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Lake association urges town to press state after possible three-month boat-launch closure
Summary
Joe Pasquaretti, president of the Butterfield Lake Association, warned that the state might close a popular boat launch for June–August, urged town-led outreach and requested environmental sampling to protect shoreline properties and emergency access.
Joe Pasquaretti, president of the Butterfield Lake Association, told the board residents were told the state boat launch could be closed for three months this summer and urged the town to demand clearer public outreach and contingency access plans.
"She said the boat launch would be closed for 3 months this summer, which would be June, July and August, which is premium summertime use for the lake," Pasquaretti said, pressing the board to ask the state for notice, a meeting and information on mitigation measures. He also urged that soil sampling be performed because historical shoreline septic discharges and former boathouse practices could leave hazardous materials in excavated soils.
Pasquaretti stressed public-safety concerns if the launch is inaccessible during peak months, saying fire and EMS access would be impaired and that the town should consider temporary alternate launch options or coordinate with state officials to preserve emergency access. Board members said they would post state correspondence and consider outreach and follow-up with Region 6 DEC staff to clarify dates and contingency plans for the lake community.
The board asked staff to compile state notices and, if appropriate, post details on the town website and coordinate a state meeting with lake stakeholders.
