NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT The Saco Headwaters Alliance Protecting the Ecosystem
Mobilizing commitment to protect the threatened ground and surface waters of the Mt. Washington Valley and the watershed, of which it is a part, the Saco River headwaters, for the long-term resilience of its robust tourism economy, vibrant communities, and beautiful, healthy natural environment.
T
hree years ago, a small group of Mt. Washington Valley citizens interested in long term protections of the excellent water resources in the area convened at the base lodge of Wildcat Ski Area to exchange ideas and evaluate if there was enough interest in forming a new non-profit organization to mobilize efforts toward that goal. Since it was a bluebird day, and snow conditions were perfect, they all took advantage and put on their skis to have a series of separate meetings on the chairlift. What better place to think and talk about this than the height of the Saco River Watershed. Every conversation on the rides to the top of the mountain were processed in everyone’s subconscious as they each cleared their mind by concentrating on skiing to the bottom. This was repeated multiple times until the lift closed. Afterward, back at the base lodge, these many private conversations were recapped for the group, and it was unanimously decided that there was enough positive 10
energy to channel and create this new and unnamed organization. More formal meetings were scheduled with additional folks with diverse natural resources expertise. They shared the belief that this watershed that is the Saco River Headwaters needed an organization focused on protecting its precious waters for drinking, recreation, and habitat—and the Saco Headwaters Alliance (SHA) was born. Within half a year of that glorious day skiing on Wildcat Mountain, SHA secured its first grant. It would be another six months before incorporation as a 501 c-3 was achieved. The Virginia Wellington Cabot Foundation had been inspired by the SHA founders and their commitment to protect the ground and surface waters as the key to building resilience in the natural environment and the robust economy and vibrant communities that depend upon it. SHA was off and running. FB Environmental was contracted to conduct a scientific study of water re-
source monitoring across the Saco Headwaters Watershed. The query was: what data and monitoring systems concerning quality and quantity of ground and surface water do we have from various organizations, and what do we need in the future? This will be the foundation for determining priority threats and intervening where necessary to take preventative action to protect our ground and surface waters. The report is a comprehensive tool, with many links to additional information and maps. Thoughtful and feasible recommendations are key contributions in helping our watershed remain pristine into the future for many generations to come. Shortly after, another project emerged in the form of Flood Plain Mapping for Hart’s Location. Funded by New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES), these maps are currently being used by Hart’s Location municipal government to guide citizens in developing properties on sites that will be safe from the ever more frequent MWVvibe.com
