First discovered in Lake Winnipesaukee in 1965, Variable Milfoil continues to threaten the lake’s aquatic habitat.
Learn more about this non-native species and its impact on our lake.
Learn more about this non-native species and its impact on our lake.
Native to the United States, but not New Hampshire, iInfestations can be found in many embayed areas of the lake and small coves such as Green’s Basin, Moultonborough, Smith Cove in Gilford, Back Bay in Wolfeboro, Smalls Cove and Minge Cove in West Alton, and Paugus Bay.
Invasive plants such as milfoil inhibit recreational use of the water, are costly to treat, and have the potential to lower property values.
Native fish and wildlife species are threatened from changes in lake ecology arising from invasive plants and animals, as well as the impacts from human activities such as development, habitat fragmentation, recreational activities, and pollution.
You can help stop the spread of existing exotic species in NH waterbodies and prevent the introduction of new invasives by learning the Frightful Fourteen, and by practicing ‘Clean, Drain, and Dry’ your boat, kayak, or canoe after each use.
Look out for the Chinese Mystery Snail! These invasive snails have been found in various water bodies throughout New Hampshire, including Lake Winnipesaukee. Native to East Asia, these snails were brought into the U.S. in the late 19th century as a possible food source. When introduced to our waters, they can become detrimental to the health of the lake, stream, or pond, reproducing rapidly and outcompeting native snail species for food and habitat.
Wicwas Lake has been raking thousands of snails from their lake every year, and Lake Waukewan has conducted several snail hunts to remove these snails from their lake.
If you find any of these snails – REMOVE THEM FROM THE WATER and dispose of the snail in the trash. Adult Mystery Snails are approximately 1.5-2 inches in length and an olive green to reddish-brown color with 6-7 whorls on the shell.
In addition to manual removal of these snails in the water, you can also help prevent the spread of any invasive species by cleaning, draining, drying, and inspecting all watercraft and recreational equipment that holds water before entering and leaving a lake.