Ossipee — June 28, 2007 — Ossipee Conservation Commission is raising money to support the Lake Host Program.

Through its new “Fishing Sponsor” program, the commission hopes to raise $1,200 to pay a stipend to a point person to oversee the team of Lake Host volunteers, who teach boaters about the problem of milfoil and how they can keep their boats clean of it.

Nick Paquette, who was a volunteer last year, has been selected to be the point person for this summer’s program, which began last weekend, and will have volunteers stationed at the town boat ramp off Pequawket Road throughout the summer.

Volunteers inspect boats, help remove plant material that get caught on propellers and other boat parts and educate owners about invasive plant species. Another Lake Host program, sponsored by Green Mountain Conservation Group, at the boat ramp on Route 25 in Center Ossipee, works with boaters who put in there.

Milfoil has been found in a number of locations on Ossipee Lake in Ossipee and Freedom. The exotic plant chokes out native plant species and makes swimming, fishing, boating and other recreation activities difficult.

To make a Fishing Sponsor donation, send a check to Ossipee Conservation Commission, Attn: Pat Jones, P.O. Box 67, Center Ossipee, NH 03814. Note on the check that the money is for the Lake Host Program. Those who donate $50 or more will be recognized on the kiosk beside the landing.

For more information about the Lake Host Program or milfoil, look on the New Hampshire Lakes Association Website at www.nhlakes.org.