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Residents urge limits at Pine River launch, call for marine patrol funding after invasive-species grant
Summary
During public comment residents urged the Selectboard not to expand parking at the Pine River launch because weekend overcrowding and unsafe boating have increased; the town also announced an invasive-species grant of about $34,000 for milfoil removal and herbicide treatment.
Residents told the Selectboard that overcrowding and unsafe behavior at the Pine River launch and Osprey Lake are worsening and urged the town to avoid expanding parking that could increase weekend congestion.
Gloria Valari, who gave her name for the record, said many shoreline residents avoid the lake on weekends because of heavy boat traffic, drinking and unsafe parking. "Please don't expand any more parking," Valari said, adding that user fees could fund marine patrol. She suggested a per-use fee at the Pine River launch (for example, $25 per launch) to help pay for enforcement and invasive-species mitigation.
Another speaker who identified as president of the Broadle Bay Association (representing more than 300 households) echoed concerns about recruitment challenges for marine patrol officers and a decline in civility on the water. Several commenters warned that increasing recreational use without enforcement risks environmental impacts such as cyanobacteria blooms and the spread of invasive milfoil.
Separately, the board announced it received an invasive-species grant from the state (DES) worth about $34,000. Town staff said this summer crews will dive to pull milfoil and apply in-water herbicide where appropriate to protect lake health.
Board members and staff acknowledged the limits of local authority: boat ramp ownership and state jurisdiction mean some policies require state action. They said the town will continue coordinating with state agencies, lake associations and other stakeholders to pursue enforcement and prevention options, and encouraged residents to contact staff if they want to arrange a ride to show conditions on the lake.
