This issue is pretty large to get your mind around but there are some items here that need to be addressed. As to Chris's above quote, The DEP currently has the authority to collect, not launch fees, but parking fees ,at any of their launch facilities. DEP can not collect lauch fees as most ramps were built at least partially with Federal funds and the Feds will not allow the state to profit from something paid for from Federal tax dollars.They choose not to collect fees due to a study done that showed they spent more on summer staff to man the booth than they got in income. They will have a person on hand for 8 hours to control traffic and such but rarely collect fees. This is on many of the states larger waters.

The original document allowing CL&P to build their reservoir, known as Candlewood has an extensive clause in it to ensure public access and even create more. I believe the current power company is still bound by that agreement. The CLA has for years gotten its local politicians to lobby against improving public access and certaintly are against any new access. As to developing Vaugnns Neck, aint gonna happen. There is already legislation that does not allow ANY development of that land.

Candlewood is crowded and developed yet it's not the most crowded or developed lake in the state per acre. Come take a look at my lake, Highland, that I also live at and have grown up on. 444 surface acres with homes everywhere. And all have multiple vessels and a state ramp that can fit 42 trailored rigs. The state launch alone is nearly one boat for every ten acres. Acre for Acre Candlewood has nothing over Highland as to population density and boat traffic. We live in the richest state in the country and everyone knows waterfront property is THE premium land. Owning it and developing it is an issue that can be addressed by a lake authority but it needs to be done more effeciently at a State level. I know for a FACT that my Lake association is watching this Bill with baited breath. We have one patrol boat yet no money for adequete coverage or increased patrols. Can you see where the Highland Lake Authority is going to look for more funding?

Take a good look at the Shoreline Management Plan for Candlewood. It's all good for the lake yet has been met with intense resistence from the residents. Change is hard and people are greedy, nothing you can do to change that. Yet change is inevitable.

This Bill is just bad, bad, bad. The DEP failed to live up to their responsibilities so the time has come for individuals to step up and try to correct the issues. That's our Constitutional duty to take control of matters away from the Government when they are incapable or incompetent of doing the job. While the CLA may have good intentions with this Bill (doubt it) it is not the right way to go about handling the situation. This will snowball across the state so fast it will make your head spin if this is allowed. Speak up to the Legislation and tell them NO!