Whether you’re out fishing, cruising the lake, or pulling a skier, you’re sharing the water with other boaters, campers, plants, and animals. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you hit the water so everyone can continue to enjoy the lake safely while preserving the quality of the lake and its shoreline.
Watch the Wake
Jumbo wakes are fun for jumping and riding but can cause problems for other boaters, wildlife, and property owners. Large wakes can cause erosion along the shore and disturb nesting loons and other wildlife. They can also be annoying and potentially dangerous — a large wake may cause damage to other boats underway, docked, and even injure passengers.
Keep It Clean
Spilling fuel is a big “no-no”, as is leaving litter on the water. In other words, “don’t pollute.” Have proper fuel containers that don't leak, and a trash container on board.
Boating
Respect Wildlife, Especially Our Loons
Loons can be difficult to see, and may surface unexpectedly when they're diving for fish. Collisions with speeding boats and personal watercraft are unfortunately one of the leading causes of death for loons in Maine. Wakes from boats can flood a loon's shoreline nest, and they can easily overwhelm small chicks. Canoers and kayakers who move easily in shallow water can get much too close to unsuspecting loons on their nests. They may unwittingly sneak up on loons and startle them off nests, leaving eggs unprotected while they paddle by.
Here's one thing you really need to know about wakes: under the law, damage caused by wake is treated exactly the same way as damage caused by any other vehicle. If it causes physical damage of any kind, on the water or one the shore, or leads to injury, it could mean big trouble! Beech Hill Pond has no restrictions on wake or other things associated with boating, but State law does, so it's worth a look to prevent being pulled over by those pesky wardens with field glasses! Speeding near the shore and excessive wakes will surely draw them in.