Freedom – April 22, 2009 – As summer nears, the group advising DRED on implementing the Ossipee Lake Natural Area management plan is in high gear, with a planning session later this week and a volunteer clean-up effort scheduled for Saturday, May 16.

On Friday the Working Group, comprised of state officials, boaters and lake and conservation organizations, will meet at Freedom Town Hall at 1 p.m. to review the latest draft of the management plan that will provide the framework for balancing preservation and recreation at the site.

The plan designates a portion of the shoreline for recreation activities while closing the remainder of the fragile shoreline to allow it to recover from years of use. The interior of the property will also remain closed.

While Working Group members have been unanimous in praising the state’s approach to the management plan, all agree that the test of the plan’s success will be the cooperation of the boating community.

The Working Group plans to discuss the public communication plan for the new rules, which will include signage at the site and public landings, and a pamphlet that is being written by DRED officials. In addition, Ossipee Lake Alliance will devote its entire summer newsletter to the Natural Area, with various members of the Working Group offering their perspectives on the management plan.

Meanwhile, members of the boating community have organized a spring clean-up of the shoreline. DRED officials will oversee the effort, which will be held rain or shine from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 17.

The clean-up is designed to create a benchmark for a litter-free environment that can be compared to inspections that will be conducted during the summer and fall. Prospective volunteers should contact Dennis Gould at (617) 257-4847.