The Lake Massabesic watershed is one of the most beautiful areas in southern New Hampshire. This land is special because it collects and stores water from rainfall or melting snow that provides drinking water for 159,000 people in the regional Manchester area. Deer, raccoon, fox, loons, hawks, and many other species of wildlife are part of this watershed. Game fish include large and smallmouth bass, and white and yellow perch, and the lake is periodically stocked with trout by the N.H. Department of Fish and Game.

Watershed management includes an active forestry program and, under the direction of a professional forester, the Manchester Water Works annually performs a selective harvest on about 300 acres of forest. The purpose of this program is to develop the best tree cover for the forest environment and promote controlled water retention and runoff.