Lake-Friendly Boating in New Hampshire
Every boat. Every lake. Leave no Trace.
New Hampshire’s lakes are at the heart of our identity. They support vibrant communities, local businesses, tourism, family traditions, and lifelong memories. From powerboating and waterskiing to sailing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and rowing, boating is how we experience our lakes.
Lake-friendly boating is for everyone. It’s about ensuring that recreation and healthy lakes go hand in hand, today and for generations to come.
Lake-friendly boating is a shared responsibility for everyone who enjoys New Hampshire’s lakes. Whether you’re…
- powerboating or operating a personal watercraft,
- cruising on pontoon boats or fishing boats,
- sailing or participating in racing fleets,
- canoeing, kayaking, or paddleboarding,
- rowing in rowboats or rowing shells,
- wake surfing, wakeboarding, or enjoying other watersports,
every activity on the water has a role to play in protecting lake health.
Thoughtful choices by boaters help ensure New Hampshire’s lakes remain clean, vibrant, and enjoyable for generations to come.
The Five Pillars of Lake-Friendly Boating
Boating on our lakes is a culture shared with friends and a legacy shared with family. Lake-friendly boating rests on five key pillars that protect our lakes and ensure our lakes remain healthy and welcoming for everyone.
- Protect Water Quality
- Stop the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species
- Protecting Shorelines and Lake Bottoms
- Respect Wildlife
- Protect Native Aquatic Plants
Interactive Lake-Friendly Boating Map
Our interactive lake-friendly boating map helps boaters make informed decisions that protect the health of lake ecosystems. This map shows detailed lake depths, shoreline distances, and sensitive areas, allowing boaters to identify deeper water and avoid nearshore and shallow zones where wakes and propeller wash can disturb sediments and habitats.
By using this map, boaters can adjust their activity and location to reduce shoreline erosion, protect water quality, and minimize impacts on wildlife and aquatic plants. When used thoughtfully, this tool helps recreation and healthy lakes go hand in hand.
Is Your Lake Association Interested in a Customized Lake-Friendly Boating Map?
NH LAKES partners with local lake associations to create personalized lake-friendly boating maps tailored to individual lakes.
Customized maps can support boater education, outreach efforts, and lake-friendly recreation on your lake.
If your lake association is interested in partnering with NH LAKES to create a map for your lake, we encourage you to reach out to learn more.