Chapter 216-H: Ahern State Park

Under the impact of a steadily increasing population and the effects of the continuing development of land for residential and other purposes, few large tracts of forest land, particularly with a lake frontage, remain available in New Hampshire. Laconia developmental services, located in the city of Laconia, with a shoreline of approximately 3,500 feet on Lake Winnisquam, is one such tract which is owned by the state and is deemed to be a natural resource that should be preserved for the enjoyment and benefit of the citizens of this state and the many tourists from other states and countries who visit here. The general court therefore deems it to be a major asset and a significant benefit to the general public to retain this wonderful shoreline on the lake and approximately 200 acres, more or less, of the contiguous property immediately back from the shoreline of the lake, to be perpetually preserved as a state park for the generations to come.

The commissioner of the department of natural and cultural resources, with the consent of the governor and council, is hereby authorized, if and when Laconia developmental services is relocated or this overall property becomes available for disposal, to delineate and develop the 200 acres, more or less, located nearest to and including the approximately 3,500 foot shoreline on Lake Winnisquam, as a state park.

Pursuant to RSA 4:43, the general court hereby designates and names this tract of land, upon its availability and development as a park under RSA 216-H:2, Ahern state park.

I. Notwithstanding the provisions of RSA 4:29 or any other law to the contrary, if Laconia developmental services is relocated, or this overall property becomes available for disposal and a state park is not developed pursuant to RSA 216-H:2, the 200 acres more or less and the approximately 3,500 feet of shoreline on Lake Winnisquam shall be retained and preserved on a permanent basis by the state in its natural botanical and geological state.

II. Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit Laconia developmental services from utilizing the 200 acres and the approximately 3,500 feet of shoreline for purposes of the school's rehabilitation program; provided, however, the 200 acres and shoreline shall not be developed or used by any other agency of the state or commercial interest for any other purpose.