Health & Fitness
Should Large Boats be Prohibited on Candlewood Lake?
CT DEEP is considering a rule change to limit boat size on Candlewood Lake.
Now is the time to voice your opinion
The Connecticut Deptartment of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is seeking written comment on a proposed new rule that bans vessels 26 feet in length and larger from Candlewood Lake.
Under the rule, individuals operating unauthorized oversized vessels will be subject to ejection from the Lake and/or a fine. Existing oversized vessels that have historically operated on the Lake will be “grandfathered” for the lifetime of the given vessel. The new rule also accommodates the continued use of oversized commercial and government vessels that serve to maintain the quality of the Lake environment.
Find out what's happening in Brookfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
According to the CT DEEP, the purpose of the rule change is to “halt the general escalation of vessel size on the Lake,” which is “both a cause and consequence of user conflict.”
Proponents of the rule say oversized vessels impair enjoyment of the Lake in several ways. They can create excessive wakes, can exacerbate overcrowded boating conditions and can serve as a base for late night or overnight social gatherings that are noisy and disruptive to shoreline residents. It is also believed the vessels have inadequate toilet facilities for large groups or lengthy stays afloat.
Find out what's happening in Brookfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Opponents of the ban believe oversized vessels are a very small proportion of the entire fleet of vessels on the Lake and are being unfairly singled out.
“This proposed regulation is a response to the many in the community who have expressed concern regarding the increasing number of large boats on Candlewood, said Larry Marsicano, executive director of the Candlewood Lake Authority (CLA). “We are grateful to our legislators and CT DEEP for this step in addressing our boating recreation issues.”
Written comments should be sent to: CT DEEP, Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, Boating Division, PO Box 280, Old Lyme, CT 06371, Attn: Mr. Timothy Delgado.
Al comments much be received by 4 p.m. on January 27, 2012. Comments may also be submitted by fax to 860-434-3501 or email to timothy.delgado@ct.gov.
Copies of the proposed rule change are available on the CT DEEP website.
