State official identifies hydrilla as next big threat to state's lakes and ponds - 353

MEREDITH — Seminar participants representing seven N.H. water bodies listened with rapt attention last week as Amy Smagula, exotic species coordinator for the N.H. Department of Environmental Services, introduced familiar aquatic invasives like variable milfoil and zebra mussels before sharing information about new threats to state's public waters. Smagula's appearance at the Community Center was hosted by the Waukewan and Winona Watershed Protective Association.

"This is a very important issue to bring to the public's awareness if we hope to stop the spread of exotic invasives threatening New Hampshire's waters," said Deb Corr, co-chairman of WWWPA.

According to Smagula, the latest threat knocking at N.H.'s door is hydrilla. This horrific invasive is spread not only by the uneducated boater; it can be spread by water fowl. "This species is so rapacious and grows so quickly that it threatens to replace milfoil as the number one enemy of our lakes and ponds," she said. Another new threat is the Asian clam. This exotic species likes sand and will multiply rapidly in sandy areas of ponds and lakes, colonizing habitat and depleting food sources that are essential to the survival of native species.

"Our greatest weapon in the fight against invasives is prevention" said Smagula.

The Weed Watcher and Lake Host Programs play a very important part in helping to keep invasives out of the state's lakes and ponds.

"Lake Waukewan has active volunteers in both programs" according to Janan Hays, vice chairman of WWWPA and the coordinator of its Weed Watcher Program.

Tim Whiting is the coordinator of the Lake Host Program on Lake Waukewan.

"We encourage shorefront property owners and others interested in protecting New Hampshire's beautiful ponds and lakes to think about starting Weed Watcher and Lake Host Programs on their own lake or pond" said Hays.

"It is imperative for people to become involved in this effort if we are to save New Hampshire's ponds and lakes" said Dave Reilly, co-chairman, WWWPA.

For information or to be added to WWWPA's e-mail list for notifications of future seminars, email Deb Corr at debcorr@metrocast.net, Janan Hays @northstarnh.com or Dave Reilly at rreillydave@aol.com.