The FPLA participates in NH Weed Watchers, a volunteer program for monitoring aquatic invasive species. Fortunately, Franklin Pierce Lake has no known infestations of aquatic invasives, but we have to be constantly vigilant to make sure we keep the lake free of these nasty pests. The FPLA conducts periodic training programs for volunteers who monitor the lake and report any suspicious species.

From the Weed Watchers Fact Sheet from the NH Department of Environmental Services:

Freshwater aquatic invasive plants are those that are not naturally found in New Hampshire’s lakes, ponds and rivers. Because they are not native, they have no predators or diseases, which allows them to grow quickly and dominate freshwater systems and native plants, fish and aquatic insects already present. Aquatic invasive plants can lead to reduced shorefront property values, water quality impairments and problems with the aesthetic and recreational values of waterbodies. New Hampshire now has nearly 90 infested waterbodies, including 11 infested river systems and dozens of lakes and ponds, most containing variable milfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum) as the primary invasive plant, while others have fanwort, Eurasian water milfoil and water chestnut, among other common species.