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Boating season is in full swing — but your wake matters. A recent University of Minnesota study highlights how different types of boats impact lakebeds, aquatic plants, and water quality. Closer to home, the Loon Preservation Committee has reported that two loon nests on Squam Lake were likely destroyed by large wakes this summer.
Excessive wake doesn't just harm wildlife — it also stirs up nutrients locked in the lakebed, which can fuel toxic cyanobacteria blooms that threaten both the ecosystem and human health.
Help protect Newfound Lake by following these simple boating guidelines:
All powerboats:
- Operate in at least 10 feet of water to reduce lakebed disruption.
- In shallow areas (less than 10 feet of water), go as slowly as possible to reduce pressure wave impacts.
- Avoid areas with aquatic vegetation to prevent damage.
Wakeboats (in surfing mode): Only operate in 20 feet or deeper water to reduce lake bed disruption.
Be a wake-wise boater — protect the lake, protect the wildlife. To read the full report visit: https://pub.umn.edu/safl/Boat-Report-2025/
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