Douglas Darling

This coming Wednesday the House Resources, Recreation and Development Committee will discuss HB 1301, increasing mooring fees to fund the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund. I am asking you to support HB 1301 because it will be good for New Hampshire’s economy and health of our citizens. I strongly support HB 1301 for several reasons. The number of lakes experiencing toxic cyanobacteria blooms is increasing across NH. Cyanobacteria blooms can produce toxins which are associated with a variety of illnesses including ALS, neurological and gastrointestinal diseases, and death of animals, so these blooms are a risk to our community. Importantly for this committee, there are significant financial repercussions of the increasing number of cyanobacteria blooms across New Hampshire. It is hard to imagine that tourists who experience a serious bloom would return for recreation at that lake. Indeed, seasonal renters at Tucker Pond, where I have a cabin, have been prevented from swimming, sailing and other recreation on the water. There is a potential impact of cyanobacteria on the recreation economy of New Hampshire. In addition, repeated cyanobacteria blooms have been documented to drive down the value of lakeside properties as much as 23%. This has decreased the value of my property, and has also decreased the tax base for the town of Salisbury. This decreased property tax income may also be seen in other towns if cyanobacteria blooms are not controlled. Importantly, the causes of cyanobacterial blooms are known and can be controlled. While it is expensive to mitigate bacterial blooms, it is essential for maintaining the economy and the health of New Hampshire residents. This is a state-wide issue and needs a state-wide solution. Local lake associations are unable to raise sufficient funds from residents to control cyanobacterial blooms, so support from the Cyanobacteria Mitigation Loan and Grant Fund is essential. This bill is a small step towards developing the financial support needed for this fund. Thank you for your efforts as custodians of the recreational resources of New Hampshire. I hope that you will support HB 1301 because New Hampshire’s lakes and rivers are a key part of our economy and need this protection. Regards, Douglas Darling Chair, Tucker Pond Cyanobacteria Committee