Black Cove

[Lakegeezer]

There is an opportunity for us to comment to the state on yet another rafting ban on Lake Winnipesaukee. I'm against it, but no matter what your opinion is, this is a good chance to voice it to the state.

There is an article in the Citizen Online, http://www4.citizen.com/September200..._09.25_04d.asp
reporting on a hearing that occured to ban rafting on Black Cove. In that article is an email address and phone number where you can voice your opinion. In the article, it describes good reasons for the ban. It is near a Girl Scout camp, and the growth of rafting has caused them to use the cove less.

My opinion is that there should be a single rule. Either rafting is or it is not allowed - anywhere on the lake. Each time a cove is shut off to those that are looking to raft for the afternoon, it concentrates the rafting traffic into fewer and fewer coves. Why should any cove be special enough to push the traffic on others? Winnipesaukee is getting "built out", and there are too few coves left that are without homes. There are may valid reasons for not wanting rafters hanging outside your home for the afternoon, but I fail to see why banishment should be applied in a piecemeal fashion. All or nothing!

[madrasahs]

I'm for the loons -- and having loon nests are probably the best hope the cove residents have.

I attended a Tuftonboro meeting like this one -- where all 20 residents who troubled themselves to appear at the town hall were unanimous in demanding restrictions (No Wake). It seemed like a "slam dunk" for the Tuftonboroians. Later, after other, "More-Important-Opinions" were collected by the Commission, the measure ended up failing!

Rafting on essentially "residential lakes" has been increasingly restricted as rafting parties become more egregious and bawdy.

Lake Norman, for example, has restricted rafting as lakefront residents tire of lewd or illegal behavior. http://charlotte.bizjournals.com/cha...16/focus4.html

(Lake Norman is a lovely North Carolina lake with lots of "fingers" -- like Winnipesaukee.)

[frank m.]

Dear Fellow Forum Members,
If you care about the future of loons on Winnipesaukee, please send an email supporting this petition to the Commissioner of Safety, by way of
safety-hearings@safety.state.nh.us
I would also appreciate it if you could please cc that email to me at
patenter@metrocast.net
Make sure the petition includes your name and address, or it will not be counted. If you have had some link to or history with Black Cove, or to the protection of loons in general, please explain that. If you have witnessed the outrageous activities in Black Cove this summer, please describe those experiences. But try not to be too emotional or wordy.
We in Black Cove and surrounding region support the right of boaters to “raft” and do not aim to take that away. Lake Winnipesaukee is obviously a recreational lake and will always be one. We know that our region’s economy depends on boating. Although we do feel that our rights to use and enjoy the Cove and Lake are being infringed by these rafters, that is our problem to fight and we do not expect outside support over that issue. But the loons need more support than we alone can muster. We will face strong opposition from organized boating associations, most based out of state, and from boating rights activists whose last concern is the threatened common loon. In fact, the lake would be a better place for many of these people if loons were extirpated from the lake altogether. But Winnipesaukee has almost 50,000 acres, with thousands of other quiet coves, hundreds of shallow areas where nobody yet resides, and many popular destinations for partying groups to go. Almost none of those are loon nesting sites, loon brooding sites, or loon sanctuaries, and none are like Black Cove.
Black Cove is less than 7 acres. That’s less than 14 hundred thousandths of the Lake. Yet it is the number one loon producer in the state, by a large margin. It is not only the “rafting” that is threatening these loons, it is also the illegal activities that the rafters bring with them, that are a natural and unavoidable extension of rafting, and that the Marine Patrol has proven unable to stop. They have tried, but the shape and location of the Cove make it nearly impossible to the MP to approach without being seen and to witness the behavior that we see from within the Cove. Behavior that CANNOT continue if the loons are to remain. In fact, it was the Director of the Marine Patrol who suggested that we file this petition, after proving unable to protect the cove through enforcement of existing laws.
Consider that there were only nine successful loon pairs on Winnipesaukee this year, including Black Cove’s. And that the “batting average” of our few territorial pairs is only 0.48 chicks per year over the last decade or so. This means that when two loons have been lucky enough to make it through their first four years and return to mate up on Winni, and are even more lucky enough to secure one of the nineteen possible loon territories on the lake, even then, they still have less than half of a chance to actually lay an egg, hatch it, and raise it to fledge. THE BLACK COVE PAIR PROUCED 18 CHICKS OVER THE LAST DECADE. THAT’S AN ASTOUNDING 1.50 "BATTING AVERAGE" OVER THE SAME PERIOD. This is more than 3 TIMES the average, and is so far above the next that it makes the value of Black Cove to the future of loons on Winnipesaukee just indisputable. Black Cove is far and away the most prolific and most important loon producer and loon sanctuary in the entire state.
And this is typical year after year. While the other territories hope to raise one chick each summer, we get concerned in the years, like 2004, when the Black Cove pair does not raise two. The following link to some data posted by an LPC summer intern
http://www.unity.edu/sarihou/2002/gcolligan/map2.jpg
shows that in 2002, as is usual, there were only 7 successful breedings on Winni. As is also usual, Black Cove produced two chicks again that year. That’s 2 of the Lake's 8 fledglings that year, or ONE QUARTER of Winnipesaukee’s entire loon production!!! Notice that the other six successful nests (yellow dots) exist only in the deepest reaches along the northeastern shore of the Lake. Black Cove is the only successful sanctuary in the entire southeastern ¾ of the Lake. Do you think you should have to go to Lee’s Mill to see a loon chick next year?
The Common Loon is NH’s state bird, yet we typically raise less than ten chicks on the state’s biggest and most suitable lake. This is why it is so solidly planted on the threatened species list. LESS THAN TEN CHICKS ON A 50000 ACRE LAKE! Surely the state can set aside the most productive 7 acres from activities that this bird can simply not tolerate.
We who live in and around Black Cove have grown to limit and time our recreation to avoid adverse impact on these loons. We have sacrificed many of our rights for the benefit and well-being of these loons. We have invested hundreds of hours towards these birds. We claim no special rights over the cove, but just want to see it remain the rare and special place that it has become, to see our investment in these birds protected. We do not want to see all of our hard work and sacrifice wasted so that a few selfish boaters can practice their right to party in a loon sanctuary.
The rafters who have recently begun to frequent Black Cove are going to ruin this cove’s ability to harbor loons in very short order. One more year like this one will surely be the last for loons in Black Cove. The rafters bring with them jet skis and ski boats and water ballons. They bring with them illegal activities that the MP cannot prevent or stop. Litter accidently blows off their boats and sinks to the bottom where the loons feed. They drink and play loud music from early morning until after dark, and surely must be peeing in the tiny shallow cove all day long. If anyone of a truly open mind had witnessed the behavior of this past summer, then they would not have any argument over this petition….even the most staunch supporters of boating rights and rafting.
I think any opposition to this petition that is based on an unwillingness to surrender boating rights even in this tiny loon cove can only serve to show the true and selfish face of those who put their right to party wherever they wish over something so precious as the survival of a loon chick. I rafted for years before we moved to Black Cove. But I would never have even considered rafting in a loon sanctuary, or being so bold as to argue for my right to do so. And in my day, neither would anyone else. Anyone who argues against this petition, and thereby argues in favor of dropping anchor in the middle of a loon sanctuary, the state’s most prolific and important loon sanctuary, should be ashamed.

Please email to the commisioner to support our effort.

Frank Marino.
Black Cove, Meredith

[Coastal Laker]

Perhaps I missed something here... From the tone of the Citizen article and some posts on the forum, it would seem the objective is to make the boats go away. How does a no rafting zone do this? With all the various restrictions that come with them, doesn't a no-rafting zone just spread the boats out? I am very much for protecting the environment and wildlife; I just don't see the goal being reached with this action. I foresee the same boats spread all over the place instead of tied together. And don't forget that the definition of a raft is three or more boats tied together, not two - unless they pencil in an exception to how the state defines a raft.

Additionally, some will argue that a no rafting zone doesn't discourage boats from anchoring in that area: rather makes for a big "X marks the spot" on a chart to indicate great places to anchor.

Unfortunately, if you ask me what alternatives there are, I would have to say none that will appease everybody. I guess it will boil down to whatever will most benefit the cove habitat. I certainly am not knowledgeable enough to determine what that is.

Just my two cents.

[frank m.]

Originally Posted by Coastal Laker

With all the various restrictions that come with them, doesn't a no-rafting zone just spread the boats out?

I guess you would have to see the whole picture to understand. Individual boaters and pairs have not been the offenders. Everyone who has looked closely at the situation agrees that no-rafting status will provide the best relief available and will likely be enough to save the birds.

[Miss Cow Island]

Frank,
Thanks for posting this important information. One of the successful loon nests is in a little, unnavigable 'cove' that's surrounded by my property.
We've had the honor of having loons nest there for the past three years. Have had 4 chicks hatched in total. Unfortunately, this year's chicks didn't survive, but we are looking forward to next year. Will definitely send an email in support of the rafting ban.

[Sschaar]

It's just a duck.
And if you really cared about the ducks, sorry, Loons, maybe we should ban rafting and you should move out of Black Cove.
Give em real piece and quiet.

[Scott]

Originally Posted by frank m.

Dear Fellow Forum Members,
If you care about the future of loons on Winnipesaukee, please send an email supporting this petition to the Commissioner of Safety, by way of
safety-hearings@safety.state.nh.us
I would also appreciate it if you could please cc that email to me at
patenter@metrocast.net
Make sure the petition includes your name and address, or it will not be counted.

What an excellent and informative post. I will most definitely send an email.

[frank m.]

Just a reminder that today is the last day to submit favorable comments to the Department of Safety about the petition to make Black Cove a No-Rafting Zone.

Please send an email supporting this petition befeor 5PM to the Commissioner of Safety, by way of safety-hearings@safety.state.nh.us
I would also appreciate it if you could please cc that email to me at
patenter@metrocast.net
Make sure the petition includes your name and address, or it will not be counted.

If you are not in support, your comments should be sent next week

[Lakegeezer]

The ban on rafting in Black cove was approved. Lots of good reasons, but its still a squeeze on those who want to use the lake. Which cove will fall next?

[Sschaar]

I guess with all these " No rafting zones " , the cops will be out in force, all two of them. No doubt the local enforcment will get the funds needed to cover these additional responsiblities. How many boats did you say use the lake?

[jrc]

Where is Black Cove?

[Lakegeezer]

Originally Posted by Sschaar

I guess with all these " No rafting zones " , the cops will be out in force, all two of them. No doubt the local enforcment will get the funds needed to cover these additional responsiblities. How many boats did you say use the lake?

The no-rafting cove properties are no doubt worth more. The taxes on the extra valuation could funded an observer.

[Silver Duck]

LG

As Frank M and Coastal Laker pointed out, the ban won't prevent anyone who wants to anchor in Black Cove either singly or in pairs from doing so.

Lord knows, rafting bans haven't prevented a "whole raft" of boaters from enjoying the West Alton sandbar or Braun Bay!

I don't see where we boaters have lost much of anything from this, and you've probably seen enough of my views concerning boater's rights in other threads to know that I'm right touchy on that subject!

Silver Duck

[mcdude]

click here

[Sschaar]

Lakegeezer, you really believe what your writing. Payed observer! Really.
Just amazing.

[Sschaar]

Hey ski man lets take your thought process one step further.
I'll give you your point, that it's important to allow other animals the right to survive. My point is, that people living in homes on these islands, driving their boats back and forth to the mainland, walking and driving ATV's around the island, and installing swim platforms, aren't distubing the loons ?
These people are only out to protect their own interests and their using the loon issue to sell it. I'm sure there's s one or two indivuduals who actually have the bird's interest at heart, but the rest of them own property, and they want to restrict everybody else from crowding their space and they'll go to any extreme to accomplish it.
Look at it for what it is.

[Ski Man]

My issue had more to do with Broadhopper's wording and general outlook than the issue of the cove. It reminded me of someone else writing in to Time magazine about how we shouldn't worry about the possible extinction of great cats in California and the west, it was more important that people be allowed to live as they chose. I disagree with that outlook.

As for rafters and the bay, I don't care what some of the residents' resons for supporting it may be, I'll always side with the wildlife over a few boat-owners' rights to throw a party.

[PROPELLER]

I agree with protecting wildlife & I love loons. My gut also tells me that many times people supporting these no rafting areas only have their interests in mind, not wildlife. Having said that, I will paint a broader perspective beyond Winni to point out what I think happens sometimes in these situations & points to a comment Schaar made. I remember reading about a situation at the Vail ski resort where environmental activists tried to use wildlife to their advantage. Vail wanted to expand some of the ski terrain & these activists tried restrict it on the basis that there was some Lynx that would be endangered. It was later shown that the Lynx had not inhabited the area in over 100 years. I am sure there are many other similar situations where this kind of thing happens.

I do not know alot about specific Loon needs & maybe some one can educate me but what is the difference between say 20 boats at anchor not rafting which is allowed in a no rafting zone & say 5 separate rafts of 4 boats each? How are those rafts more detrimental to the Loons than the 20 individual boats at anchor? Sounds like the property owners have their interests in mind, not the Loons

If no rafting zones continue to pop up around the lake the only no rafting zone will be the broads. I am sure that will be fine with the property owners around the lake I don't that is right either.

[frank m.]

Originally Posted by Sschaar

These people are only out to protect their own interests and their using the loon issue to sell it...they want to restrict everybody else from crowding their space and they'll go to any extreme to accomplish it.

Originally Posted by PROPELLER

people supporting these no rafting areas only have their interests in mind, not wildlife.... Sounds like the property owners have their interests in mind, not the Loons.

Do either of you two know the facts related to this matter? Do you know any of the people you speak about? Have you ever been there? Do you have any basis for making comments like this, or are you just a couple of busy-bodies sitting at your computers with nothing to do except throw darts? Can't you find something better to do?