Spofford Lake Association

Spofford Lake Resource Information

 

Everyone enjoys Spofford Lake.

The lake quality, one of the best in the state , remains this way thanks to 

 guidelines that are regulated and enforced by enforcement agencies of NH.

 Use and share these resources so everyone knows where to find answers

about  rules and regulations on Spofford Lake.

Please access these resources and consult with the governing state

agency for additional or specific details.

 

Sand Regulations:

NH Dept of Environmental Services ( DES) 603-271-2147

 

Dock Regulations:  NH Marine Patrol – 603-293-0091

 

Swim Lines :Marine Patrol –603-293-0091

Boating Regulations NH Marine Patrol based in Keene. 603-293-2037

 

Fish and Wildlife NH Fish and Game based in Keene.   603-352-9669

*At press time additional language is being drafted that will also affect rafts.

            Here are the most common Lake subjects

Do  DOCKs require a permit –Did you know that docks on Spofford Lake should have a

       permit? The legal requirement would be no greater than 6’ x 30 feet.-

        go to the address below for more details http://des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/pip/forms/wetlands/documents/seasonal_dock.pdf

 

2)       SAND: Did you know that it is illegal to add sand to waterfront property

       without a sand permit?

A project involving beach sand replenishment must qualify for PBN approval.

Here are some of the requirements outlined in Rule Wt 303.04 (aa):

Replenishment of sand on an existing nontidal beach provided:

1. No sand shall be placed below the normal high water line or full pond elevation;

2. No work shall be conducted in or adjacent to a prime wetland;

3. No more than 10 cubic yards of sand shall be used; and

4. Beach replenishment can not exceed the limit of one replenishment every 6-yr

period.

http://des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/water/wetlands/documents/pbn_shoreland_struct.pdf 

 Boat Lifts- Environmental services-271-2147A project involving the installation of

a seasonal personal watercraft lift will qualify for PBN only if it meets all of the

requirements outlined in Rule Wt 303.04 (ad):

The personal watercraft lift is:

1. I Installed immediately adjacent to a dock, in a legally existing boat slip, or

 if there are no other personal watercraft lifts on the frontage, a maximum of 2

lifts installed immediately adjacent to one another and along the owner’s

 shoreline.

2. Removed during the non-boating season.

3. Located at least 20 feet from an abutting property line or the imaginary

 extension of the property line over the water.

4. Installed in a manner that creates no impacts that would require further

permit action;

and

5. Located on a parcel of land that has at least 75 feet of shoreline frontage.

 

 4)     Swim Lines: Roped areas have state guidelines.

       Below are the basic guidelines.

UNLESS A SWIM LINE VARIANCE IS REQUESTED AND APPROVED, NO SWIM LINE SHALL BE PLACED BEYOND THE POINT WHERE THE DEPTH OF WATER EXCEEDS 6

FEET OR FOR A DISTANCE FROM SHORE OF 50 FEET, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST.

go to http://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/ss/marinepatrol/documents/formsswim.pdf or

5) Boating laws and regulations are enforced by the NH Marine Patrol based in Keene. Contact 603-293-2037 for details.