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North Haven board discusses mooring rules, enforcement and possible fees after harbor update
Summary
At its Jan. 22 meeting the North Haven Select Board heard a comprehensive harbor report that highlighted lighting repairs, safety concerns about ad-hoc moorings, and proposals for mapping, drone imagery and a possible annual mooring fee to incentivize turnover and fund enforcement.
The North Haven Select Board on Jan. 22 heard a multi-part update from harbor staff and residents on mooring administration, safety and enforcement.
The board was told that recent lighting work at the town ramp and archway left only one of three new solar fixtures functioning and that staff are troubleshooting the installation. Harbor representatives said making the ramp safer for ambulance and emergency use was a priority.
Much of the discussion centered on longstanding mooring administration issues: a decades-old numbering system has eroded, unused "ghost" moorings have accumulated, and summer or nonresident owners sometimes occupy moorings without contributing to the island economy or upkeep. Members and harbor stakeholders described past attempts at an ordinance that voters previously rejected and debated whether a modest annual fee could both discourage speculative mooring holds and help offset harbor-master workloads.
Board members and harbor staff proposed mapping and counting existing moorings, using drone photography as a baseline, and reestablishing a numbering/GIS system so enforcement or an ordinance could be based on reliable data. Drone imagery and GPS were discussed as practical first steps to document current mooring locations and to update the harbor master’s registry.
Speakers also raised public-nuisance issues tied to harbor behavior: trash being thrown overboard, people setting moorings without permission, and moorings placed in unsafe locations relative to tides and neighboring boats. The board discussed posting signs at ramps instructing users to contact the town office or harbor master before setting a mooring, and discussed targeted enforcement and public outreach as lower-cost first steps before a formal ordinance.
Board members said any ordinance or fee would require careful community outreach to avoid unintended consequences for fishermen, riparian rights holders and families with long-standing mooring claims. The board asked staff to pursue mapping and to return with recommended next steps based on drone images and a clearer inventory.
