Lake Host Program inspected 34k boats this year

While state agencies continue to wrangle over how to treat infestations of invasive aquatic plants such as milfoil, the Lake Host Program continues to prevent the introduction and spread of milfoil and other species.

During the past summer, 557 lake hosts stationed at 66 boat ramps on 56 lakes and ponds inspected 34,573 vessels and removed invasive species from 54 of them. Since the program started more than 140,000 boats have been inspected and their operators reminded of the of the importance of removing vegetation from their vessels before entering or leaving a lake or pond.

The program began in 2002 at the initiative of the New Hampshire Lakes Association (NHLA) and with a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. At the same time, the Legislature created the Exotic Aquatic Research and Prevention Grant Program, managed by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and funded by a surcharge on the boat registration fee. This year the program provided a $185,000 grant, which was matched by $117,000 in federal funds and $183,000 in local contributions in kind and cash, to operate the program.

The NHLA intends to expand the Lake Host Program next year and encourages all local groups interested in participating to contact Jared Teutsch at 226-0299 or at info@nhlakes,org.