The situation at Ossipee Lake Natural Area was once so dire that the only options appeared to be to let it die or ban all rafting at the site. Instead, the state took a chance that recreation and preservation could coexist. Ten years later, its bet has paid off.
Attorneys for the Town of Ossipee, Northgate Resorts, and campers who are suing both entities appeared at an evidentiary hearing last week in the slow-moving case.
The sport of wakeboarding isn't new, but its rapid growth has created conflict. Now a diverse group of lake stakeholders will examine whether education or regulation or both are what's needed.
Northgate Resorts will take over the Glen campground, according to seller Dick Goff. Northgate also owns Westward Shores Campground on Ossipee Lake, and Mi-Te-Joe Campground in Milton.
A Superior Court judge last week ruled in favor of Westward Shores campers by granting them standing in their lawsuit against Northgate and the Town of Ossipee. But she deferred a decision on class action certification, pending an evidentiary hearing at which the campers must present evidence of the campground's alleged deceptive business practices.
Starting this week, drivers can expect cones and barrels, grading and paving, and stretches of one-way traffic as the state ramps up its bridge replacement project on Route 16.
Dam officials hope the lower level will increase the likelihood that they can complete this year's work on the new dam, which was delayed by funding issues. Boaters and marinas understand the thinking, but are frustrated about the short notice.
Nearly 33 acres of new weeds were found and mapped this month, according to the Freedom Aquatic Invasive Species Committee. But a lack of available funds means treatment will have to wait until next year.
Invasive weeds in the campground's marina will be pulled by the state at the same time as the weeds found last month in the boat lagoon.
The solar-powered CD3 offers boaters a waterless method of cleaning, draining, drying, and disposing of invasive weeds attached to boats and trailers.
The advisory issued on August 9 was removed by the state on Tuesday, August 13, but visitors and residents are asked to remain on the lookout.
Residents and visitors should avoid affected areas that have been posted, and be on the lookout for water that appears to have blue-green flecks.
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