Conference vicki::boats

    For reasons that escape me, this book only covers inland waters.
     There is a 10 p. list of saltwater ramps - but you have to ask
    for it

    
    Kevin or others......
    
    	Any progress on the Mascuppic concrete ramp? BTW: Watch out
    for the other ramp, it's got a fresh load of sand down in the water
    that the trailer tends to sink in...
    
    Rick

        This base note is a great idea, especially for the newcomer!
        
        Please let us in on your favorite boat ramps. Any added info on
        parking, possible hazards in the water, fees, steepness of the
        ramp, etc, would be greatly appreciated.
        
        Thanks in advance,
        
        Fred at PKO3   223-3935
        

    
    	Note 160 contains directions to ramps for the Merrimack River.
	 (Don't forget to watchout for the floating junk this early!)
                                                              
    Rick

    
    	Note 281.29 contains directions for Lake Mattawanakee
    in Littleton/Westford...
    
    Rick

    		Lake Monomanac - Winchendon Mass/Rindge NH
    
    	From Mass/route 495... it's route 2 West to route 140 North
    to 202 towards Rindge NH and Valley Marina is just over the state
    line on the right.
                       
    		For more details on this lake see 281.30 thru .45
    
    	Rick

    
    	Be sure to post to note 9 or 281 if your headed out, you
    might get some company!
                     
    Rick

    RE .2
    
    The concrete ramp went in Saturday afternoon at Mascuppic.  I haven't
    tried it yet, so I can't comment on it.  
    
    Kevin
    
           

    Moved by Moderator
    
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                           -< Spring is in the air! >-
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Note 376.0               Ft Meadow Marlboro boat access?              No replies
ARGUS::FIELDS                                        11 lines  15-MAY-1989 10:54
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    
        I just recently moved to the Ft Meadow, Marlboro lake
    area.  I live one block back from the lake, and don't own 
    a boat myself, but do have a few friends who would like to bring
    their boats by for a day.   Does anybody know of any public access,
    and the rules governing public access on this lake?
    
    		Thanks,
    
    		Bill Fields
    	

    
    Bill,
    
    My name is Mike Smith and I live on the water on Fort Meadow.
    Public access to Fort Meadow is very difficult from Labor Day
    to Memorial Day (ie: not the summer months)  unless you know
    someone with a private launch (I do not have one).
    As a resident you like the access limited, until of course you 
    need to get yourself or a friend in and/or out.
    
    Starting Memorial Day weekend the launch over by the causeway
    at the non-beach end of the lake is open from 10-8 on weekends.
    Once school gets out it is also open during the week something
    like 2:00 - 8:00.   There is no fee for launching. BUT you
    must be a Marlboro,  Hudson,  or I believe Stow resident to use
    the ramp.  I believe this is due to town monies going to the
    upkeep.  The launch is acually owned by St. Marks High School
    for their crew team.
    
    Where do you live???   If you are lucky,  some of the Lake Associations
    have there own launches that can be used by the Association Members,
    but I do not know all the details there.
    
    I usually can find some launch to use to just put my boat in in
    the spring and then wait till after Memorail day to do any
    pulling out.  But it is a little easier when you are just going
    one way, for a one shot deal.
    
    Check with some of your neighbors along the water and find out 
    what they do to get into the water.   Like I mentioned before,
    the people with private launches are pretty good about letting people
    get in at the start of the season,  but are not so receptive to
    having people going in and out of their ramps on weekends.
    May have to wait until Memorial Day to get a friend in,  but
    I would not rule out the possibility of finding a nice guy
    to let you get in,  just stress the fact that you live in the
    neighborhood.
    
    Let me know how things work out,  I am always interested in finding
    alternative ways to getting access myself.
    
    I own a BAJA 174 Sunsport  its a gray hull with a blue strip.
    I'm out there just about every weekend and most weekdays
    skiing or just crus'n.  Maybe we'll see you out there.
    
    Mike Smith    ZEN::SMITH
    

    
    
    	Lake Mattawannakee in Littleton/Westford is getting a little
    weedy. The outlet that serves as access from the ramp to the lake
    might be ok for an outboard or I/O, but an inbord has a tough
    time with the weeds that are less than 24 inches deep. (I felt
    as if I was making a salad!)
    
    	The town beach is almost completely blocked by weeds, which
    I understand is taken care of later in the season. For now I think
    I'll pass on Mattawannakee.
    
    Rick

    
    	Does anyone know about Long Lake in Westford? I was told that
    public access does exist and that's it's large enough to ski on.??
    
    Rick

    I live in Westford and have tried to get my boat into Long Lake
    for years. There is no public access however there is access on
    Rt 40 if you have a good 4 wheel drive vehicle. I don't. It's not the 
    incline, it's the big hole from the asphalt to the ramp. 4 wheel drive 
    vehicles have no problem. I see at least 1 boat each weekend launched 
    from this ramp. It's a great lake for skiing.
              
    Take a look at it then decide.
                                            Bill

    
    re: Bill
    
    	Can you give me some landmarks to find the ramp, I'm not even
    sure which body of water it is on route 40.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Rick

Re : -1
    
         Directions to Long Sought for Pond landing on Rt 40:
    
              From Rt 3 take Rt 40 towards Westford/Groton. The first
    body of water you pass on the right is a small pond. No boating
    there. The next body of water on the right ( approx 20 ft from Rt
    40) is Long Pond. The ramp is right there. You have to pass the ramp,
    stop on Rt 40, and back up down the ramp. It's not an easy ramp
    but the only one on the Pond thats accessable to the public.  If
    you miss the ramp and see a gas station on the right, you've gone
    about 100 yards too far.
    
              or:
    
     from Groton Center, take Rt 40 into Westford. The ramp is approx
    2 miles after you hit the Westford line on the left just after you
    pass the gas station.
    
    
         I live on Rt 40 in Westford and sail Long pond fairly often.
    There is one section, immediately to the right of the ramp, along
    RT 40 which is 1-3 feet deep. The area is the size of a football
    field. Raises hell with power boats who don't know. The rest of
    the Pond is no problem.
    
         The landing is a little intimidating. All I can say is that
    other people use it and put in some good size boats. take a ride
    up and decide for yourself.   Not many people on the water because
    of the limited access.
    
                                                  Bill

    Do any of the lakes mentioned here have some sort of park with a
    beach? I've been by Mattawanakee (sp?) in Littleton, but there isn't
    much of an area there. We're trying to set up a work "outing" and
    it would be great if it could be on a ski-able lake with a good
    beach area that's not too far from the Littleton area. Any suggestions
    would be appreciated.
    
    Jon

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Note 335.35            Official 1989 Water Ski Season Note              35 of 35
PARITY::MITCHELL "Rob Mitchell Data Center Mgr"      13 lines  23-MAY-1989 12:18
                            -< Mattawankee Access >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    I've taken my boat over to that lake and I was leary of backing it into
    the water there by the bridge.  It looks like it's all sand and I only
    have a six cylinder station wagon to pull my boat with.  I thought, if
    I backed in there I may never get the boat out again.  Have you ever
    had problems getting a boat in and out of there or is there another
    area to put boats in?  If I remember right that happens to be on a turn 
    in the road as well which even complicates things more with trying to back 
    a boat into there.  I've been out there in a canoe and it seems like a
    nice place to boat at.
    
    								Rob.
    
    

    
    re: Rob,
    
    	Yeah, Mattawannakee is really a rough launch, I got stuck
    there myself with 2WD, so you'd be best to have another vehicle
    and a chain....
    
    Rick

re .17 and .18

	I was there saturday and errrrr, ummmmm, "early monday 
evening".  Yes, its near a curve in the road, but if there isn't 
someone else already parked almost on the ramp you can get well over 
into the dirt and back straight in.  I have, but havn't had to use 4WD 
there (yet) - but ain't that always the way ? :-^))

	Reg

BTW, it WAS WINDY there  "early monday evening",  so we had the place 
almost to ourselves - just a windsurfer, us and the white-caps, nice 
ski-ing.

    re: .0
    
    I sent for the booklet in 1988 and got back the message... "I regret to
    inform you that the 1974 publication entitled 'Public Access to Waters
    of Massachusettes' is out of print." Anyway, they sent me a photo copy. 

    Here's what it has to offer. Note that it is far from complete - they
    don't list any lakes in Littleton, nor Lake Boone in Stow where I live! 
    
    The next page has Rivers and Harbors listed in the book. The next reply
    (.20) has lakes and ponds by name; .21 has has lakes and ponds by
    access town name; and .22 has lakes and ponds by size in acres. Enjoy! 

RIVERS and Ocean Access
=======================

River                   Notes
=====================   =======================================================
Bondi's Island          Adawam/W Springfield Access from Holyoke to Windsor Ct.
Apponagansett River     Dartmouth access to Buzzards Bay
Bartons Cove            Gill Access to Conn. River Turners Falls to Vernon Vt.
Bass River              Access to Nantasket Sound
Black Rock Creek        Salisbury           Access to Merrimack river & Atlantic
Charles River           Watertown Watertown to Sci. Museum.
Coles River             Somerset Access to Mounbt Hope Bay
Connecticut River       Hatfield good for middle river access
Danvers River           Peabody Access to Beverly, Salem Harbors
Deerfield River         Charlemont/Buckland
East Bank Conn. River   Holyoke Ramp near Ma. pike
East Branch Ware River  Rutland Small Boat area
Little Mystic Channel   Charlestown Access to Boston Harbor
Merrimac River          Lawrence 14 miles of river
Oxbow Conn. River       Easthampton 
Pamet River             Truro Access to Cape Cod Bay
Porter River            Danvers Access to Beverly & Salem Harbors
Squannacook River       Pepperell
Westport River          Westport Next to Horesneck Beach
Weweantic River         Wareham Access to Buzzards Basy

HARBORS
=======

Harbor                  Notes
=====================   =======================================================
Short Warf              Mattapoisett Access to Buzzards Bay
Sconticut Neck          Fairhaven/New Bedford Access to Buzzards Bay
Jerico Road             Scituate Access to Scituate Harbor
Lagoon Sound            Martha's Vineyard Access to Vineyard Sound
Ipswich Town Pier       Ipswich Good access to popular area
Lynn Harbor             Lynn Protected waters
Saquatucket Harbor      Harwich good fishing
Katama Point            Edgartown Much Shoal water
Pease Park              Fairhaven Protected waters, to Buzzards
Green Pond              Falmouth Access to Vineyard sound
Sesuit Harbor           Dennis Access to Cape Cod Bay
Rock Harbor             Eastham Access to Cape Cod Bay
Green Harbor            Marshfield Protected Harbor

                        Lakes and Ponds Sorted by Name
                        ==============================

Lake                    Access Town         Acres      Notes
=====================   =================   =====      ===================
Alum Pond               Sturbridge            172
Ashumet Pond            Falmouth/Mashpee      203
Asnacomet Pond          Hubbardston           127
Attitash Lake           Merrimac              360
Baddacook Pond          Groton                 76
Benedict Pond           Monterey               35
Buel Lake               Monterey              196
Chebacco Lake           Hamilton              209      2 mi.s from exit 26 128
Chauncy Lake            Westborough           185
Cliff Pond              Brewster              193
Congamond Lakes         Southwick             465
Delaney Pond            Stow                  168
East Brimfield Resevoir Brimfield/Sturbridge  420
Falls Pond              No. Attleborough      156
Flint Pond              Tyngsborough           61
Fort Pond               Lancaster              33
Hardwick Pond           Hardwick               99
Highland Lake           Goshen                 88
Hood Pond               Ipswich                67
Horn Pond               Winthrop              102
Johns Pond              Mashpee               317
Knopps Pond             Groton                204
Laurel Lake             Lee/Lenox             151
Little Cliff Pond       Brewster               33
Little Long Pond        Plymouth               45
Long Pond               Plymouth              215
Long Pond               Freetown             1721      Largest in Ma. Rocks!
Lovells Pond            Barnstable/Mashpee     54
Manchaug Pond           Sutton/Douglas        412
Mascopic Lake           Tyngsborough          290
Nippenicket Lake        Bridgewater           354
Otis Resevoir           Tolland               693
Peters Pond             Sandwich              127
Pontossuc Lake          Pittsfield            480
Quaboag Pond            Brookfield            512      aka "Podunk"
Quinsigamond Lake       Shrewsbury           1051
Richmond Pond           Richmond              219
Rock Pond               Georgetown             57
Sabbatia Lake           Taunton               237
Shaw Pond               Otis/Becket           100
Sheep Pond              Brewster              142
Shubael Pond            Barnstable             56
Singletary Pond         Sutton                356
Spectacle Pond (Upper)  Sandisfield/Otis       60
Sugden Resevoir         Spencer                83
Wakeby Pond             Mashpee               729
Wallum Lake             Douglas               286
Watuppa Pond            Fall River           1283
Whalom Pond             Lunenburg             100
Whitehall Resevoir      Hopkington            601      restricted boat access
Windsor Pond            Windsor                79

                  Lakes and Ponds Sorted by Access Town Name
                  ==========================================

Lake                    Access Town         Acres      Notes
=====================   =================   =====      ===================
Lovells Pond            Barnstable/Mashpee     54
Shubael Pond            Barnstable             56
Cliff Pond              Brewster              193
Little Cliff Pond       Brewster               33
Sheep Pond              Brewster              142
Nippenicket Lake        Bridgewater           354
East Brimfield Resevoir Brimfield/Sturbridge  420
Quaboag Pond            Brookfield            512      aka "Podunk"
Wallum Lake             Douglas               286
South Watuppa Pond      Fall River           1283
Ashumet Pond            Falmouth/Mashpee      203
Long Pond               Freetown             1721      Largest in Ma. Rocks!
Rock Pond               Georgetown             57
Highland Lake           Goshen                 88
Baddacook Pond          Groton                 76
Knopps Pond             Groton                204
Chebacco Lake           Hamilton              209      2 mi.s from exit 26 128
Hardwick Pond           Hardwick               99
Whitehall Resevoir      Hopkington            601      restricted boat access
Asnacomet Pond          Hubbardston           127
Hood Pond               Ipswich                67
Fort Pond               Lancaster              33
Laurel Lake             Lee/Lenox             151
Whalom Pond             Lunenburg             100
Johns Pond              Mashpee               317
Wakeby Pond             Mashpee               729
Lake Attitash           Merrimac              360
Benedict Pond           Monterey               35
Buel Lake               Monterey              196
Falls Pond              No. Attleborough      156
Shaw Pond               Otis/Becket           100
Pontossuc Lake          Pittsfield            480
Long Pond               Plymouth              215
Little Long Pond        Plymouth               45
Richmond Pond           Richmond              219
Upper Specatacle Pond   Sandisfield/Otis       60
Peters Pond             Sandwich              127
Lake Quinsigamond       Shrewsbury           1051
Congamond Lakes         Southwick             465
Sugden Resevoir         Spencer                83
Delaney Pond            Stow                  168
Alum Pond               Sturbridge            172
Singletary Pond         Sutton                356
Manchaug Pond           Sutton/Douglas        412
Sabbatia Lake           Taunton               237
Otis Resevoir           Tolland               693
Flint Pond              Tyngsborough           61
Mascopic Lake           Tyngsborough          290
Lake Chauncy            Westborough           185
Windsor Pond            Windsor                79
Horn Pond               Winthrop              102

                     Lakes and Ponds Sorted by Lake Size
                     ===================================

Lake                    Access Town         Acres      Notes
=====================   =================   =====      ===================
Fort Pond               Lancaster              33      Too small for the boats!
Little Cliff Pond       Brewster               33
Benedict Pond           Monterey               35
Little Long Pond        Plymouth               45
Lovells Pond            Barnstable/Mashpee     54
Shubael Pond            Barnstable             56
Rock Pond               Georgetown             57
Upper Specatacle Pond   Sandisfield/Otis       60
Flint Pond              Tyngsborough           61
Hood Pond               Ipswich                67
Baddacook Pond          Groton                 76
Windsor Pond            Windsor                79
Sugden Resevoir         Spencer                83
Highland Lake           Goshen                 88
Hardwick Pond           Hardwick               99
Whalom Pond             Lunenburg             100
Shaw Pond               Otis/Becket           100
Horn Pond               Winthrop              102
Asnacomet Pond          Hubbardston           127
Peters Pond             Sandwich              127
Sheep Pond              Brewster              142
Laurel Lake             Lee/Lenox             151
Falls Pond              No. Attleborough      156
Delaney Pond            Stow                  168      Stumps!
Alum Pond               Sturbridge            172
Lake Chauncy            Westborough           185
Cliff Pond              Brewster              193
Buel Lake               Monterey              196
Ashumet Pond            Falmouth/Mashpee      203
Knopps Pond             Groton                204
Chebacco Lake           Hamilton              209      2 mi.s from exit 26 128
Long Pond               Plymouth              215
Richmond Pond           Richmond              219
Sabbatia Lake           Taunton               237
Wallum Lake             Douglas               286
Mascopic Lake           Tyngsborough          290
Johns Pond              Mashpee               317
Nippenicket Lake        Bridgewater           354
Singletary Pond         Sutton                356
Lake Attitash           Merrimac              360
Manchaug Pond           Sutton/Douglas        412
East Brimfield Resevoir Brimfield/Sturbridge  420
Congamond Lakes         Southwick             465
Pontossuc Lake          Pittsfield            480
Quaboag Pond            Brookfield            512      aka "Podunk"
Whitehall Resevoir      Hopkington            601      restricted boat access
Otis Resevoir           Tolland               693
Wakeby Pond             Mashpee               729
Lake Quinsigamond       Shrewsbury           1051
South Watuppa Pond      Fall River           1283
Long Pond               Freetown             1721      Largest in Ma. Rocks!

I thought I'd revive this topic as this season winds down, because 
twice recently I've run into older folks with the "I was here first,
you get the hell out of here" syndrome.

After a season of cruising around Winnipesaukee I'd certainly like to 
find new territory to explore.  Squam, Winnisquam, and Newfound, all
mentioned in the newspaper editorial below, immediately come to mind.
Unfortunately, unless you know someone with property there, it's almost
impossible to gain access to any of those lakes.  I am fortunate enough
at least to have access to Winnipesauke, as my parents own property in 
Gilford, allowing me access to the town boat ramp and parking lot.  Most
people do not have this option.

The obvious problem is that once a person owns lakefront property, they 
do not want their lake opened up for public access, fearing that it will 
become overcrowded.  Currently the vast majority of lake boaters are crammed
into the few lakes which have public access.  If all lakes over a given size
were required to have public access, boat traffic would be more evenly dist-
ributed and help to ease the overcrowding problem, not make it worse.

Rick W.

**************************************************************************
The following editorial is reprinted here (without permission) from the 
September 2 issue of the Nashua Telegraph.  It originally appeared in the
Lawrence Eagle-Tribune.

             "Open Up N.H. Lakes To All"

   Most people cannot enjoy New Hampshire rivers and lakes.

   The public is shut out of the fun on New Hampshire waters even though 
the state has charge of 1,021 of its lakes.  The majority of Granite
State residents and tourists alike are prevented from boating or swimming
in its waters.

   Those who cannot afford to own waterfront property, but can afford a
boat find it difficult, if not impossible, to get to the water on many
lakes.

   The state says that 500 of its lakes have no state-owned access for boats,
including three of the largest - Squam, Newfound, and Winnisquam.  There
is one state-owned public boat ramp on Lake Winnipesaukee's 240 miles of
shore.

   Many of the state's efforts over the years to provide public access seem
to have caved in to town and landowner pressure.  The state has, in fact,
given away some of its power in this area to communities which are, perhaps
understandably, reluctant to open their shores to out-of-towners.

   But the "what's mine is my own" philosophy goes too far when it bars the 
public from the public domain.

   When the signs that point the way to the state-operated boat ramps that 
do exist keep disappearing and are not replaced (no state map on water access
exists), it would seem that resistance is active as well as passive.

   Gov. Judd Gregg has said that lake access and usage are a priority with 
him.  Last spring, he asked the Council on Resources and Development to make
recommendations by the end of the year.  The governor also got legislative
backing for a committee to establish state standards for development along
public water.

   Mr. Gregg will not rule out using eminent domain to take land for public
access, but he has said he would prefer convincing property owners that
allowing access to the water is not going to damage their quality of life.

   The governor should press on and make the state take on a more assertive
and managerial role here.

   New Hampshire's wonderful waters must, of course, be protected.  But they 
should no longer be fenced in by and for a few.

Does anyone have the phone numbers to call NH boat registry officials?
Come to think of it, a central location for the numbers of similar
offices for any state at all would be nice to have. 

Obviously, the NH place would be on Concord, MA would be in Boston, etc.

Thanks,

Art

    
    The following numbers are from the 1990 NYNEX Boater's Directory.  
    If you need addresses for any of these let me know and I'll post 
    them.
    
    Rick W.
    
    
    New Hampshire:
    603-271-2333    Concord
    
    Massachusetts:
    617-727-3900    Boston
    508-679-8287    Fall River
    508-771-8382    Hyannis
    508-753-0603    Worcester
    413-733-8670    Springfield
    
    Rhode Island:
    401-277-6647    Providence
    
    Maine:
    207-289-2043    Augusta

    Moved by moderator
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                            -<     PowerBoats     >-
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Note 3.601                    Boat Sale Ads Here...                   601 of 601
THOTH::SNOW                                          13 lines  19-APR-1990 08:15
                      -< Any public access near Maynard? >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    	I'm looking for a ski-able size lake with say a 20-30 mile radius
    of Maynard, MA, (other than Quinsig) that allows public access. I have
    an '85 Larson 16.5' bowrider, 120 hp I/O. I'd really like to be able to
    use the boat more often without having to drive a couple of hours.
    
    Any ideas will be appreciated!
    
    Dan Snow
    223-7351
    MLO11-4/U32
    
    Boat's name: "Checks In The Mail"

Moved by moderator...
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Note 748.0                    Falmouth, MA Launch?                    No replies
AIMHI::SJOHNSON                                      11 lines   5-SEP-1990 11:18
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    We're looking for a place to launch our 25' motor boat in the Falmouth
    area.  I know you can in Falmouth Harbor.  Does anyone know of any
    other places?
    
    Thanks in advance.
    Sonia
    
    If this is located somewhere else in the file please let me know and
    I'll delete this.  Thanks.
    
    

    The launch in Falmouth Harbor is pretty poor.  There is a nice launch 
    near Edwards boat yard on rt 28.  The entrance is right next to the
    entrance for Edwards which is about 5 miles East of Falmouth center on
    the Childs River. If you go let me know, I may be there as well; I have a 
    place on Childs River.  From the Launch to open water is about a mile.
    The Harbor Master takes joy in providing souvenir speeding tickets so
    its best to keep it to no wake the whole way.
    

    Paul,
    
    Thanks for the info.  Unfortunately I didn't get back into this note
    late on Friday, but we did call around and found that that was the best
    place.  We were there on Saturday & Sunday morning.  Boy, were the
    waves tough on Sat!  Sunday we made it over to M.V.  Were you at the
    launch on either of those days?  The launch was pretty good - however
    our trailer is not (Shoreline) - we did more damage to the boat trying
    to get the boat off that trailer.  We have to put all our weight under
    the bow & push it up to get the bow hook out of the rollers - this time
    the boat smashed down on a bolt and put a gouge in the side.  Our boat
    is a 235 BAJA w/ the teal & wedgewood coloring - 25' overall.
    
    Thanks,
    Sonia

    
    
                        -<may help>-
    
    Sonia,
    
     I had the problem of the bow eye catching on the pads.
    It seems that I was getting too far into the water with
    the trailer. What happens is the stern starts to float
    and the weight basically is transfered to the bow. This
    forces the bow down and eye into the lower pad. Sort of 
    like a teeter-totter action. Pushing the boat up and out
    once it's caught is not something for weak knees.
     Hope this helps.
    
    Andy 

    
    	How far ?downstream? can the Concord river be navigated 
    towards Billerica from the Bedford launch?
    
    Thanks,
    
    Rick
    
    BTW: the directions to this ramp aren't here, I'll post them next...

    
To get to the Bedford boat launch on the Concord River:

Take route 3 south to Concord Road.

At the end of ramp go left.  

Follow this several miles until you come into Bedford.  You'll see
a Volkswagen dealer on your left.

Across from the VW dealer will be an abandoned Mobil station, and 
route 4/225 will come in from the right.  Take a hard right onto 4/225 
toward Carlisle.

The boat launch will be a couple miles down on the right.  You'll see a
dirt road branching off to the right with some concrete pillars and a 
metal gate.  If you cross the Concord River you've gone a couple hundred 
yards too far.

    A couple of comments...
    
    	Be careful "beaching" the boat at this ramp as rather nasty rocks
    lurk under the water there. There's plenty of water to launch and the
    only problem appears to be the rocks laying on the bottom a yard or
    two from the waters edge.
    
    	As for navigating the river, I was told the "the middle of the
    river is fine"... for what that's worth...
    
    	If you go to the right from the ramp (?downstream?) after a couple
    of bridges there is a marker near the left shore. Supposedly, you want
    to stay to the left of this marker to avoid rocks....
    
    Rick

The Concord River is navigable all the way down to route 3A in Billerica.
Just after that there are rocks and rapids.  Also, be REAL careful just
downstream from the route 3 bridge.  There are two NASTY rocks just to the 
left of the center of the river.

I've gone upstream as far as a mile or two past Wayland Country Club (I 
think it's route 20).  There's a fairly narrow window where you can take
a powerboat upstream without *intimate* local kowledge of the river. Early
in the season the water's high and you can't clear some of the bridges, 
later in the season the water's low and a lot of rocks are waiting to
chomp on your lower unit.

I know the location of almost every rock from Bedford to Lincoln, although 
the learning process cost me a stainless prop on one occasion and a lower 
unit on another.  If you know the river it's a lot of fun, and there's tons 
of stuff to see, there are old and new mansions, the Great Meadows wildlife 
refuge, and the Old North Bridge.

Rick

    re: .34
    
    Rick---
    "Polluted with canoes"
    ?
    
    I guess there's a different perspective for everything.
    
    This year, the Concord will be polluted with scuba divers. Forget the
    rocks, worry about human heads, or at least watch out for them, please?
    
    John  H-C

    
    
    	Forget about the Mattawanakee ramp near the railroad tracks, it's
    been bulldozed in with dirt. Of course, I found this out as I backed
    half way down it to turn around to discover I *didn't* have 4WD!
    
    	The only option for Mattawanakee is the ramp near the bridge
    on the outlet. Anyone know how the water level is there right now?
    
    Rick

re <<< Note 266.36 by KAHALA::SUTER "We dun't need no stinkin' skis, (sometimes)" >>>
>                            -< More Closed Access! >-

>    on the outlet. Anyone know how the water level is there right now?

	On my  *_SEVERAL_*  visits there on saturday I saw many boats 
coming and going at the BBR bridge, though I doubt that any of them 
were drawing 2ft of water.   I got my I/O stuck there ONCE, its a soft 
black mud bottom - and it really STINKS.   I'd like to go back to the 
RR trax with a plough and level things out again - either that or a
truck crane and have my boat hoisted OVER their stupid little attempt
at blocking access to  "THEIR"  pond. 

	R

    Moved by moderator
    ------------------
    
              <<< VICKI::SIE$DATA0:[NOTES$LIBRARY]BOATS.NOTE;1 >>>
                               -<    Hit it!    >-
================================================================================
Note 899.0                    Questions about Lakes                   No replies
ASDG::LEGER                                          10 lines  26-AUG-1991 11:14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
                           Question about Lakes
    
            Hi,
              I have been thinking of buying a pleasure boat, but
    was wondering if any knew of any lakes in the centeal Mass.
    area that has a public ramp and beach.
    
         Thanks in Advance
          Tom.

    Moved by moderator...
    
================================================================================
Note 984.0                         Where to go                        No replies
FSOA::PRINDLE                                        18 lines  24-MAY-1992 20:10
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello,

I am new to the sport of boating and have been monitoring this notes file for
about a year now.  One of the problems being new to the sport and not living on
a lake is where to go boating.  If anyone is willing to share there favorite
spots please list them here with any and all useful information like directions,
conditions, launching fees, and so on.

I live in the Leominster area and my interest are about a 1-2 hour radius drive
but please put in other areas as well, others may benefit.

Mr. Moderator, I tried to find a note like this one but could not find it.  If
I over looked it please let me know.

Happy/Safe Boating,

Wayne
    

	Where to go depends on what you want to do...

	I don't know what it is that you refer to as  "the sport of boating"
but I don't think its what I'm into, so I can't help you very much.

	Reg

    .40
    
    Pleasure riding, skiing, and fishing.....

    Does anyone know of access ramps to Buzzards Bay from the Bourne and
    Falmouth area? Either public or pay-to-launch?
    
    			Thanks,
    
    				Robert.

    	There's a $5 ramp in Buzzards Bay right where you'd make the turn
    to go to the Maritime Academy.  Nice concrete ramp, lots of parking. 
    It's in a marina and you exit the marina right where Buttermilk Bay
    empties under Rt. 6.  The channel is well marked but it dumps you right
    in the Cleveland Ledge Channel just west of the Canal.  Can be rough
    and crowded at times and the tide really moves through there.  I eased
    up beside the Buttermilk Channel bouy one night and while sitting
    beside the bouy my speedo read 10.5 mph....  Better make sure your
    small boat is up to it!
    					B.C.

    Thanks BC - that's why I was looking for something on the Cape side -
    I really don't like crossing that channel - I've done it - just never
    felt comfortable in a small (14') boat. Naturally, all the good fishing
    spots are on the other side! :*)
    
    				Robert.
    

	I don't know what "good fishing spots" are to you, or what you are
fishing for, however there are a couple of ramps in the New Bedford area
that provide access to Buzzards Bay farther West (than the area you mention).
There is one (State I believe) ramp on the East side of Clarks Cove.  Clarks
Cove is just West of New Bedford Harbor and borders New Bedford and South
Dartmouth.  The second ramp is on New Bedford Harbor just outside the
Hurricane Barrier close to where the Vineyard Ferry (Schamonchi sp?) docks.
The third ramp is on the Fairhaven side of New Bedford Harbor on Middle St.
about 5 blocks South of Rt 6.  There is a fourth ramp on Sconticut Neck
(not sure of the exact location) which provides access to Nasketucket Bay
(which from the chart is shallow and rocky so I'm not sure if it is considered
an "all tide" ramp).  There is a fifth ramp in South Dartmouth in the Village
of Padanarum (sp ?) on the west side of the bridge.  I'm not sure of access
here (Town, Pay, Etc.) however, I know the truck that launches me uses this
ramp frequently to launch sail boats with 4 to 5 ft. draft on most tides so
I assume the water at the ramp is fairly deep.  All of these observations
are from the water (or chart), so you would need to apply this information
to a road map to determine the best land route to the various ramps.  I
believe I could find sections of charts and maps to mark up if anyone is
interested.  All of these ramps, with the exception of Sconticut Neck are
about 12 to 14 miles from Cuttyhunk or Quicks Hole for those who wish to
fish the Holes; Lucas, Manemsha, Devils Bridge, or Sow and Pigs if you dare,
are slightly farther if you have a boat of sufficient size to get there and
back safely.
	A couple of words of caution,  Buzzards Bay can be like glass in
the early AM, and very nasty by noon.  This is especially true with the
predominate S.W. afternoon breeze of about 10 to 20 and an outgoing tide.
Currents in some areas can be quite strong, as BC has already mentioned,
but are predictable with the help of Eldridge.  Clarks Cove is mostly
protected from the S.W. winds and can be fished most afternoons from small
boats.  DON'T go into this area without a chart.  There are a number of
obstructions to be aware of in the area.  "Great Ledge", for example, is
more than a mile from land, but has a depth of 1 foot at MLW.  It is marked
by N "6" and G "7" but has still been the down fall of experienced boaters.
If you should launch from the Fairhaven ramp, the speed limit inside the
harbor is 5 MPH (in spite of what others may do).  Also, New Bedford is a
commercial harbor with large boat traffic.  There can be large wakes, and
going through the hurricane barrier opening can sometimes be exciting.
	Buy the way, we got about 20 eating size Blues from Clarks Cove on
Memorial Day, so I'd call that a decent fishing spot

    re: .last
    
    	Thanks for the info. I should have said 'all the good fishing spots
    	that I know' ! My intent was to stay in the protected harbors (even
    	in the morning - before those nasty SW thermals come up) - I'll
    	check out some of these spots.
    
    			Robert.

    RE: .46
    
    Robert,
    	I pulled out a bunch of old '86-'91 info to see what I could find
    for you on the east side of Buzzards Bay.  My best suggestion at this
    point would be to call both Bourne and Falmouth Chamber of Commerce and
    ask for their help.  They should at least be able to point you to a
    Tackle shop etc. that could give you the info.
    	I'm not posting anything here because last night as I was writing
    a list for you from my '89 Nynex Boaters Directory my wife mentioned
    that we had a newer one, a '91 version.  After looking at the quantity
    of ramps listed in the two books I felt that it was a waste of time to
    give you '91 info...
    	It seems that the '89 book lists 49 town and state ramps in
    Barnstable County.  The '91 book lists only 17...  Very depressing...
    Here we are 2 years later...  Are there any left this year?  Who knows.
    	Send me some mail and I'll let you know what I checked.
    
    					B.C.
    

    				<grins>

    EXACTLY. The ramps and public access points to lakes, ponds and rivers
    are being systematically eliminated.  I am glad you posted that here,
    maybe we can get people to NOTICE and start pushing BACK against
    overzealous environmentalists.
    
    John, are you GLAD that this is happening?  Your smiling but not
    complaining along with us about the ramps getting closed.  Why aren't
    you complaining?
    
    Did any of you see the episode on 60 Minutes last night about
    environmentalism taken to extremes and that people are starting to push
    back now that they are starting to notice that 'hey the woods are
    CLOSED!, I can't launch my boat here anymore, its against the law to
    do anything outdoors unless it own your own land (IF it meets the laws)
    or in a Goverment sanction park.'
    
    I too am for the Planet, I live here too.  I am tired of being pushed
    out of 'everywhere' outdoors in the name of environmentalism.  I will
    make reasonable efforts to reduce my impact on the environment.
    
    Gee, maybe I should commit suicide?  It would save fuel that I would have
    consumed, reduce my CO and CO2 emissions and save on lots of other
    things too.  I wouldn't be able to litter either.
    
    Seriously though, I am becoming more and more ALARMED as I see the land
    and water closings continuing!  
    
    Jeff

    There was an article in yesterday's "NH WEEKLY" section of the Boston
    Globe about public access in NH.  Specfically, it was about the 
    systematic closing of public access to beaches and roadside swimming
    holes.  It seems that people who like to swim in NH are facing the 
    same issues that we are as boaters.  Like us, most of them are probably 
    also unaware of the forces at work to take away their access.
    
    The article says that over the years, NH actually bought and still 
    owns public rights of way to many lakes and rivers, and that they 
    are neglected, overgrown, and forgotten about.  In many cases, 
    adjacent landowners have posted these public ways as "Private 
    Property"(!), and in some instances have actually built on them!  
    Also, many of the remaining public beaches have become semi-private,
    with access restricted to taxpaying town residents only.  The article 
    says that some of these semi-private beaches are actually on state 
    owned land, or were paid for by grants given to the towns by the state.
    Unbelievable (IMO).  The article is somewhat of an "editorial", because 
    the author goes on to make a good case for what a loss to the quality 
    of life this elimination of public access is.  Imagine the trainloads
    of city people who took weekend trains to the 'burbs and north country
    back in the early part of this century, if they could have foreseen
    that before the end of the century, relatively small groups of property
    owners and environmentalists would be so successful in taking away public
    access.  (Again, my opinion only).
    
    The good news is that the state of NH formed a commission last summer
    to study public access to every river, and lake over 10 acres in size
    in the state.  ALL waterways in NH over 10 acres are public property, 
    which may come as a surprise to some.  The commission will continue 
    thru 1995 in locating the public right of ways that the state owns, 
    and returning them to service, and also determining where additional 
    access is needed.  The state is exempt from losing property to squatters,
    so many people who have stolen land from the state will be in for a 
    rude awakening (IMO).  
    
    My understanding is that this commission is where the $4-5 increase 
    in our boat registrations is going (hooray!)..  As boaters, this is 
    a worthwhile cause if I ever heard one, and will hopefully help reverse 
    some of this "I've got mine, you stay the hell out" trend that is 
    becoming so prevalent.  Workers for the commission who are doing these 
    surveys are volunteers.  Jeff, whaddya say you and I get involved in 
    this?  Anyone else?  I'll try and find out if additional volunteers 
    are being accepted, and post it here.
    
    How about BPAES (Boater's Public Access Environmental Survey)?
    
    Rick
    
    P.S.  John states publicly here that he is not in favor of closing
          ramps, only illegal dumps.  I keep saying he intends to do
          more than that, which he disputes.  The reason I say that, is
          that I have more info from John than what's been posted in this
          conference.  If I can get his permission, I will post an excerpt
          from a mail message he sent me. The message describes a meeting
          he attended recently, in which he claims that by merely stating 
          that many more ramps should be closed, he singlehandedly convinced 
          the people in charge of the Concord River boat ramps to close 
          more of them. I suspect I will not receive that permission,  
          because it clearly shows what his TRUE agenda is, which you are 
          not supposed to know about.

    RE: .49
    
    	I agree with you Jeff.  I was shocked to see the difference in
    the listings.  Just remember, this wasn't exactly research that I did.
    I have no idea what else may have had an effect on the listings.
    
    					B.C.

    Rick, please find out more info about the commission on public access
    and post it here if you will.  I would be willing to consider getting
    involved in it but I need more information.
    
    I suspect that the land and ramp closing go far further than local
    environmental groups gettings things closed to the public, although
    their efforts are making substancial inroads on public access too.
    I believe the Federal Government is involved in this.  Have you
    noticed how much land is OWNED by the Government!!!!???  Why do they
    NEED so much land?  How much of it is bought up by the Gov. in the
    name of environmentalism.  Hard to take a stand FOR child abuse isn't
    it?  The analogy is who can take a stand against environmentalism
    without people wondering whats wrong with you?!  Well, I believe one
    can take a stand against 'environmentalism' when it limits the publics
    rights to access.
    
    Environmentalism is the 'GOD' of the 1990's.
    
    John, I am going to retract my offer to help you clean up the Concord
    on Sat. June 19th.  I believe I would wind up helping you clean it up
    just to have you work to limit my (and others) access to it.  "Clean
    it up and get kicked out".  Right?!  My energies are going to go to
    maintaining public access.  You clean up the river.
    
    Jeff

    Public Access in NH is something that 'sportsmen' have been fighting
    for many years.  As stated in the article Rick referenced, much
    progress has been made in the last 2-3 years (including our increased
    boat registrations).  
    
    The newsletters/magazines published by the NH F&G Dept and the NH 
    Wildlife Federation cover this subject in every issue, posting the
    latest updates.  Been seeing lots of articles elsewhere as well.
    
    There is a Public Access Committee chartered to manage this issue.
    Hearings and Meetings are held often.  
    
    Fisherman have been lobbying for this effort for a long time.  Many
    NH bass clubs clean up access sites.
    
    If you'd like to get involved, call NH F&G and I'm sure they'll tell
    you what's going on.
    
    -donmac

    re:266.50
    
       Rick, your note reminds me of the conversation I had with the
    Brookline, NH, Road Agent who is also responsible for upkeep on the
    town (state?) owned public boat ramp at Lake Potanipo.  He told me that
    if he had a choice he would just close it down but he purposely does a
    poor job fixing up the ramp to minimize the amount of launching which
    is done there.  He happens to own a number of camps on the lake, one of
    which he lives in during the summer.  Last year when I rented dock
    space on the lack, I appreciated his way of kepping down the boat
    traffic and size of boats.  This year I will be trailering and will
    complain like hell.  It all depends on which side of the fence you are
    lucky enough to be on.
    Wayne

    Charlie, the problem is that usually its the 'other guy' (land owners,
    or officials) that automatically have the advantage.  John Q. Public
    tends to be a disorganized bunch which have essentially no rights
    regarding access.  Its by the grace of the land owners and officials
    that we are granted access.  Many of the complaints of the land owners
    and officials are accurate in that the problems they describe exist.
    (There, I admitted it John).  Its in the SOLUTIONS that I disagree.
    'They' want to take the EASY way out and close the ramps.  I want to
    catch and fine the offenders.  The second method is far more expensive
    and FAIR but of course people want the easy solutions at the expense of
    most of us.
    
    Jeff

OK, I've got some info for anyone interested in helping with the
NH Public Access Survey.

It is being handled by the Office of State Planning, in Concord.
I've been talking with a woman there by the name of Jane Lockwood,
who was extremely pleasant and helpful.  The number there is 
603-271-2155.  Also, Rich Tichko at the Fish and Game (603-271-2224)
was very helpful.  If you send $10 to the NH Wildlife Journal, at
2 Hazen Drive, Concord NH 03301, you'll get a year's subscription (11 
issues) of the NH Wildlife Journal.  Their spring edition covers
public access issues.  

The public access survey started last summer, and will continue for 
another year or two.  There are presently about 80 volunteers, and 
Jane says that they would be thrilled to have more.  She would like
to hear from any of you who can volunteer, or would like more information.
Surveys are being  done to locate all means of access, including public 
or private (pay-per-use) launch ramps, beaches, marinas, trails, etc.  

Volunteers will be assigned a body of water to be surveyed, and will
be given maps.  Surveys include two steps.  The first is a drive, walk, 
or boat trip (depending on the size) around the water , to locate any 
and all access points.  The second step is a visit to the town tax 
office, to determine the owner of any access you find, and also to 
locate the missing state owned right of ways.

One-hour training sessions are given at the Office of State Planning,
generally on Tuesday evenings.  The next one is scheduled for June 22nd.
At that time you can get the survey questionnaires and assignments.

It was really refreshing to talk with someone who is actively working
to enhance public access.  I asked Jane what the intention of this survey
was, and explained why I was asking, and she made it very clear that 
the intention and long term plan is to INCREASE access, to the point
that every lake and pond over 10 acres should have public access. She
said it also "makes her blood boil" when she hears of people working to
close off access to the public, especially if they are deceitful about
the fact they are doing it or their reasons why.  I was told by the F&G 
that in NH, the public is *guaranteed* water access dating back to Colonial 
times, under the Great Ponds Act of the King's Grant, and anyone trying 
to eliminate access is in violation of the law, which is still in effect.
The law applies to all legal means of transportation, and cannot be used
to restrict powerboats.  Obviously, public access is not available in all
areas, so this survey and reclamation of right of ways is being done to 
help correct the situation.

I'm going to try and attend the session on the 22nd. Anyone else interested?

Rick

    Some additional news...
    
    One of the first lakes to have access upgraded will be Newfound 
    Lake.  Work will begin on a new ramp at Wentworth State Park in
    the fall, and will be ready next spring.
    
    There's a list of (if I remember right) 10 of the largest or
    most popular areas that will be immediately targeted for upgrades. 
    Squam and Winnipesaukee are also on that list.
    
    Rick

	Moved by moderator
    	------------------
    
              <<< VICKI::SIE$DATA1:[NOTES$LIBRARY]BOATS.NOTE;1 >>>
                                -< Powerboats >-
================================================================================
Note 1115.0  Looking for a lake around the Chelmsford area to put bo  No replies
ZSWORD::GIRARD                                       17 lines  30-SEP-1993 10:50
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Can anyone tell me where in the Chelmsford/Littleton
area there is a lake where there is a public boat
ramp?  I'm taking my boat from NH this weekend and someone
is interested in testing driving it before they buy it
and I'd like to bring it closer to them seeing how they
are coming from Milford, MA.  

Any help would be appreciated.  


Please give me a call @ DTN 226-7172 (today if possible)
or send e-mail (ZORRO::GIRARD)


Thanks,

Judy

    Try Lake Merrimack. Directions for the North Chelmsford Ramp are
    somewhere in this file. Rick Suter can certainly point you toward them.
    Some people call Lake Merrimack a river, but it's a misnomer. There is
    no current in Lake Merrimack, which is a long, narrow lake extending
    from Manchester, NH to Lowell, MA.
    
    John  H-C

    
    Judy,
    
    	See earlier replies to this string for local Chelmsford water
    access. ie: 266.2 thru 266.7
    
    Rick

    I gotta ask...
    
    John I recall you informing us all on that this section of the river is 
    not actually a river previously, but passed on commenting.
    
    You mentioned there is no current. 
    
    I beg to differ.
    
    Exactly what are you basing this statement on.  
    
    -don mac

I think he was trying to say that ...

During the summer months, when there is little runoff, the dam in Lowell
lets very little water through. As a result there is only the smallest of
currents and not worth mentioning.

During heavy rains and runoff, the river rises. The resulting flow is 
considerable.

Lake Merrimack is a fairly descriptive name for this stretch of river
during the summer months.

    
    I have a feeling it's little editorial comment about yet another
    one of man's disregard for the natural flow of things.
    
    The building of the numerous dams along the Merrimack River has
    altered the characteristics and environment for that body of water.  
    What was once a free flowing river, now has many lake like
    qualities.
    
    Gman
    
    
    

    re: .61
    
    Don Mac --
    
    I've been underwater in Lake Merrimack. I've also spent some hours
    paddling it. I call it Lake Merrimack because it is so similar to most
    of the "lakes" in Maine. In surveying some of those Maine lakes for the
    associated lake association, I have come across some recognizable
    differences between real lakes, real rivers, and the dammed rivers that
    create what are called lakes in Maine.
    
    The Merrimack in the western Lowell/North Chelmsford area is exactly
    what I have always termed a "river/lake" in my DES reports to the
    previously mentioned Maine lake associations. 
    
    You can see traces of the channel in a river/lake, and you can even see
    telltale signs of a where the current once flowed and still
    occasionally does when they open up the outlet.
    
    By damming it, they have destroyed it as a river. They have created a
    lake, or if you prefer, a large holding pond for the hydroelectric
    plant(s) downstream. 
    
    I'm sure you're familiar with the part of the Merrimack below the last
    dam in Lawrence. Now *that's* a river, a tidal one. The underwater
    habitat is distinctly different, as is the current.
    
    Anyway, that's why I call the part of the Merrimack between Manchester
    and Lawrence "Lake Merrimack."
    
    John H-C

    >...they have destroyed it as a river...
    
    Or enhanced it as a lake...
    
    What about natural dams (beavers)?  
    
    It would function just fine as a river again by simply removing the
    dams.
    
    Which is better?  A river or a lake?  
    
    Carl

    No, "lake" is not a pejorative, except when it has been created by
    killing a river. Rivers and lakes are distinct types of freshwater
    habitats, and each has its own magic appeal.
    
    Beavers are a natural part of a river/stream ecoweb, and I don't
    compare dams constructed by beavers with those constructed by humans.
    
    John H-C

    I have to agree with John, the Merrimack is more of a lake (with an
    inlet and an outlet) which is now under the control of the dam
    operators downstream, not mother nature.  Witness what happened to the
    water level this summer when they, the dam (d___?) operators decided to
    open the gates to do some repair work.  Who knows if they even bothered
    to tell anybody ahead of time.  They basically made the river un-usable
    for a month.  A true river could not be controlled in this manner.  I'm
    not trying to say that the dams don't have a good purpose.  There
    probably wouldn't be any recreation possible on the Merrimack without
    them.  I just wonder how many boats got damaged when they ended up high
    and dry without a warning.
    Wayne

    
    	See 1115.8 for directions to Nashua's Greeley Park
    Merrimack River boat ramp.
    
    Rick

    From what I remember, the section behind Greeley Park looked like a
    breeding ground for rocks. Shallow water and plenty of rocks,  a
    rather steep ramp, with no real parking, and because of it's
    secludedness, it has a tendency to be frequented by some undesireable
    visitors ( No, I don't mean Correct Craft owners (^: ). I wouldn't leave 
    my rig unattended there.
    
    From Lowell heading north I've been as far up as almost Litchfield and
    I've yet to see the Greeley Park ramp from the water, what gives ?
    
    ~jeff 

    
    re; jeff,
    
    	I've seen the Greeley park ramp from the waters of the
    Merrimack. As a matter of fact, the first time I saw the ramp,
    I was towing Jackie when by reading the shoreline I decided I'd
    better not go any further north. This assumption was confirmed
    by local (Nashua) boaters. The ramp is just north of my "dream
    house" on the left....
    
    	So, if you want to keep your props and lower units, don't
    head north (left, port) from the Greeley Park boat ramp.
    
    	Rick

    That's correct.  The Merrimack above Greeley Park is real nasty,
    depending upon water level of course.  ~6 years ago when we had 
    an extremely wet spring and the river was incredibly high I was able
    to navigate a small boat from Greeley Park to just south of the 293 
    bridge in Manchester.  Typically there are numerous sections of mild 
    rapids between Greely and Manchester, but they were well under water.
    
    -donmac (who's covered from the headwaters to lowell, with the
             exception of the small stretch thru downtown manchester)

I don't boat very much on the river between Lowell and Nashua,
except for a occasional test ride. But a few years ago a was out in
that area and the river was low. There where three rockes that
where visable just about a 1/4 mile North of the Greeley ramp.
They go right accross the river. When the water level is
up, they would be just below the surface. Also they are not mark
but then, not of this area is.



					Jim