Boaters on the Front Lines: Protecting NH Waters from Aquatic Invasive Plants
Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) cohosted this online webinar focused on the top aquatic invasive plants impacting the region. Learn how these species spread, why early detection is critical, and explore new reporting and data collection opportunities that empower boaters, anglers, and community members to play an active role in prevention and response efforts.
The webinar was led by Kelly Beerman, Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager at the Connecticut River Conservancy, who directs CRC’s watershed-wide work on aquatic invasive species including hydrilla and water chestnut. Kelly brings extensive experience in invasive species prevention, community education, and collaborative conservation, with a strong focus on working alongside river and lake communities to protect shared water resources.
Participants also heard from Georgia Brunnell, Exotic Species Program Coordinator and Limnologist with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. Georgia holds a B.S. in Freshwater Biology and an M.S. in Geochemistry from the University of New Hampshire. Her work centers on understanding lake ecology and water chemistry, informed by graduate research on lake management impacts and hands on experience monitoring water quality across more than 60 New Hampshire lakes.
Whether you’re on the water regularly or simply care about protecting New Hampshire and Connecticut River watershed lakes and rivers, this session provides practical tools, regional insights, and clear ways to get involved.
