LakeSmart

LakeSmart

Simple Actions. Lasting Impact.
LakeSmart is a free, voluntary, non-regulatory program offered through NH LAKES that helps waterfront property owners identify practical ways to protect water quality, reduce runoff, improve shoreline health, and enhance wildlife habitat. The program provides personalized recommendations tailored to the unique characteristics of each property. Whether your property is large or small, developed or natural, every shoreline property has opportunities to contribute to a healthier lake. Together, small actions taken across many properties can produce meaningful and lasting benefits for Lake Monomonac.

Why LakeSmart Matters
The Watershed Management Plan has found that many of the factors affecting Lake Monomonac originate near the shoreline. Stormwater runoff, erosion, loss of natural vegetation, and other small impacts can collectively influence water quality throughout the lake.

Many of the solutions identified in the Watershed Management Plan can be implemented at the property level. Improved shoreline buffers, better stormwater management, erosion control, and lake-friendly landscaping all help reduce the movement of nutrients and sediment into the lake. LakeSmart helps property owners identify practical opportunities to make those improvements.

LakeSmart is built around simple ideas:

  • The health of the lake is shaped by thousands of individual decisions.
  • Most nutrients and sediment enter the lake through runoff from the surrounding landscape.
  • Small improvements made by many property owners can have a significant cumulative impact.
  • Protecting water quality begins one property at a time.

What Happens During a LakeSmart Visit?
LakeSmart assessments are educational, voluntary, confidential and non-regulatory. There are no fines, inspections, enforcement actions, or reporting to regulatory agencies. The purpose is simply to provide information, guidance, and practical recommendations. Most importantly, participants become part of a growing community of property owners committed to protecting the future of Lake Monomonac.

A trained LakeSmart volunteer will:

  • Walk through your property with you
  • Observe shoreline and drainage conditions
  • Identify strengths as well as opportunities for improvement
  • Discuss practical options for reducing runoff and protecting water quality
  • Provide personalized recommendations tailored to your property

LakeSmart recommendations often involve the areas of focus below. Many are inexpensive, can be implemented gradually, and often improve both the appearance and function of a property.

  • Native shoreline vegetation and buffers
  • Runoff and stormwater management
  • Erosion prevention
  • Lake-friendly landscaping
  • Septic system awareness and maintenance
  • Wildlife habitat enhancement

Interested in a LakeSmart assessment?
To learn more or schedule a free assessment, click the link below to contact our LakeSmart Ambassador. Please include your name, property address, email address, and phone number. We will respond with available dates and additional information.

Sign up!

Resources
Looking for additional information? The resources below provide practical guidance on shoreline stewardship, landscaping, runoff management, and other lake-friendly practices.