Silver Lake Association of Madison NH
Watershed Management Planning
What’s in your drinking water? We are a town of wells and septic tanks – no filtering and chlorination facilities. Are we staying healthy? Learn more here
Numbers tell the story!
Silver Lake’s Lake Host Program began 20+ years ago. What do the numbers show? A short historical recap can be found here
2024 Annual Appeal to supplement dues & donations
WHAT: While much of our work is done through volunteerism, some activities simply require dollars: our Lake Host program (boat-washing) is $25K/yr, our water monitoring program with UNH is $1,500/yr, and operating expenses vary (i.e., this year a new pump) to name just a few. Additionally, we continue to try to build our Invasive Removal Fund account “in case something happens.” Every dollar is precious to us. We want to keep our lake clean of cyanobacteria and invasive plants & animals so we are all able to swim, boat, fish, & enjoy a healthy lake.
HOW: you can donate here.
THANK YOU for your gift. It is appreciated!
Winter Water Level
The dam has been opened to return the water level to “Winter Low”. This State requirement allows shore owners on all lakes to refurbish any shorelines from any erosion so as to help prevent excessive rainwater run-off. Excessive run-off can contain phosphorus and other unwanted contaminants.
Our Mission
The mission of the Silver Lake Association of Madison is to:
- Promote and protect the general welfare of Silver Lake and its environment
- Monitor the quality of the water in Silver Lake
- Conduct programs to support an active and informed membership
- Encourage the support of the Town of Madison in accomplishing these objectives.
What we do
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention
Our Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention program includes the Lake Host Program to inspect and power wash boats and trailers before they enter the Lake, and the Weed Watchers to monitor for invasive species.
Water Quality Monitoring
This program was designed to quickly identify water quality changes and problems through regular measurement and testing.
Advocacy
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Remediation
In the event that we experience an AIS infestation such as milfoil, SLAM has established remediation plans and partnerships and we’ve started a fund to help pay the costs.
Watershed Planning
SLAM is embarking on a multi-year process to develop a Watershed Management Plan (WMP) that will include expert analysis of our Silver Lake watershed and details plans and projects for protecting it for the long term.
Please don’t feed the birds
The geese that visit Silver Lake produce a prodigous amount of feces which pollutes our water and makes it unhealthy to swim in. Further, the geese “adopt” our lake and breed, becoming an increasing problem each season. Ducks and, especially, ducklings are very entertaining creatures. Unfortunately, they carry a parasite which causes a condition called “swimmer’s itch”. Swimmer’s itch causes a very unpleasant itching/burning sensation. Feeding the ducks encourages them to linger on Silver Lake and increases our exposure to the parasite.
It is against the local laws to feed either bird!
Please be aware of the loons
When boating on the lake please be aware of the loon nesting buoy at the head of the lake and give them plenty of space. For more information please visit loon.org