Winnisquam Lake Host prevents invasive species from entering the lake!

Winnisquam Lake Host Deb Williams was conducting a routine courtesy boat inspection at the Winnisquam public boat launch for a visitor from Lake Champlain when she made a critical discovery. After pulling some tangled plants from between the boat and trailer, she found a zebra mussel—hidden in a clump of algae.

Zebra mussels may be tiny, but their impact is massive.

They damage boats, clog pipes, motors and water systems, cut swimmers’ feet with their razor-sharp shells. They filter out food essential for native aquatic life, harming the food web. Worst of all? Once they invade, there’s no effective large-scale way to remove them.

Right now, New Hampshire’s lakes are zebra mussel-free. Thanks to Deb’s sharp eye, they still are.