[cabinfever]

Yes, indeed, it's Timber. There are three private parcels, each owned outright by that homeowner, and then we own the rest of the 135-acre island together. You're correct, fatlazyless, in that this shared balance of the island has a conservation easement that prohibits building, utilities and public use. But, we still own it privately, pay the taxes (!), and are responsible for protecting it. As property owners, we "own" the land and beaches for hiking, recreation, etc., and have entered into an agreement to govern the island according to the guidelines of the easement set up by the Champlin family in the 70s. I don't think the majority of people realize that it is privately owned, and this may be part of the problem. Plus, nobody's really been there for ten years or so. Like I said, the island is a unique resource whose protected coves offer shelter and beauty to boaters, and I fully want these boaters to keep enjoying it. However, there are beaches that we should be able to enjoy and can't due to the proximity and plethora of boats in the coves. We'll post new signs and see what we can do with swim lines to at least keep the shores and immediate shallows free of anchors. I'm not looking to have marine patrol booting everyone out on a daily basis -- we're just looking for space to enjoy it. I'm sure most people will understand this.

Thank you for the various links, all. "Belmont," you'd need to get agreement from the Lakes Region Trust and all three property owners to access the island. The Easement is pretty tight and they monitor the property frequently. There's a graduate student from UNH camping on the island this summer and working on his thesis about the Flora of Timber Island through an approved pass. The Champlins loved this island and wanted to protect its natural state and beauty in perpetuity. I wish there were more people who thought like this. Cheers, all...