News

President's Corner

It finally feels like fall. For me that means it’s time for apple cider donuts, pumpkin spice coffee, and the addition of facial hair. This particular fall we also have our quinquennial lake lowering and dam repair ‘tradition’. Besides keeping your fingers crossed that the repairs will be minimal and as expected, it is a great time to get out on the lake and see what’s poking out of the water. Same lake, but very different look when it is four feet lower than normal. I got out last weekend and found my sunglasses that I had dropped in the water in July! I always love to paddle Blaisdell in the fall and this year is even better than usual.

Even though we had a crazy amount of rain this summer (which seemed to always fall on the weekends), the BLPA and its members were busy keeping Blaisdell safe, clean, and a great place to be. Once again, our editor, Dorothy Jeffrey, has pulled together a terrific newsletter chock full of updates, information, and interesting stories. Thanks Dorothy!

One topic you will not see an article on is Camp Wabasso. That’s because we still don’t have a lot of definitive information that we can report out. I can tell you that the Board has spoken with the Sutton Conservation Commission and Planning Board about our concerns and to find ways in which we can cooperate to ensure that Blaisdell’s water quality remains healthy. We have also spoken with the Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust to see if we have common interests - we do. There are still a lot of moving pieces with this and it’s an issue that has the potential to have big impacts on the lake, so stay tuned, stay informed, and reach out to your board member with questions, ideas, or information. We’ll keep you posted as things develop as well.

In the meantime, whatever your fall traditions are, get out there and do them.

Steve Domber


Adopt A Highway At Work

On September 22 volunteers enjoyed another successful morning of beautifying Rte. 114 from the Bradford blinking lights to Russell Pond. Our crew numbered five BLPA Members; some were seasoned professionals having previously worked the road, and they were joined by a few rookies. Thanks to all who all pitched in and did a great job, including Buster Brown, Kathy Hirschfeld, Heather Turner, Chris Bremer, and Kristine Mozes. We collected a total of 10 big blue bags of trash in about one and a half hours’ time. We can't wait to do it again in the spring and hope you will join us next time.

Many thanks to Gary for continuing to manage this important effort and organizing the fall cleanup


Quinquennial Lake Lowering 2023

Once every five years the lake is lowered per the BLPA By-Laws for the convenience of the membership and to conduct routine dam maintenance. Lake lowering commenced as promised on September 17. Levels steadily declined, allowing inspection and maintenance on the dam to be conducted by mid-October. The final three boards were pulled on the morning of October 14.

We’re happy to report that no issues were identified with the dam and only basic maintenance was required at this time. The planks were power washed and checked for deterioration and soft spots. Once the drain is all the way down the boards will be Clockwise from top left: Power washing the exposed dam; signs of lowering at Wright’s Beach; crew performing maintenance at the dam; members repairing a dock exposed as a result of lower lake; boat launch as a result of the lowered lake. put back in, replacing some as needed; probably early November. Then we wait for Mother Nature and the springs to refill the lake to normal levels.

Updates and Information

Boat Fees : As approved by the membership at the 2016 Annual Meeting there will be an increase in boat launch fees for non - members effective January 1, 2017
  • Motorized watercraft - $15.00
  • Season Pass - $75..00
  • Non - motorized watercraft - $5.00
  • Season pass - $35.00

Stand up paddle board (SUP) Safety Laws

Believe it or not, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) has officially classified a Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) as a vessel. Operators of SUPs are required to follow these laws:

All SUP operators 12 years of age and YOUNGER are required to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and carry a safety whistle. Flashlights are required for night use.

All SUP operators 13 years of age and OLDER are required to have a Type III adult USCG-approved life jacket or PFD either attached to the SUP or worn by the SUP operator and carry a safety whistle. Flashlights are required for night use. Tethering (wearing a leash connected to the SUP and operator) is deemed to be an alternate or replacement for having a PFD.

If you choose a tether, be sure it is long enough to prevent injury if you fall off the board! A short tether can break a leg or worse.