Lake Host documenting personal info?

NH LAKES ASSOCIATION · 08-12-2010, 01:15 PM

The NH LAKES Association is aware of the interaction discussed in this thread that recently occurred at the Lees Mills ramp in Moultonborough. Please understand that there are two sides to every story.

We do understand that there is some concern about Lake Hosts recording bow numbers. The reason that Lake Hosts are trained to do so is so that they, and the Lake Hosts that work after them during the same day, will have a way of knowing if the boaters leaving the lake were already given the "milfoil talk" by a Lake Host when they entered the lake that day. If the boater has already received the "talk," by looking at the list of bow numbers, the Lake Host will know that they don't have to bother the boater with information they already know and they will only help the boater conduct an out-going inspection.

Since this highly successful exotic species education and prevention program began in 2002, volunteer and paid lake hosts have helped boaters inspect more than 300,000 boats and have prevented almost 1,000 fragments of exotic aquatic plants from hitchhiking their way into the approximately 900 lakes and ponds in New Hampshire that remain exotic-free.

To the bulk of you responding to this thread, thank you for your continued support of this critical program. For more information, and to see at what lakes exotic species "saves" have been made at this summer, we invite you to visit http://www.nhlakes.org/lake-host-program.htm.

Newbiesaukee · 08-12-2010, 01:53 PM

Although I appreciate the Lakes Association response and I support their worthy activity, the point remains that if someone does not wish to participate and they are not required to participate then-they should be able to decline.

gf2020 · 08-12-2010, 01:56 PM

loopcharged, welcome to the forum. You have lived here for over 30 years and just now joined?

Why are you concerned about your information being recorded? Do you somehow think that your vehicle and boat registration information is private?

Trust me, I work in information security and anyone can find out pretty much anything about anyone if they really want to.

NH LAKES ASSOCIATION · 08-12-2010, 02:19 PM

Just a point of clarification, Lake Hosts are trained to invite boater to participate in a courtesy boat inspection program. They are also trained to not conduct an inspection when a boater does not welcome it.

brk-lnt · 08-12-2010, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NH LAKES ASSOCIATION

Just a point of clarification, Lake Hosts are trained to invite boater to participate in a courtesy boat inspection program. They are also trained to not conduct an inspection when a boater does not welcome it.

Are they trained to record Boat and/or vehicle data regardless? I'm asking this as a legitimate question because it doesn't seem like it was directly answered.

NH LAKES ASSOCIATION · 08-12-2010, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brk-lnt

Are they trained to record Boat and/or vehicle data regardless? I'm asking this as a legitimate question because it doesn't seem like it was directly answered.

Yes, they are, unless a boater does specifically ask that their information not be recorded. Even if an inspection is not performed, it helps to jot down the bow number so that the next Lake Host on duty is aware that the boater will not want to be approached once he or she departs the lake.

In this particular instance, I do not know that we have the whole story. But the bottom line is that boaters do not have to worry about any invasion of privacy. Also, they have the right to refuse an inspection and to request the bow number not be recorded. Lake Hosts are NOT instructed to notify the authorities if a boater refuses inspection.

ironhorsetim · 08-12-2010, 04:55 PM

Straight from the horses mouth..so to speak.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NH LAKES ASSOCIATION

Even if an inspection is not performed, it helps to jot down the bow number so that the next Lake Host on duty is aware that the boater will not want to be approached once he or she departs the lake.

Does this help

DEJ · 08-12-2010, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ironhorsetim

Straight from the horses mouth..so to speak.

Does this help

No it does not. The original poster asked the following "my wife asked the two Lake Host people who approched the boat we were launching, NOT to record our bow and/or licence plate numbers and they responded that they would not. They did any way."

That is what is in question here, not the policy of the NHLA.

ironhorsetim · 08-12-2010, 05:10 PM

Well try this...find out EXACTLY which host it was and ask him for yourself because your specific question can only be answered by that one person. maybe that will help

DEJ · 08-12-2010, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ironhorsetim

Well try this...find out EXACTLY which host it was and ask him for yourself because your specific question can only be answered by that one person. maybe that will help

I believe the NHLA can answer that question however from what I have read here they refuse to do so.

Once again the original question was "my wife asked the two Lake Host people who approched the boat we were launching, NOT to record our bow and/or licence plate numbers and they responded that they would not. They did any way."

Hope this helps clarify this issue for you!

loopcharged · 08-12-2010, 05:29 PM

Just request a copy of the police report. All the info you need is contained in the statement given by the Lake Host/s.

DEJ · 08-12-2010, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loopcharged

Just request a copy of the police report. All the info you need is contained in the statement given by the Lake Host/s.

Since you started this why don't you post a copy of it, I am sure that would clear this up and perhaps skip will have his answers as well as we all know LEO's always get it right.

Lakesrider · 08-12-2010, 05:52 PM

I am still confused....So this is a public ramp? I could sit in my pickup truck and write down every number that used that ramp all day, every day and no one could do anything about it. But just because some kid, that was trying to do his/her job said they did not, but did, write down some numbers, this became a national news item? Wait a second...a kid lied? Stop the presses. I have never heard of someone lying, to get out of a fight before in my life. Seriously people...this is Summer. Time to be having fun. Not admonishing some poor kids at a boat ramp. Those hosts are trying to contain an invasive species that is costing our towns money. They are doing what they are supposed to do and instruct boaters. These kids are working on their summer vacation, trying to help boaters to do the right thing. To make such a big deal about publicly displayed plate and reg numbers is petty beyond belief. There is plenty of other issues in this world to worry about. If you are so paranoid about Big brother, the next time you pull up to a public ramp, just drape your vehicles with a large parachute or blue tarp. You know the Gov't satellites are up there hovering in space watching you. Heck I might just be in the parking lot, with my binoculars, writing down your numbers.

Yosemite Sam · 08-12-2010, 05:12 PM

Mr. Webmaster, I would not want your job...why...because here we go again!

rrr · 08-13-2010, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEJ

I still do not understand why the lake host recorded their bow number when asked not to. Seems like a simple question however no answer has been given.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NH LAKES ASSOCIATION

Yes, they are, unless a boater does specifically ask that their information not be recorded. Even if an inspection is not performed, it helps to jot down the bow number so that the next Lake Host on duty is aware that the boater will not want to be approached once he or she departs the lake.

The NHLA tells them not to record the information if that is the boater's request. The host may have already written it down when they received the request not to, they didn't erase it or cross it out when the request was made - so they made a mistake, screwed up, whatever you want to call it. It's not a policy issue. The policy is to respect the wishes of the boater.

Hope I don't make any mistakes today!

loopcharged · 08-13-2010, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrr

The NHLA tells them not to record the information if that is the boater's request. The host may have already written it down when they received the request not to, they didn't erase it or cross it out when the request was made - so they made a mistake, screwed up, whatever you want to call it. It's not a policy issue. The policy is to respect the wishes of the boater.

Hope I don't make any mistakes today!

I make mistakes all day long. If you read the original post, I was fine with removing my number from the list. It was the Lake Host representative that felt the need to involve the Moultonborough police department. I am only interested in launching my boat, not interacting with policemen on my day off.

Skip · 08-12-2010, 02:37 PM

I want to thank the staff at the Association for taking my call and explaining their program, and satisfying my curiosity about the taking down of bow numbers when an individual voluntarily participates in the inspection.

The link I had provided earlier explains the whole program in detail, includes the actual form being used and clearly indicates in its instructions to its hosts that interaction with the public is strictly voluntary.

They are violating no Local, State or Federal law by annotating the bow number in their form, and they are not linking any address, name, dob or any other personal information on the form to the bow number.

As has been previously stated, the bow number they are using for tracking is a public number. That is why it is required by law to be prominently displayed on the bow!

It took me less than a minute doing an internet search to find the answer to every question posed in this thread.

It took me just a few minutes on the phone with a very courteous staff member to explain the allegations being made here, get clear answers to the program and be satisifed that no one's privacy was nefariously being invaded.

I just don't understand why people don't talk on the phone anymore. Whether its the Marine Patrol, local or State officials or the fine folks at the NH Lakes Association there usually is someone always available to answer your question.

Anyway, I thank the Lake Association for tackling this very serious issue and tip my hat to them for coming onboard here in an attempt to clarify their important program.....

DEJ · 08-12-2010, 02:55 PM

I think some here have missed the point. From the first post "my wife asked the two Lake Host people who approched the boat we were launching, NOT to record our bow and/or licence plate numbers and they responded that they would not. They did any way."

From the very informative post from the NHLA I understand why they do it however I believe loopcharged asked that they do not for whatever reason however they did so anyway. I believe this was their problem and I see no answer from anyone here as to why that happened.

NH LAKES ASSOCIATION · 08-12-2010, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEJ

I think some here have missed the point. From the first post "my wife asked the two Lake Host people who approched the boat we were launching, NOT to record our bow and/or licence plate numbers and they responded that they would not. They did any way."

I believe that was their problem and I see no answer from anyone here as to why that happened.

DEJ - That is a good point, and I believe you are right that loopcharged's original issue was with the Lake Hosts recording his bow number after he asked them not to. Like I said before, there are two sides to this story.

Skip - Thank you for your kind words and for spending some time researching our organization. We are very proud of our Lake Host program and how successful it has been over the years. It is important that people realize that our goal is to stop the spread of exotic aquatic species through education and outreach. This involves thousands of interactions with boaters each year, and, unfortunately, it is likely that a few interactions, like the one that spurred this duscussion, will not be positive.

MAXUM · 08-12-2010, 03:26 PM

Hmm this is kind of interesting.

Since I have to launch every time I go to the lake I've gotten to know a couple of the lake hosts that typically sit at the ramp that I use. They have been very nice and courteous. The first time I see a new person they are friendly, introduce themselves and explain what they are there for and as a personal aside I think this program is more worthwhile, if for nothing else to educate people. Anyways never have I had any one of them just come up and inspect, rather they ask which I am more than happy to oblige.

Now that all said, every time I go in my bow numbers are recorded, I was not aware they were taking my plate number too, but as already stated it's out there for everyone to see so I see no harm. I don't subscribe to the conspiracy theory that somehow your being tracked other than maybe at the end of the year the NH Lakes Assoc may compile the data to see how boats may be used or not in various water bodies and which ones to determine where they should focus their efforts.

If anyone is that worried about this information, believe me there is so much personal information that can be gotten with a computer, a little money and a few simple sites on the internet. There is no such thing as private data anymore. The lake host program is the last thing I'd be worried about. However if the kids doing it are not respectful of anyone who requests their information not be recorded that puts a bad face on an organization who is trying to do something worthwhile and noble. That is unfortunate.

Sman · 08-12-2010, 03:49 PM

If you do NOT want to be found do the following...

1: Get your name recorded in a police report
2: Start a forum thread about it with a facebook link
3: Start a blog about it, no start 2 blogs
4: Provide information on past employment
5: Provide information on where you live and how long you have lived there

But do not under any circumstance provide your bow number

Seriously, you sound genuinely upset about the events at the dock and it makes sense that your mad that someone lied to you for no good reason, who wouldn't be, and we are told here that hosts have been trained to not do the exact thing you claimed they did (I know 2 sides to the story) if they did, then shame on them, but... the steps taken here are not consistent with trying to not be found

Skip · 08-12-2010, 04:03 PM

HERE is a direct link to the form in question.

Only boat bow numbers are recorded if applicable. No personal information is recorded, and no vehicle plate numbers are recorded.

A bow number in and of itself is not personal. Only when that number is researched and a name attached does it become personal. The bow number also only indicates the registered entity, it does not have the ability to list who the operator or occupants are at any given time.

The NH Lakes Association does not inquire of the State who the boat is registered to. The information is only used on site that day at that ramp to keep track of who has already been inspected and given the presentation.

Finally, none of us know what the verbal exchange was at the ramp that day. We have one anonymous version. There is also another version that I am sure is held by the Lake hosts, and probably a third version held by the Police department.

But unless any of us were there any conversations, accusations or actions is mere speculation on are part.

That said, I am glad thart the original post appeared. It allowed me a reason to be aware of the program, motivated me to call the NH Lakes Association and get straight answers to their actions and has allowed me to develop an informed opinion that they have an excellent and well needed program in place.

Thank you NH Lakes Association. I hope you folks post regularly here on the dangers of invasive species and what we can do as boaters to mitigate the risks...

loopcharged · 08-12-2010, 04:08 PM

My wife asked Lake Host not to record the numbers and that should have been the end of it. I can only hope that in the future Lake Host representatives will respect the wishes of PRIVATE citizens and perform accordingly.

DEJ · 08-12-2010, 04:14 PM

I still do not understand why the lake host recorded their bow number when asked not to. Seems like a simple question however no answer has been given.

Skip · 08-12-2010, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEJ

I still do not understand why the lake host recorded their bow number when asked not to. Seems like a simple question however no answer has been given.

Simple.

You were not there so you have no way of knowing the sequence of events.

The bow number could have easily been put on the form prior to the request being made not to do the inspection.

"...it helps to jot down the bow number so that the next Lake Host on duty is aware that the boater will not want to be approached once he or she departs the lake..."

As noted above, the spokesperson for the Lakes Association already indicated that bow numbers are recorded at times even when the boat is not inspected, so that the same boat will not be approached again.

None of us have no way of knowing who said what to who that day, or when the number in question was actually "jotted down" and we never will.

DEJ · 08-12-2010, 04:32 PM

No skip, this is simple, why did the lake host record that info when specifically asked not to, that is the question. You were not there either might I remind you so your scenerio of events is a moot point. Seems like a pretty simple question to me.

loopcharged · 08-12-2010, 04:37 PM

Actually, My wife was present as the Lake Host people approched the boat in question and was witness to the documentation of the bow numbers. When she witnessed the Lake Host man writing she asked "are you writing down the bow numbers" . He replied, yes. She then asked him to remove the number from the list. He assured her he would. He did not.

DEJ · 08-12-2010, 04:39 PM

Thank you for that reply loop, perhaps now skip has the info he needs from someone who was there. The question still remains, why did they record this info when asked not to? Since you were not there skip let those that were handle this from here. It is a little concerning that the NHLA has skirted the original question of why did they record the numbers against the wishes of the boat owner?.

jrc · 08-12-2010, 04:05 PM

I subscribe to the belief that anytime you give information to anyone it can be abused. But since the numbers are in 3 inch high across the bow or slightly smaller on the bumper, what can you do?

Given what Google can do these days, there is no real expectation of privacy anymore, have you looked at street view or Bings birdeye? Google reads every Gmail, they will read this after it's posted. It's enough to make you a little paranoid. These groups all promise to "do no harm" but data has a tendency to leak out and data lasts a lot longer than the "good" people now in charge. Look at the news. This is small potatoes.

Skip · 08-13-2010, 02:45 PM

Quote:

...I am trying to understand what this practice of recording is all about? Many can just put boats in the water from homes etc. May I know why this is being done? Is it for the Millfoil or ? Is it for safety to have each boat from some outside area recorded? Do all boats going into the lake need to be registered here for the time they are in the water or could they just come in from out of state? Thank you so much...

From post #31

Quote:

Originally Posted by NH LAKES ASSOCIATION

...We do understand that there is some concern about Lake Hosts recording bow numbers. The reason that Lake Hosts are trained to do so is so that they, and the Lake Hosts that work after them during the same day, will have a way of knowing if the boaters leaving the lake were already given the "milfoil talk" by a Lake Host when they entered the lake that day. If the boater has already received the "talk," by looking at the list of bow numbers, the Lake Host will know that they don't have to bother the boater with information they already know and they will only help the boater conduct an out-going inspection...

brk-lnt · 08-13-2010, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip

From post #31

That doesn't explain why they keep the records for 5 years.

Yes, they're a great organization overall, but that doesn't mean that some of their data collection/retention policies couldn't be improved a bit.

Yankee · 08-13-2010, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brk-lnt

That doesn't explain why they keep the records for 5 years.

Yes, they're a great organization overall, but that doesn't mean that some of their data collection/retention policies couldn't be improved a bit.

I totally agree with you that it's a great organization and they are sincere in their attempt to educate and protect our lakes. However I question the need to record bow/license numbers in the first place.

Let's look at the data that's gathered. So they know your bow and license#s. Then they know where you're from, and possibly your boating habits if you encounter their volunteers at another launch site. That's pretty much it, as they can't possibly know everywhere you may launch your boat. Unless there's some other unseemly reason, I don't understand why.

So what say you NHLA: Just what do you do with the information that you've gathered? And how does that help your cause?

Shedwannabe · 08-13-2010, 06:10 PM

Another "Energizer Bunny" thread - it goes on and on past all reasonable sense of when the battery on the thread should run out....

Rose · 08-13-2010, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yankee

So they know your bow and license#s.

Please look at the form that Skip provided a link to. It's bow # and state only, no license #.

loopcharged · 08-13-2010, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rose

Please look at the form that Skip provided a link to. It's bow # and state only, no license #.

It was the Moultonborough police department that indicated that the Lake host representatives where recording the plate # as well as the bow #'s. I was only aware of the bow # recording. Contact Chief Dawson of the Moultonborough police department to confirm...

loopcharged · 08-13-2010, 10:38 PM

I say what I mean and I mean what I say. Any statements I have made here are the direct result of communications with the Moultonborough police department of thier agents.

08-12-2010, 01:15 PM	#1
NH LAKES ASSOCIATION Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Headquartered in Concord, NH Posts: 11 Thanks: 2 Thanked 11 Times in 4 Posts	Nh lakes association responds The NH LAKES Association is aware of the interaction discussed in this thread that recently occurred at the Lees Mills ramp in Moultonborough. Please understand that there are two sides to every story. We do understand that there is some concern about Lake Hosts recording bow numbers. The reason that Lake Hosts are trained to do so is so that they, and the Lake Hosts that work after them during the same day, will have a way of knowing if the boaters leaving the lake were already given the "milfoil talk" by a Lake Host when they entered the lake that day. If the boater has already received the "talk," by looking at the list of bow numbers, the Lake Host will know that they don't have to bother the boater with information they already know and they will only help the boater conduct an out-going inspection. Since this highly successful exotic species education and prevention program began in 2002, volunteer and paid lake hosts have helped boaters inspect more than 300,000 boats and have prevented almost 1,000 fragments of exotic aquatic plants from hitchhiking their way into the approximately 900 lakes and ponds in New Hampshire that remain exotic-free. To the bulk of you responding to this thread, thank you for your continued support of this critical program. For more information, and to see at what lakes exotic species "saves" have been made at this summer, we invite you to visit http://www.nhlakes.org/lake-host-program.htm.

08-12-2010, 02:19 PM	#4
NH LAKES ASSOCIATION Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Headquartered in Concord, NH Posts: 11 Thanks: 2 Thanked 11 Times in 4 Posts	NH LAKES clarification Just a point of clarification, Lake Hosts are trained to invite boater to participate in a courtesy boat inspection program. They are also trained to not conduct an inspection when a boater does not welcome it.

08-12-2010, 05:10 PM	#9
ironhorsetim Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Laconia/Ft Myers Beach, Fl Posts: 184 Thanks: 57 Thanked 26 Times in 23 Posts	Well try this...find out EXACTLY which host it was and ask him for yourself because your specific question can only be answered by that one person. maybe that will help __________________ "If common sense was common,everyone would have it" Ironhorsetim "Always do sober,what you say you'll do drunk, That will teach you to keep your mouth shut" Ernest Hemmingway

08-12-2010, 05:29 PM	#11
loopcharged Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 26 Thanks: 17 Thanked 14 Times in 6 Posts	Facts Just request a copy of the police report. All the info you need is contained in the statement given by the Lake Host/s.

08-12-2010, 02:37 PM	#17
Skip Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Dover, NH Posts: 1,615 Thanks: 256 Thanked 514 Times in 182 Posts	Answers but a phone call away... I want to thank the staff at the Association for taking my call and explaining their program, and satisfying my curiosity about the taking down of bow numbers when an individual voluntarily participates in the inspection. The link I had provided earlier explains the whole program in detail, includes the actual form being used and clearly indicates in its instructions to its hosts that interaction with the public is strictly voluntary. They are violating no Local, State or Federal law by annotating the bow number in their form, and they are not linking any address, name, dob or any other personal information on the form to the bow number. As has been previously stated, the bow number they are using for tracking is a public number. That is why it is required by law to be prominently displayed on the bow! It took me less than a minute doing an internet search to find the answer to every question posed in this thread. It took me just a few minutes on the phone with a very courteous staff member to explain the allegations being made here, get clear answers to the program and be satisifed that no one's privacy was nefariously being invaded. I just don't understand why people don't talk on the phone anymore. Whether its the Marine Patrol, local or State officials or the fine folks at the NH Lakes Association there usually is someone always available to answer your question. Anyway, I thank the Lake Association for tackling this very serious issue and tip my hat to them for coming onboard here in an attempt to clarify their important program.....

08-12-2010, 01:53 PM	#2
Newbiesaukee Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Coral Gables, winter; Long Island, summer Posts: 1,354 Thanks: 948 Thanked 573 Times in 298 Posts	Although I appreciate the Lakes Association response and I support their worthy activity, the point remains that if someone does not wish to participate and they are not required to participate then-they should be able to decline.

08-12-2010, 01:56 PM	#3
gf2020 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: North of Boston Posts: 203 Thanks: 11 Thanked 35 Times in 28 Posts	loopcharged, welcome to the forum. You have lived here for over 30 years and just now joined? Why are you concerned about your information being recorded? Do you somehow think that your vehicle and boat registration information is private? Trust me, I work in information security and anyone can find out pretty much anything about anyone if they really want to.

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08-12-2010, 05:52 PM	#13
Lakesrider Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 2,129 Thanks: 380 Thanked 1,016 Times in 345 Posts	I am still confused....So this is a public ramp? I could sit in my pickup truck and write down every number that used that ramp all day, every day and no one could do anything about it. But just because some kid, that was trying to do his/her job said they did not, but did, write down some numbers, this became a national news item? Wait a second...a kid lied? Stop the presses. I have never heard of someone lying, to get out of a fight before in my life. Seriously people...this is Summer. Time to be having fun. Not admonishing some poor kids at a boat ramp. Those hosts are trying to contain an invasive species that is costing our towns money. They are doing what they are supposed to do and instruct boaters. These kids are working on their summer vacation, trying to help boaters to do the right thing. To make such a big deal about publicly displayed plate and reg numbers is petty beyond belief. There is plenty of other issues in this world to worry about. If you are so paranoid about Big brother, the next time you pull up to a public ramp, just drape your vehicles with a large parachute or blue tarp. You know the Gov't satellites are up there hovering in space watching you. Heck I might just be in the parking lot, with my binoculars, writing down your numbers.

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08-12-2010, 05:12 PM	#14
Yosemite Sam Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Lakes Region Posts: 395 Thanks: 81 Thanked 95 Times in 56 Posts	Mr. Webmaster, I would not want your job...why...because here we go again!

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08-12-2010, 02:55 PM	#18
DEJ Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 554 Thanks: 526 Thanked 315 Times in 156 Posts	Back on track I think some here have missed the point. From the first post "my wife asked the two Lake Host people who approched the boat we were launching, NOT to record our bow and/or licence plate numbers and they responded that they would not. They did any way." From the very informative post from the NHLA I understand why they do it however I believe loopcharged asked that they do not for whatever reason however they did so anyway. I believe this was their problem and I see no answer from anyone here as to why that happened.

08-12-2010, 03:26 PM	#20
MAXUM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Kuna ID Posts: 2,755 Thanks: 246 Thanked 1,942 Times in 802 Posts	Hmm this is kind of interesting. Since I have to launch every time I go to the lake I've gotten to know a couple of the lake hosts that typically sit at the ramp that I use. They have been very nice and courteous. The first time I see a new person they are friendly, introduce themselves and explain what they are there for and as a personal aside I think this program is more worthwhile, if for nothing else to educate people. Anyways never have I had any one of them just come up and inspect, rather they ask which I am more than happy to oblige. Now that all said, every time I go in my bow numbers are recorded, I was not aware they were taking my plate number too, but as already stated it's out there for everyone to see so I see no harm. I don't subscribe to the conspiracy theory that somehow your being tracked other than maybe at the end of the year the NH Lakes Assoc may compile the data to see how boats may be used or not in various water bodies and which ones to determine where they should focus their efforts. If anyone is that worried about this information, believe me there is so much personal information that can be gotten with a computer, a little money and a few simple sites on the internet. There is no such thing as private data anymore. The lake host program is the last thing I'd be worried about. However if the kids doing it are not respectful of anyone who requests their information not be recorded that puts a bad face on an organization who is trying to do something worthwhile and noble. That is unfortunate.

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08-12-2010, 03:49 PM	#21
Sman Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 103 Thanks: 3 Thanked 27 Times in 8 Posts	this is not fair but... If you do NOT want to be found do the following... 1: Get your name recorded in a police report 2: Start a forum thread about it with a facebook link 3: Start a blog about it, no start 2 blogs 4: Provide information on past employment 5: Provide information on where you live and how long you have lived there But do not under any circumstance provide your bow number Seriously, you sound genuinely upset about the events at the dock and it makes sense that your mad that someone lied to you for no good reason, who wouldn't be, and we are told here that hosts have been trained to not do the exact thing you claimed they did (I know 2 sides to the story) if they did, then shame on them, but... the steps taken here are not consistent with trying to not be found

08-12-2010, 04:03 PM	#22
Skip Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Dover, NH Posts: 1,615 Thanks: 256 Thanked 514 Times in 182 Posts	A few points of clarification... HERE is a direct link to the form in question. Only boat bow numbers are recorded if applicable. No personal information is recorded, and no vehicle plate numbers are recorded. A bow number in and of itself is not personal. Only when that number is researched and a name attached does it become personal. The bow number also only indicates the registered entity, it does not have the ability to list who the operator or occupants are at any given time. The NH Lakes Association does not inquire of the State who the boat is registered to. The information is only used on site that day at that ramp to keep track of who has already been inspected and given the presentation. Finally, none of us know what the verbal exchange was at the ramp that day. We have one anonymous version. There is also another version that I am sure is held by the Lake hosts, and probably a third version held by the Police department. But unless any of us were there any conversations, accusations or actions is mere speculation on are part. That said, I am glad thart the original post appeared. It allowed me a reason to be aware of the program, motivated me to call the NH Lakes Association and get straight answers to their actions and has allowed me to develop an informed opinion that they have an excellent and well needed program in place. Thank you NH Lakes Association. I hope you folks post regularly here on the dangers of invasive species and what we can do as boaters to mitigate the risks...

08-12-2010, 04:08 PM	#23
loopcharged Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 26 Thanks: 17 Thanked 14 Times in 6 Posts	Annonimity My wife asked Lake Host not to record the numbers and that should have been the end of it. I can only hope that in the future Lake Host representatives will respect the wishes of PRIVATE citizens and perform accordingly.

The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to loopcharged For This Useful Post:
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08-12-2010, 04:14 PM	#24
DEJ Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 554 Thanks: 526 Thanked 315 Times in 156 Posts	I still do not understand why the lake host recorded their bow number when asked not to. Seems like a simple question however no answer has been given.

08-12-2010, 04:32 PM	#26
DEJ Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 554 Thanks: 526 Thanked 315 Times in 156 Posts	No skip, this is simple, why did the lake host record that info when specifically asked not to, that is the question. You were not there either might I remind you so your scenerio of events is a moot point. Seems like a pretty simple question to me.

08-12-2010, 04:37 PM	#27
loopcharged Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 26 Thanks: 17 Thanked 14 Times in 6 Posts	Recording bow number Actually, My wife was present as the Lake Host people approched the boat in question and was witness to the documentation of the bow numbers. When she witnessed the Lake Host man writing she asked "are you writing down the bow numbers" . He replied, yes. She then asked him to remove the number from the list. He assured her he would. He did not.

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to loopcharged For This Useful Post:
DEJ (08-12-2010), topwater (08-12-2010)

08-12-2010, 04:39 PM	#28
DEJ Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 554 Thanks: 526 Thanked 315 Times in 156 Posts	Thank you for that reply loop, perhaps now skip has the info he needs from someone who was there. The question still remains, why did they record this info when asked not to? Since you were not there skip let those that were handle this from here. It is a little concerning that the NHLA has skirted the original question of why did they record the numbers against the wishes of the boat owner?.

08-12-2010, 04:05 PM	#29
jrc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,689 Thanks: 33 Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts	I subscribe to the belief that anytime you give information to anyone it can be abused. But since the numbers are in 3 inch high across the bow or slightly smaller on the bumper, what can you do? Given what Google can do these days, there is no real expectation of privacy anymore, have you looked at street view or Bings birdeye? Google reads every Gmail, they will read this after it's posted. It's enough to make you a little paranoid. These groups all promise to "do no harm" but data has a tendency to leak out and data lasts a lot longer than the "good" people now in charge. Look at the news. This is small potatoes.

08-13-2010, 06:10 PM	#33
Shedwannabe Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Laconia Posts: 133 Thanks: 3 Thanked 22 Times in 15 Posts	Another "Energizer Bunny" thread - it goes on and on past all reasonable sense of when the battery on the thread should run out....

The Following User Says Thank You to Shedwannabe For This Useful Post:
Rose (08-13-2010)

08-13-2010, 10:38 PM	#36
loopcharged Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 26 Thanks: 17 Thanked 14 Times in 6 Posts	Memory like an elephant I say what I mean and I mean what I say. Any statements I have made here are the direct result of communications with the Moultonborough police department of thier agents.