PROTECTING OUR NATURAL RESOURCE

JPSOA has a well established program comprised of both paid and volunteer lake hosts. During the 2025 season, our program inspected 717 boats. Our ongoing efforts are vital in preserving the vitality and health of Jenness Pond.

WHAT IS THE LAKE HOST PROGRAM AND WHY WAS IT CREATED?

The Lake Host™ Program is a courtesy boat inspection program sponsored by the non-for-profit organization NH LAKES in cooperation with the JPSOA.  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 Jenness Pond. 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 2025, Jenness Pond gratefully remains clear of any invasive species thanks to this program.

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.

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.

HOW EFFECTIVE HAS THE PROGRAM BEEN IN NEW HAMPSHIRE?

The year 2021 marked the 20th anniversary for the program.  NH LAKES reported 84,000+boat and trailer inspections were completed in 2024.  7 invasive species were removed in 2024. Across the state, here is how the program has evolved from 2002 to 2020.

• Participating boat ramps:  45 –>94
• Lake Host inspectors:  161 –> 598
• Boat/trailer inspections:  <25,000 –> 130,000
• Invasive species ‘saves’:  1,635 from 55 water bodies.  Fanwort and variable milfoil are the top two offenders.  

INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING?

Please reach out to Pat Dowst via email at pattydowst@gmail.com with your name, preferred contact method (phone or email). We have a wonderful group of established volunteers and are always looking for new volunteers to join our ranks.

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

https://nhlakes.org/lake-host-resources/

https://nhlakes.org/wp-content/uploads/Working-for-Clean-and-Healthy-Lakes-Webinar-Preventing-AIS-NHDES-NH-LAKES.pdf