Lake Host, a boat inspection program
What is the Lake Host Program and why do we have it? The Lake Host™ Program is a courtesy boat inspection program sponsored by the non-for-profit organization NH LAKES in cooperation with the SLA. This nationally recognized aquatic invasive species education and prevention program aims is to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive aquatic plants and animals such as Eurasian milfoil and Chinese mystery snails into Spofford Lake. Milfoil has been found in nearly 80 of New Hampshire’s 1,000 lakes and ponds as well as other bodies of water. As of December 2023, Spofford Lake gratefully remains clear of any invasive species thanks to this program What are the responsibilities of boat owners and Lake Hosts? Boaters are required to "Arrive Cleaned, Drained & Dry" to block invasive species from moving between water bodies on or in boats. The Lake Hosts are charged with inspecting all boats entering and leaving the Lake. Why was the program started? The NH legislature created the program to boost prevention of invasive species. It realized that infestations of invasive species can quickly and profoundly change the character of a lake, stream or river. Moreover, recreation in and on the water could become unpleasant and even dangerous. And shoreline area property values would likely decline. Infestation is difficult to remediate and expensive to control. When did Spofford Lake get involved? Spofford joined up the first year of operation. Jozefa Johnson and Val Starbuck, aided by Fred Newton (and others) blazed the trail for what has become a robust and well-run program. Starbuck recalls that “… it was difficult back then because people didn't really want to waste any time to comply with checking their boats. It was a battle for a few years until education became more widespread and then boat owners got on the bandwagon.” Jozefa adds that “once the State provided pamphlets and other educational materials” boaters started to take the program seriously.” We should all be grateful to Jozefa, Val, Fred and the others for being so forward thinking! We all have benefitted from their early efforts. How effective has the program been? Here are two reasons why the Lake Host program is so beneficial. Earlier in the summer of 2024, a Spofford Lake Host intercepted milfoil on a boat trailer. What was suspected milfoil was recently confirmed via testing through the NH LAKES process. As we understand it, a boat owner repeatedly denied that the boat had been in any other waterbody. Prior to arriving at Spofford. Through assiduous probing on the part of our Lake Host, it was finally revealed that the boat had indeed been on a lake in Massachusetts for testing after a service call. Great catch Lake Hosts! That's a milfoil save! In another incident in 2024, a boater was turned away by our Hosts for excessive mud and debris on the truck, which impaired the Host’s ability to determine if any invasive species (perhaps hydrilla or milfoil) might be hitchhiking on the vehicle. All boats entering waterbodies are meant to arrive “Cleaned, Dried & Drained.” The year 2021 marked the 20th anniversary for the program. NH LAKES reports a record-breaking 130,000 boat and trailer inspections were completed in 2020, nearly 30,000 more than 2019. Across the state, here is how the program has evolved from 2002 to 2020.
How does the program work? Lake hosts are paid an hourly basis bringing the total cost of the program in 2023 to about $30,000. Expenses were covered by three parties: SLA contributed $19,000 from its operating account, the Chesterfield Conservation Commission $6,500 and matching grant funds from NH Lakes for $4,500. How do I become a Lake Host? Board members Frank Turner and Art Huggins manage the program for the SLA. Click here to find out more. Page updated August 5, 024 | Our Spofford Lake Host Team
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| Spofford Lake Association PO Box 177 |
