New Hampshire is home to nearly 1,000 lakes—some of the cleanest in the country—and this July, they’re getting the recognition they deserve. In a recent proclamation, Governor Ayotte declared July 2025 as Lakes Appreciation Month in the Granite State.
“New Hampshire’s lakes are among our state’s greatest treasures—essential to our environment, economy, and way of life,” said Governor Ayotte. “I’m proud to recognize July as Lakes Appreciation Month and commend NH LAKES for their leadership in protecting these vital natural resources. Together, we will continue working to ensure our lakes remain clean, healthy, and vibrant for generations to come.”
Clean and healthy lakes contribute significantly to New Hampshire’s quality of life, economy, and culture. They support wildlife, attract tourists worldwide, and are a key reason many choose to live and recreate in the state.
If you’re a resident or visitor, NH LAKES invites everyone to celebrate Lakes Appreciation Month by spending time in, on, or around the water. Whether you enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, or simply taking in the view, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The Governor’s proclamation also emphasizes the importance of protecting New Hampshire’s lakes and ponds for future generations. To support this effort, NH LAKES encourages participation in lake-friendly activities throughout the month.
Ways you can help our lakes:
Join the LakeSmart Program: A free, voluntary, and non-regulatory initiative that helps property owners live in a lake-friendly way by promoting simple actions to protect water quality, wildlife habitat, and property values. Learn more about LakeSmart here.
Practice “Clean, Drain, and Dry”: Prevent the spread of invasive species by cleaning, draining, and drying boats, trailers, and gear before launching your boat into the lake. Learn more about Clean, Drain, and Dry here.
Be Septic Smart: Properly maintain septic systems to prevent harmful bacteria and nutrients from entering our lakes, which can lead to potentially toxic cyanobacteria blooms. Learn more about proper septic maintenance here.
Vegetate Your Property: Incorporate native plants into your landscape to soak up polluted runoff water and create habitat for wildlife. Learn more about lake-friendly planting here.
Invest in Lake Protection: Become a supporter of NH LAKES and join the growing community of people across the state taking action to restore and preserve the health of the lakes we all love. There are many ways to give back to our lakes, find your place here.
Appreciate our lakes year-round.
Get a FREE copy of our Lake Book. It includes everything from lake basics like “What is a Watershed? and The Life of a Lake” to detailed information on required approvals and permits, including current contact information for relevant state departments and other resources. Other topics include: a list of native plant species to use in your next landscaping project, tips for safe boating and recreation, and how to get involved with lake stewardship!
by Martech Consulting