NH DES Volunteer Lake Assessment Program (VLAP) -- SLA has been participating in this state-run water quality program since 1989. Our volunteers sample twice during the summer in six locations — in the deep middle of the lake and the tributaries.  These samplings are measured for clarity; color; turbidity; chlorophyll-a; phytoplankton; temperature; dissolved oxygen; phosphorous; pH, chloride and conductivity.  In 2022, we added three chloride only samplings along Stinson Lake Road to monitor the impact of winter salt usage on the road monthly.    

In our annual State of the Lake online presentation in June, we present the water quality data.   

For more information about the program, email the SLA Water Quality Volunteer Coordinator, or go to https://www.des.nh.gov/water/rivers-and-lakes/volunteer-assessment-programs.

NH LAKES Lake Host Program – SLA volunteers were instrumental in launching this program at the state level in the 2002, and Stinson Lake has been participating every since its inception.  The goal of the program is to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive aquatic plants and animals into the lake.   Trained paid and volunteer Lake Hosts are at the boat launch from mid-May through October to educate all visitors about aquatic invasive species and complete a courtesy inspection of all watercraft arriving and departing the lake to ensure there are no hitchhiking invasive plants and animals.    

For more information about the Lake Host Program email the SLA Lake Host Coordinator, or go to https://nhlakes.org/lake-host.

NH LAKES LakeSmart Program – NH LAKES launched its LakeSmart program in 2019.   It is a free, non-regulatory and voluntary education and recognition program encouraging community members to adopt best practices around their own properties to protect lake water quality, wildlife habitat, and property values.   SLA began participating in the program in 2021, and had its first community member presented the LakeSmart Award in 2023. 

For more information about the LakeSmart Program email the SLA LakeSmart Coordinator, or go to https://nhlakes.org/lakesmart.