In society, many times one variable is balanced against another. There are trade offs everywhere we turn. Take the recently revived case of public boat launches on Lake Sunapee. There exist five boat launches and at least one public beach on the lake.
Fish and Game has brought forth plans for a sixth access for trailered boats at the Wild Goose site in Newbury, consisting of a double boat ramp, 31 trailer spaces, and 12 car spaces, complete with 15 industrial lights.
A significant problem is that road safety is severely compromised, as boats hauling trailers leave the side road (Birch Grove Road) and pull onto Rt. 103 in the face of 18-wheeled trucks barreling down the road. Exiting trailers wanting to go south may not do so, but instead must go north to the traffic circle and then head south. There is a high probability of a severe accident, as people pull out and/or ignore the “go north” signs. The first tradeoff is safety versus a sixth launch.
The primary environmental issue is that the plan does not appear to be in compliance with the Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act. The Wild Goose plot is 3 acres, most of which will be altered-clear cut-allowing more pollutants into the lake. A jetty and dredging are also required for the double boat launch. This launch will add to the financial burden shared by the communities for milfoil prevention, and the industrial lighting will add to light pollution. These are the second, third and fourth tradeoffs of water quality, invasives and offensive lighting versus a sixth launch.
Does Lake Sunapee need another trailered boat launch? The increase in boats on the lake lately has been of non-motorized kinds, which use no gas, are cheaper, and are good exercise. Many local fishermen are now using these boats, too. The fifth tradeoff is acknowledgement and provision for changes in people’s boating habits versus a new double motorized boat launch.
So what is wrong with a compromise of making Wild Goose a launch for car-top boats? It reduces the safety and environmental issues, is a better use of that lovely property than a parking lot, and would give unique access to the lake for people without power boats.
Seems like a public good to me.
Date published on web site:
02-03-2009
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