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Controversy over Wild Goose boat access on Sunapee

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A project to build a public boat access facility on Lake Sunapee effectively died this summer, when Gov. Chris Sununu removed discussion of a permit for the site from the Executive Council agenda. On September 19 Sununu then established a commission to study alternative sites for boat access.

The boat access project was named Wild Goose, after a motel that used to sit on the property. The Land Conservation Investment Program (LCIP) purchased the Wild Goose property in 1990. Since then, the Fish and Game Department has worked to build a public boat access on the site. The effort has involved multiple permits, studies, and even two trips to the state Supreme Court.

Longstanding opposition from the community

Nearby landowners and the Newbury Selectboard oppose the plan, pointing to the adverse environmental impact construction would have on the area, as well as concerns about traffic safety. They also believe the cost of the project far outweighs the benefits. Additionally, opponents to the Wild Goose location say there are more suitable sites on the lake, including one close by.

In a statement Sununu said:

“We have heard the concerns of the residents of Newbury, Sunapee, and the surrounding towns. Enough is enough. This project has been debated for the last twenty years and it is time to put an end to this flawed plan.”

Are rich landowners blocking public access?

Supporters of the boat launch argue that the addition of the Wild Goose site would broaden recreational opportunities to fishermen, boaters, and swimmers. They maintain that much time and effort has gone into studying this project and the safety and environmental concerns that have been voiced are unwarranted.

In a letter released Tuesday, August 22, the Fish and Game Commission wrote:

“We feel the delay is due to a few wealthy individuals who have ownership on the shores of Sunapee and want to keep our 6th largest lake as their own private domain. … Countless hours and over $400,000 of the public’s money has been spent on studies, engineering and permitting to date. To throw this away because of the selfish feelings of a few individuals should be a crime, as New Hampshire Statute states, ‘No individual or corporation shall prohibit public access to public waters.’”

Do you have an opinion on the Wild Goose boat access project? Let us know in the comments below.

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