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 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 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.

• Invited the Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation (EPTN), which has a reservation along one-third of the lakes, to appoint a tribal member to vote for the LHVA Board. 

• Became a recognized 501(c) (3) nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization. This designation will help us secure funds through tax-deductible donations and grants to enhance public outreach, education, and lake management activities. 

These initiatives will ensure the environment's welfare 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 boating spread of aquatic invasive plants on the lakes.

These initiatives will benefit all residents and visitors and strive to safeguard the Lantern Hill Valley area for future generations.