Mission Statement

The Squam Lakes Association (SLA) is dedicated to conserving for the public benefit the natural beauty, peaceful character and unique resource values of the lakes and surrounding area. In cooperation with local and state authorities and other conservation organizations, the Association promotes the protection, careful use and shared enjoyment of the lakes, mountains, forests, open spaces and wildlife of the Squam Lakes Region. Since 1904 the Squam Lakes Association has worked to preserve the character of the Squam Lakes.

Vision Statement

The Squam Lakes region will be a unique natural area, a conservation alternative to high impact development. The area will have clean and clear air and water, abundant natural vegetation, managed forests, diverse wildlife populations, wooded mountains, farms and historic villages.

The shores of the lakes will retain their natural appearance. Structures on shores, islands and hillsides will not intrude upon the landscape. Lakeshore structures will be minimally visible from the water and surrounded by native vegetation (generally excluding lawns). Docks, moorings, and other waterfront equipment will be small, few in number and in harmony with the natural setting. Large segments of the shoreline and many of the islands that give the lakes their special character will be undeveloped.

Shared enjoyment of the lakes by visitors and by year around and seasonal residents both shore and non-shore owners will be peaceful, non intrusive and consistent with protecting the resource. Swimming, picnicking, fishing, and low impact boating will afford a sense of peace, quiet and solitude. Light-impact craft such as sailboats, canoes and rowboats will predominate. There will be sites managed for public use and enjoyment. Viewscapes throughout the watershed will enable the visual beauty of the Squam region to be enjoyed from public areas and scenic lookouts as well as from boats.

Growth and development will be guided to preserve the character and environmental integrity of the watershed. Undeveloped backlands, hillsides, ridges and mountains, wetlands, forests and agricultural lands, will provide a setting for walking and bicycle paths and hiking trails.

Local economies will be strengthened by protection of the natural resource base. Visitors will be drawn year around to the area for quiet recreation amid beautiful surroundings. The taxbase value of residential and seasonal properties will be sustained by a conserved natural environment. Employment will be derived from economic activity which supports small businesses, active farms, sustained-yield forests, and the needs of residents and visitors. Community pride, jobs, and housing opportunities will make all ages feel welcome in watershed communities.

Effective village and town planning that preserves New England history, architecture, traditions, values and culture will be evident in all five watershed towns. Visitor amenities such as parking, public rest rooms, public drinking water sources, and clean litter free streets will be provided. There will be no strip development along roadways.

It will be evident to all visitors to the Squam Lakes area that those who live here and come here appreciate Squam's unique beauty on low impact terms, live in harmony with its natural resources and share common conservation goals and values.

Adopted on July 27, 1991