AQUATIC INVASIVES SPECIES POSE AN IMMENENT THREAT
While Newfound currently remains free of aquatic invasive species, lakes throughout New Hampshire continue to succumb to infestations.
Aquatic invasive species are plants and animals found in a waterbody they don’t naturally occur in. Because they do not have any natural predators, they overwhelm the lake ecosystem and cause serious problems – from creating hazards for recreators to outcompeting or destroying habitat for native plants and animals and reducing water quality and clarity. Once an invasive species is established it is nearly impossible to eradicate, can cost tens of thousands of dollars annually to control, and reduces property and recreational values by roughly one-third.
A TWO-PART DEFENSE
Prevention and early detection is key to managing invasive species. NLRA Lake Hosts and Weed Watchers, along with conscientious recreators, can keep invasive aquatic species at bay.
Lake Hosts
This program is our first line of defense against invasive species. Boaters can incidentally transfer these species from water body to water body – a small fragment of invasive weed can easily hitch a ride on the hull of a boat and start a new life in the next lake it comes to. Newfound Lake Hosts provide complimentary boat and trailer inspections on Newfound Lake’s two public boat launches to check for fragments of flora and fauna, as well as educate boaters about invasive species and promote proper clean, drain, and dry practices. Since 2002, Lake Hosts have prevented 28 fragments of invasive plants—including milfoil—from being launched into the pristine waters of Newfound Lake. Are you interested in volunteering as a Lake Host? Learn more here.
Weed Watchers
Weed Watchers are NLRA volunteers who observe the shores for the presence of aquatic plants, both native and invasive. While several areas of Newfound are closely watched, most of the shoreline remains unmonitored. With additional volunteers, we can cover more of the shoreline and nip the growth of invasive species colonies in the bud. Weed watching usually takes place once a month from late May through August. Would you like to volunteer as a Weed Watcher? Learn more here.
Recreators
Keep aquatic invasive species from hitching a ride on your boat! If you enjoy recreating on Newfound Lake, make sure to do your part to keep Newfound free of invasive aquatic species. Clean, drain, and dry your boat, trailer, and other equipment before launching into a different waterbody. Learn more here.