Boat Launch Update #1

Mon, Mar 30, 3:06 PM

Hi Everyone,

Well, the temperatures have been warming up and today the wind from the south is picking up.  The ice is breaking up as I type this, and ice out is imminent.  Yahoo... we made it!!

Most importantly, I am writing to provide an update on the boat launch repair.  I just got off the phone with NH Fish and Game, and they informed me that the final construction contract is now under review and that they expect it to be signed by the G&C (Governor and Council) during a scheduled meeting on 4/15.  Once this is signed, the contractor will then be instructed to begin the work.  The approximate timeline is as follows:  Construction to begin on or about 4/20 with completion expected on or about 6/20.  If this timeline holds firm... No watercraft will be able to be launched into the lake, nor come out of the lake between April 20th and June 20th.  This work cannot be done during the winter and there is no "good time" to close a boat ramp for eight weeks.  I have spoken with Fish and Game about postponing things until the end of September, but they report that is not possible at this time.  They will be moving forward with this project as soon as they get the contract signed (again, anticipating that to happen on 4/15).      

So what does all of this mean...  We are all going to need to get our boats in before April 20th.  I have a call into the NH Dam Bureau asking them to please move us to the front of the list and put our boards in ASAP to raise the lake level.  I am waiting to hear back from them on that.  Right now, the lake is down probably about 5' which will cause challenges with launching boats.  So, the good news is that we are getting a new boat ramp... the bad news is that it will cause some inconvenience.  

More to come as soon as I know it.  Until then, I wanted to get word out ASAP so you can begin making plans.  

Thanks,

Dan