LAKE MATTERS AND MANNERS

Please remember that DLIA has NO jurisdictional authority on the lake- we are not a Homeowner's Association!  Below is a contact list to help refer you to the proper agency for assistance:

• Fire or fire pits: Need information on fire pits, bon fires, fire permits? Contact the Deering Police Chief, Jeff LeBlanc at 831-2844 or firechief@deering.nh.us. Fire permits are required for all outside fires. 

In a fire emergency, call 911

• Noise:  Sound travels well over water, especially at night. Please remember that it is possible to hear conversations across the lake!  While the murmur of a quiet group around the campfire is fine, all are encouraged to show consideration for their neighbors by keeping noise down late at night, especially things such as shouting, loud music, firecrackers, etc.  If you are bothered by noise, try speaking to the persons responsible, if possible. The Town of Deering noise ordinance sets quiet hours of 10pm to 7am. If the problem persists and cannot be resolved, call the Deering Police Department at 464-3127

• Loons: Please give the loons, especially their nests, and young chicks, a wide berth when boating.  If you see or find an injured or dead loon, or see someone harassing or interfering with loons, please contact Glenn Clark at 603-660-1686 or glennie2006@yahoo.com.  Glenn will contact the appropriate authorities.

• Boating safety:  The lake is just like the roadway. We should all know and follow boating regulations and keep safety in mind at all times. Learn the meanings of marker buoys. Slow down within 150 ft of shore, any other boats, or swimmers. Bring your life vest. Yield to boats towing skiers or a float. Please note that jet powered craft under 13ft in length are classified by the State of NH as Ski Craft and are not allowed on Deering Lake. Those over 13ft are classified as PWC, and must follow regular boating regulations. If you observe boat incidents, including accidents, boating while intoxicated, reckless behavior, frequent large wakes in the No Wake zones, speeding or endangering swimmers, paddlers or water fowl, contact the NH Marine Patrol at 603-293-2037 or marinepatrol@dos.nh.gov  It is helpful to have the ID number of the boat, or know who was driving. 

• Invasive plants or animals: if you think you have found an invasive species, you can look at the DES website, where there are photographs of many known invasive species. Still unsure, or sure it is an invasive? Please contact Jen Battistello battistello@comcast.net or any of the Weed Watcher team, or contact Amy Smagula at DES: 271-2248 or amy.smagula@des.nh.gov

• Fishing issues: call NH Fish and Game warden dispatch at 271-3361 (8-5, M-F) or with less immediate questions, contact 603-271-3127 or law@wildlife.nh.gov

• Other concerns, including weeds, algae, shoreline protection, etc.:  please contact the Department of Environmental Services at 603-271-3503 (8-4, M-F)

• There is also a Cyanobacteria bloom hotline: 603-848-8094  or  HAB@des.nh.gov

A Reminder about Smaller Watercrafts on Deering Lake

Everyone 16 years of age and older who operates a motorboat over 25 horsepower on New Hampshire waters must have a boating education certificate. New Hampshire accepts the following boating education certificates: A boating certificate issued by another State agency and NASBLA approved.
https://www.nhsp.dos.nh.gov/our-services/field-operations-bureau/marine-patrol/boating-education#:~:text=Everyone%2016%20years%20of%20age,State%20agency%20and%20NASBLA%20approved.

Deering Lake (Reservoir)
RSA 270:74-a - Skicraft banned 10/01/89.

Per RSA 270:74-a , a ski craft is defined as, less than 13′ in length as manufactured, capable of exceeding 20 mph, and has the capacity to carry not more than the operator and one other person. There are additional regulations that ski craft operators must follow. A personal watercraft (pwc) has the capacity to carry more than the operator and one passenger and must follow the regulations set forth for a motor boat.

While Personal Water Crafts (PWC) are allowed on our lake, it is incumbent for the operator to use in a safe manner, without endangering wildlife or property. Powerboat regulations apply and all must be registered as such.

Boating Safety

Please observe all rules and regulations as required by NH State law.  Deering Lake is enjoyed by swimmers, kayakers, canoeists, fisherman, and boaters.  All motorized watercraft must maintain headway speed when within 150 feet of shore, other boaters, and non-motorized watercraft. Ski crafts are prohibited on Deering Lake.

Objective: To create an environment of safe and courteous use of the lake that will ensure maximum enjoyment of the lake for all, boaters and non boaters. All persons using the lake are asked to be respectful of the rights of others and adhere to common sense rules of courtesy when on or near the lake.

Guidelines:

• Watercraft should not be operated in a reckless or negligent manner or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Boats should not be operated at speeds in excess of 40 mph and common sense rules of etiquette should be applied at any speed.
• Swim floats and moorings must be kept within 50 feet of shore.
• Skiers should not be launched from, nor be returned to, any beach, raft or docking area.
• Any activity requiring the use of motor boats at high speeds, including skiing and tubing should be limited to periods after 8 a.m. and before 7 p.m.
• Motorized boat users are asked to always be conscious of damage that may be caused by their wake either to shoreline or other boaters.
• Clearance between watercraft, people, docks and moorings should be maintained at a minimum of 100 feet or more.
• Non motorized boats have the right of way at all times, but all boaters should be aware of other boats and the paths they may take; always try to avoid an unsafe condition.
• From sunset until sunrise watercraft must use running lights, lanterns or flashlights.
• "Cover boats" should accompany all persons swimming more than 100 feet from shore.
• Scuba divers should dive only with a partner and marker buoy.
• Rules of etiquette for slalom course usage as practiced by the USA Water Ski Association require that skiers approaching a slalom course wait outside the course, at minimum wake, until those using the course have indicated that they are leaving the course.
• Boats and trailers used in other lakes shall be thoroughly cleaned (propellers, bottoms, bait wells, etc.) before launching into the lake to avoid transference of harmful plants and marine life into the lake.
• Never release plants, fish or animals into Friends Lake unless they came out of that lake.
• Do not feed ducks. Ducks cause swimmers itch.
• Dumping of any waste, litter, garbage, fuel, oil or sewage into any lake is unlawful.

We ask that all residents, guests and renters adhere to the above guidelines and rules to create an atmosphere of safe and friendly usage of the lake for all concerned.

About Milfoil

These species are not native to our state and is very difficult to control once it becomes fully established. Milfoil reproduces through fragmentation whereby plant fragments break off from the parent plant through wind or boat action, grow roots, and settle in a new location. Milfoil spreads rapidly and displaces beneficial native plant life. It makes swimming difficult and can devalue waterfront property.