Weed Watcher
PowWow Pond
The Weed Watchers Program, operated in partnership with the state of NH Department of Environmental Services Exotic Species Program, consists of a group of individuals, mainly shorefront residents, trained to recognize exotic and native aquatic plant species. These volunteers ply the waters of Powwow in various types of watercraft at intervals during the summer growing season, keeping an eye out for new exotic plant infestations. Any infestation is reported so that a course of action may be recommended and pursued.
Learning to identify aquatic plant species and spending time on the water observing them is not only great fun, it is an important part of controlling the spread of invasives. The more volunteers we have, the smaller the area each need to cover, and the more thoroughly we can monitor respective locations. If you would like to volunteer to join Weed Watchers and assist with our monitoring effort, please contact Paul Dearborn, Weed Watchers El Presidente, at: (603) 642-4493.
Lake Host
The Lake Host Program is operated in partmership with the NH Lakes Association, combining a grant from this organization with volunteer labor to greet boaters at the New Boston Rd Fish and Game boat ramp. Lake Hosts conduct boater information surveys and provide courtesy boat inspections for “plant hitch hikers” that may inadvertently be carried on boats, motors, and trailers from other locations. The Lake Host Program has achieved some success in halting the spread of exotic aquatic plants in the state, and the Council is thrilled to have been a part of this effort since the 2009 boating season. Though hosts cannot staff the boat launch 24/7, paid and volunteer Lake Hosts educate boaters about the accidental spead of exotic species and hopefully teach them to be responsible for inspecting their own vessels during future trips.
PowWow Pond
Since finding exotic milfoil in Powwow, our Lake Host Program has been especially focused on educating boaters departing the pond to prevent the spread of invasives to other local waterbodies. If you would like to volunteer for some Lake Host duties at Powwow Pond this upcoming boating season, please contact Lake Host Program Point Person Paul Dearborn at (603) 642-4493.