Gilford studying more erosion damage at town beach

GILFORD — Selectmen decided last week that having an engineer look at the erosion problems at the town beach before doing any additional repair work would be a good idea.

But before hiring an outside engineer, selectmen recommended having Public Works Director Peter Nourse, an engineer, take at look at the beach an offer his opinion.

Parks and Recreation Director Herb Greene said so far the town has spend about $7,500 on what are called "minimally invasive socks" that are planted with natural materials and placed along erosion areas to try and naturally contain it.

Last year in February, selectmen approved the above erosion measures along with some beach-sand replenishment. However, when the ice finally melted, Greene said he and contractor Belknap Landscaping found there was much more damage done in the winter of 2014 than expected.

Greene said he hadn't gone to the beach this year but expects to go shortly and evaluate what damage was wrought by this year's equally rough winter.

One of Greene's suggestions was a possible retaining wall on the "left" side of the beach while facing the water. Last July, six old pine trees in the same area blew down during a particularly vicious summer storm.

Gilford Beach experiences two kind of erosion — one from water as the levels of Lakes Winnipesaukee rise and fall and the second from wind that blows directly onto the beach and pushes much of the sand into the tree line.

Greene said he has just over $20,000 in the Parks and Recreation Capital Reserve Fund.

Once Nourse has formed an opinion, selectmen said they would revisit an outside engineer or just accept bids based on what he reports.