When most folks think Invasives they think of Variable Milfoil. That is clearly a big threat to the well-being of the pond but there are many other invasive weeds near Loudon and Canterbury. There also are a number of invasive animals such as Zebra Mussels in abundance elsewhere in New Hampshire. Watching for and trying to prevent the introduction of invasive plants or animals into Clough Pond is the largest and most expensive programs that we operate.

Our primary program for this is the Lake Host Program and each year we spend hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars trying to prevent an introduction of an invasive plant or animal into Clough Pond.

Using a belt and suspenders approach, in addition to our Lake Host Program we also operate this Weed Watcher Program in cooperation with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.

In case some invasive does get introduced into the pond, perhaps at the boat launch when we are not able to be on duty or perhaps transported there from some other nearby infected body of water by some animal, we scan the pond periodically for any new weed growing in the pond or some animal infestation in the water.

If spotted soon enough after arrival, it is possible through quick identification with the support of the State of New Hampshire to eradicate the invasive completely or at least contain it before it has taken over the pond. But that requires early detection.

This is still a young program here at the CPA and we are working to improve upon it all the time and to get a clearer handle on what native plants and animals are in the pond already and thus help us detect any new species that might arrive.

Should you be on the pond and spot something that seems suspicious, be it weed or perhaps a snail, mussel or other animal, please report it to our Weed Watcher Program Director or any officer or director of the CPA.

For a map of the weeds currently known to be in Clough Pond, visit our Vegetation Map page.