The Lake Host Program is sponsored by the NHLAKES Association and is locally operated by the Clough Pond Association. The Association has continually operated the Lake Host Program at the Clough Pond F&G Boat Launch since the Program’s inception in 2002 and watched it grow to now include over 100 boat launches all across the state.

In total the program has resulted in over 1.5 million statewide inspections of watercraft for the presence of invasive plants and animals. To date over $15 million has been invested in the program statewide The funds coming into NHLAKES within federal, state, municipalities, and various charitable foundations. In addition the Loudon Conservation Commission and the Clough Pond Association; by way of its members, sponsors, and donations; contribute financially to the program’s success here at Clough Pond.

We know first hand that the program works. Our Lake Host that was at the ramp one day in 2005 spotted some suspicious vegetation hitchhiking on a trailer that was about to enter Clough Pond to launch a boat. The Lake Host was correct in his assessment and the vegetation was in fact variable milfoil. He and the boat owner removed it. The NH Department of Environmental Services confirmed his suspicion. Had we not been part of that program in 2005 and, given the ability for that invasive to propagate and multiply exponentially over time, then today it is most likely that Clough Pond would have variable milfoil present in the pond.

The Lake Host Program is our most expensive program that we operate and the one most critical to the well being of Clough Pond. In 2023 we spent over $4,700 on Lake Hosting. A number of nearby waterbodies have invasive species present including variable milfoil which could become a source for how an invasive enters Clough Pond by simply hitchhiking on a trailer or watercraft coming to Clough Pond. We are always looking for more ways to support a Lake Host presence at the ramp.

We are at the ramp for hundreds of hours each year between Memorial Day and Labor Day. We are always looking for ways to create more of a presence at the ramp, either with greater funding in order to pay a Lake Host directly to be there or to train volunteers to be Lake Hosts and for them to take on a few hours each week to be a Lake Host at the ramp. Interested individuals should contact our Lake Host Coordinator.