k+ costs necessary just for additional testing and monitoring required with the project. We are hopeful to receive this money, but it is not guaranteed. We also will receive $100k from the Town of Amherst as a result of our citizens petition, which you all voted on this March (thanks!). However, with a total project cost of nearly $450k, plus follow up and continuing testing, along with having the ability to continue stormwater retention projects to protect this investment, we will require significantly more monies available in our bank account than the project cost.

As such, with permit now in hand (arguably later than I would prefer), I’m asking you each for the most amount of money you’ve ever considered donating to the Baboosic Lake Association. Possibly to any charitable organization you’ve ever donated to, but the only one where you can look out your window and see the results of your generosity, and your family and friends can enjoy. What is a reasonable amount? It is what you are comfortable investing as a family that won’t change your life negatively, with the knowledge that you might be investing more for others that aren’t able to, who will benefit greatly from your donation. I’ve been informed other lakes have sent bills directly to waterfront/watershed owners based on splitting up the cost equally. The board members of our fundraising committee (myself, Rick Wenzel, Dino Pioli, Jeff Affeldt, and Vicky Judson) did not feel that Baboosic Lake would be suitable for that type of donation demand requirement. Our socioeconomic diversity of this community is what makes it so great. As such, certain members of our community will be investing substantially more than others to ensure that this project takes place. Now that the permit is in hand, we have begun reaching out to community members for pledges, which we would like to translate into hard donations in early to mid-May, ideally at our annual meeting if you are able to attend.

How can one donate to our 501c3 organization? Any way you’d like! Ideally we’d like to limit credit card/paypal donations through our website to avoid the processing charges by providing your donation via check, but if that is the only way you’re comfortable doing so we’ll take it! There are numerous options listed below that we can accept, including:

Cash Donations: One-time or recurring (monthly/yearly) donations made via credit card, check, or online platforms. If you’ve got a bag of nickels, we’ll take that too!
Membership via Credit Card/PayPal/Venmo
Membership Printable Form for Donations by Cash or Check
Appreciated Securities (Stocks/Bonds): Donating stock directly to a charity allows donors to avoid capital gains taxes and get a deduction for the full market value.
Planned/Legacy Gifts: Long-term donations arranged through estate planning, including wills, retirement plans, or life insurance policies.
Crypto Donations: Donating cryptocurrency is a non-cash asset option accepted by many nonprofits.
Real Estate/Physical Property: Donating land, homes, or valuable personal items like art and jewelry.
Corporate Matching Gifts: Many employers match employee donations, effectively doubling the impact of the gift. This is a big one if your company offers it!
​
If you have any questions on what or how you can contribute, please reach out to myself at [email protected]. There’s a lot of people to contact in this community and with two feet of snow on the ground without the permit in hand it was challenging to ramp up. That said, its warming up, and now its go time to get this done so we be in contact with each of you, but if you’re able to reach out first that would be appreciated. Thank you and look forward to speaking with you soon!

With thanks,
Obadiah Dart
President – Baboosic Lake Association