Coffin Pond in Sugar Hill, NH was once a thriving, scenic habitat that supported diverse wildlife and offered a peaceful escape for residents and visitors. A hidden gem for photographers and nature lovers, Coffin Pond was so celebrated for its natural beauty it was even featured in the state’s promotional tourism content. Loons called across the water. Osprey circled overhead. Turtles basked in the sun. Fish thrived beneath the surface. 

Today, Coffin Pond is a stark and desolate reminder of what we've lost. In response to a dam failure, the State of New Hampshire removed the dam, resulting in a complete drawdown of the pond. This action caused a near-total collapse of the functioning ecosystem, displacing wildlife and stripping the landscape of the qualities that once made it special. Even more troubling is the absence of any publicly communicated plan or timeline for restoration, leaving the pond and its surrounding environment in limbo.

Coffin Pond was not simply state-owned land, it was donated and entrusted to the State of NH with the expectation of responsible stewardship. The current lack of action, transparency, and restoration planning raises serious concerns that this responsibility is not being upheld. The State used imagery of Coffin Pond as a scenic destination to promote tourism. Now it’s drained, wildlife gone, with no plan to restore it. If it was worth showcasing, it’s worth restoring.

It is imperative that we urge the State of New Hampshire and local authorities to commit to the restoration of Coffin Pond. Immediate action is required to develop and communicate a clear restoration plan that includes rebuilding the dam, restoring water levels, and re-establishing the pond's ecosystem.

By signing this petition, you join us in our plea to the NHDES Engineers, NH Dam Bureau and NH Fish & Game to recognize the importance of Coffin Pond and to take swift, decisive action towards its restoration. 

Together, we can ensure future generations experience the pond's beauty and ecological importance. Please, sign our petition and help us give Coffin Pond a future.