Mirror Lake on a Boat

“We can never have enough of Nature.” ~ Henry David Thoreau

MLPA’s Volunteer Programs

The MLPA Relies on Active Volunteers

The MLPA relies on active volunteers to maintain and care for Mirror Lake and its watershed. Described below are MLPA’s various volunteer programs carried out by community members. If you interested in participating or have any questions please feel free to contact us at anytime.

Water Quality Monitors

Mirror Lake’s water is sampled, once monthly, April through October, and at times through the ice in winter, at five locations in the lake.  Monthly water samples are also taken at four locations in the tributaries entering Mirror Lake. Monitors collect samples, process them, and deliver the samples and data to the water quality testing labs at UNH and the NH Department of Environmental Services. MLPA analyzes the annual data to determine trends.

Web Site and Facebook

Volunteers help maintain this web site and MLPA’s Facebook page. Visit our Facebook group today to connect with other MLPA residents, members, lake hosts, locals and volunteers. The website was developed by the MLPA President and team while currently monitored by Wild Root Web: WordPress Web Design Company.

Watershed Management Planning Team

Watershed management relates to the process of implementing water management and land use practices to improve and protect natural resources. The MLPA completed the recommendations from the 2012 Geosyntec Mirror Lake Watershed Management Plan during the decade timeline and is in the process of preparing grants to support a second long term plan.

Lake Host Program

The MLPA is an active participant in the Lake Host program, which is administered by the New Hampshire Lakes Association. We need paid employees and volunteers in equal measure. The goal of the program is to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic nuisance species, both plant and animal, from waterbody to waterbody. This is done by greeting boaters at the Rt. 109 boat launch, inspecting their boats (with permission), and offering educational information. All Lake Hosts receive training.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is responsible for monitoring and building the financial stability of the MLPA.

Membership Team

Our membership goal for MLPA is 100! Each year we get closer to having representation from the 103 shoreline homes and 247 additional watershed residents. Addresses can be fluid as many members maintain two homes and email addresses fluctuate as members change jobs, names, and service providers. The membership team tries to keep up with it all!

Mirror Lake Apparel Team

Residents, family, and guests look sharp in hats, jackets, shirts and other items with the Mirror Lake insignia and the famous loon. Great as gifts, too! Join the team to celebrate our lovely lake.

Weed Watchers (Aquatic Invasive Plants)

Weed Watchers monitor the shoreline and lake bottom for aquatic plants and report their findings to the MLPA and NHDES. Monitoring is done using boats, including canoes and kayaks. A 2019 Field Guide to the Aquatics Plants of Mirror Lake has been prepared by MLPA’s environmental advisors. Mirror Lake has over 30 species of aquatic plants and only purple loosestrife has been found as an invasive plant.

Detailed descriptions of plants are available in the MLPA photo album section of Facebook.

NH Legislation

Lawmakers in New Hampshire have gained heightened awareness of the needs of the 1,000 lakes in New Hampshire evidenced by proposed legislation becoming more robust regarding clean and safe lakes. Simultaneously, makers of jet skis and similar watercraft have lobbied hard for their products. MLPA monitors state legislation and often contributes testimony for lawmakers to consider on key issues that impact the health of the lake.

Land Conservation Committee

In order to safeguard the lake, the Land Conservation committee identifies, prioritizes, and proposes sites in the watershed for potential acquisition and/or conservation easements.

Educational Programs

The MLPA participates in programs for public outreach and educational activities. Annual attendance at the Wentworth Watershed Association Water Summit, held in Wolfeboro, and the Lakes Congress sponsored by NH Lakes, convened in Meredith, help MLPA officers keep current with Best Management Practices. Additional activities include town and statewide committee membership, webinars, blogs, fundraising, awareness events, and information centers, with the content of each concentrating on lake environmental issues.

View our online Education Materials.

Board and Officers

Officers are elected annually and board members serve for a term of three years.  Elections are held at the MLPA Annual Meeting held in the summer.

Welcome Team (a developing concept)

New neighbors are greeted by the MLPA Welcome Team members who help familiarize them with how to take care of the lake and its surroundings. Mirror Lake is divided into sections by neighborhood. We need help with our welcoming efforts!

Chipmunk Lane/Oak Hill: vacant; Kathy Sciarappa
Mirror Lake Estates: vacant
Governor Wentworth Highway: vacant
Museum Shores: Doris Briggs & Norma Milne
Anna McCarthy: vacant
Church Lane and side areas: vacant

MLPA Committee Members

Buoys and Markers

  1. Steve Cloutier

Community Engagement

  1. Beth Argeros
  2. Fran O’Donoghue

Finance

  1. Len Bonfanti
  2. Robin Muench
  3. Seamas O’Scalaidhe
  4. Kathy Sciarappa

Lake Host

  1. Steve Cloutier
  2. Denise Ferriman (paid Lake Host)
  3. Larry Gil, Chair
  4. Al Hardiman
  5. Denise Katz (paid Lake Host)
  6. Carol Lavelle

Loon Nest

  1. T.R. Wood

Land Conservation Committee

  1. Dusty Davies
  2. John Dawson, Chair
  3. Larry Gil (Tuftonboro Conservation Commission)
  4. Gary Philbin
  5. Robin Muench
  6. Steve Scapicchio (Tuftonboro Conservation Commission)
  7. Kathy Sciarappa
  8. Ann Torregrossa
  9. Julie Tryder

Membership

  1. Steve Scapicchio
  2. Duncan Sutherland

MLPA Apparel

  1. Ginny Cole

Water Quality Monitoring

  1. Tom Bissett
  2. Steve Cloutier
  3. Larry Gil
  4. Al Hardiman
  5. Fran O’Donoghue
  6. Steve Scapicchio
  7. Val Zanchuk

Watershed Management Planning Team

  1. Laura Diemer
  2. Larry Gil
  3. Steve Scapicchio
  4. Kathy Sciarappa
  5. Val Zanchuk

Website/Communication

  1. Steve Scapicchio
  2. Kathy Sciarappa
  3. Duncan Sutherland
  4. Tiina Urv

Weed Watching (Aquatic Plants)

  1. Claudia and Tom Bissett
  2. Jeanne Freeze
  3. Alan Hardiman
  4. Kip Lachner
  5. Norma Milne, Chair
  6. Glenda Philbin
  7. Tiina Urv

Welcome Team

  1. Chipmunk Lane/Oak Hill: Kathy Sciarappa
  2. Mirror Lake Estates: VACANT
  3. Governor Wentworth Highway: VACANT
  4. Museum Shores: Doris Briggs
  5. Anna McCarthy: VACANT
  6. Church Lane and side areas: VACANT
Mirror Lake, NH wave website background image

How Can I Join the MLPA?

Please fill out the online form on the Membership & Support page. All contributions are tax deductible, to the extent permitted by law.

MLPA Yard Sale

Save up your favorite items for the MLPA Yard Sale! You may have a table for selling or simply attend for fun and great deals. Date: Saturday August 31 Time: 9:00am-2:00pm Place: Mirror Lake Community Church Rt 109

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