NH LAKES

🚤🌊 How far from shore should you be boating? Now there's a map for that.

NH LAKES is excited to launch our new Lake-Friendly Boating Initiative, featuring an interactive online map that helps boaters visualize recommended distances from shore, water depths, and sensitive areas on New Hampshire lakes.

Whether you're cruising, waterskiing, wake surfing, tubing, fishing, or paddling, the choices you make on the water can help protect shorelines, wildlife habitat, water quality, and native aquatic plants.

The best part? Lake-friendly boating doesn't mean less fun—it means helping ensure our lakes stay healthy and enjoyable for generations to come.

🗺️ Explore the interactive map and learn the five pillars of Lake-Friendly Boating:

💧 Protect Water Quality
🌿 Prevent Aquatic Invasive Species
🏞️ Protect Shorelines and Lake Bottoms
🦅 Respect Wildlife
🌱 Protect Native Aquatic Plants

Every Boat. Every Lake. Leave No Trace.

Learn more: nhlakes.org/lake-friendly-boating

It's peak pollen season in New Hampshire, and we're seeing pollen accumulating on lakes across the state. These photos were taken in the Lakes Region yesterday.

🌿 If you've noticed yellow-green streaks, swirls, or patches floating on your lake lately, you're not alone.

While pollen is a normal sign of spring, it can sometimes be mistaken for cyanobacteria. If you're wondering what you're seeing on the water, our blog can help you spot the differences and know when it's time to take a closer look.

📖 Read: Is That Cyanobacteria... or Just Pollen? https://nhlakes.org/is-that-cyanobacteria-or-just-pollen/

Remember: if you're ever unsure what you're seeing, avoid contact with the water and report suspected cyanobacteria blooms to NHDES.

What are conditions looking like on your lake? Share a photo in the comments! 👇

Congratulations to Representative John MacDonald, recipient of the 2026 Reverend Sidney Lovett Memorial Award for Exemplary Lake Advocacy! 💙🌊

Presented by NH LAKES every two years, this award recognizes individuals who demonstrate extraordinary leadership in bringing people together to protect and restore New Hampshire's lakes through public policy and community action.

A lifelong Wolfeboro resident, retired New Hampshire State Police detective, former Marine Patrol officer, and current state representative, John has dedicated decades of service to protecting New Hampshire's natural resources and advancing policies that safeguard water quality, recreation, and our state's outdoor heritage.

We were honored to present this award at Lakes Congress 2026 alongside members of Reverend Sidney Lovett's family, whose legacy of environmental stewardship and public service continues to inspire lake advocates across New Hampshire.

Please join us in congratulating Representative John MacDonald on this well-deserved recognition for his commitment to protecting the lakes and waterways we all cherish.

(Photo from left to right: Lisa Lovett, Peter Lovett, Representative Rosemarie Rung, Tonya Albee, Representative John MacDonald, and Andrea LaMoreaux.)

It's the final day of NH Gives, New Hampshire's 24-hour fundraising event, and we're soaking up the excitement of seeing your donations doubled to restore lake health!

There are still matching funds available, so be sure to make your gift to protect lake health before 5:00 PM!

Click here to DOUBLE your gift: https://www.nhgives.org/organizations/nhlakes

🌊💙