"Boat N Picnic"

mbhoward · 09-02-2013, 12:38 PM

The beach you mention, along with two other access points on Cow Island are actually in a Conservation Easement that is managed by the town of Tuftonboro. It includes three access points, ( the beach is the best and easiest ) and the entire interior of Cow Island. Camping is even allowed provided you let the town know in advance. If your boat is small/light enough, you can pull it up on the beach and hike the whole interior of the island.

tis · 09-02-2013, 01:01 PM

Yes, I remember a while back some of the neighbors were setting up camp or something and not allowing people to go on the beach. I don't remember the details, just that the Cow I. people didn't particularly want the public to use the beach.

mbhoward · 09-02-2013, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tis

Yes, I remember a while back some of the neighbors were setting up camp or something and not allowing people to go on the beach. I don't remember the details, just that the Cow I. people didn't particularly want the public to use the beach.

We've heard of this before and there have been 'discussions' between the few people on the island who raise a stink and the town. They were told in clear and firm terms they cannot prohibit people from using the beach, or hiking on the interior of the island. The interior, and the three access points, are held in public trust and the trust is administered by the town.

If you know more, including names, please PM me and let me know. I am a member of the Tuftonboro Conservation Commission and will act to help stop the abuse. Or, you can call the town directly, ask for the code enforcement officer, and let him know. He will take it from there.

tis · 09-02-2013, 02:12 PM

I think I read that in the paper, so I am sure you have a lot more information than I do (which is very little).

cmack · 09-02-2013, 11:32 PM

Went to Ragged Sat and walked the trail. It's a nice 30-45 min walk with the guide booklet.

KDL · 09-03-2013, 08:34 PM

Where are the access points on Cow Island?

MJM · 09-04-2013, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmack

Went to Ragged Sat and walked the trail. It's a nice 30-45 min walk with the guide booklet.

Can I get the guide booklet somewhere online? Or do they have them in the hut at the island?

mbhoward · 09-04-2013, 02:46 PM

I've done some research at the town offices and here is some of what I found concerning the public land on Cow Island. The town of Tuftonboro owned the land dating back many, many years and back in 2003 decided to convert the land into a public trust, to be held by the Lakes Region Conservation Trust (LRTC), but managed on a day to day basis by the town itself. There were 15 or so letters in the file, 2 were opposed to the idea, the remainder were supportive. It seemed almost all those who responded were islanders, or owned some property out on Cow Island.

The two against the idea were concerned about public access, as there are no docks; the potential for trash to be left around, and the potential of fire from a camper getting out of control. Those in favor of the idea like the whole concept of the land becoming permanently protected, never to be developed beyond the shoreline lots already in place, to include the prohibition of logging or any other agricultural activities. Ultimately, the trust was put in place and the actual paperwork is in the hands of the LRTC. I cannot seem to find a copy, but will keep looking. It will be interesting to see what, exactly, has been approved and signed.

There are three access points, but only one, the beach, is considered reasonable to use by the public. The three access points can be seen on the tax map # 25, http://www.tuftonboro.org/Pages/Tuft...s/map%2025.PDF. The beach is plot 25-2-2, and can be found in between the "Hole in the Wall" and the northern most point of Cow Island. That northern most point is one of the other access points and if you look closely you can see a corridor running from the point into the interior. Surrounding the island is what appears on the map as a road the circumscribes the island. That is not actually a road, but is instead a power line ROW. The other access point is a similar corridor bisecting plot 25-2-174, in the western most section of the island.

As I mentioned, the beach is the only realistic access point. There should be a sign clearly identifying the public access, but in talking to one of the selectmen this morning, he told me there have been numerous instances of the sign being torn down or vandalized. The selectmen are considering other options in an attempt to help preserve access. They want to be notified if anyone tries to chase people off. The code officer and a town policeman have already been out to speak to one of the islanders, and are fully prepared to go out again to press the point that the public right to access the interior of the island cannot be unilaterally revoked by anyone on the island.

Anyone contemplating hiking the island is urged to be respectful of the islanders who own property on the shore and should follow the seven principles of "Leave No Trace" http://lnt.org/learn/7-principles These principles were developed by the US Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. They are fully supported by the Appalachian Mountain Club and most every other conservation group I can think of. We, the public, have every right to enjoy the land but the islanders have very real, and genuine concerns. First and foremost would be the chance a fire would get out of control. Other concerns are the trash that could be left behind, or damage to the natural resources that could result from careless hikers. Please remain ever mindful of their rights as property owners.

cmack · 09-05-2013, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJM

Can I get the guide booklet somewhere online? Or do they have them in the hut at the island?

Never looked online (but doubt it); they are at the huts

ishoot308 · 09-05-2013, 08:29 AM

Make a donation to the LRCT and request access to their island docks. No one I know has ever been turned down.

Dan

Just Sold · 09-07-2013, 08:38 PM

Cow Island Public Beach

tis · 09-08-2013, 08:03 AM

THanks, now I know what to look for, I will look next time out there.

caloway · 08-16-2014, 09:43 PM

I know this is an old thread, but I just spent the day at that beach on Cow. It's nice and quiet, but not a lot of sun and really only space for a couple of boats to anchor. No hassle from the neighbors and the sign was up.

Looks like not everyone is following the packing trash out rule, though.

chasedawg · 09-03-2013, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbhoward

We've heard of this before and there have been 'discussions' between the few people on the island who raise a stink and the town. They were told in clear and firm terms they cannot prohibit people from using the beach, or hiking on the interior of the island. The interior, and the three access points, are held in public trust and the trust is administered by the town.

If you know more, including names, please PM me and let me know. I am a member of the Tuftonboro Conservation Commission and will act to help stop the abuse. Or, you can call the town directly, ask for the code enforcement officer, and let him know. He will take it from there.

Where are the three access "right of ways for Tuftonboro tax paying residents"?

Orion · 09-03-2013, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbhoward

The beach you mention, along with two other access points on Cow Island are actually in a Conservation Easement that is managed by the town of Tuftonboro. It includes three access points, ( the beach is the best and easiest ) and the entire interior of Cow Island. Camping is even allowed provided you let the town know in advance. If your boat is small/light enough, you can pull it up on the beach and hike the whole interior of the island.

Yes, but camp fires are expressly prohibited! Yet, I was hiking the island a few days ago and there were beer cans discarded all along the trails and a campfire pit someone had set up in the center of the island. I'm sure they had buckets of water nearby or a fire extinguisher to control the fire in case it got out of hand.....right. An out of control fire in the center of an island would be devastating. There are 130 camps around the island. Might all be reasons visitors are less than welcome by some. A few people ruin it for everyone. It is a nice beach, though not very sunny due to the hills, trees, and high cliffs on the SW side.

tis · 09-04-2013, 07:23 AM

It is true Orion. If only every one could be considerate. I don't blame the Cow Islanders for not wanting those people there that leave their trash and endanger the residents and their homes. Why oh why are some people so inconsiderate? You have a nice place to use and you abuse the privilege!

09-02-2013, 11:32 PM	#5
cmack Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 18 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Ragged Island Went to Ragged Sat and walked the trail. It's a nice 30-45 min walk with the guide booklet.

09-05-2013, 08:29 AM	#10
ishoot308 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Gilford, NH / Welch Island Posts: 6,342 Thanks: 2,412 Thanked 5,337 Times in 2,086 Posts	Donation Make a donation to the LRCT and request access to their island docks. No one I know has ever been turned down. Dan __________________ It's Always Sunny On Welch Island!!

09-07-2013, 08:38 PM	#11
Just Sold Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Suncook, NH, but at The Lake at Heart Posts: 2,615 Thanks: 1,083 Thanked 434 Times in 210 Posts	Cow Island Public Beach Attached Images __________________ Just Sold At the lake the stress of daily life just melts away. Pro Re Nata

08-16-2014, 09:43 PM	#13
caloway Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: exeter, nh Posts: 73 Thanks: 4 Thanked 10 Times in 8 Posts	resurrecting an old thread I know this is an old thread, but I just spent the day at that beach on Cow. It's nice and quiet, but not a lot of sun and really only space for a couple of boats to anchor. No hassle from the neighbors and the sign was up. Looks like not everyone is following the packing trash out rule, though.

09-02-2013, 12:38 PM	#1
mbhoward Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Tuftonboro Posts: 34 Thanks: 35 Thanked 19 Times in 8 Posts	The beach you mention, along with two other access points on Cow Island are actually in a Conservation Easement that is managed by the town of Tuftonboro. It includes three access points, ( the beach is the best and easiest ) and the entire interior of Cow Island. Camping is even allowed provided you let the town know in advance. If your boat is small/light enough, you can pull it up on the beach and hike the whole interior of the island.

09-02-2013, 01:01 PM	#2
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,814 Thanks: 759 Thanked 1,469 Times in 1,025 Posts	Yes, I remember a while back some of the neighbors were setting up camp or something and not allowing people to go on the beach. I don't remember the details, just that the Cow I. people didn't particularly want the public to use the beach.

09-02-2013, 02:12 PM	#4
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,814 Thanks: 759 Thanked 1,469 Times in 1,025 Posts	I think I read that in the paper, so I am sure you have a lot more information than I do (which is very little).

09-03-2013, 08:34 PM	#6
KDL Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 118 Thanks: 0 Thanked 14 Times in 11 Posts	Where are the access points on Cow Island?

09-04-2013, 02:46 PM	#8
mbhoward Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Tuftonboro Posts: 34 Thanks: 35 Thanked 19 Times in 8 Posts	I've done some research at the town offices and here is some of what I found concerning the public land on Cow Island. The town of Tuftonboro owned the land dating back many, many years and back in 2003 decided to convert the land into a public trust, to be held by the Lakes Region Conservation Trust (LRTC), but managed on a day to day basis by the town itself. There were 15 or so letters in the file, 2 were opposed to the idea, the remainder were supportive. It seemed almost all those who responded were islanders, or owned some property out on Cow Island. The two against the idea were concerned about public access, as there are no docks; the potential for trash to be left around, and the potential of fire from a camper getting out of control. Those in favor of the idea like the whole concept of the land becoming permanently protected, never to be developed beyond the shoreline lots already in place, to include the prohibition of logging or any other agricultural activities. Ultimately, the trust was put in place and the actual paperwork is in the hands of the LRTC. I cannot seem to find a copy, but will keep looking. It will be interesting to see what, exactly, has been approved and signed. There are three access points, but only one, the beach, is considered reasonable to use by the public. The three access points can be seen on the tax map # 25, http://www.tuftonboro.org/Pages/Tuft...s/map%2025.PDF. The beach is plot 25-2-2, and can be found in between the "Hole in the Wall" and the northern most point of Cow Island. That northern most point is one of the other access points and if you look closely you can see a corridor running from the point into the interior. Surrounding the island is what appears on the map as a road the circumscribes the island. That is not actually a road, but is instead a power line ROW. The other access point is a similar corridor bisecting plot 25-2-174, in the western most section of the island. As I mentioned, the beach is the only realistic access point. There should be a sign clearly identifying the public access, but in talking to one of the selectmen this morning, he told me there have been numerous instances of the sign being torn down or vandalized. The selectmen are considering other options in an attempt to help preserve access. They want to be notified if anyone tries to chase people off. The code officer and a town policeman have already been out to speak to one of the islanders, and are fully prepared to go out again to press the point that the public right to access the interior of the island cannot be unilaterally revoked by anyone on the island. Anyone contemplating hiking the island is urged to be respectful of the islanders who own property on the shore and should follow the seven principles of "Leave No Trace" http://lnt.org/learn/7-principles These principles were developed by the US Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. They are fully supported by the Appalachian Mountain Club and most every other conservation group I can think of. We, the public, have every right to enjoy the land but the islanders have very real, and genuine concerns. First and foremost would be the chance a fire would get out of control. Other concerns are the trash that could be left behind, or damage to the natural resources that could result from careless hikers. Please remain ever mindful of their rights as property owners.

The Following 6 Users Say Thank You to mbhoward For This Useful Post:
BroadHopper (09-04-2013), chasedawg (09-05-2013), Dave R (09-05-2013), Just Sold (09-04-2013), RailroadJoe (09-04-2013), Sue Doe-Nym (09-05-2013)

The Following User Says Thank You to Just Sold For This Useful Post:
mbhoward (09-08-2013)

09-08-2013, 08:03 AM	#12
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,814 Thanks: 759 Thanked 1,469 Times in 1,025 Posts	THanks, now I know what to look for, I will look next time out there.

The Following User Says Thank You to caloway For This Useful Post:
DBreskin (08-18-2014)

09-04-2013, 07:23 AM	#16
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,814 Thanks: 759 Thanked 1,469 Times in 1,025 Posts	It is true Orion. If only every one could be considerate. I don't blame the Cow Islanders for not wanting those people there that leave their trash and endanger the residents and their homes. Why oh why are some people so inconsiderate? You have a nice place to use and you abuse the privilege!