Milfoil prevention efforts at LSPA began in 1998 when we established two aggressive programs (Weed Watch and Boat Launch Monitor) to provide early detection of invasive aquatic plants. Unfortunately, variable milfoil was discovered at Sunapee in 2001. The plants were removed and barrier was placed on the bottom of the lake to prevent further infestations. The area is now closely monitored by staff throughout the summer growing season, and the invasive plants are considered “under control”. No lake has ever completely eliminated variable milfoil from its waters once it has become established, so the LSPA will always keep a close watch on the area where the infestation occurred.
The following information details our yearly programs:
INVASIVE SPECIES
Weed Watch
A Weed Watch Program has been in place at Lake Sunapee since 1998. The goal of this program is to locate and identify invasive aquatic plants that have entered the lake before they have become well-established. The 26.2 miles of Lake Sunapee shoreline has been divided among 30 teams of volunteers who formally survey their assigned areas three times each summer looking for invasive plants. Participation in this program has grown each year, starting with the summer 2005 that began with 164 lakeshore residents patrolling the shoreline. Casual inspection by weed watchers is nearly constant. The invasive variable milfoil discovered in Lake Sunapee in 2001 was actually spotted by a “weed watcher” surveying his territory – proof that this program really works!
Lake Host
The Lake Host program actually began at Lake Sunapee in 1999, with the Boat Launch Monitor Program. The LSPA hired high school students that summer to work at Lake Sunapee boat ramps - checking boats and trailers for aquatic plants and educating the public about invasive species. In 2002, through collaboration between LSPA, NHLA, U.S. Senator Judd Gregg, and NOAA, grant monies were attained to bring this program to lakes statewide and has continued each year since.
The LSPA has typically staffed boat ramps in Sunapee Harbor, Georges Mills, and Sunapee State Park on weekends, holidays, and some weekdays for the weeks of summer, including June through the start of September. In order to compensate Lake Hosts, LSPA applies for grant funding from NHLA through a grant from NH DES. “Saves” have occurred most recently in 2006 and 2007.
Boat Wash
LSPA received a grant from the Boat US Foundation this spring to establish a Boat Wash station in Sunapee Harbor. Lake Hosts invite boaters to wash their boats. Using a power washer, boats and boat trailers are washed down with water before launching to remove any plant fragments or other material. Plant fragments will be collected and wash water contained and then allowed to infiltrate via grassed and/or stone swales. The Boat Wash station is located in the upper parking lot in Sunapee Harbor – up the hill, behind the gazebo. The wash set-up and site drainage has been approved by the NHDES Wetlands Bureau.
Grant money from the US Boat Foundation was used to purchase power washers, to make signs, and to design and distribute 1000 educational boat wash brochures.
Date published on web site:
09-01-2007
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