Last evening in Stratham you had an opportunity to  express your feelings  about bestowing Protected River status on the Squamscott and the  lower Exeter River. I attended as did Dan Jones Esq who  pointed out it’s pronounced Squamscott (hit the q )  not Swamscott. The Chairman  of the advisory committee hearing testimony is from Boscawen. Bosquin is   correct. I guess  we all mess  that pronunciation, along with Lebanon. You should reel it off  it fast  like Peabody. Peebedee is the correct  form. Lebinin, I guess is correct. Eggzeter, hear that  alot.

The  meeting in Stratam, Stratham was really  informative  and you can submit a letter if you were unable to attend. Send a  note by the 28 th of July . I will post the address. It will help to insure what looks to be a sure thing.  The River was key to our development  and really  needs to be honored for that role and set free too.

A gentleman from Newfields Conservation  Commission with a scientific background informed us of the presence   of giant oysters at the mouth of the Squamscott River. I was aware of a closed oyster bed( pollution)  on the Bay side of the RR trestle but not inside . It seems these adaptable oysters can be as old as ten years, that’s very old for an oyster. They are also huge measuring as large as 8 – 10 inches. They seem to be  functioning fine  filtering water and deserve further study, and protection. Maybe we have a strain of disease tolerant oysters that  could be planted elsewhere. Is that  possible?

Here is a scholarly article on the oyster beds in the Bay  with a map. Its 2003 , yes . I like the date , still talking  about it 7 years hence.

OYSTER (CRASSOSTREA VIRGINICA) REEF MAPPING IN THE GREAT

BAY ESTUARY, NEW HAMPSHIRE – 2003

Donna  Schlachman was there, Doug Scamman, Theresa Walker RPC, Cheri Patterson NHF&G, Don Clement in his ERLAC role  was there, Paul Deschaine Stratham Town Manager, a good crowd.

Try and post a letter before July 28th with your thoughts on the Squamscott River & Lower Exeter River.

NH Dept. of Environmental Services,

29 Hazen Dr., PO Box 95, Concord,NH 03302-0095

Attn: Rivers Coordinator.

NHDES has a web site page devoted to the River Protection process.