LHVA
Purpose and History

The Lantern Hill Valley Association (LHVA), founded in 1973, is a grassroots group dedicated to preserving the dams and waters of Long and Bush Ponds, which benefits all life in and around the lakes. 

Long Pond and Bush Pond, connected by a culvert, unite the towns of Ledyard and North Stonington. Our volunteer-driven organization comprises residents and non-residents from both towns, as well as neighboring communities.  The LHVA actively tackles the challenges the lakes face due to years of human and environmental pressures. 

Recognizing these challenges and the significance of collaboration, we made three crucial organizational changes in 2024: 

• The LHVA membership voted to change our name to the Lantern Hill Valley Alliance Inc., which will still be referred to as the LHVA. We are an organization dedicated to everyone who cares about the welfare of the lakes and lands in the Lantern Hill Valley. Join us in preserving these natural resources.

• The LHVA membership welcomed a collaboration with the Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation (EPTN)  with the appointment of a tribal member to the LHVA Board. The Eastern Pequot Tribal community and reservation are located along the eastern side of Long Pond and the northeast side of Bush Pond.

• The LHVA became a recognized 501(c) (3) nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization. This designation will enable us to secure funds through tax-deductible donations and grants, thereby enhancing public outreach, education, and lake management activities. 

These initiatives will ensure the welfare of the environment and safeguard the well-being of all life—humans, animals, and plants—for future generations.

The LHVA welcomes your support in safeguarding and conserving these essential resources. 

Outreach is fundamental to our organization, connecting residents and visitors to our homes and lakes.

The LHVA's acknowledgment of human impact on the lakes and their watershed can aid in protecting these valuable resources through:

• Collaborating with a certified lake manager, we will develop a plan to shield the lakes from environmental hazards and climate change. 

• Engaging the public and local community about best boating and land practices. Many are unaware of the detrimental impacts of human activities, such as lawn fertilizers, faulty septic systems, pet waste runoff, and the inadvertent spread of aquatic invasive plants through boating, power, and paddle crafts, on the lakes.

• The LHVA is working closely with the town of Ledyard, Save the Sound, WMC, an engineering firm, and the Alliance for the Mystic River Watershed to develop designs and seek funding for improvements to the Long Pond and Bush Pond dams, as well as the Bush Pond dike. These enhancements will strengthen resilience against future extreme weather events and create a nature-like fishway to restore habitat access for river herring.

These initiatives will benefit all residents and visitors, striving to safeguard 

the Lantern Hill Valley area for future generations.