One boat. One invasive plant. One big save for Newfound Lake.
One overlooked clump of aquatic plants can have lasting consequences for a lake. Thanks to the keen eye of NH LAKES Lake Host Aidan Nolan, Newfound Lake was recently saved from one of New Hampshire’s most problematic invasive species: fanwort.
While conducting a boat inspection at the boat launch at Wellington State Park on Newfound Lake, Aidan noticed multiple dried plants tangled on the boat and trailer about to be launched. The boat had arrived from Robinson Pond in Hudson, where it had picked up the plants.
Although the boater recognized there was “something” caught on the boat, they assumed it was just “seaweed.” They explained that the boat is typically kept at home, but it had become tangled in aquatic plants while boating on Robinson Pond. While the boater said they were familiar with the “Clean, Drain, Dry” message for preventing invasive plants and animals, vegetation was hanging from several locations on their boat and trailer.
When Aidan inspected the hitchhiking plants closely, he became concerned. He contacted Paul DeBassio, his local Lake Host Coordinator, and Paul Pellissier, Conservation Program Manager, both with the Newfound Lake Region Association (NLRA). Together, they rehydrated the plants to examine the leaves and stems more closely.
Their suspicions were confirmed by NH LAKES and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services—it was fanwort. This invasive plant spreads rapidly in waterbodies, crowds out native vegetation, interferes with recreation, alters ecosystems, and is extremely difficult to manage once established.
Fortunately, Aidan found the hitchhiking plant fragment before the boat was launched into Newfound Lake.
When DeBassio first saw the photo of the plant, he knew just how significant the discovery was.
“Knowing the impact invasive species can have on lakes and ponds, whenever a Lake Host shares a photo of suspicious material, my gut reaction is often, ‘Oh no, not again,'” DeBassio explained. “But then I remembered it was found on an incoming boat. My worry quickly turned to relief—and even a little excitement—knowing the Lake Host Program just prevented another infestation.”
This interception is especially significant because Newfound Lake remains one of New Hampshire’s most pristine lakes. While the spiny water flea, and invasive animal, was recently discovered in the lake, Newound remains free of invasive plants. This fanwort “save” demonstrates how easily invasive species can be transported from one waterbody to another—and how a single boat inspection can protect an entire lake.
For Aidan, protecting Newfound Lake is deeply personal.
“My grandmother started going to Camp Wulamat on the lake in the 1950s, and my whole family has been coming here ever since,” he said. “I worked at Camp Wulamat for years and still vacation there. It’s our favorite spot on earth, and you can see it from the boat launch. My father and uncles bought property here in the 2010s, which is where I stay when I work.”
Aidan’s lifelong connection makes every inspection meaningful.
The save also reflects decades of education and outreach by NLRA. The organization has participated in the Lake Host Program for more than 20 years, helping to build a culture in which boaters understand the importance of protecting the lake before they launch.
“Many of our returning boaters know and expect to see Lake Hosts at the ramp,” said Pellissier. “Newfound also welcomes first-time visitors from lakes across New Hampshire and New England, so every inspection is an opportunity to educate boaters and reinforce that we all share the responsibility of preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species.”
If you boat, before launching into any lake, always take time to:
- Clean off all plants, animals, and mud from your boat, trailer, and gear.
- Drain all water from your boat, live wells, ballast tanks, and equipment.
- Dry everything thoroughly before launching in another waterbody.
Taking just a few extra minutes to Clean, Drain, Dry your boat, trailer, and gear can help keep invasive species like fanwort out of New Hampshire’s lakes.
NH LAKES operates the Lake Host Program in partnership with approximately 80 lake associations and communities across the state, placing trained Lake Hosts at about 100 of New Hampshire’s most highly used boat ramps. Aidan is one of nearly 600 trained Lake Hosts working statewide to educate boaters, inspect watercraft, and prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
The Newfound Lake Region Association has partnered with NH LAKES since the Lake Host Program began in 2002. More than two decades later, this longstanding partnership continues to play an important role in protecting Newfound Lake and keeping New Hampshire’s lakes healthy.
Learn more about the Lake Host Program and how you can become a hero for your lake, like Aiden!