Freedom — June 1, 2008 — Ossipee Lake Alliance is marking its fifth anniversary this summer with continued efforts to involve more people in charting the lake’s future. On Saturday June 21 the group will sponsor a presentation by lake landscaping expert Jeff Schloss, co-author of the book “Landscaping at the Water’s Edge,” which details ways to spruce up lakeside areas without harming the environment.

The presentation, which is free and open to the public, will be held at Calumet Conference Center in Freedom at 9 AM, with a light breakfast served at 8:30. Co-sponsors of the event are Ossipee Conservation Commission and Green Mountain Conservation Group, and copies of Schloss’ book will be available for purchase.

For its annual fund-raising campaign, the Alliance has created the theme “5 for 5” to reflect the group’s achievement of five major goals in five years, according to executive director David Smith.

“Through our website, newsletters and email news service we have become the foremost source of news and information about Ossipee Lake,” he said, adding that the group’s services reach the lake community, state and local officials and regional media.

“If it affects the lake, you’ll hear about it from us first,” Smith said, “thanks to the hundreds of financial contributors and volunteers who have helped make the Alliance a success.”

Smith also pointed to the work of the lake’s boat ramp owners, whose participation in the Alliance’s milfoil boater education program has prevented a new infestation of invasive weeds since the initiative began three years ago.

This summer Alliance members will be working on a comprehensive lake management plan, a new State requirement for obtaining milfoil removal funds, according to the group’s co-founder Susan Marks.

“The availability of state funds for milfoil removal is hit or miss, but if there is money available it’s our job to get some of it for our lake,” Marks said.

She and Smith also cited the Lake Representatives Forum as one of the group’s most important accomplishments. The forum includes businesses and property owner groups from all parts of the lake and is held every two years.

The Alliance recently announced it is looking for a volunteer to become the group’s Wildlife Coordinator. The Coordinator will be responsible for gathering and writing news about wildlife in the area, on and off the lake, for the Alliance’s website and newsletter.

“Think of it as a Smart Report on wildlife,” Smith said, referring to Bob Smart’s popular Alliance reports on lake life. Those interested in the Wildlife Coordinator role should contact the group by sending an email to info@www.ossipeelake.org.