Courtesy Invasive Plant Trailer Inspections - Will it Help?

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Today there is an article in the Citizen about Lake Winnisquam Watershed Association starting a new program “Lake Host Program” (http://www.citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080423/GJNEWS02/773635909/-1/CITNEWS). I really like the idea, but will it really help? Do you think boaters will cooperate if their trailer or boat has any invasive hitchhikers on it?

[KBoater]

Lake Wentworth has been doing this for years. They have inspections at ramps and people have been corporating

[chipj29]

I boat occassionally on Lake Massasecum in Bradford. A couple year ago they had the inspections at the launch ramp. Looked to be college age kids doing it. They come over, ask a couple questions, ask if you are aware of the invasive plant problem, and take a look at your trailer and boat. I never noticed any boaters not cooperating, but then again, I was not at the ramp all day long either. It definately raises the level of awareness, therefore it can certainly help.

[mcdude]

This is a program sponsored by NH D.E.S. - I've seen them at Suncook Lake and I believe that the Merrymeeting Lake Association also participates. Here's a link...
WEED WATCHER PROGRAM (http://www.des.state.nh.us/wmb/exoticspecies/survey.htm)

[SIKSUKR]

I've been inspected many times at the Glendale launch over the last 4 years.Good idea I think.

[Seeker]

The NHLA runs it and it appears very successful. (maybe I should say funds it instead of runs it?)
More info here:
www.nhlakes.org/lake-host-program/
Unfortunately too late to sign up for this year.

[Dave R]

Inspections are common in Maine, as are free, fairly high-pressure, washdown stations near the ramps on lakes without weed problems. I think it's a good idea. The inspections are very unobtrusive (they do it while I am prepping the boat for launch), the inspectors are friendly volunteers, and they help make people aware of the potential problems they can cause and easily prevent. I have to pay $20 per year to fund the program (I assume it funds the program, may just go to the general fund) in Maine, but I don't mind. The lake where we have property is milfoil free and I hope it stays that way.

[jrc]

It's has to be better for the lake and cheaper to stop the millfoil from getting in than to try to remove it afterwards.

Sounds like a good plan even for a cheapskate yankee like me.

[Chris Craft]

It is a great plan and is working very well in Maine!!!

http://www.mainelakes.org/documents/milfoil%20newsletter%20May%2008.pdf

[EllyPoinster]

This is a program sponsored by NH D.E.S. - I've seen them at Suncook Lake and I believe that the Merrymeeting Lake Association also participates. Here's a link...
WEED WATCHER PROGRAM (http://www.des.state.nh.us/wmb/exoticspecies/survey.htm)

You are right, mcdude - Merrymeeting Lake does participate. In fact, the MML Lake Host team was credited with two "saves" last year. Here's the story: http://mmlake.org/forums/showthread.php?t=218

[MAXUM]

I've been checked at both back bay and Libby's in Wolfeboro all summer long last year. I think it's a great idea and in talking with the kids that are doing the checking, they said everyone has been more than willing to cooperate. This is good to see, every part we can take to stop spreading that crappy weed around the state the better off we'll be. Plus it educates those that may not be familiar with the problem.

[Chris Craft]

I forgot that if you are towing into Maine on the turnpike they give you a milfoil pamplet. It shows you what to look for and what to do. I am sure that a lot of them go unread but while I drove my wife read it and pointed out a few things that I did not know about it. We get it at the end of our dock each summer. They just came over last year with a huge vacume and sucked it all up. Since then I have not seen any. I am sure it will be back but I sure to appreciate all the effort that they put into it. Unfortunately they ussually do the volunteer thing durring the week so I can never help. Great group of people that is for sure!!!