Invasive Species Prevention

Due to increasing concern of invasive aquatic plants spreading from waterbody to waterbody in New Hampshire, LSPA started two prevention programs in 2000: "weed watchers" and boat launch monitors. In 2001, Variable milfoil, an invasive aquatic plant, was first discovered in Georges Mills, and later in Sunapee Harbor. In both cases, LSPA, with the assistance of NHDES, successfully eradicated the plant. Early detection by volunteers and staff was critical in the outcome.

Today, aquatic invasive plant and animal species continue to spread in the Northeast. LSPA looks for and prevents the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) into Lake Sunapee through two programs - the Invasive Watch Program and the Lake Host Program.

Invasive watch

The purpose of this program is to find and remove any aquatic invasive plant or animal before it spreads in Lake Sunapee. The Invasive Watch Program consists of volunteers who conduct monthly surveys while keeping a lookout for aquatic invasive species (AIS).

Lake Host

The purpose of the Lake Host Program is to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species into Lake Sunapee. There are five boat launches on Lake Sunapee which are monitored by Lake Hosts over the boating season.

In addition to the programs above, LSPA formed an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Committee whose purpose is to actively look for ways to effectively prevent invasive species from spreading into Lake Sunapee.