In addition to preserving the water quality of Lake Winnisquam, the Winnisquam Watershed Network works to protect the wildlife that inhabit the lake.

WWN volunteers coordinate with the Loon Preservation Committee (LPC) in Moultonborough to monitor and protect Lake Winnisquam’s Common Loon population. This work includes putting out nesting platforms and signage, coordinating the annual loon census, and reporting on loon nesting activity. In recent years there have been as many as three active loon nests on the lake.

WWN volunteers also work with New Hampshire Audubon to monitor the bald eagle population on Lake Winnisquam. There are two active bald eagle nests on the lake, one in Laconia and one in Meredith. In 2024 three bald eagles successfully fledged.

The WWN also supports our partners the Belknap County Conservation District, Trout Unlimited, and NH Fish & Game in their efforts to restore native brook trout habitat in tributary streams within the Winnisquam watershed. These stream restoration projects consist of adding instream large wood to the brooks, mimicking natural processes. This work not only benefits the native Eastern brook trout populations, it protects water quality by reducing sediment and excess flow of nutrients into Lake Winnisquam.