[Lakegeezer]

First, thanks to Don for reconsidering his ban on the discussion of this topic and then finding a perfect way to allow discussion without damaging the spirit of the overall forum. Don, you are a great forum moderator and Webmaster.

My 10 final thoughts....

1) There is not a problem with speed; there is a problem with courtesy.

2) Some people's pursuit of happiness involves speeding on the water. Most do it safely. Just because you don't understand or agree with their point of view doesn't make it proper for you to infringe on their right to pursue happiness as they see fit - especially if what they are doing is not physically injuring innocent people or property.

3) Those who enjoy slower craft, and I am one (kayak and sailboat), need to understand that Winnipesaukee is a big lake, with big fast boats. That is part of the challenge, and fun. Slow and fast craft can coexist, but each must recognize the other exist and compensate. Winnipesaukee is not the ocean, but it is not a quiet pond either. If you are in a big fast boat, you have to be extra careful that you don’t run into small slow craft – they WILL be there. If you are in a small or slow boat – you have to be extra careful to be seen by a large fast boat – because they WILL be there.

4) Lake Winnipesaukee covers 72 square miles. Some parts are more congested than other parts. Even the congested parts only experience overcrowding a few hours a day on maybe 10 weekends a year. Any future calls for laws should focus on the congestion issue, and not treat the whole lake (or all the lakes in the state) as one problem.

5) Overcrowding around the lake is a problem. The lake's region has already been overbuilt and new construction projects are still being proposed. Those that choose to live and boat on Lake Winnipesaukee must do so with the understanding that it is, at times, a crowded lake, not Golden Pond. Zoning which would address more overcrowding could help the long term problem. If more dense housing projects are built (condos and townhouse projects especially) – the lake will become more crowded, and the problems of boating will get worse. The root cause needs to be addressed.

6) The NH legislature disappoints me. Especially the house. This bill was so flawed, and based on more emotional than logical arguments, that it should have never made it out of its first committee. It scares me how powerful a political action committee can be in pushing an agenda based on flawed logic and emotion. One has to wonder how many other laws have come about this way. I have a boat that struggles to hit 45, so the law wouldn’t have greatly impacted me personally, but it was an honor to fight against an inappropriate attempt to take away yet another freedom.

7) We do not need a police state on the lake or strive for zero tolerance. Maybe those in the congested areas should take up a collection and hire an off-duty police officer to sit in the trouble spots on weekends. Overall – minor infractions should be ignored. Its a recreational area afterall. More people die on Lake Winnipesaukee, every year, in snowmobile accidents than in boats. The lake is a very safe place for the boating public. Stop making it seem dangerous.

8) We need to fight against fear. Fear that you will be run over by another boat is just that – fear. Accidents happen – but are very rare. The cases we can recall were due to negligent acts, already against the law. Laws designed to reduce fearful situations restrict the freedoms of those who are less afraid. If you are afraid of something, work on your fear or avoid the situation that makes you fearful – do not try to pass a law. Not everyone has the same level of fear. Go boating in the morning before 10, or in the evening after 6. Live within your ability to deal with the environment as it is - don’t try to change the environment in a way that infringes on others. Fear almost won this time. Thank goodness the law failed.

9) Education is good. Let others know how you feel. I am concerned about the lake water quality and shore erosion. I’d like everyone to be aware of the problem, and know what actions cause it. Focus on eduction, enter into dialog – make others aware and hope they take the appropriate action.

10) This is not the only case where we have to be vigilant. This speed bill may come around again - but there also are other concerns. Laws against rafting, water-skiing and ski-craft are being passed. We are seeing the same kind of political-action-committee approach to restricting parts of the lake to certain activities as we saw with the speed limit bill. These are selfish laws that benefit a small group of people, at the expense of others. Each restriction concentrates activities into fewer areas, rather than sharing the load across the whole lake.