Lake Host Program
Goal
To prevent the introduction and spread of exotic aquatic plants (such as variable milfoil) in New Hampshire’s lakes and ponds.
Target Audience
All residents and out-of-state recreational boaters and anglers who launch boats on public waters. In the case of Silver Lake it is particularly vital to inspect boats and trailers that have been in neighboring infected lakes such as Ossipee, Wentworth and Winnipesaukee.
Objectives
To place trained Lake Hosts at public boat launch sites by the dam to :
- Conduct courtesy boat and trailer inspections and power wash on vessels both entering and leaving Silver Lake.
- Educate visiting boaters about AIS by distributing brochures, answering questions and completing a brief boater survey.
- Show boaters where to look for plant “hitch-hikers” and encourage them to self-inspect.
- Remove, photograph and transmit any suspicious plants to NH Department of Environmental Services for identification and notification.
Background
SLAM’s Lake Host Program
The Lake Host Program was created and implemented by NH LAKES in 2002 to help prevent the spread of milfoil and other exotic species in the State. Prior to 2002, two to three lakes were being infection every two years. NH LAKES, with the assistance of Senator Judd Gregg received an initial grant from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In addition, the state legislation passed a bill to raise three dollars on every boat registration starting in 2003. NH LAKES applies to DES for a portion of those funds each year and subsequently entertains grant requests of up to $4000 from NH lake associations, conservation commissions or towns. These funds require a 50% volunteer or “in kind” match… which SLAM easily fulfills by supplementing the NH LAKES grant with its own funding, volunteer Lake Hosts, and the contribution from the Town of Madison. More information can be found here
The Lake Host Program on Silver Lake is unique in many respects:
- It is a cooperative venture between the supporters of SLAM, NH Lakes and the Town of Madison.
- It is reinforced by a unique Aquatic Plant Ordinance in the town that makes it illegal to launch boats on any other town property (and there are 5 public Town beaches)
- It involves a courtesy boat/trailer power wash as well as an inspection.
- It is manned throughout the summer weeks all day.
- It is a paid position supplemented with SLAM volunteers as needed.
Volunteers Needed
The Silver Lake Host Program can always use trained volunteers to supplement the paid Lake Hosts. The schedules, training and coordination with NHLA are administered by a Point Person. For information about how to volunteer, please visit our Volunteer Page.
Success
The Lake Host Program at Silver Lake has been extremely successful in educating and inspecting boaters. It has also prevented milfoil from entering the lake on several occasions. Between education and prevention, SLAM is indebted to this excellent program provided by the NH LAKES.