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Low Impact Boating
Minimizing recreational impacts and enjoying a
unique experience on New Hampshire's lakes
A Uniquely Different Lake Experience
When people think about enjoying a lake in New Hampshire, some think about zipping around in a power boat, water skiing, feeling the spray as they watch others go by. With an increase in users, lakes are becoming more vulnerable to the effects of their use. Many of the activities that we enjoy can be harmful to the lakes that we love. For example, much of the wave action that one experiences during a busy day is actually the combined wakes from power boats. Wave action may cause shoreland erosion or disrupt shallow water vegetation. Powerful gasoline engines leave unburned fuel in the water.
Consider for a moment a different kind of lake experience:
- Enjoy the serenity of canoeing on a glass-like lake at dusk.
- Feel the wind and spray while kayaking across wide, clear water.
- Catch that big bass from your rowboat in the ethereal fog of early morning.
- Sail across a lake, silent except for the quiet ruffle of the jib.
These are examples of low-impact boating. They provide great adventure, good exercise and a window into a world not seen by other boaters. Low-impact users experience quiet backwaters, narrow channels and the opportunity to view wildlife such as loons, mink, otters, turtles and other aquatic creatures.
These quiet-water activities also allow you to hear the sounds of nature such as birds, other wildlife or the quiet lapping of water against the shore. But you don’t have to give up your motorboat to practice lower-impact boating:
- Keep your boat properly trimmed — an engine in the water makes much less noise and creates less wake.
- Keep your engine well-tuned, it will run more efficiently, pollute less and be quieter.
- Try an electric motor — it’s almost silent and virtually pollution-free.
- Observe state regulations and be aware of individual, lake-specific restrictions.
- What’s the hurry? Boating slowly makes less wake, less noise, reduces pollution and is less disruptive to wildlife and other people — plus you’ll see more and enjoy the lake longer.
- New Hampshire law requires when going more than headway speed, boaters stay at least 150 feet from shore, swimmers and other boaters. One and two-person skicraft must stay 300 feet from shore. These laws are designed to protect other users and reduce noise levels and wake.
- When using a motor, stay out of shallow areas where a churned bottom can adversely affect water quality, and disrupt vegetation and fish spawning grounds.
- Be observant of wildlife and give it a respectful berth.
- Consider the size of your boat and motor when choosing a lake — smaller ponds are not appropriate for large boats or engines.
- Remember that swimmers, canoeists, kayakers, sailboats, sailboards and other non-motorized users always have the right-of-way.
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