Two more points of clarification...
Yes, the written objective of the Lake Host program does state that the goal is to prevent the spread of exotic aquatic plants as this is the primary concern relative to exotic aquatic species in New Hampshire. But, rest assured, keeping an eye out for zebra mussels, and removing them when found (thankfully, this has NOT happened yet), is also taught in the Lake Host training sessions. For more information about zebra mussels, how they spread, what threat they pose to New Hampshire's approximately 1,000 lakes and ponds, and what NH LAKES recommends to prevent their spread, we invite you to read our article that appears the current issue of the Weirs Times (August 12th issue)entitled "Zebras in the lake?" You can download it from our homepage at
www.nhlakes.org (look under the heading, "NH LAKES in the news") or visit
www.weirs.com.
NH LAKES will not provide any comment on what the boater(s) and or Lake Host(s) in question did or did not do at the Lees Mills ramp in Moultonborough on Sunday, August 8th, to protect the privacy of all parties involved. What we can tell you is that both parties chose to report and resolve their issue with the local authorities and that NH LAKES has reiterated to participating groups about what Lake Hosts should do and should not do when a boater does not want his/her vessel inspected or bow number recorded.
Although what is reported to have happened between the Lake Host(s) and boater(s) is unfortuante (and a one-of-a kind event within our 9-year history of the program during which 300,000 courtesy boat inspections have been conducted) this has been a terrific opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of the NH LAKES Lake Host Program and what boaters can do to help keep New Hampshire's lakes free from exotic aquatic plant for all to enjoy - THANK YOU!
Enjoy the rest of the summer!