Lake Host Program, aka boat washing – “Clean, Drain & Dry”. 

Purpose:  Prevent the introduction and spread of invasive aquatic plants and animals in our lake.  We will publish more about this closer to the summer season to include how it’s done, what we look for, laws governing, etc.  But, for now, here’s a 2024 end-of-year recap of the State and SLAM’s program.

New Hampshire data

The NH Lake Host Program began in 2002 with 161 personnel (called Lake Hosts) on 37 lakes; there were 15,878 inspections; 9 species were removed; State was working within a federal + matching budget that totaled $297,255.

Let’s fast forward to 2024:  NH now has 635 hosts on 77 lakes; 84,073 inspections; 7 species removed (closest to us was Conway Lake); and a federal, state & matching budget totaling $1,183,009.

As a point of interest, in 2020, that topsy-turvy COVID year, the State did 132,199 inspections – up from a normal 85,000 to 95,000 per year.  Yikes

Silver Lake Association of Madison data

Silver Lake was 1 of the 37 lakes of this pilot program; Variable milfoil was removed this first year from a boat prior to entering Silver Lake.  Lake Hosts were only on duty from end of June to Labor Day.

In 2024, SLAM hosts performed 1,723 inspections – 85% were motorboats; 7% were motorboats with ballast e.g., wake boats (yes, it makes a difference – more to follow in a different article) and 15% on non-motor, e.g., canoes, kayaks, etc.  Our busiest time was between noon and 2:00pm every day of the week, but especially on the weekends.  Our hosts worked 1,352.5 hours; we received a grant of $2,850 from the State; $9,000 from the Town of Madison, and the remaining expense of $15,016 was paid by our members’ dues & donations!  Our Lake Hosts now cover the boat ramp from May until Oct.

To date, Silver Lake has had several “Saves” (you know, where we catch it before it gets in our lake.)  Those were: Eurasian milfoil (2021), Spiny naiad (2022), Variable milfoil (2002, 2004, 2006, 2018), and Water chestnut (2019).

So, thanks to all our Lake Hosts!  You ARE keeping our lake, clean and healthy!  And to our members and the Town for their financial support of this important and vital program!