I live on the opposite side of the state and have never fished Candelwood nor do I have any intention of ever fishing there. While I have no direct interest in Candelwood, I am keenly interested in how any precidents set will affect the rest of the lakes in the state. As a realtively impartial observer there is some truth in both points of view. Over crowding is a safety issue. More resources if properly spent can increase safety.

Based on what has been presented, it seems that anything other then a very reasonable launch fee would be a real attempt to restrict useage.

My only experience with a lake association is Snipsic which is located in Vernon/Tolland/ Ellington. It is truely a gem. It is unspoiled and has a handful of houses on it at best. The lake is owned by the CT Water Copmpany(it is a resiviore for part of Vernon). This is the same CT Water Company whose line broke in town, flooded a homeless shelter below it and then offered only partial payment causing a the Tri-Town Shelter ( of which I have been a board member for over 14 years. Pleae note I am speaking as an individual and my thoughts and opinions are not those of the board)to have to rebuild a large retaining wall at a cost of roughly $28,000. I point that out as a reference to the character of the organization that is involved.
CT Water company a few years back signed over the access right supervision of the lake with the stipulation that there be public access to the Snipsic Lake Association. Since then, The Snipsic Lake Assocition unvailed the mother of scams. They indicated that because of the impending threat of zebra muscle ifestation, all boats (electric motor only) must be quarinteed for a minimum of two weeks by the Snipsic Lake Assocaition. The association has a couple of dozen spots on racks that they built that have filled up before 10:00am on the opening day that they become available. After that, you can not quaranteen your boat with them, so you can not use the lake. Bottom line, is thatI have been chased off the lake on multiple occassions because my Kayak that had seen water in months posed a significant threat to their lake.

The point of this rather long winded saga is that where there are lakes and people creating legislation for the good of the public; there is an excelent chance that the public will get screwed. I do not know the parties involved, but I would trust them about as far as I could throw them. You guys that use and wish to continue to use that lake, stop wasting time debating the issue on this web site. Pool your resources and hire the best lawyer you can find because the guys "out for the public good" play for keeps. Just this guys opinion.

MikeV