Lake Kanasatka Watershed Association, Inc.

OUR MISSION:

The Lake Kanasatka Watershed Association (LKWA) is dedicated to promoting the conservation and protection of the Lake Kanasatka watershed, including the natural resources and wildlife. LKWA’s mission encompasses monitoring water quality, providing educational resources, using science-based lake management practices, collaborating with local and state partners and fostering active community participation to insure the health of the watershed now and for future generations.

HELP US KEEP LAKE KANASATKA HEALTHY  

For over 50 years, volunteers have worked to protect Lake Kanasatka's 380 acres for the families and wildlife that depend on it. We are located in Moultonborough, NH, and the lake association's Board of Directors focus on improving the water quality of Lake Kanasatka. Many of our 225 shorefront and water access properties are generational cottages and small homes. Membership in LKWA is voluntary; as of May 30, 2026, we experienced our highest ever membership: 191. This year's New Hampshire Gives is LKWA's primary fundraiser for 2026 to support this vital work.

All funds from NH Gives will be used to purchase this high-priority equipment:

• Dissolved Oxygen Meter and associated equipment: $2,800.  This supports and expands our 40+ year water testing program, which is conducted by volunteer testing teams and the University of New Hampshire Lakes Lay Program. We have been monitoring oxygen levels at the deepest depths in Lake Kanasatka, as the relationship between hypoxia (low oxygen) and anoxia (absence of oxygen) and the release of the phosphorous on the lake bottom that feeds cyanobacteria is well established. LKWA will use the new equipment to expand our knowledge of the areas of the lake that experience low oxygen levels and how those levels change throughout the year and under various conditions. Giving our volunteers the ability to do our own testing with this equipment will increase the frequency and comprehensiveness of our testing program while relieving some of the burden on our research partners.Water testing on Lake Kanasatka.
• Loon Camera, associated equipment and new software: $3,000. One of the favorite pastimes of Lake Kanasatka residents is watching the loons on our live loon camera. [For  those who know the movie, On Golden Pond,  you know how enjoyable it is!] LKWA's loon cam program provides a very popular method for monitoring loon behavior from a safe distance and assists professionals who study these incredible birds with the ultimate goal of protecting and increasing their populations. Unfortunately, the pace of technological advances in remote cameras and real-time streaming has outrun LKWA's ability to support it financially. Our current equipment is outdated and glitchy. These funds will replace our camera, associated cabling and accessories, and new software required to transmit programming to our YouTube channel. A loon on the nest via the loon cam.

Funds raised in addition to the equipment listed above will directly support LKWA's efforts to support and improve the water quality of Lake Kanasatka, as outlined in our 10-year Watershed-Based Management Plan. Our association has a committed community of supporters. As neighbors, we work together to Keep Lake Kanasatka healthy and enjoyable for everyone, as evidenced by these accomplishments:

LKWA has earned the LakeSmart Community Award after years of hard work by 40+ homeowners (and counting), whose properties have been certified as lake-friendly. LakeSmart, a program of NH Lakes, is a free, non-regulatory, voluntary program encouraging community members habits that protect lake water quality, wildlife habitat and property values.

Our Boots on the Ground committee is in its fourth year of working with individual property owners to prevent erosion and stormwater runoff from entering the lake.

Funded by LKWA since 2024, a Septic Inspection Assistance Program reimburses members 50% or up to $200 for septic inspections of their lake properties. 

Two watershed assistance grants collaboratively managed by LKWA and state and local partners are under way to address stormwater runoff and erosion on lake-side roads. 

A Native Plant Giveaway program for new or renewing members will continue for a second year in July 2026 with financial support provided by Stephens Landscaping of Moultonborough. We are encouraging our property owners to add the plants to their waterfront buffers.

For more information about LKWA, go to our website or Facebook page. Please donate now and protect Lake Kanasatka for generations to come!