Fall routines to help protect the lake and aquatic habitats

F

all is a season of transition on Lake Winnipesaukee. The busy hum of summer fades into quiet, crisp mornings. For many, it’s also the time to “close up camp” until next year. But while these seasonal routines have become second nature, they can also leave a mark on the lake if we aren’t careful. With a little extra thought, you can finish the season strong while protecting the waters we all love.  

One of the biggest fall cleanup mistakes is blowing or raking leaves into the lake. Yes, leaves will find their way into the water naturally, but adding more on purpose is a very different story. 

Because they’re natural, it may seem harmless, but it’s not. When leaves decompose underwater, they release phosphorus and nitrogen. These nutrients fuel algae, plant and cyanobacteria blooms. This is significant because one pound of phosphorus can fuel 500 pounds of algal growth.

Even a few wheelbarrows of leaves dumped into a cove can be enough to tip the balance. The same goes for grass clippings, branches, and other yard debris. Once in the water, they quickly break down, consuming oxygen fish, insects, and amphibians depend on. Piles of organic matter can also smother spawning beds and nearshore habitat. 

Starting in 2026, House Bill 416 will make it illegal in New Hampshire to dump yard waste into any surface waters, lakes, ponds, rivers, or streams, with fines in place for violators. The law reinforces what should already be common sense — the lake is not a compost pile.

Existing rules, like the Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act (RSA 483-B), require keeping a natural buffer within 250 feet of the shoreline, including a tightly protected waterfront zone and woodland buffer farther back. A newly passed measure, Senate Bill 299, also adds accountability by allowing the state to fine contractors who clear too much vegetation without a permit, a responsibility that previously fell only on property owners.

So, what can you do instead? Try mulching leaves back into your lawn, composting, or bringing them to a collection site if you must get rid of them. Clear gutters before the first heavy rain so they don’t flush nutrient-rich debris into the lake. If you’re cutting back gardens, or overturning your soil, consider leaving some of the vegetation as a cover, which provides winter habitat for pollinators while also stabilizing soil.

For those removing docks and boats, it’s important to check for aquatic hitchhikers. Invasive plants like variable milfoil can cling to anchors, ladders, and trailers. A quick clean, drain, and dry before storage helps stop the spread.

Another key step in closing up camp is paying attention to what gets stored near the shoreline. While fertilizers and pesticides aren’t supposed to be applied close to the water, bags and containers often end up in sheds, boathouses, or garages right along the shore. Add in fuel cans for boats or lawn equipment, and it’s easy for rain or snowmelt to carry small leaks or spills straight into the lake. The best approach is to keep these materials well back from the water for winter, or rethink how much you really need to bring to camp in the first place.

As winter approaches, dock owners also start to think about ice damage. Deicers and bubblers protect property, but if run too aggressively they can open up large areas of water. That wastes electricity, makes ice unsafe for recreation, and stirs up sediments that damage habitat.

It also leaves stretches of open water exposed to sunlight all winter long, light that would normally be blocked by ice. Extra sunlight penetrating the water column can give algae and cyanobacteria a head start before spring. The best practice is to run bubblers on a timer or thermostat, and only in the immediate area that needs protection. The smaller the footprint, the healthier and safer it is for both people and the lake.

With the lake level so low this fall, it’s also a perfect time to walk your shoreline and pick up litter. Fishing line, old cans, and other trash can easily get caught in rocks or vegetation and stay hidden until water levels drop.

Fishing line in particular is a serious hazard — it can entangle loons, ducks, and fish often with deadly results. Taking a few minutes to clear debris not only keeps your property looking better, but also protects wildlife and prevents plastics and metals from breaking down into the water over time.

Finally, don’t overlook the value of a natural shoreline buffer. Many seasonal homeowners trim vegetation before leaving, but leaving a strip of native plants along the water’s edge is one of the best defenses against pollution. Buffers filter runoff, hold soil in place, and provide year-round habitat. 

Closing up camp is part of the seasonal cycle of life for many Winnipesaukeans. By being mindful we can make sure our routines don’t come at the lake’s expense. A little extra care now will pay off with cleaner water, healthier habitats, and a lake that’s ready to welcome you back next summer.

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Bree Rossiter is the conservation program manager for the Lake Winnipesaukee Alliance. She manages the water quality monitoring program, cyanobacteria monitoring initiatives, the Winni Blue/LakeSmart program, and assists with watershed management planning efforts. Bree can be reached at brossiter@winnipesaukee.org. The Lake Winnipesaukee Alliance is a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the water quality and natural resources of the lake and its watershed. To learn more, visit winnipesaukee.org.