Ragged Island Cleanup
 

A friend told me that some group is looking for help cleaning up Ragged Island! Yes, yes!! We want to help!! Does anyone know the phone number, email, or the person to contact? Many thanks!

Sunday, September 28th 9am-12pm
 

Did some research and found the following. We'll try to stop by also.

http://lrct.org/events/ragged-island-workday/

LRCT - Thumbs Down
 

You might want to think twice about "helping" LRCT after what they've done about closing snowmobile trails in the Ossipees!!!!

^can you provide a little more information?

These folks led the Castle in the Clouds land fundraising effort. Many people contributed from all walks of life. The idea was that the land would be protected and all would enjoy. Shortly after the land acquisition went through most of the land was closed to snowmobiling which had been an allowed use for years and years. It was very underhanded and deceptive. These people are not to be trusted.

Walked the Ossipees all my life and still can. I have seldom seen such a mess as the mounds of trash that uncaring snowmobilers littered the place with in the past. Hikers certainly did not summit Shaw with that amount of garbage to disgorge. As with many things, I'm sure that the few have blemished the many. The primary trails remain and I'm sure with thoughtful use the Ossipees will continue to be an enjoyable multi-use destination.

Here is a little bit of fact for you, this is just one of the things the LRCT was up against...

http://www.newhampshirelakesandmount...Mountains.html

The LRCT is a wonderful organization and has my support!

Dan

Perhaps...
 

Perhaps rather than getting upset by LRCT and the other landowners, directing their anger at trails being closed, they should direct their anger toward the major player who caused these trails to be closed to the public. His name and website is in the article, and a letter to him thanking him for disrupting the activities of snowmobilers and hikers alike.

It is unfortunate that those who litter can not be so readily identified, but we can see the result of those who litter any time we are on the lake, walking a stream, diving or snorkeling the lake, playing golf, on a playground or sports field,...etc...the list goes on.

The transgressions of a few have a dramatic effect on the many. So sad.

Snowmobile Clubs
 

Do an excellent job of trail and land maintenance. Unfortunately there are a few that think they are God. That goes for hikers, boaters and other folks that uses the outdoors for recreation. The biggest issue we have right now are dog owners.

The family had issues with LRCT concerning trusting our properties because of their restrictions of recreation use. We decided BRCC (Belknap Range Conservation Coalution) best suit the needs to preserve our land.

If you can help support BRCC.

Interesting Reading!
 

The link in the article certainly was an interesting read. That is why the old adage about three sides to every story is often true.

As the president of the Moultonboro Snowmobile Club, I struggle with the actions of few ruining good things for many. Never a season passes without meeting with landowners after irresponsible riders have caused some damage to their property.

We have a very good relationship with the LRCT (much of our Red Hill trail is on Trust property) and find them reasonable and fair to work with. Each year I meet with a representative of the Trust to discuss areas that need attention, more signage, etc. I am always amazed to hear about some of the crazy things that snowmobilers sometimes do in the name of "fun".

Do I wish more trails were open at the Castle? Certainly, but I understand why they are not. There are thousands of miles of snowmobile trails in NH. We have 70 miles in Moultonborough and Center Harbor alone.

Please stay on the trail or stay home:)

cutting off you nose to spite your face?
 

Really? Ragged Island is a jewel to be enjoyed by all Winnie boaters. The free access to this island and its beaches is something I wish was available when we had no lakefront property. Maintenance of this treasure has nothing to do with snowmobiling and as others have said, LRCT is overall a huge benefit to the overall preservation of the beauty and resources in this area. And yes, I am also a snowmobiler. So we shouldn't help preserve this beautiful resource just because one managed property added a restriction we don't like?

There are two side to every story and it is very sad that a FEW ruin it for everybody else. Having said that though, I was always unhappy with LRCT because they closed the snowmobile trails after the clubs and others donated money to them and they promised (at least to a president of the Wolfeboro club) that they wouldn't close the trails. I spoke to the president at the time and he said they assured him that they would not close the Castle trails. And then they announced that they would be closed-then they did open some of them. Acquiring property is a responsibility they take on. You know some are going to abuse it. I just think these groups need to be honest and then someone can decide if they want to donate or not. It is kind of like the lake, sure, there are lots who don't take care of it, but the state doesn't close it.

Natt: You are profiling which is not an intelligent way to approach the world. Can you truly be sure snowmobilers left the trash you have come across? What about backpackers, campers, ATV owners, kids partying, loggers, etc.?

Dan:

A nice article but it doesn't relate to the Castle land which was purchased with funds raised by Donations form the general PUBLIC under clear pretense that the land would be OPEN for historical uses. Further, there was no reference to vandalism on the Castle land in the article. The land in the article is PRIVATE and the landowners closed it as a result of one idiot who vandalized their property. While it is a private landowner's right to do so, it is a shame one bad apple can't be stopped for his flagrant disregard of private property. Interestingly, it sounds like most of his destruction occurred during non-winter months so I'm again not sure how this ties into the snowmobile crowd.

What happened with the LRCT is they used the actions of one vandal on nearby property to close a large portion of the snowmobile trails in order to meet their true desire of eliminating snowmobiling. If this weren't the case why wouldn't they try opening one or two additional trails one winter to see how things go? The answer is simple most of these folks hate snowmobiles and increasing motorized access to "their" land goes against what they believe is the best use of the property.

I guess this means that you won't be at the Ragged Island Workday on Sunday, September 28.

Rusty: it is impressive the way you are able to enter a debate from nowhere and quickly connect the dots.

I remember this story. The thing is, the people in the article doing damage were hikers NOT snowmobilers. These people also published a detailed map of the Ossipees with all known logging roads, this infuriated land owners.

I both snowmobile and hike, so I have no axe to grind with either sport. I'm with SC on this.

What a shame to hear of all of the affected groups.

Where we are,(out of state) we are near a body of water that people daily walk, bike, or the occasional quad or dirt bike, that goes by, don't really affect the area at all. Here it's the people, of all ages, that park on the dirt road, eat their lunch (usually McDonalds type bags and cups) or drink their beer and nips that then empty their garbage on the side of the road or even better, as they leave, reach down and then throw it out the window onto front yards that line the street.
There are even garbage cans at the favorite stops around the lake.
Unfortunately, it seems disrespect takes precedence over responsibility.
As it's well known and previously mentioned, one will ruin it for all. Sad.

Does anyone know if the clean-up is still in the works for this Sunday? The docks will only hold about four boats.

I'm sure it's still on. Best way to find out is to call/email the caretaker.

I've seen more then 4 boats back there. Assuming they aren't massive I'm guessing about 7 or so boats could get in there using the multiple docks.