Lake host stops invasive plant at Newfound Lake at Wellington State Park

BRISTOL — A vigilant Lake Host recently prevented fanwort, an invasive aquatic plant, from entering Newfound Lake, one of New Hampshire’s most pristine lakes.

While conducting a routine boat inspection at Wellington State Park, NH LAKES Lake Host Aidan Nolan spotted several plants tangled on a boat and trailer about to be launched into the lake. The boat had arrived from Robinson Pond in southern New Hampshire with aquatic vegetation tangled around it.

After removing the hitchhiking plant and taking a close look, Nolan contacted Paul DeBassio, his local Lake Host Coordinator, and Paul Pellissier, Conservation Program Manager with the Newfound Lake Region Association. They confirmed with NH LAKES and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services that the plants he removed were fanwort — an invasive species that can spread rapidly and is difficult to control once established.

Because the boat had not yet entered Newfound Lake, the fanwort was intercepted before it could cause an infestation in the lake. Invasive aquatic species can spread rapidly, crowd out native plants, disrupt habitat, interfere with boating and swimming, reduce shoreline property values, and negatively impact local tourism.

"Whenever a Lake Host shares a photo of suspicious material, my gut reaction is often, 'Oh no, not again,'" DeBassio said. "But then I remembered this was an incoming boat. My worry quickly turned to relief — and even a little excitement — knowing the Lake Host Program may have just protected the lake from another infestation."

Protecting Newfound Lake is deeply personal.

"My grandmother started going to Camp Wulamat in the 1950s, and my whole family has been coming here ever since," DeBassio said. "I worked at Camp Wulamat for years and still vacation there. It’s our favorite spot on Earth, and you can see it from the boat launch. My father and uncles bought property here in the 2010s, which is where I stay when I work."

That lifelong connection makes every inspection meaningful.

The Newfound Lake Region Association has partnered with NH LAKES since the Lake Host Program began in 2002. More than two decades later, this longstanding partnership continues to play an important role in protecting Newfound Lake and keeping New Hampshire’s lakes healthy.

Before launching into any lake, always take time to:

• Clean off all plants, animals, and mud from the boat, trailer and gear
• Drain all water from the boat, live wells, ballast tanks, and equipment
• Dry everything thoroughly before launching in another waterbody

See the whole list of Lake Host saves and learn how to get involved with the Lake Host Program at nhlakes.org/lake-host.