Lake News - November
Hello Neighbors!!!
I hope everyone is doing well. Can you believe that we are gearing-up for Thanksgiving? If you are not at the lake this time of year, it's actually quite nice. As I look out my window, it's 38 degrees, with a mixed sky, a flat lake with some ducks, and I'm pretty sure I saw a beaver working his/her way across a few minutes ago. Yes it's "stick season", but we have been having some beautiful sunrises and sunsets! I have just a few things for you today...
The first is an update on our boat ramp. Good news... I just got off the phone with Fish and Game and the DES permit for repair of the ramp is approved! Next steps include getting the Army Corp of Engineers to sign off (this should not be an issue), putting together and sending out a Request for Proposal (RFP), and finalizing the federal grant. All of this will be happening in the coming month or two. While a firm date for the work to begin could not be provided, Fish and Game expect the work to take place this spring some time after the ice goes out and the ground has thawed. I will keep you posted, but I probably won't have anything further until some time in Feb/March.
Above I mentioned the ducks. We usually see an uptick in the fall as they stop in for a visit on their way south. I have heard recently that some folks may be feeding the ducks in front of their property. As a kid, I can remember my Dad taking us to the duck pond to feed the ducks and I certainly understand the enjoyment of it. Unfortunately, as I got older I have learned that feeding ducks on a lake or pond is not really good for them and not good for our lake. I have attached a link to an Article on the topic here. Let's continue to do everything we can to preserve our lake and enjoy its natural beauty. Thank you for changing behaviors where necessary to accomplish this!
Speaking of little creatures... The topic of traffic and speed on Crystal Lake Rd has come up lately. It actually has been a topic for years, as has speeding in other spots around the lake and around the town. Recently there was a request made that the Enfield PD and Selectboard get more aggressive in their efforts to slow people down on Crystal Lake Rd. They have both made a commitment to explore new flashing speed signs, increase patrols and again utilize the mobile "Stearns" speeding sign during the high-season. This past Monday there was a new idea presented to the Selectboard for their consideration. I don't know everything about this as the first I heard about it was at the meeting... but here is what I do know. A resident of Crystal Lake Rd has an idea to put stenciled painted turtles every six(?) feet down the middle of the road from Lockehaven to Algonquin. Our association has been asked to provide comment back to the Selectboard on this idea. I am open-minded and curious as to people's opinions on this, pros and cons. Towards that end, I'm going to first try and gather some more information and then put together an on-line survey (Survey Monkey) to send out to the entire community. Watch your mailbox and let me know what you think!
That's it for now. I know Crystal Lake will be on all of our lists as we think about the things we are thankful for this Thanksgiving. Enjoy the holiday and be safe!
Talk Soon,
Dan