8181-R1_LSLA_2022_WinterNewsletter_Web

Courtesy Boat Inspections at Mt. Hunger Shore Boat Ramp 2022 By Pam Wilkinson

Our year began with updated DEP training for all inspectors. LSLA welcomed returning inspectors Jim and Jackie Fitzgerald along with a new trainee from St. Joseph’s College, Elizabeth Keyes, better known as Keyes. DEP requires data taken to be submitted electronically. This includes registration number, time of day of entry or exit, if the watercraft is motorized or non-motorized, if they are registered and have a State of Maine invasive species sticker. Keyes has been so kind to enter all the inspections for Jim and herself. Most of the time she can do the entries during down time on her shift. Keyes left us the beginning of August for a school study program traveling to Canada. The rest of the entries were done by Sharon Young and me. As one greets the boater with a smile and asks a few questions, they then proceed to inspect the boat, trailer and any gear that may enter the water. As they scooch, bend and eyeball all areas, they explain why this is critical and welcome the boater to do it when the inspectors are not around or if they are putting their boat in at a place other than the boat ramp. One plant was found this year but was identified as a native plant. There are other types of invasive species that are in other lakes

that all should be aware of. You can check what invasive species look like and measures you can take by visiting Lake Environmental Association www.mainelakes.org or Lake Stewards of Maine www.lakestewardsofmaine.org. No surprise- our boating activity increased this year. The summer was hot and surrounding areas took reprieve by enjoying lake activities. Whether it was your watercraft, kayak, SUP, canoe owned or rented, we saw it all. The figures show that in 2020 boat totals were 2385 with 59 days counted, 2021 totals were 2058 with 61 days counted and 2022 boat totals were 2591 with 67 days counted. We can have a 40 - 70 boat count in one day (usually on the weekends) and weekdays can range from 20-40. It all varies on weather and time of year. The beginning of the summer, 4 th of July and end of August are our high points. We appreciate the smiles that Jim, Jackie and Keyes greet you with and we appreciate you allowing a bit of time to make sure we are not getting any new invasive and we are not sharing our hybrid variable invasive milfoil with other lakes.

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