Pawtuckaway Lake Association

Ice Almost Out and Our Kayaks IN!!

As the ice recedes and a small but growing band off water kisses the shore, Peggy and I launched out kayaks into the ‘cool’ waters of Lake Pawtuckaway. Yes, at 10:07 AM morning of the last day of March our yellow (hers) and red (mine) kayaks slide into the lake and we glided across the water toward the northern ice fields.  The day we awaited since November had arrived.  Our vessels danced along the outer edge of the ¾ inch thick remaining ice.  Yet, the ice still held remains the glory of the February Golf Tournament.  There prominently waiting the driver who will never come sit at least five white golf balls.

Wouldn't you like to be able to say "I saved Pawtuckaway Lake"? Well, now you have your chance. The spread of exotic species of lake weeds is ruining lakes all over New Hampshire. Over 50 Lakes in New Hampshire have already been infested. In shallow, nutrient rich lakes like Pawtuckaway Lake these weeds can spread in as little as one year. These weeds can grow up to 20 feet in length and mulitply until they fill the lake.

The NH Center for Freshwater Biology Research has published a new research paper providing an assessment of plankton populations, toxic cyanobacteria, and the potential impact of introduced marine alewife on Pawtuckaway Lake. Since the State of NH Department of Fish and Game has been stocking Pawtuckaway Lake with marine alewife, many residents have wondered what the impact would be on the lake ecology. This new research paper by  Jessica V. Trout-Haney, Department of Zoology, University of New Hampshire, Durham provides scientific evidence of a link between the alewife and toxic cyanobacteria blooms on the lake.

As required by New Hampshire’s Boater Education Law, effective January 1, 2002, no person 16 years of age or older, may operate a powerboat with an engine in excess of 25 horsepower (including electric powered motors) on the public Waters of New Hampshire without a valid safe boating education certificate. All boaters must be in compliance by January 1, 2008.

For additional information visit  http://www.nhboatingeducation.com

54 lakes in New Hampshire are infested with exotic species of water weeds. All it takes is one piece of a weed stuck on a boat trailer to find its way into the lake and within a year or two the lake can be infested. The following photos are from lakes in New Hampshire, Maine, and the Mid-West that have become infested. Help the PLIA keep this from happening to our beautiful lake! Warning: This is a large article and will take awhile to open on a dial-up internet connection.