Lake News
Thank You Ted!
A sincere thank you to Ted Kramer for his many years of volunteer service to SLAM. Ted has been involved with SLAM and NH LAKES since he retired from the corporate world in the 1990’s and served the past 9 years as SLAM’s President. Always willing to take on the “tough” jobs, he grew and led the association and continually strived to safeguard the health of Silver Lake, for us and for future generations. Ted will remain on the SLAM Board, but will no longer be our President. Thank You Ted for your many years of leadership!
On August 15th SLAM will host the Silver Lake Singers Blessing of the Lake
The Silver Lake Association of Madison will host the Silver Lake Singers Blessing of the Lake for Healing and Gratitude
Saturday, August 15th, 9AM-10:30AM
SLAM has invited the Silver Lake Singers-a choir dedicated to hospice, hope and healing-to celebrate the health and beauty of Silver Lake in song. In boats, beginning at the head of the Silver Lake, they will sing their way along the western shoreline and end at the Foot of the Lake Beach on East Shore Drive with a poem for many voices and final songs. Be part of this engaging community celebration by joining us in your boats or at any of the beaches for a truly captivating experience. Parking restrictions will be forgiven at the East Shore Drive beach during this event.
You may also visit us on Facebook
- Nichols Beach – 9:20AM
- Allegro – 9:40AM
- South/Foot of the Lake – 10AM (Finale)
We recommended arriving at least 15 minutes before the arrival of the Singers. The Finale will be at the Foot of the Lake/South
Beach with the audience invited to participate in the reading of a poem for many voices, “Water Wiggles” by Nancy Martin.
Discover the Silver Lake Boat Club
If you enjoy spending time on Silver Lake, the Silver Lake Boat Club (SLBC) is a great way to connect with others who share your love of the water.
Whether you enjoy sailing, kayaking, rowing, paddle sports, or simply gathering with friends for lakeside social events, the Boat Club offers a welcoming community for people of all ages. Throughout the season, members enjoy a variety of recreational and social activities celebrating everything that makes Silver Lake special.
If you’re looking to meet fellow lake enthusiasts and become more involved in the Silver Lake community, consider joining the Silver Lake Boat Club. Visit their website to learn more about membership, upcoming events, and how to get involved.
2026 SLAM Annual Meeting Highlights
SLAM’s Annual Meeting was held on Saturday, July 11th at the Madison Elementary School. A review of SLAM’s programs was presented. A need for more weed-watching volunteers was requested. Silver Lake remains oligotrophic (excellent) but trends are showing us on a downward trend. Guest Speaker NH LAKES President Andrea LaMoreaux discussed in detail the Lake Smart Program, and how small changes make a big difference in restoring and protecting lake health! Thank you to Madison Selectpersons Joy, Nicole & Joe for attending, as both SLAM and the Town await results of the Madison Watershed Management Plan in early 2027. You can watch a recording of the meeting here thanks to MadTV.
Weed-Watchers Needed
| SLAM has many programs that we just couldn’t do without our volunteers and Weed-Watching is one of those programs. We need help this summer! The lake’s shoreline is subdivided into sections. What’s involved: 1) Each section needs a team of two volunteers 2) The team trades off scanning the section every other week 3) The goal is to familiarize yourself with the plants in your section and note changes 4) We specifically need volunteers for sections 3-7 and 10-12. We will provide you with a kit and train you. Please email Peg Donahue (peg@donahuesonline.com) if you can assist in this important work. |
Boat Launch Remains Closed – June 13–14 Weekend
The Madison Board of Selectmen has decided to keep the public boat launch closed for the weekend of June 13–14 to help prevent boat wakes from causing damage to shorelines and waterfront property.
As of 8:00 AM on Saturday, June 13, the lake level had receded approximately 4 inches from its extreme flood level and continues to fall. While conditions are improving, water levels remain elevated, and the closure is intended to minimize additional shoreline erosion and property damage.
We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and will provide updates as conditions change.
Lake Level Update – June 11, 7:00 PM
Following last night’s unexpected deluge of approximately 3.5 inches of rain, the lake reached record-high water levels. As of 7:00 PM on Thursday, June 11, with the dam gates fully open, the water level has receded by approximately one inch. We will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as the lake level changes.
Boat Launch Stickers
Boat launch stickers are available at Madison Town Hall during open hours (Monday–Thursday, 8 AM– 4 PM). You can also use this link for mail-in instructions and a list of the information you’ll need to provide.
Time to Renew Your Membership and Support SLAM’s Vital Work
It’s that time of year again—membership renewal season! Your support enables SLAM to continue its mission of protecting and preserving our lake. The water is up, boats are launching, and our dedicated Lake Hosts are already at work. Water testing is scheduled, the Watershed Management Plan is moving forward, and we’re actively advocating for important lake issues. But threats to our lake remain—and we need your help to keep up the momentum. Please consider renewing your membership or making a donation today: Donate here or Join or renew your membership here
Thank you for being part of this important work!
Dam Boards Installed | Water Levels near Normal for Summer
The boards are in on the Silver Lake dam, and May water levels are near their normal summer range. The dam has some leaks and aging cracks, but it is not in any immediate danger. A new Dam Committee has been formed to evaluate long-term solutions, and a new Selectman has applied for a federal grant to help fund the eventual dam replacement. In the meantime, steady as she goes
New Hampshire Lake – LakeSmart Program
If you’ve noticed LakeSmart signs around Silver Lake, they mark properties participating in the NH Lakes LakeSmart Program—a voluntary initiative that helps homeowners protect the lake through practical, science-based improvements. The program focuses on reducing runoff, limiting erosion, and maintaining healthy shorelines.
A LakeSmart visit includes a free, non-regulatory evaluation of your property, along with personalized recommendations. These may include improving drainage, adding native plant buffers, or stabilizing shoreline areas—all aimed at keeping pollutants out of the lake.
Taking part in LakeSmart not only supports cleaner water and better habitat, it can also improve your property’s resilience and curb appeal. When more homeowners participate, the collective impact helps preserve Silver Lake for everyone to enjoy.
To learn more or get started, go to the NH Lakes LakeSmart web site.
September 12, 2025 Surface Layer Survey Details
Here are the final results from the lake survey by Cliff Cabral of New England Milfoil – this time with a map that shows the “hot spots” that our weed watchers should be paying closer attention to:
Referencing the below map: We estimate that approximately half of the Silver Lake shoreline is rocky/sandy, making it difficult for plants to establish themselves; while the other half would be conducive to plant/invasive growth (indicated in red on the map). All of the underwater islands consist of rock piles and thrushes, and no other plant life.
We are happy to report that we found no evidence of invasive plants!
Protecting Our Lake: A look back at our lake host program in 2004
Read how SLAM’s Lake Host Program’s early efforts—highlighted in this 2004 article—helped shape a lasting fight against exotic aquatic plants in our lake.