Invasive Species
Working in partnership with the Lakeside Park Committee, NH Lakes, NH Fish & Game, DES and other organizations, efforts focus on identifying and safely removing a variety of invasive, non-native plants and parasites from infested areas of the lakeshore and water.
Many invasive species are spread unintentionally by boats, trailers, fishing gear, and other recreational equipment. Cleaning, draining, and drying boats and equipment before entering another waterbody is one of the most effective ways to protect New Hampshire’s lakes. Early detection and rapid response are critical to preventing a small infestation from becoming a much larger problem.
Asian Clam
This invasive freshwater clam can alter lake ecosystems by filtering large amounts of water and competing with native species.
Eurasian Milfoil
A fast-growing invasive plant that can spread rapidly and dominate shallow areas of lakes and ponds.
Learn more about our milfoil remediation efforts here.
Japanese Knotweed
An aggressive invasive plant that forms dense thickets, chokes out native vegetation, and damages foundations, pavement, and drainage pipes.
Spiny Water Flea
A tiny invasive zooplankton species with a distinctive long, barbed tail spine. It can disrupt aquatic food webs by competing with native zooplankton and affecting the fish species that depend on them for food. Spiny water fleas can spread between waterbodies on boats, fishing equipment, and other recreational gear.
Water Chestnut
A highly invasive floating aquatic plant that forms dense surface mats, blocking sunlight from native plants and reducing oxygen levels in the water. Its sharp, spiny seeds can also pose a hazard to people and animals.
Zebra Mussel
A highly destructive invasive mussel capable of reproducing rapidly, altering aquatic ecosystems, and attaching to boats and infrastructure.