5/26/26 (Loons and more...)
Hi Everyone,
We have some exciting news to share... We now have a pair of nesting loons! It's early yet, but fingers crossed for a healthy chick or two. We as humans are a big part of the success equation going forward. Signs have been put up and are intended to keep us all away from the nest. Human nature on the other hand makes us want to get a peek and perhaps a quick pic or two. This can be extremely detrimental to the incubation process. If we get too close, even with the best of intentions, we may freak out momma loon. This can lead to her vacating the nest leaving it vulnerable to predators.
So what is in the best interest of the loons and the potential next generation? 75 yards! Please keep all boats, jet skis/personal watercraft, kayaks, sailboats, and swimmers, at least 75 yards away from the signs. I know this can be like putting a bowl of M&M's in front of a chocolate lover. Just a few should be fine... Please resist the temptation!
Thank you. And thank you to our new Loon Liaison (Ann Claus), our decades long protector of the loons (Glyn Green), and the NH Loon Preservation Committee for all of their great work.
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On another topic...
A neighbor recently approached me and asked if we could get something out about enjoying jet-skis and personal watercraft in a safe and responsible manner. (In the spirit of transparency, the same can be requested about any "boat" of choice, but admittedly jet-skis and personal water craft are a unique category unto themselves.) She also suggested that perhaps we ask two individuals who practice safe and lake friendly operation of these vehicles take the lead in writing something up. I thought it was a pretty good idea. What follows is a nice reminder from Tom Claus and Ed Rippe related to the topic. (Thanks guys!) Enjoy...
Jet skis and personal watercraft are fun recreational vehicles, but can also be detrimental to the lake. If you are a jet ski, or personal watercraft owner, please have all riders follow these simple guidelines.
Key Guidelines for operating jet skis and personal watercraft Safely and to Protect NH Lakes:
The 10-Foot Rule: To completely avoid bottom disturbance and protect fragile lake ecosystems, operate your jet ski in water at least 10 feet deep when travelling at a high speed. Jet ski intakes can act like vacuums and pull sand, sediment, and debris off the lake floor from depths of 4 to 5 feet, which can cause irreparable damage to the engine/impeller and disturb the consequential lakebed.
Navigating in shallow water: If you are navigating in shallower water (e.g., idling to your dock or a designated swim area), do so at the absolute slowest speed possible to prevent prop-wash or pressure waves from churning up sediment.
No-Wake Zones: NH law requires vessels to drop to headway speed (no faster than 6 mph) whenever you are within 150 feet of the shoreline, docks, swimmers, or other boats.
For your reference, attached is a depth map of Crystal Lake. As you can see, the best place for doing jet ski and personal watercraft tricks is the center of the lake (as shown in grey). Let's all be responsible riders and protect our beautiful lake.
Thanks everyone. See you on the lake soon!
Dan