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The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau is responsible for the maintenance of all dams in New Hampshire. Their mission and guiding principles are to ensure all dams in New Hampshire are constructed, maintained and operated in a safe manner. Lake levels, stream flows and the state’s surface and groundwater resources are used efficiently and managed to protect environmental quality, enhance public safety and flood protection and to support and balance a variety of social and ecological water needs. For more information see the Dam Bureau's Web Page at http://www.des.state.nh.us/dam/.

Who are the people working at the boat launch and what is their mission?

This summer, thanks to a grant from the New Hampshire Lakes Association, Kingston Lake is being protected from milfoil and other exotic weeds through the diligence of trained Lake Hosts at our public ramps. Lake Hosts distribute literature and conduct courtesy, voluntary boat and trailer inspections – removing and properly disposing of all plant material found. The Kingston Lake (Great Pond) Association, Inc is coordinating the program locally. “With 58 infested lakes, exotic milfoil is a serious problem in New Hampshire,” said David Ingalls, point person for the Lake Hosts Grant. “Once it’s established, there’s no known way to eradicate it. Milfoil seriously compromises the recreational, ecological, and economic value of a lake, costing tens of thousands of dollars to control annually. It’s better to prevent it in the first place.” This summer more than 200 Lake Hosts are staffing 67 public access ramps on 58 NH lakes and ponds to educate boaters about exotic plants. They will inspect more than 35,000 boats. Last year fifty-four “saves” were made, as Lake Hosts removed vegetation that turned out to be milfoil or other exotic plants on twelve water bodies. You can help by remembering to inspect your boat every time you enter, and leave, a lake or pond. It is illegal to transport exotic milfoil. Funding for the Lake Host Program is provided in part by a grant from the NH Department of Environmental Services, thanks to legislation passed in 2002 that created a milfoil education and research grants program. Eighteen volunteers from the Kingston Lake Association will be on duty at various times over the summer to greet and educate boaters and do voluntary boat inspections. For more information, contact Dave Ingalls, point person for the Grant and a member of the lake association and the Kingston Conservation Commission) at 642-3156 or email at dmingalls@comcast.net.

Why is the lake brown and has it always been that way?

The brown color in the lake is a stain, leached out of decomposed leaves. The water was described that way back in a 1938 study when the State first evaluated and tested the lake.

Who maintains the buoys on the lake and when was the last time they were checked for proper location?

The buoys are maintained by Marine Patrol which is under the New Hampshire Department of Safety. Marine Patrol Supervisor Michael Fontaine explained that they attempt to check the buoys on all lakes prior to Memorial Day. Kingston Lake was done on Sunday May 6, 2007. This year, in addition to checking the locations, the buoy on the east side of Webster Island (Clark's Island) was replaced. Four new buoys have been added to encompass Grassy Island. There are two red topped buoys (stay to the south and west) and two black topped buoys (stay to the north and east). Do not pass between the buoys! The Marine Patrol uses a manual sounding device to find the shallow spots to determine their proper location.

Who can be part of the Lake Association? Can I become a member?

Anyone that is interested in the present and future quality of Great Pond can and should become a member of the Association. You do not have to live on the lake or attend all of the meetings to benefit from your membership. As a member you you will be kept informed of all meetings, events and initiatives of the committee. For more information EMail membership@kingstonlakenh.com

Are lawn fertilizers bad for the lake? Are there products that are better than others?

Quick release lawn fertilizers are very bad for the lake. Lawn fertilizers contain very high levels of phosphorus, the biggest enemy of the lake. Phosphorus promotes rapid growth and reproduction of weeds that can quickly overtake the lake. Rain causes fertilizers to run off into the lake and to leach into the lake. See the Water Quality page for more information on Phosphorous. Check out the DES Fact Sheet on Proper Lawn Care In the Protected Shoreland. The Comprehensive Shoreline Prptection Act prohibits the use of all fertilizers except limestone within 25 feet of the reference line of public waters . Twenty-five feet beyond the reference line, low phosphate, slow release nitrogen fertilizer or limestone may be used.

How is water quality monitored?