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Francestown Watershed Study Subcommittee Minutes – Monday Sept 14, 2026 
Members in attendance: Elizabeth Lavallee, Cathy Eby, Ted Graham, Joanne Santospago 
New Business: 
Updates  on both Pleasant and Scoby pond  
 
Scoby Pond 
o Annual SPPA meeting was held. 
 
Members were updated on VLAP 2025 water quality results, LakeSmart 
property evaluations.  Distributed handouts, FTN article Protecting Francestown 
Lakes, Septic System information 
 
Added a new volunteer for 2027 VLAP water sampling  
 
Pleasant Pond 
o Completed a VLAP water sampling with biologist from NHDES.  
 
Reviewed and updated the WSSC summary report for the Francestown Conservation Commission. 
 
All members agreed any minor changes can be completed by Cathy and Elizabeth without 
another meeting. 
o Due to multiple spellings, all members agreed to use the NHDES version of Scobie  Pond. 
 
Finalized  WSSC summary report is available here for further reference. 
 
The WSSC summary report will be presented by Elizabeth at the October 5th, 2026 Conservation 
Commission meeting.  Meeting starts at 7pm, all available WSSC members plan to be there. 
 
.All members agreed the WSSC has been a beneficial committee and has served the town well. 
We applaud the Conservation Commission for taking the action to form it.  
Minutes: 
Minutes for the August meeting were approved. 
 
Additional New Business: 
Reviewed and approved the FTN article “Call to Action” for November 
 
Approved photo for article 
 
Respectfully submitted by Joanne Santospago 

1 
 
Watershed Study Subcommittee Report 
September 14, 2026  
 
The Francestown Watershed Study Subcommittee (WSSC) of the Conservation Commission was formed in 2022 to 
assess potential issues impacting water quality in Pleasant Pond and Scobie Pond (aka Haunted Lake).  This report 
provides a summary of our findings.    
 
BACKGROUND 
 
Information about the physiographic features of the watersheds of both ponds is attached (Appendix A). 
 
Water Quality  
 
A lake with good water quality is termed “oligotrophic,” and has very low nutrient levels, clear water and a healthy 
ecosystem. A lake with poor water quality is called “eutrophic,” characterized by excessive plant and algal growth. 
In the middle is a “mesotrophic” lake. NHDES classified Pleasant Pond as oligotrophic in 1979 and 1989 and 
downgraded it to mesotrophic in 2004. NHDES classified Scobie Pond as borderline mesotrophic/eutrophic in 1980 
and as mesotrophic in 2002.  
 
Lake associations have been formed by property owners around both ponds (Pleasant Pond Association and Scobie 
Pond Preservation Association) and both have participated in the NHDES Volunteer Lake Assessment Program 
(VLAP) collecting and analyzing water samples for over 20 years.  Copies of the NHDES 2025 VLAP Individual Lake 
Reports are attached (Appendix B).  Both ponds show increasing (worsening) trends in total phosphorus in the 
lower water layer, “hypolimnion”.  These increases in hypolimnetic phosphorus are a concern; phosphorus from 
lake-bottom sediments under low oxygen and warm temperatures can become readily available to provide 
nutrients for plant, algae and cyanobacteria growth which can cause overgrowth or blooms.  During 2019-2020, 
cyanobacteria concerns involving NHDES were experienced at both ponds. Also, a considerable increase in native 
aquatic vegetation is being observed at both ponds.  Water clarity is affected by algae and particulate matter in a 
lake. Based on VLAP results, Pleasant Pond has experienced a significant decrease in transparency.  In 2024, 
through VLAP sampling, elevated E. coli counts were detected at a culvert entering Pleasant Pond; the NHDES and 
Town Health Officer identified the source as domestic birds; the birds were removed and E. coli concentrations at 
the culvert have significantly decreased to safe levels. 
 
In 2016, Scobie Pond was listed as impaired for “aquatic life integrity” by NHDES due to elevated total phosphorus 
and chlorophyll a. This listing prompted a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plan to identify the contributors, 
estimate the amount of total phosphorus input (load) and recommend input amounts to meet water quality 
standards. The categories of contributors cited in the plan are listed below.  
 
Atmospheric, direct precipitation: rainfall     
 
Surrounding Watershed: inlet streams, springs    
 
Direct Drainage: storm water runoff, road runoff, culvert drainages, steep terrain 
 
Internal recycling, phosphorus contained in lake bottom sediment “hypolimnion” released back to water  
 
Waterfowl 
 
Groundwater seepage: septic systems, agricultural runoff 
Although this study was for Scobie Pond, the same categories of contributors would potentially affect Pleasant 
Pond.  
 
Invasive Aquatic Species 
 
Invasive plants and organisms are a concern for both ponds. Scobie Pond has variable milfoil, an invasive plant. It 
was listed by NHDES in 2002 and has had inspections for milfoil yearly by NHDES since. NHDES recommends 
herbicide treatment and/or manual harvesting each year based on their inspections of plant growth. The Town 
spent $8,800 for milfoil harvesting in 2026. This cost was matched with a grant from NHDES.  VLAP testing and 
trending has not indicated water quality effects from the treatments.  Scobie Pond now also has a population of 
large invasive freshwater snails known as “Chinese mystery snails.” 
   

2 
 
To help prevent variable milfoil and other invasive species from being introduced to Pleasant Pond, the Pleasant 
Pond Association has participated in NH LAKES’ Lake Host program at the public boat launch since 2005.  The 
program involves inspection of incoming and outgoing boats and has been credited with six “saves” of invasive 
species: Curly-leaf pondweed (2009), Eurasian milfoil (2006), and Variable milfoil (2011, 2013, 2014, 2023). In 
2026, the total cost of the program was $20,800, which was funded by a Town contribution of $4,000, an award 
from NH LAKES of $2,150, and $14,650 in private donations. 
FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDED ACTIONS 
 
The WSSC looked at identifying the principal sources of phosphorus loading to the ponds and suggesting possible 
actions to help reduce inputs, including educating the public.   
 
NH LAKES’ LakeSmart Program 
 
Camp property land use and activities along the shoreline are potential contributors of phosphorus to the ponds. 
NH LAKES’ LakeSmart program was established to educate and encourage shorefront property owners about lake-
friendly living to protect lake health.  NH LAKES offers audits for LakeSmart certification that are free, confidential, 
non-regulatory and voluntary. To date, ten private waterfront properties on Pleasant Pond have participated in the 
program, and five have been awarded LakeSmart certification. According to NH LAKES, the principal concern of the 
properties that did not receive a certificate was the need to get their septic system inspected by a professional 
(these typically cost ~ $500). The other concerns were the need to capture runoff from impermeable surfaces 
(primarily parking areas and roofs) and planting out and deepening the shoreline vegetation buffer. There have 
been no LakeSmart assessments of private properties at Scobie Pond; however, WSSC arranged for a visit to the 
Scobie Pond Town Beach, as discussed below.   
 
Scobie Pond Town Beach 
 
In August 2025, a representative of NH LAKES LakeSmart program conducted a tour of the Scobie Pond Town 
Beach and determined that soil erosion of the beach appeared to be a problem.  Based on the tour, NH LAKES 
developed recommendations for reducing erosion and nutrient loading at the Town Beach (Appendix C). 
 
Pleasant Pond Boat Launch 
 
The launch consists of a sloping ramp with gravel and partial pavement. It is a location of stormwater runoff and 
erosion to the pond, documented by samples collected during three storm events, in 2022, 2023, and 2026, 
containing very high levels of phosphorus. NHDES VLAP has recommended evaluating the boat launch area at 
Pleasant Pond to minimize stormwater runoff and erosion.   
 
Runoff to Ponds from Unpaved Roads and Driveways 
 
NHDES VLAP reports for both ponds have recommended evaluating dirt and gravel roads around the ponds and 
implementing erosion control measures where necessary.  Poor Farm Road is a gravel road that runs 
approximately 1.5 miles within the Pleasant Pond watershed along the eastern side of the pond where the 
topography slopes steeply toward the pond, and road runoff and erosion have been observed following storm 
events.  There are also several steep private roads and gravel driveways off Poor Farm Road leading to various 
camps. 
 
At Scobie Pond a portion of Scobie Road along the boat launch area is within ~10-15 ft of the pond’s edge on one 
side and a wetland that drains into the pond on the other. There is a culvert that allows water flow between. This 
area flooded in the spring of 2025 and caused erosion of gravel into the pond. The road erosion required repair by 
the Highway Department. The Town Beach on Scobie Pond also typically has signs of sand erosion from storm 
runoff. 
 
 
 

3 
 
Vegetated Shoreline Buffer 
 
Maintaining natural vegetated buffers along pond shorelines is essential for helping control erosion and runoff 
entering the pond. There are steep areas of non-vegetated exposed soil along portions of the western shoreline of 
Pleasant Pond.  As most of the shoreline of both ponds is privately owned, education of and cooperation from 
property owners is important for management practices to minimize erosion.  The February 2025 New Hampshire 
Stormwater Manual is a source for homeowners to learn landscaping and buffer/filtering planting methods. This 
information can be found on the Town website in the Conservation Commission area under Water Quality. 
 
Septic Systems 
 
Failing septic systems within the shoreland protection area are generally considered the most controllable source 
of nutrient loading to lakes.  In addition to the cost of hiring a licensed inspector, a possible disincentive to having 
septic systems inspected is that inspectors are required to report failed systems to the NHDES and owners are 
obligated to correct problems.  In 2024, a new law went into effect that requires the buyer of a developed 
property with a septic system located within 250 ft of a lake reference line to have the system evaluated within 
180 days of purchase. 
 
Water Level Management 
 
The NHDES VLAP reports for Pleasant Pond have identified water level management as a potential factor 
contributing to higher nutrient levels. The outlet of Pleasant Pond has a relatively small and poorly designed dam 
that somewhat controls the water level in the pond.  In a recent communication, a staff scientist from DES 
suggested that low water levels could contribute to the increase of aquatic vegetation because of increased light 
penetration.  At the other extreme, high-water levels cause erosion of shoreline soils and undermining, killing and 
collapsing of trees and vegetation loss along the shoreline.  Water levels can also affect lake turnover.   
 
Public Education 
 
Educating the community on “watershed-friendly” practices has been a major goal of the WSSC. On September 24, 
2025, Ted Diers of NHDES gave an informative and engaging presentation “Navigating the Waters” that was well 
attended at the Town Hall.  This summer, several articles have been published in The Francestown News, 
describing the NHDES VLAP and the NH LAKES’ LakeSmart, Lake Host, and Lake Advocacy programs to increase 
public awareness of issues and actions related to both ponds.  
 
Publicize Citizen Response Protocol 
 
The WSSC promoted the NHDES Harmful Algae Bloom Program, including obtaining several signs and posting them 
at public access locations to both ponds; they describe procedures for evaluating and reporting suspected 
cyanobacteria outbreaks.   
 
Watershed Management Plan 
 
The NHDES VLAP report for Pleasant Pond recommends continuing efforts to develop a watershed management 
plan to help identify and quantify nutrient loading to the pond.  Another benefit of having these plans is that they 
are required to apply for Clean Water Act funds.  In May 2023, Forest Bell of FB Environmental visited the Pleasant 
Pond boat ramp and the Scobie Pond public beach, along with representatives of the Conservation Commission 
and the WSSC, to discuss possible measures to address erosion at both locations.  The possibility of combining 
both watersheds into one plan was discussed but not pursued.     
 
SUMMARY 
 
The WSSC has been a valuable conduit for the sharing of information and ideas between representatives of the 
two pond communities. Since its inception, members of the WSSC have included Kelly Marshall (chair 2022-2023), 
Elizabeth Hunter Lavallee (chair 2024-2026), Cathy Eby, Ted Graham, Brad Howell, Joanne Santospago, and Harry 

4 
 
Woodbury.  It has focused its efforts on utilizing existing resources to learn about lake health issues.  These 
included the following: 
 
Water Resources Plan included in the 2021 Town Master Plan; 
 
Attending NH LAKES’ Lakes Congress workshop, presentations by Chesterfield Conservation Commission 
and Lake Sunapee Protective Association, webinars on topics such as dirt roads, dams, watershed 
management plans, lake advocacy;  
 
NHDES VLAP training and Annual Reports; and 
 
NH LAKES’ LakeSmart reports 
 
Looking ahead, worsening water quality and increasing nuisance vegetation risks persist for both ponds.  This is 
underscored by the experience of other ponds throughout the state.  Whether or not a formal watershed 
management plan is prepared, it will serve both ponds well to maintain close contact with NHDES staff and NH 
LAKES, including participation in the Lake Advocates and LakeSmart programs.  The VLAP and Lake Host efforts 
have been invaluable and should continue.  The Subcommittee recommends that a representative(s) of the 
Conservation Commission regularly attend the NH LAKES’ annual Lakes Congress, an education, training, and 
networking event designed to help attendees play an active role in preserving New Hampshire’s lakes.    
 
 
Appendices 
 
 
A: 
Additional Information on the Ponds 
Watershed Land Use Summary, Haunted Lake (aka Scobie Pond) (2019) 
 
Watershed Land Use Summary, Pleasant Pond (2016) 
B: 
2025 Volunteer Lake Assessment Program Individual Lake Reports, Scobie Pond, Francestown 
 
2025 Volunteer Lake Assessment Program Individual Lake Reports, Pleasant Pond, Francestown 
C: 
NHLakes LakeSmart Review for Scobie Pond Town Beach, Francestown, NH 
 

 
 
 
APPENDIX A 
Additional Information on the Ponds 
Watershed Land Use Summary, Haunted Lake (aka Scobie Pond) (2019) 
Watershed Land Use Summary, Pleasant Pond (2016) 
 
 

Additional Information on the Ponds 
 
Pleasant Pond - Pleasant Pond is the largest water body in Francestown, at 197.9 acres, and its watershed 
encompasses 1,052 acres in Francestown and Deering. It is the headwaters of the South Branch of the Piscataquog 
River. The main inlet is at the north end of the pond, in the Town of Deering. Approximately 12 other tributaries or 
culverts have been identified that also discharge (many on a seasonal basis) to the pond. Discharge at the outlet is 
controlled by a simple dam at the south end of the pond. The pond has an estimated turnover, or flushing rate, of 
90% of its volume annually. 
Its shoreline is approximately 14,760 feet (4,500 meters) long. There are 53 separate lots with waterfront, 
including the boat launch located off Pleasant Pond Road. The boat launch is owned by the State but controlled by 
the Town. Thirty-five of the lots, including an island, are assessed by the Town as having a building, though one is 
downstream of the pond. Most of the properties with buildings are used as summer camps, although several are 
used as year-round residences. Approximately 17% of the shoreline is protected from future development due to 
land conservation. 
Scobie Pond – Scobie Pond is the second largest water body in town, at 138.9 acres. The watershed covers an area 
of 3,776 acres and it forms the headwaters of the Middle Branch of the Piscataquog River. Whiting Brook is the 
main inlet, and the outlet is at the north end. The estimated flushing rate is 4.3 times its volume per year. 
Its shoreline is approximately 11,155 feet (3,400 meters) long and there are 33 property owners with lots abutting 
the pond. The Town Beach is located here, along Dodge Hill Rd. The beach property is privately owned and the 
Town leases it.  The boat launch located on Scobie Road is also on private property and the Town has permission to 
use the area. The State of NH has a right-of-way off Dodge Hill Rd, beside the Town Beach property for public 
access.  About 10% of the shoreline is conserved by the Francestown Land Trust.   
After the 1938 hurricane Scobie Pond was used to store logs from downed trees.  Based on photographs and 
accounts, the surface area of the pond was fully covered. Logs still surface from time to time and are removed to 
prevent boating hazards.  Although there is no specific data, residents who witnessed this event observed a change 
in the ponds water color and clarity.  There is analysis for other water bodies used for log storage indicating water 
quality changes due to bark and sinking logs. 
 
 

 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Volunteer Lake Assessment Program Individual Lake Reports 
HAUNTED LAKE, FRANCESTOWN, NH 
MORPHOMETRIC DATA 
TROPHIC CLASSIFICATION 
KNOWN EXOTIC SPECIES 
Watershed Area (Ac.): 3,776 
Max. Depth (m): 5.2 
Flushing Rate (yr¹) 4.3 
Year 
Trophic class 
Variable Milfoil 
Surface Area (Ac.): 
171 
Mean Depth (m): 2.4 
P Retention Coef: 
1980 
EUTROPHIC 
Shore Length (m): 
3,400 
Volume (m³): 
1,699,500 
Elevation (ft): 
636 
2002 
MESOTROPHIC 
The Waterbody Report Card tables are generated from the DRAFT 2018 305(b) report on the status of N.H. waters, and are based on data collected from 2008­
2017. Detailed waterbody assessment and report card information can be found at www.des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/water/wmb/swqa/index.htm 
Designated Use 
Parameter 
Category 
Comments 
Aquatic Life 
Phosphorus (Total) 
Slightly Bad 
Data exceed water quality standards or thresholds for a given parameter by a small margin. 
pH 
Slightly Bad 
Data periodically exceed water quality standards or thresholds for a given parameter by a small margin. 
Oxygen, Dissolved 
Encouraging 
Limited data for this parameter predicts water quality standards or thresholds are being met; however more data are 
necessary to fully assess the parameter. 
Dissolved oxygen satura Cautionary 
Limited data for this parameter predicts exceedance of water quality standards or thresholds; however more data are 
necessary to fully assess the parameter. 
Chlorophyll-a 
Slightly Bad 
Data exceed water quality standards or thresholds for a given parameter by a small margin. 
Primary Contact Recreation 
Escherichia coli 
No Data 
No data for this parameter. 
Chlorophyll-a 
Good 
Sampling data commonly meet water quality standards or thresholds for this parameter. 
BEACH PRIMARY CONTACT ASSESSMENT STATUS 
HAUNTED LAKE - TOWN BEACH 
Escherichia coli Very Good 
All sampling data meet water quality standards or thresholds for this parameter. 
WATERSHED LAND USE SUMMARY
 Fry, J., Xian, G., Jin, S., Dewitz, J., Homer, C., Yang, L., Barnes, C., Herold, N., and Wickham, J., 2011. Completion of the 2006 National Land Cover Database 
for the Conterminous United States, PERS, Vol. 77(9):858-864. For larger image contact NHDES. 
Land Cover Category 
% Cover 
Land Cover Category 
% Cover 
Land Cover Category 
% Cover 
Open Water 
3.69 
Developed-Open Space 
4.14 
Developed-Low Intensity 
0.39 
Developed-Medium Intensity 
0 
Developed-High Intensity 
0 
Barren Land 
0 
Deciduous Forest 
46.64 
Evergreen Forest 
27.26 
Mixed Forest 
3.98 
Shrub-Scrub 
0.03 
Grassland/Herbaceous 
0 
Pasture Hay 
8.59 
Cultivated Crops 
0.09 
Woody Wetlands 
3.98 
Emergent Wetlands 
1.24 

MORPHOMETRIC DATA
Flushing Rate (yr¹)
2,394,000
1989
2004
MESOTROPHIC
OLIGOTROPHIC
6.4
3.2
4,500
0.9
Max. Depth (m):
Mean Depth (m):
Volume (m³):
Watershed Area (Ac.):
Shore Length (m):
PLEASANT POND, FRANCESTOWN, NH
TROPHIC CLASSIFICATION
KNOWN EXOTIC SPECIES
Year
Trophic class
Surface Area (Ac.):
187
Elevation (ft):
817
P Retention Coef:
0.76
The Waterbody Report Card tables are generated from the DRAFT 2014 305(b) report on the status of N.H. waters, and are based on data collected from 2004-
2013. Detailed waterbody assessment and report card information can be found at www.des.nh.gov/organizations/divisions/water/wmb/swqa/index.htm
Volunteer Lake Assessment Program Individual Lake Reports
1,052
Designated Use
Parameter
Category
Comments
Phosphorus (Total)
Cautionary
Aquatic Life
Limited data for this parameter predicts exceedance of water quality standards or thresholds; however more data are 
necessary to fully assess the parameter.
pH
Slightly Bad
Data periodically exceed water quality standards or thresholds for this parameter by a small margin.
Oxygen, Dissolved
Encouraging
Limited data for this parameter predicts water quality standards or thresholds are being met; however more data are 
necessary to fully assess the parameter.
Dissolved oxygen satura
Encouraging
Limited data for this parameter predicts water quality standards or thresholds are being met; however more data are 
necessary to fully assess the parameter.
Chlorophyll-a
Good
Sampling data is better than the water quality standards or thresholds for this parameter.
Escherichia coli
Very Good
Primary Contact Recreation
All sampling data meet water quality standards or thresholds for this parameter.
Chlorophyll-a
Very Good
All sampling data meet water quality standards or thresholds for this parameter.
WATERSHED LAND USE SUMMARY
 Fry, J., Xian, G., Jin, S., Dewitz, J., Homer, C., Yang, L., Barnes, C., Herold, N., and Wickham, J., 2011. Completion of the 2006 National Land Cover Database 
for the Conterminous United States, PERS, Vol. 77(9):858-864. For larger image contact NHDES.
Land Cover Category
% Cover
Land Cover Category
% Cover
Land Cover Category 
% Cover
Open Water
10.9
Developed-Open Space
3.77
Developed-Low Intensity
0.11
Developed-Medium Intensity
0
Developed-High Intensity
0
Barren Land
0
Deciduous Forest
36.19
Evergreen Forest
24.45
Mixed Forest
16.42
Shrub-Scrub
1.85
Grassland/Herbaceous
0.43
Pasture Hay
2.22
Cultivated Crops
0
Woody Wetlands
3.01
Emergent Wetlands
0.68

 
 
APPENDIX B 
2025 Volunteer Lake Assessment Program Individual Lake Reports, Scobie Pond 
 
2025 Volunteer Lake Assessment Program Individual Lake Reports, Pleasant Pond  
 
 
 

LM-139 
NHDES Volunteer Lake Assessment Program (VLAP) | alyssa.n.daigle@des.nh.gov | (603) 271-2658 
2025 Volunteer Lake Assessment Program 
Individual Report: Haunted Lake (Scobie Pond) – Francestown 
Water Quality Summary: Lake quality is generally representative of mesotrophic, or average, conditions, with moderate 
levels of phosphorus and algal growth. Historical trend analysis indicates improving epilimnetic (upper water layer) pH 
levels, stable epilimnetic conductivity, chlorophyll, water transparency and epilimnetic phosphorus levels and worsening 
hypolimnetic (bottom water layer) phosphorus levels since monitoring began. On average, Haunted Lake has lower 
(worse) water quality compared to the median New Hampshire lake but doesn’t exceed any New Hampshire water 
quality standards. 
Recommended Actions: The increased intensity of storm events and associated stormwater runoff and fluctuating 
climate conditions resulting in shorter periods of ice cover, warmer water temperatures and longer periods of thermal 
stratification can impact pond quality over time and accelerate the eutrophication process. This could result in future 
cyanobacteria blooms. Notify NHDES’ Harmful Algal Bloom Program if you notice potential cyanobacteria blooms or 
scums. This highlights the importance of stormwater management within the watershed to reduce external nutrient 
(phosphorus) and sediment loading to the pond. Educate shoreline property owners on ways to reduce stormwater 
runoff and erosion. NHDES’ New Hampshire Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater Management is a great resource. 
Evaluate dirt and gravel roads within the watershed and implement erosion control measures if necessary. Maine DEP’s 
Camp Road website is a great resource. Keep up the great work and thank you for your continued participation in VLAP! 
Historical Water Quality Trend Analysis 
Table 1. Historical Water Quality Trends for Haunted Lake – Francestown 
Parameter 
Trend 
Conductivity (Epilimnion) 
Stable 
Chlorophyll-a (Composite) 
Stable 
pH (Epilimnion) 
Improving 
Transparency 
Stable 
Phosphorus (Epilimnion) 
Stable 
Phosphorus (Hypolimnion) 
Worsening 

LM-139 
NHDES Volunteer Lake Assessment Program (VLAP) | alyssa.n.daigle@des.nh.gov | (603) 271-2658 
Historical Water Quality Graphics - Deep Spot 
 
Figure 1. Median epilimnetic pH (gray bars) and conductivity (red points) by year, with corresponding trend lines shown 
as black and red dashed lines, respectively. Epilimnetic pH is improving and conductivity is stable since monitoring began. 
 
Figure 2. Median Secchi disk transparency (blue bars), epilimnetic phosphorus (red triangles), and chlorophyll-a (green 
points) by year, with corresponding trend lines shown as blue, red, and green dashed lines, respectively. Water 
transparency is stable, phosphorus is stable, and chlorophyll-a is stable since monitoring began. 
 
 

LM-139 
NHDES Volunteer Lake Assessment Program (VLAP) | alyssa.n.daigle@des.nh.gov | (603) 271-2658 
Table 2. 2025 Average Water Quality Data for Haunted Lake – Francestown 
Station 
Alk. 
(mg/L) 
Chlor-a 
(μg/L) 
Chloride 
(mg/L) 
Color 
(pcu) 
Cond. 
(μS/cm) 
Total P 
(μg/L) 
Trans. 
NVS (m) 
Trans. 
VS (m) 
Turb. 
(ntu) 
pH 
Epilimnion 
7.73 
5.69 
6.42 
135 
54.40 
16.30 
1.69 
2.32 
1.65 
6.76 
Hypolimnion 
No 
Value 
No 
Value 
No 
Value 
258 
62.39 
27.43 
No 
Value 
No 
Value 
10.04 
6.26 
Inlet 
No 
Value 
No 
Value 
No 
Value 
No 
Value 
57.53 
20.40 
No 
Value 
No 
Value 
1.63 
6.60 
Inlet 2 
No 
Value 
No 
Value 
5.91 
No 
Value 
58.28 
42.57 
No 
Value 
No 
Value 
3.37 
6.46 
Outlet 
No 
Value 
No 
Value 
No 
Value 
No 
Value 
54.91 
14.90 
No 
Value 
No 
Value 
1.01 
6.73 
Observations (Refer to Table 2 and Historical Deep Spot Data Graphics): 
• 
Chlorophyll-a (Chlor-a): Chlorophyll level was elevated in June, increased in July, then decreased to a low level in 
August. The median chlorophyll level slightly increased from 2024 and remained greater than the state median and 
the threshold for mesotrophic lakes. Historical trend analysis indicates stable, yet variable, chlorophyll levels since 
monitoring began. 
• 
Conductivity (Cond.)/Chloride: Epilimnetic, Hypolimnetic, Inlet, Inlet 2 and Outlet conductivity and/or chloride 
levels were slightly greater than the state median, yet less than a level of concern and the state chronic chloride 
standard. Historical trend analysis indicates stable epilimnetic conductivity levels since monitoring began. 
• 
Color: Apparent color measured in the epilimnion indicates the water was highly tea colored from June through 
August. Hypolimnetic color data indicates highly tea colored conditions that are twice as dark as epilimnetic levels 
indicating high rates of decomposition of organic matter in bottom sediments. 
• 
Total Phosphorus (Total P): Epilimnetic phosphorus levels fluctuated within an elevate range and was highest in 
June and lowest in August. The median epilimnetic phosphorus level increased slightly from 2024 and remained 
greater than the state median and the threshold for mesotrophic lakes. Historical trend analysis indicates stable, yet 
variable, epilimnetic phosphorus levels since monitoring began. Hypolimnetic phosphorus levels were elevated in 
June through August and historical trend analysis indicates significantly worsening (increasing) hypolimnetic 
phosphorus levels since monitoring began. Inlet and Inlet 2 phosphorus levels were greatly elevated. Outlet 
phosphorus level was slightly elevated. 
• 
Transparency (Trans.): Transparency measured with (VS) and without (NVS) the viewscope was below average 
(worse) in June, slightly increased (improved) in July and improved again in August but was still below average. The 
median NVS transparency worsened from 2024 and remained lower than the state median. Historical trend analysis 
indicates stable, yet variable, NVS transparency since monitoring began. 
• 
Turbidity (Turb.): Epilimnetic turbidity levels were elevated in August. Hypolimnetic turbidity levels were greatly 
elevated and worsened as the summer progressed, indicating formation and accumulation of organic compounds 
under anoxic (no dissolved oxygen) conditions. Inlet, Inlet 2 and Outlet turbidity levels fluctuated within a slightly 
elevated range.  
• 
pH: Epilimnetic, Inlet and Outlet pH levels were within the desirable range of 6.5-8.0 units. Historical trend analysis 
indicates significantly increasing (improving) epilimnetic pH levels since monitoring began. Hypolimnetic and Inlet 2 
pH level was slightly acidic and less than desirable. 

LM-139 
NHDES Volunteer Lake Assessment Program (VLAP) | alyssa.n.daigle@des.nh.gov | (603) 271-2658 
How does your lake compare to New Hampshire lakes and water quality standards? 
Table 3. New Hampshire Median Lake Water Quality Values. Median values generated from historic lake monitoring data. 
Parameter 
Median Value 
Alkalinity 
4.5 mg/L 
Chlorophyll-a 
4.39 μg/L 
Chloride 
5 mg/L 
Conductivity 
42.3 μS/cm 
Total Phosphorus 
11 μg/L 
Transparency 
3.3 m 
pH 
6.6 
Table 4. New Hampshire Water Quality Standards. Numeric criteria for specific parameters. Water quality violation 
occurs if thresholds are exceeded. 
Parameter 
Threshold 
Chloride 
> 230 mg/L (chronic) 
E. coli (beach) 
> 88 cts/100 mL 
E. coli (surface water) 
> 406 cts/100 mL 
pH 
between 6.5-8.0 (unless naturally occurring) 
Turbidity 
> 10 NTU above natural 
 

 
Page 1 of 4 
 
Volunteer Lake Assessment Program – Individual Reports 
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services 
29 Hazen Drive, Concord, New Hampshire 03301 ● (603) 271-2658 ● www.des.nh.gov 
Report number: LM-122 
 
Pleasant Pond – Francestown (2025) 
Water quality summary: Pond quality is generally representative of borderline oligotrophic/mesotrophic, or high to 
average quality, conditions, with pond nutrient (phosphorus) levels having remained higher than the threshold for 
oligotrophic lakes since 2015. Hypolimnetic (bottom water layer) phosphorus levels have also significantly worsened 
(increased), particularly since 2016. Historical trend analysis also indicates worsening water transparency, improving 
epilimnetic (upper water layer) pH levels and stable levels of epilimnetic conductivity, chlorophyll and epilimnetic 
phosphorus since monitoring began. On average, Pleasant Pond has similar or higher (better) water quality compared to 
the median New Hampshire lake and doesn’t exceed any New Hampshire water quality standards. 
Recommended actions: Despite worsening trends, the 2025 average water quality improved from 2024 levels, with 
lower average levels of chlorophyll, chloride, conductivity, and total phosphorus at some stations, and improved water 
transparency. Continue sampling in 2025 to monitor changes. Continue to conduct storm event sampling to better assess 
impacts of stormwater runoff from the watershed. New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services’ New 
Hampshire Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater Managementis a great resource. Focus efforts on SF 9 sub-watershed to 
identify potential pollution sources as it has historically exhibited elevated nutrient loads but not elevated sediment 
loads. Continue efforts to develop a Watershed Management Plan. Continue monitoring once per month, typically June, 
July and August, to better assess seasonal variations in water quality and historical water quality trends. Keep up the 
great work and thank you for your continued participation in VLAP! 
Historical Water Quality Trend Analysis 
Table 1. Historical Water Quality Trends for Pleasant Pond – Francestown 
Parameter 
Trend 
Parameter 
Trend 
Conductivity 
(Epilimnion) 
Stable 
Chlorophyll-a 
Stable 
pH 
(Epilimnion) 
Improving 
Transparency 
Worsening 
Phosphorus 
(Epilimnion) 
Stable 
Phosphorus 
(Hypolimnion) Worsening 

Volunteer Lake Assessment Program Individual Reports 
Report number: LM-122 
Page 2 of 4 
Historical Water Quality Graphics - Deep Spot 
 
Figure 1. Median epilimnetic conductivity (red points) and pH (gray bars) by year, with corresponding trend lines shown 
as red and black dashed lines, respectively. Epilimnion pH is improving and conductivity is stable since monitoring began. 
 
Figure 2. Median Secchi disk transparency (blue bars), epilimnetic phosphorus (red triangles), and chlorophyll-a (green 
points) by year, with corresponding trend lines shown as blue, red, and green dashed lines, respectively. Water 
transparency is worsening, phosphorus is stable and chlorophyll-a is stable since monitoring began. 
 
 

Volunteer Lake Assessment Program Individual Reports 
Report number: LM-122 
Page 3 of 4 
Table 2. 2025 Average Water Quality Data for Pleasant Pond – Francestown 
Station 
Alk. 
(mg/L) 
Chlor-a 
(μg/L) 
Chloride 
(mg/L) 
Color 
(pcu) 
Cond. 
(μS/cm) 
Total P 
(μg/L) 
Trans. 
NVS 
(m) 
Trans. 
VS 
(m) 
Turb. 
(ntu) 
pH 
E. coli 
(mpn/100 
mL) 
Epilimnion 
4 
3.84 
2.52 
51.33 
26.37 
12.4 
3.62 
3.73 
0.74 
6.72 
No Value 
Hypolimnion 
No Value 
No Value 
No Value 
No Value 
26.99 
14.17 
No Value 
No Value 
1.22 
6.12 
No Value 
Bartlett Hill 
Rd 
No Value 
No Value 
1.5 
No Value 
20.31 
19.53 
No Value 
No Value 
1.17 
6.13 
No Value 
Dam Outlet 
No Value 
No Value 
No Value 
No Value 
26.65 
9.06 
No Value 
No Value 
0.52 
6.33 
No Value 
Sf-2 
No Value 
No Value 
No Value 
No Value 
No Value 
No Value 
No Value 
No Value 
No Value 
No 
Value 
26.37 
Observations (Refer to Table 2 and Historical Deep Spot Data Graphics): 
• 
Chlorophyll-a (Chlor-a): Chlorophyll level was low in June and July and increased slightly in September. The 
median chlorophyll level decreased from 2024 and was less than the state median but slightly greater than the 
threshold for oligotrophic lakes. Historical trend analysis indicates relatively stable chlorophyll levels since 
monitoring began. 
• 
Conductivity (Cond.)/Chloride: Epilimnetic, Hypolimnetic, Bartless Hill Road and Dam Outlet conductivity and/or 
chloride levels were low and less than or approximately equal to the state medians. Historical trend analysis 
indicates relatively stable epilimnetic conductivity levels since monitoring began. 
• 
Color: Apparent color measured in the epilimnion indicates the water color fluctuated within a moderately tea 
colored range and was darkest in June and lightest in September. 
• 
Total Phosphorus (Total P): Epilimnetic phosphorus level was moderate in June, increased in July and decreased 
but remained slightly elevated in September. The median epilimnetic phosphorus level increased from 2024 and 
was greater than the state median and the threshold for mesotrophic lakes. Hypolimnetic phosphorus level was 
elevated in June and July but decreased to a lower level in September. Historical trend analysis indicates 
relatively stable epilimnetic phosphorus levels and significantly worsening (increasing) hypolimnetic phosphorus 
levels since monitoring began. Dam Outlet phosphorus levels were low. Bartlett Hill Road phosphorus levels were 
elevated, particularly in July and September during low flow conditions. 
• 
Transparency (Trans.): Transparency measured with (VS) and without (NVS) the viewscope was average in June 
and lightly increased (improved) as the summer progressed. The median NVS transparency improved from 2024 
and was greater than the state median. However, historical trend analysis indicates significantly worsening 
(decreasing) NVS transparency since monitoring began. 
• 
Turbidity (Turb.): Epilimnetic turbidity levels fluctuated within a low to average range. Hypolimnetic turbidity 
levels were slightly elevated in September suggesting formation and accumulation of organic compounds under 
low dissolved oxygen conditions. Bartlett Hill Road turbidity levels were elevated in July and September during 
low flow conditions. Dam Outlet turbidity levels were low. 
• 
pH: Epilimnetic pH levels were within the desirable range of 6.5-8.0 units. Historical trend analysis indicates 
improving (increasing) epilimnetic pH levels since monitoring began. Hypolimnetic, Bartlett Hill Road and Dam 
Outlet pH levels were slightly acidic and less than desirable. 
• 
E. coli: E. coli levels at SF 2 were much lower than the state surface water standard in June, July and October and 
were much lower than the levels measured in 2024. Levels were highest in July and lowest in October. 
 
 

Volunteer Lake Assessment Program Individual Reports 
Report number: LM-122 
Page 4 of 4 
How does your lake compare to New Hampshire lakes and water quality standards? 
Table 3. New Hampshire Median Lake Water Quality 
Values. Median values generated from historic lake 
monitoring data. 
Parameter 
Median Value 
Alkalinity 
4.5 mg/L 
Chlorophyll-a 
4.39 μg/L 
Chloride 
5 mg/L 
Conductivity 
42.3 μS/cm 
Total Phosphorus 
11 μg/L 
Transparency 
3.3 m 
pH 
6.6 
Table 4. New Hampshire Water Quality Standards. 
Numeric criteria for specific parameters. Water quality 
violation occurs if thresholds are exceeded. 
Parameter 
Threshold 
Chloride 
> 230 mg/L (chronic) 
E. coli (beach) 
> 88 cts/100 mL 
E. coli (surface water) 
> 406 cts/100 mL 
pH 
between 6.5-8.0 (unless 
naturally occurring) 
Turbidity 
> 10 NTU above natural 
 

 
 
APPENDIX C 
NHLakes LakeSmart Review for Scobie Pond Town Beach, Francestown, NH 
 

From: Brea Arvidson <barvidson@nhlakes.org> 
Date: November 21, 2025 at 4:05:06 PM EST 
To: Joanne Santospago <jsantospago@comcast.net> 
Cc: "Gardner K. Humphreys" <gardner.humphreys@gmail.com>, Lesley Humphreys 
<lesleyh4@gmail.com>, Pamela Humphreys <pamela.humphreys78@gmail.com>, NH 
LAKES LakeSmart Program <lakesmart@nhlakes.org> 
Subject: NH Lake LakeSmart review report for Scoby pond town beach- Francestown 
NH 
 
Dear Scoby Pond Community Beach folks,  
 
Thank you for your patience while I catch up on all the interest we've had in our LakeSmart 
Program this season. And, thank you for meeting with me to discuss the runoff water and 
erosion issues you've noticed at the town beach! 
 
Below is a summary of our conversation and the options we discussed during the property 
tour. Please share your lake-friendly projects with us by sending a few before and after 
photos! This email is long, so please take your time with the information below and let me 
know if you have any questions.  
 
Sincerely, 
Brea 
-- 
Property Tour Summary: You are working towards your LakeSmart Award!  
 
In the short-term, consider placing coir logs or DIY firehose diverters at the start of the 
summer season between the beach and Dodge Hill Road to help direct the runoff water to 
areas with vegetation, on either side of the beach area. While this does little to reduce the 
volume of runoff water impacting the area, it may help prevent additional erosion of the 
beach sand. Additional coir logs could be used to create catchments down the slope, 
interrupting the flow of water and helping sediment and other debris settle out before 
reaching the lake. 
 
In the long term, we discussed multiple options. The site is challenging due to the 
steep slope of the general area and the beach itself, as well as the proximity of the road.   
• Fortify and reestablish tiers in the beach area.  
o The previous construction of the beach involved the installation and 
exposure of large boulders, creating various walls to help level out the 
beach area and provide designated areas for beachgoers to use. Consider 
working with a local contractor to create more formal tiers of the beach 
area, like a modified perched beach.  

o By creating multiple levels, areas can be constructed in a way to help 
promote plant growth and drainage for runoff water.  
o A top tier could be made level with the road to help prevent road gravel and 
snow from pushing into the beach area. We discussed the possibility of 
adding boulders and drought-tolerant shrubs in the top tier to guide 
parking, reduce road encroachment, and also help mitigate the steep 
slope.   
o By establishing tiers, we discussed the benefits of defining access and use 
areas of/on the beach, incorporating an ADA-accessible point, installing 
infiltration steps from the road to the lakeshore, and improving cartop 
access.  
• Install a swale between the road and the hillside across the road.  
o This would open a longer and wider drainage area for runoff water impacting 
the road. While the space in this area may be undersized for the runoff 
water the road is experiencing, it may help alleviate the expectation of 
lakeside slope to manage the runoff water.  
o This would be a large project and would require collaboration and approvals 
from the state, town, and private homeowners to remove vegetation and 
create space in front of the stone wall to construct the swale.  
o Due to the space available for a swale, installing a swale and no other 
practice may be insufficient to manage the volume of runoff water from the 
road. Pairing a swale with a series of drywells may be beneficial; however, 
it would require installing culverts in the road for overflow. 
Brea Arvidson (she/her) 
Director of Programs, NH LAKES 
p: 603.226.0299 | 17 Chenell Drive, Suite One | Concord, NH 03301 
nhlakes.org  
 
Working Together for the Lakes We All Love