www.WashingtonCT.org The Town of Washington, Connecticut Boat Launch Q & A

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: THE LAKE WARAMAUG AGREEMENT

(See Lake Waramaug Boat Launch Agreement for the full text of the agreement)

What is the purpose of the Agreement?

The proposed agreement will continue the protection of the Lake against invasive weeds and the preservation of the benefits of the Lake for future generations while providing for increased public motorboat access to the Lake.

Who are the parties to the Agreement?

The parties to the proposed agreement are the towns of Washington, Warren, and Kent and the State Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The DEP Commissioner has already signed the agreement. In order for the agreement to become effective, it must be signed by the First Selectmen of Washington, Warren and Kent after Town Meeting authorization in each town. The Washington Town Meeting will be held on Thursday, September 2 at 7:30 P.M. at Bryan Memorial Town Hall. (Warren's meeting is on Friday, August 27 at 8 PM at Warren Town Hall. Kent's meeting is on Friday, September 10 at 7:30 PM at Kent Town Hall.)

What are the major elements of the Agreement?

The agreement provides that no State boat launch will be built on Lake Waramaug. All public motorboat access to the Lake will be controlled through the Washington town launch, where all boats will be inspected for invasive species. The agreement also provides for non-residents to launch up to 20 boats to be on the Lake at any one time: 13 for multi-day campers at the State Park Campground, and 7 first-come, first-served for day boaters. The existing Washington boat launch will be rebuilt and the facility will be expanded to achieve safer access and to accommodate additional boat trailer parking.

Why do we need the Agreement now?

Without the Agreement, the DEP will create a boat launch at the State Park, with significantly greater boat numbers and unmonitored public access. There would be no local control of such a launch and no way to require inspections for invasive species. Lake Waramaug is the ONLY major lake in CT which has not been overrun with these species, which include Eurasian Milfoil, Fanwort, Water Chestnut and Zebra mussels. If introduced to the Lake, these species could ruin the Lake as we know it today, hampering or ultimately precluding swimming, rowing, kayaking, or motor boating on the Lake. The only alternative to control these species (once introduced) involves multi-year, 6-figure expenditures for chemical treatments, and such "fixes" are only temporary.

Will the Agreement require funding by Washington taxpayers?

The agreement provides that the Town is eligible for a $100,000 grant from the DEP, which is estimated to cover the cost of upgrading the Town launch. However, if the improved facility should cost more, the Town could seek contributions from Warren and Kent and from private sources. Any funding by the Town would require authorization under the usual budget procedures.

How does the Agreement impact the Washington beach?

There would be no impact on the current Town Beach. The Town of Washington is in the early stages of planning for improvements (facility upgrades, disability access, etc.) to the site. As against the alternative of a boat launch at the State Park, with unfettered boat access, beach users will be in a far superior position with the agreement in place.

How does the Agreement impact rowers and kayakers on the Lake?

Rowers, canoers and kayakers will see no change in their ability to use the Lake. While plans for a new boat launch will necessitate the removal of the current boat storage facility, the Town of Washington will endeavor to provide a storage facility for rowers, canoers, and kayakers.

How does the Agreement impact boaters who are residents of the Washington, Warren and Kent?

Resident motor boaters will still have access to the lake as at present without number limit; all boats will continue to be required to pass an inspection.

How does the Agreement impact "car-top" boaters?

Car-top boats - defined as motorboats which have motors of 12 HP or less, can be carried on a car top or in a van or truck, and meet certain other conditions - would not be subject to the limits described above but would be required to be inspected. Launching from the State Park would be permitted under certain circumstances, but inspection is required in every case.