Freedom – May 7, 2012 – The Ossipee Lake Natural Area Working Group will meet this Saturday, May 12, at Totem Pole Park in Freedom. The meeting, which is open to the public, will be held from 9-10 a.m. followed by the annual spring clean up of the shoreline of the state-owned property.

Don Kent, Administrator of the New Hampshire Natural Heritage Bureau, will chair the meeting and lead a discussion on the status of protecting historical resources at the unique site.

Other presentations will focus on the protection of natural resources and enforcement of state regulations. The property is under the management of the N.H. Department of Resources and Economic Development.

The Working Group is a unique coalition comprised of state agencies, lake property owner associations, the boating community, and local environmental groups, including Ossipee Lake Alliance. Formed in 2008, the Working Group is considered a success model for balancing the competing interests of recreation and preservation at state-owned properties with rare and threatened natural resources.

Refreshments will be served, and a period of public comment will be held at the end of the meeting. Volunteers interested in helping the clean up should dress accordingly and bring work gloves. Boat transportation will be provided.
For more information on the clean up, contact Dennis Gould at joseph.d.gould@ge.com.