Report on New Hampshire’s Freshwater Recreational Assets and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

This report assesses select freshwater recreational sites in New Hampshire, analyzing their contribution to public well-being and their alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The state’s extensive network of over 1,000 lakes, ponds, and 22 state parks with swimming facilities represents a significant natural asset. These sites are crucial for promoting public health, conserving biodiversity, and supporting sustainable local economies.

Analysis of Key Freshwater Sites

1. Echo Lake Beach, Franconia Notch State Park

   • Description: A high-altitude freshwater beach offering swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating, with views of Mt. Lafayette and Cannon Mountain.
   • SDG Alignment:
     • SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Provides accessible opportunities for physical activity and mental rejuvenation through interaction with a pristine natural environment.
     • SDG 15 (Life on Land): As part of a state park, its management supports the conservation of mountain ecosystems and biodiversity.
     • SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): The viability of the beach for swimming underscores the successful protection of water quality in the region’s watersheds.
   • Access and Management: A day-use fee ($4/adult, $2/child) ensures funding for maintenance and conservation, aligning with sustainable management principles. Located at 260 Tramway Dr., Franconia.

2. Diana’s Baths

   • Description: A series of natural pools, ledges, and cascading waterfalls on Lucy Brook, suitable for wading and exploration.
   • SDG Alignment:
     • SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): The site’s appeal is directly dependent on the pristine condition of Lucy Brook, highlighting the critical need for upstream water source protection.
     • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Functions as an accessible natural attraction that supports local tourism and provides valuable recreational green space for residents and visitors.
   • Access and Management: A $5 daily vehicle fee contributes to the site’s upkeep, waste management, and preservation. Located at 3872 West Side Road, North Conway.

3. Wellington State Park

   • Description: Features the largest freshwater swimming beach in the New Hampshire state park system, located on the clear waters of Newfound Lake.
   • SDG Alignment:
     • SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Offers extensive facilities, including swimming areas, picnic spots, and volleyball courts, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for all ages.
     • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Exemplifies Target 11.7 by providing safe, inclusive, and accessible green and blue public space.
     • SDG 14 (Life Below Water): The health of Newfound Lake’s ecosystem is fundamental to both recreational use and the conservation of freshwater aquatic life.
   • Access and Management: Tiered pricing ($5/adult, $2/child), including free access for NH residents over 65 and children under 5, promotes social equity and accessibility.

4. Jackson Falls

   • Description: A 175-foot stretch of slides, pools, and waterfalls popular with families, featuring picnic areas and natural rock ledges.
   • SDG Alignment:
     • SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Provides a natural setting for stress reduction, family bonding, and low-impact physical activity.
     • SDG 15 (Life on Land): The preservation of the falls and the surrounding landscape is integral to maintaining local ecological balance and scenic heritage.
   • Access and Management: Publicly accessible with regulated parking to manage visitor impact, a key practice in sustainable tourism. Located on Carter Notch Road, Jackson.

5. Weirs Beach, Lake Winnipesaukee

   • Description: A major freshwater beach within Endicott Rock Park, complemented by a boardwalk with commercial and recreational facilities.
   • SDG Alignment:
     • SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): The adjacent infrastructure of shops, arcades, and dining supports local employment and contributes to a sustainable tourism economy.
     • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Functions as a major public hub, integrating natural resource recreation with community economic activity and cultural life.
     • SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Maintaining the water quality of Lake Winnipesaukee is fundamental to the long-term viability of this significant economic and recreational asset.
   • Access and Management: Managed access with lifeguard services enhances public safety (contributing to SDG 3). Parking fees fund facility maintenance. Located on Lakeside Ave., Laconia.

6. Swiftwater Falls

   • Description: A large waterfall swimming hole formed by the Wild Ammonoosuc River, known for its accessibility and scenic location beneath a historic covered bridge.
   • SDG Alignment:
     • SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): The site’s usability for swimming is a direct indicator of the ecological health of the Wild Ammonoosuc River system.
     • SDG 15 (Life on Land): Protection of the riverbanks and surrounding habitat is crucial for preserving this natural feature and preventing erosion.
     • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): The site blends natural and cultural heritage, preserving the historic Swiftwater Covered Bridge as a community landmark.
   • Access and Management: The site is publicly accessible, offering a valuable recreational resource that requires responsible stewardship from visitors to maintain its quality. Located at 7 Porter Road, Bath.

Conclusion

New Hampshire’s freshwater swimming locations are more than recreational amenities; they are vital assets that directly contribute to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals. Their continued preservation and sustainable management are essential for ensuring public health (SDG 3), protecting water resources and biodiversity (SDG 6, 14, 15), and fostering sustainable communities with robust local economies (SDG 8, 11). These sites serve as a model for how natural resources can be leveraged to enhance quality of life while promoting environmental stewardship.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on freshwater swimming spots in New Hampshire connects to several Sustainable Development Goals by highlighting the intersection of environmental conservation, public well-being, and local economies.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The article promotes physical activity (swimming, hiking) and recreation in nature, which are essential for physical and mental health. It also touches upon safety through the mention of lifeguards.
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: The focus is on freshwater bodies like lakes, rivers, and ponds. The promotion of these sites for swimming implies a need for and celebration of clean, safe water, which is central to protecting water-related ecosystems.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The article implicitly discusses sustainable tourism as a driver for the local economy. It mentions revenue-generating activities such as entrance fees, boat rentals, and associated businesses like shops and restaurants that thrive on visitors to these natural sites.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The article describes public access to natural and recreational spaces. State parks and beaches like Weirs Beach are presented as inclusive public areas that enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors.
• SDG 15: Life on Land: The core of the article is the celebration and use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems. It highlights the importance of conserving natural landscapes, including mountains, forests, and water bodies, through mechanisms like state parks.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the activities and locations described, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 6.6: By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes.
   • Explanation: The article is centered on the recreational use of freshwater ecosystems such as Echo Lake, Newfound Lake, and the Wild Ammonoosuc River. Many of these sites, like “Echo Lake Beach” and “Wellington State Park,” are located within state parks, which serve as a mechanism for their protection and sustainable management.
2. Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
   • Explanation: The article showcases the sustainable use of natural ecosystems for recreation. The existence of “22 state parks with swimming options” and managed sites like “Diana’s Baths” demonstrates a system of conservation combined with public use.
3. Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces.
   • Explanation: The article lists multiple publicly accessible parks and beaches, such as “Wellington State Park” and “Weirs Beach,” which offer amenities like “picnic tables, a playground and restroom facilities.” They are promoted as places “perfect for a quiet day of fun in the water with the kids,” indicating they are safe and inclusive spaces.
4. Target 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
   • Explanation: The article promotes tourism based on natural assets. The economic model is supported by “day use fee,” “boat rentals,” and the commercial activity described at Weirs Beach, which includes a “large boardwalk full of arcades, gift shops… and plenty of dining options.” This represents a policy of leveraging natural beauty for local economic benefit.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article contains several explicit and implicit indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Existence and management of protected areas: The article explicitly mentions the management of natural sites within state parks, such as “Echo Lake Beach located inside Franconia Notch State Park” and “Wellington State Park.” The number of such protected areas (“22 state parks”) serves as a direct indicator for Target 15.1 and 6.6.
• Recreational water quality: While not providing data, the article implies good water quality by describing it as “beautiful freshwater” and “deep, clear waters.” The video title about “toxic algae” also implies that water quality is being monitored, which is a key indicator for Target 3.9.
• Public access and amenities: The availability of facilities such as “picnic tables, a playground and restroom facilities” at Endicott Rock Park and the presence of “lifeguards on site” at Weirs Beach are indicators of the quality and safety of public recreational spaces under Target 11.7.
• Revenue from sustainable tourism: The article mentions specific costs for access and services, such as the “$4 per adult” fee at Echo Lake Beach, the “$5 daily entrance fee” at Diana’s Baths, and the “$2.50 an hour” parking cost at Weirs Beach. These fees represent a direct economic indicator of tourism’s contribution, relevant to Target 8.9.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: seacoastonline.com