According to the NHDES Lake Information Mapper there are no known invasive species in Lake Kanasatka.
What is the Weed Watchers Program?
“Weed Watchers,” is a volunteer program dedicated to monitoring waterbodies for the presence of aquatic invasive plants. The program was started by NHDES in 1988.
The Local Importance
Why is it important for Lake Kanasatka? The Weed Watchers Program is the first line of defense in preventing aquatic invasive species (AIS) from taking hold in Lake Kanasatka, and has been since 2000. Once invasive species (plant or animal) take hold they are difficult if impossible to eradicate. Once established they quickly take over, ruining recreational opportunities and potentially causing a depreciation in property values. Caught in early stages eradication is possible but prevention is key to keeping Lake Kanasatka AIS free!
Why Should I Volunteer to be a Weed Watcher?
- Do you own a kayak, canoe or paddleboard and enjoy spending time on the water? If so, all you need to do is check an area once a week (or month) from June to September.
- What do I do if I find a suspicious plant? You would contact Tim Baker, Chair of the Weed Watchers committee. Tim would ID the plant and if confirmed invasive, would contact Amy Smagula, NHDES Limnologist/Exotic Species Program Coordinator.
- Are they any costs involved? Not at all! Training and support would be provided, all we ask is for some of your time.
- Why should I help? AIS can pose direct impacts to the ecological health and recreational opportunities of Lake Kanasatka. Volunteering to be a part of the Weed Watchers program can protect our lake and save your property values.
The Lake Host and Weed Watchers Programs work together to prevent invasive species from entering our lake. If you are interested in volunteering for the Weed Watchers program, please contact Tim Baker at [email protected].
Fact Sheets and Resources
NHDES Aquatic Plants and Algae Guide
NHDES Weed Watchers Program Fact Sheet
NHDES Invasive Species Program
Map of Infested NH Waters
NH Fish and Game Aquatic Invasive Species
“Moultonborough volunteers play a key role in our town’s Milfoil Control Program. Volunteers become the “Eyes on the Water” to spot areas of Milfoil growth. If interested in volunteering you will be instructed on what to look for and how to conduct a weed survey. Volunteers will also receive a binder full of information on the program and details on the most threatening invasive plants. There is no cost to the volunteer. The only equipment a volunteer needs is access to a boat, kayak, canoe, paddle board, or PWC.”
-The Weed Watchers Program as described by the Town of Moultonborough Milfoil Committee