Report of the Lake Management Committee 2010

The Lake Management Committee (LMC) consists of seven regular members and four associate members who are appointed annually by the Board of Selectman. The LMC's charter includes promotion of lake safety, management of the two Massachusetts Office of Fishing & Boating Access (FBA) owned boat ramps, the public fishing pier and parking areas located on Middle Pond.  In addition, the LMC works with Citizens Restoring Congamond (CRC), Southwick Conservation Commission (SCC), Department of Public Works (DPW) and the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) on many lake projects.
 

In accordance with the Town's agreement with the FBA, a $5.00 per boat launch fee is charged at both boat ramps during the boating season. There were 6309 paid launches during the 2010 boating season that generated total revenue of $31,545. The contractual agreement between the Town and the Commonwealth requires that all launch fees collected at these ramps be used only at the ramps for general maintenance, sanitary facilities, security lighting, phones, attendants, and improvements. The thousands of visitors to these facilities spend considerable money in area businesses. In addition, several bass tournaments benefit local organizations like DARE, the Town Library, Food Shelf, Family Coalition and Disabled American Veterans. As part of the LMC’s continuing lake safety initiatives, the LMC sponsored another one of the Massachusetts Environmental Police Boating Safety Course in 2010 in Town Hall and plans to request another one in 2011.
 

The FBA design consultant has completed the design and permitting for replacement pad systems for both the North and South Ramps and the FBA hopes to put the projects out for bid during 2011, pending release of state bond money.
 

The LMC and Conservation Commission worked together to implement the Local Permitting Program (LPP) for water structures (docks, moorings, swim floats & buoys) in accordance with DEP Chapter 91 regulations that were approved by the Board of Selectmen and the DEP. Nearly 90% of lakefront property owners now have permits for their water structures. All fees received from the LPP are required to go into a fund for lake patrols and residents noted a marked increase in lake patrols during 2010.  

     

The LMC also seasonally installs, maintains and removes the handicap-accessible boarding docks at the North Ramp and the 24 navigational buoys for the Harbormaster. The LMC has now replaced 15 of the older style buoys by attrition in accordance with the recommendations of the USCG. The Southwick Police Dive Team along with the Conservation Commission also use the LMC’s service boat for diver training, rescue and recovery and LPP/waterfront inspections.
 

While LMC members continue to volunteer many hundreds of hours annually and would also like to thank the following people and organizations for donations of labor and/or materials during 2010 that have made many of these improvements possible:

The Lake Management Committee meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Land Use Boards Meeting Room at Town Hall. The meetings are open the public and anyone with interest in lake safety, ramp operations, or any of the LMC's various lake and ramp betterment projects is encouraged to attend. Also, volunteers are always welcomed to assist in implementing projects.
 

Respectfully submitted,