Harbor operations: mooring enforcement, Greens Ledge buoy retrieval and Shea Island cleanup highlight local volunteer and enforcement work

Commissioners heard operational updates on July 22 about mooring enforcement, Greens Ledge buoy work, conflicts between commercial vessels and rowing shells, and a large volunteer cleanup on Shea Island led by a Boy Scout troop. Vice Chair Jeff Mangels described a July 20 Eagle Scout project on Shea Island led by Jamie Cohen and Boy Scout Troop 222. Mangels said 51 scouts and volunteers, aided by the Norwalk Police Marine Unit and harbor personnel, removed approximately 200 pounds of trash, cleared campsites, built fire pits and installed Leave No Trace signage. Mangels said the work significantly improved island conditions and that the effort will be recognized with a letter of appreciation from the Harbor Management Commission. Harbormaster Robert Lovallo reported granting a temporary mooring/anchorage for a contractor barge working with Chiambro and said crew are scheduled to remove construction buoys and some anchors near Greens Ledge after several buoys had been breaking loose. Deputy Harbormaster Lee and marine police were credited with outreach to transient mooring users and with enforcement visits; commissioners said they will continue spot checks and may circulate weekend status reports so enforcement can better target unpermitted occupation. Harbormaster and commissioners also described recurring issues where multiple rowing shells operate abreast and can interfere with commercial and recreational traffic. The marine unit tracks complaints and coordinates patrols when necessary. Commissioners praised the volunteer cleanup and discussed plans to organize volunteer appreciation events and to expand volunteer engagement for island maintenance. The commission also discussed the need to keep mooring records current and to coordinate with third‑party mooring reservation platforms to manage reservations and spot checks in near real time.