We should all try to steer clear of the Jenness Cove loon family and give them plenty of space and use extreme caution boating in the area of Chapman Island and in Jenness Cove until the chick grows larger, is easily visible, and can dive under the water deep enough and long enough to avoid an oncoming boat.

Now, let’s hope the snappers and the resident eagles leave the chick alone!!!!!

(Thanks to Janan Hays for the heads-up)

Kayaks and Canoes – A cautionary tale.

This summer there seems to be more kayaks and canoes than ever out on the lake. While kayaking is a wonderful way to enjoy the lake, its scenery and its wildlife, please remember that your safety is your responsibility.

Of course, safety is everyone’s responsibility, and boaters have to look out for each other as well as looking out for swimmers and paddle boarders. But you can’t look out for those you can’t see. That’s especially worrisome with paddle boards so low in the water and kayaks that are green or camouflaged and blend into the shoreline.

Here are some ideas to increase your safety:

• Make “Yourself” more visible. Wear bright yellow or orange life jackets.
• Fly a flag or marker off the stern.
• Try to avoid boats towing skiers; they are a lot less maneuverable and can have a hard time avoiding you.
• Avoid the middle of the lake when possible. The scenery and wildlife are better close to shore, and within 150 feet of shore powerboats can only maintain headway speed of 6 MPH or less so there is less danger of a mishap and little or no wakes to bother you.

Here’s hoping you have a fun and safe summer.

Information courtesy of The Windy Waters Conservancy.

LOON ALERT!

Lakes Waukewan and Winona and Hawkins Pond:

As of this writing (6.30.19) the loons on Lake Winona have hatched one chick and the pair on Hawkins Pond has hatched two chicks.  Volunteers on Lake Winona and Hawkins Pond are very dedicated and will do their best to protect the chicks from human encroachment.  The Jenness Cove loon pair on Lake Waukewan laid two eggs early in the season but were flushed from the nest, abandoning the eggs.  Fortunately that pair has nested again and has laid another egg.  The Snake River pair on Waukewan has been seen swimming up in the river so we hope that they might have chosen a spot there to try to nest.  They used to try to built their nest on Kitchen’s Island in Waukewan, but there are now bald eagles nesting there so the loons avoid that area entirely.  Intruder loons have been a problem again this year on Waukewan so the loons there have their work cut out for them!

LPC is again trying to get the word out about the deadly harm caused by lead tackle.  Loons can mistakenly ingest small split shot lead sinkers or jigs, and lead poisoning among them is almost always fatal.  Please be on the lookout for any lead tackle in the water or tangled in bushes near the shore, remove it and dispose of it properly.

CHINESE MYSTERY SNAIL – ANOTHER AQUATIC INVASIVE

The Chinese Mystery Snail—Another Aquatic Invasive. Keep your eyes open for the Chinese Mystery Snail. Unlike our native snails, this is an exotic species. Likely brought to this country as a delicacy for the Asian food market, immature Chinese Mystery Snail shells can be greenish brown or olive green. Much larger than native snails, adults can be golf ball sized with reddish brown or brown shells. This snail can transmit diseases to native species and it out competes native species for food, crowds out habitat and adversely affects the food chain and native eco system. The Chinese Mystery Snail has been found in NH lakes and ponds. Locally it has established residence in Lake Wicwas and can be found in silty, muddy or sandy substrates. Snails and larvae can spread through bait buckets, live wells, ballast bladders, recreational equipment ,etc. Larvae, undetectable to the eye, can also hitch a ride along the hulls of power boats, kayaks, canoes, etc. Never dump bait buckets or empty areas that hold water into the lake. Please clean, drain and dry all boats and equipment before entering another water body to stop the spread of this and other invasive aquatic species. If you suspect you may have found a Chinese Mystery Snail, please contact NHDES at 271- 2248 or NH Fish and Game at 271-3421.

WWWPA ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING –  was held on 7/13/19

The Waukewan and Winona Watershed Protective Association (WWWPA) annual membership meeting was held on Saturday, July 13, 2019.

Our guest speaker was Harry Viens, NH State Representative for Center Harbor and New Hampton.  He  addressed recent legislation impacting our lakes and watershed.