Lamprey River
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (December 2011) |
43°03′54″N 70°54′18″W / 43.0651°N 70.9049°W
Lamprey River | |
---|---|
Location | |
Country | United States |
State | New Hampshire |
District | Rockingham County |
Municipalities | Northwood, Deerfield, Raymond, Epping, Lee, Durham, Newmarket |
Physical characteristics | |
Source | Meadow Lake |
• location | Northwood |
• coordinates | 43°12′3″N 71°12′19″W / 43.20083°N 71.20528°W |
• elevation | 594 ft (181 m) |
Mouth | Great Bay |
• location | Newmarket |
• coordinates | 43°3′54″N 70°54′20″W / 43.06500°N 70.90556°W |
• elevation | 0 ft (0 m) |
Length | 50.2 mi (80.8 km)[1] |
Basin features | |
Tributaries | |
• left | Pawtuckaway River, North River, Little River |
• right | North Branch River, Piscassic River |
Type | Recreational |
Designated | November 12, 1996 |
The Lamprey River is a 50.2-mile-long (80.8 km)
History
Segments of the river are rich in history. Saw- and gristmills which operated by
Wildlife
The shoreline of the Lamprey River, its floodplain and its wetlands provide a wide range of valuable wildlife habitats. Its
The river is also rich in species of freshwater mussels. The river is managed by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department for several different types of game fish, including brook trout which is native to the river. Rainbow trout and brown trout are also stocked in many parts of the river but are not native to the area.
Lampreys are also present in the river. However, the Lamprey River derives its name from an early settler who lived in the area, John Lamprey, rather than the fish itself.[3]
Setting
Along the banks are hardwood forests and numerous farms. The area is under pressure from suburban development as one of the fastest-growing areas in New England. There is a strong local culture surrounding the Lamprey River with several local events held on the river, including numerous town-run fishing derbies and the Lamprey River Canoe Race held annually in Epping.
During the course of its journey from the Saddleback Mountains in Northwood down to Newmarket, the Lamprey changes from a small torrential stream to a small tidal river. The river between these points has slow meanders and rapids, and small waterfalls such as Packers Falls in Durham.
See also
References
- ^ a b NH GRANIT database
- ^ "Wiswall Falls Fish Ladder Construction". Lamprey River Advisory Committee. Retrieved July 12, 2022.
- ^ "Community Profiles: Newmarket, NH". NH Economic & Labor Market Information Bureau. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
External links
- "The Lamprey River Watershed", NH Dept. of Environmental Services Environmental Fact Sheet 7
- Lamprey River Advisory Committee
- Epping Conservation Commission
- "New Hampshire Glossary: Lamprey Eel" at Cowhampshireblog.com