NH Lakes

Advocacy: NH Lakes is an advocate for clean and healthy Lakes. This advocacy work includes direct lobbying with the state legislature and occasionally at the federal level on laws that are designed to protect the health of New Hampshire's 1,000 Lakes; and to enable the appropriate state agencies to effectively implement corresponding clean and healthy Lakes policies and programs. NH Lakes also works at the municipal level helping its local partners implement lake-friendly ordinances, policies, and programs. In addition to direct lobbying, NH Lakes performs indirect lobbying by engaging its membership community in grassroots lobbying of the state legislature. NH Lakes carries out its work in a collaborative manner with other organizations and groups throughout New Hampshire and periodically conducts research in order to provide the strategic direction and factual basis for its advocacy positions.

Educational outreach (webinar series, website, and communications) due to the pandemic, NH Lakes was forced to reimagine its outreach program. During the summer, NH Lakes launched a robust well-attended weekly webinar series. The webinar series continued through the fall and winter as a monthly offering. Total number of registrations for this New outreach activity reached nearly 2,500. NH Lakes' website continues to serve as a valuable resource to those interested in Lakes conservation issues here and New Hampshire and beyond.

Conservation: NH Lakes administers a number of conservation programs, the largest of which is the lake host program (lh). Lh is an educational and courtesy boat inspection program administered by NH Lakes in cooperation with local participating groups to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species from waterbody to waterbody. NH Lakes secures grants to hire and provide payroll and payroll series for approximately 270 seasonal employees (and 302 volunteers) working as lake hosts with local sponsoring groups (like lake associations, municipalities) at approximately 85 of the most highly-used public boat ramps throughout the state. NH Lakes piloted a brand New conservation program in 2019. NH Lakes adapted Maine's lakesmart lake-friendly living program to New Hampshire. Through lakesmart, property owners take an online survey to learn about lake-friendly living. Property owners can have their property evaluated to receive lake-friendly living recommendations tailored to their property and lifestyle.