The best way to appreciate a lake is to protect it

Did you know that July is Lakes Appreciation Month? There could hardly be a better time to celebrate Lake Winnipesaukee. Long summer days bring families together on the water, children learn to swim from docks that have welcomed generations before them, anglers head out before sunrise, and boaters explore the hundreds of miles of shoreline that make this lake unlike anywhere else.

But Lake Winnipesaukee is much more than a summer destination.

Each year, the North American Lake Management Society recognizes July as Lakes Appreciation Month to remind us that lakes are far more than places to recreate. They provide drinking water, support wildlife and fisheries, strengthen local economies, improve our physical and mental well-being, and shape the character of communities across the country. Invasive species, stormwater runoff, aging septic systems, and a changing climate continue to put increasing pressure on these irreplaceable resources.

Here in New Hampshire's Lakes Region, we are fortunate to be surrounded by some of the most beautiful lakes in the country. Lake Winnipesaukee alone supports thousands of residents, businesses, and visitors each year while providing critical habitat for countless species. It is central to our economy, our history, and our way of life. Every one of us has a connection to this lake, whether we live here year-round or return each summer to enjoy its beauty.

The question is not simply how we appreciate the lake. It is how we care for it.

Appreciation goes beyond enjoying a day on the water. It means taking action to protect the resource that gives us so much. Whether it's maintaining your septic system, planting native vegetation along your shoreline, limiting fertilizer use, picking up litter during a walk, or reducing stormwater runoff from your property, every action helps protect water quality and reduce the nutrients that contribute to harmful cyanobacteria blooms.

There are many ways to become involved. Support your local lake or watershed organization.

Volunteer for a shoreline cleanup. Become a Weed Watcher through NHDES. Attend a public meeting about water quality in your community. Or simply start a conversation with your neighbors about the importance of protecting the lake. Individual actions may seem small, but together they create meaningful change.

As you enjoy time on the water this summer, remember to recreate responsibly. Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat, trailer, and gear every time you leave the water to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Operate at headway speed where required, respect other boaters, paddlers, and anglers, and avoid creating unnecessary wake in shallow areas where sediments can be disturbed. If you're hosting family or friends this summer, share these simple stewardship practices with them. A little education can go a long way.

While July gives us a reason to celebrate our lakes, protecting them cannot be limited to a single month. Every decision we make, both on the water and on the land, influences the future of Lake Winnipesaukee. One conversation. One thoughtful choice. One act of stewardship at a time.

After all, if a lake gives us a lifetime of memories, it deserves a lifetime of care.

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Bree Rossiter is the associate director of the Lake Winnipesaukee Alliance, the only nonprofit dedicated to protecting the water quality and natural resources of Lake Winnipesaukee and its watershed through science, education, advocacy, and collaborative solutions. Her work focuses on advancing long-term watershed protection initiatives and connecting science with practical solutions to help preserve the lake for future generations. To learn more, visit winnipesaukee.org.