The most notable portion of the meeting centered on the impact of wake sports, particularly wake surfing, on shoreline erosion. Members debated the establishment of a guideline requiring wake sports to be conducted at least 200 feet from the shore. This proposal aimed to mitigate potential erosion, although it was acknowledged that this guideline would not be legally enforceable by police. One member expressed skepticism about adding another guideline, emphasizing the need to consider both sides of the argument before making any decisions. Concerns were raised that selective bans influenced by vocal groups could unfairly impact certain recreational activities, with a member noting, “it becomes a thing where people are happy to vote to ban something they don’t personally do until the day comes that you want to ban the thing they personally do.”

The committee also compared the impacts of various activities on erosion, identifying tubing as having a more significant effect due to its prevalence. It was argued that the total impact on erosion is influenced by the frequency and duration of activities, with tubing occurring more frequently than wake surfing. A member pointed out, “the biggest effect on erosion in our lakes is water level,” attributing recent erosion to consistently high water levels. An idea was proposed to lower the water level by 6 to 9 inches from the current nominal level of 224.4 to mitigate erosion, though concerns were expressed about potential boating issues in shallow areas.

In discussing invasive species, the committee mentioned that ballast tanks could contribute to the issue. While there might be limited instances of wake surfing on their lake, the concern over boats with ballast tanks remains. The committee agreed on the need to examine all sides of the issue before proceeding, with a member volunteering to circulate relevant studies for consideration.

Another topic was the management of the local geese population. A member recounted a conversation with a state official who jokingly suggested drastic measures, such as shooting the geese, but quickly acknowledged the impracticality of such actions. The committee explored alternative methods for controlling the population, including the controversial notion of using food laced with birth control. The effectiveness and cost of such measures were questioned, with members recognizing the geese’s foraging habits and the increasing numbers as long-term environmental concerns.

The committee also touched on the broader issue of wildlife management, noting the increasing prevalence of geese and other animals such as beavers. A member reflected on the challenge, stating, “I think if this is something we’re not gonna… solve it fast, but if we can start to look into it and see what the options are, maybe we can start to pull something together.” This acknowledgment of the wildlife issue reflects an ongoing concern within the community, with members suggesting research into how other lakes have addressed similar challenges.

The meeting addressed proposed changes to the Lake Protection Plan regarding dock rentals, sparking debate over the definitions and implications of commercial activities. The proposed changes aimed to clarify that dock rentals constitute a commercial activity, which would not be permitted. Some members expressed concern that these restrictions might infringe on personal property rights, arguing that small-scale rentals among friends or family should not be classified as commercial.

A member voiced strong opposition to the proposed changes, asserting that many residents have informal arrangements that would be affected by stricter definitions of commercial activity. Another member shared personal experiences with dock usage, expressing a desire for more flexibility given rising property taxes. As the meeting progressed, members were reminded to submit comments on the proposed changes to the Conservation Commission, with a sense of urgency to gather insights from all members before the next meeting.