Lake Host program kicking off 15th season of preventing invasive species

CONCORD — Memorial Day weekend marks the official start the New Hampshire Lakes Association Lake Host Program. This summer, approximately 800 Lake Hosts stationed at 104 of the most used boat ramps throughout the state will teach boaters how to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, such as milfoil and Asian clams. This summer marks the 15th season of this nationally-recognized aquatic invasive species education and prevention program.

Aquatic invasive species can be spread between water bodies on boating, fishing, and recreational equipment. Once in a water body, they can cause serious problems. Not only do these species crowd out native plants and animals, they affect people by degrading boating, swimming, and fishing areas, and by reducing shoreline property values and tourism. During the summer of 2015, 792 Lake Hosts, working in partnership with 80 local groups, performed a season high of 92,184 courtesy boat inspections and captured 48 fragments of invasive species that were hitchhiking on boats and trailers.

Through the "Clean, Drain, and Dry" approach, Lake Hosts encourage boaters to always take time to do the following, before and after boating, to prevent invasive plants and animals from hitchhiking a ride into waterways:

- Clean off any plants, animals, mud and other debris from your boat, trailer, and recreational gear.

- Drain your boat (bilge, engine, and ballast tanks), trailer and equipment away from the water.

- Dry anything that came in contact with the water. At least five days of drying time is best.

"Through the Lake Host Program, each summer we meet thousands of boaters who are often surprised to learn how easy it is for them to do a few simple things to protect the lakes and ponds they love from devastating and annoying aquatic invasive species," said Andrea LaMoreaux, vice president of the New Hampshire Lakes Association. "We thank all boaters for always taking the time to clean, drain, and dry their boat, trailer and gear before and after boating."

The Lake Host Program is funded by grants from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and private foundations, and contributions from municipalities, lake associations and individuals. Since 2002, Lake Hosts have conducted approximately 761,735 courtesy boat inspections and captured 1,515 pieces of hitchhiking invasive plants and animals before they were able to infest waterbodies.