By Sarah Opdahl

At the Wednesday, March 11 Candlewood Lake Authority (CLA) meeting, Executive Director Mr. Mark Howarth shared, there are “basically four pieces of legislation that we are following.” The first is on wakesurfing, which is intended to help protect the shoreline. He shared that there was a “public hearing on that last week, and there was a lot of opposition to it. So, we are waiting to see what the outcome is and what sort of the path forward, if there is a path forward, for that legislation.”

Another piece of legislation involves reducing unlicensed Personal Watercraft operation, and “we are awaiting draft language to see what that legislation might look like if that turns out to be something that we, as the CLA, would like to submit testimony on. We will come back to the board for your approval before we submit any testimony.” He went on to say that the other two pieces are about bow riding and gunnel riding and the last one regards preparing lakes for rapid response to hydrilla.

There was a brief discussion about the lack of any pump up on Candlewood Lake, which is still at a deep drawdown. Though a schedule has not been released, members agreed that there was more communication than typical in the fall regarding the drawdown plans, which was welcome.

Regarding public safety, Marine Patrol Chief Mr. Nick Mellas shared that the number of new recruits is now down to six candidates, all of whom have completed a good amount of training. At this point, there will be twenty-three total officers this summer. It was mentioned that tabletop discussions will begin soon, which involve multiple agencies coming together to prepare for different kinds of scenarios on Candlewood Lake.

CLA members learned that the new jet skis they recently approved have arrived. There is ongoing work happening to prepare them for the new season. Mr. Mike Gasperino shared that he is getting the boats ready and preparing for buoy deployment. Help with the buoys was requested, including three new hazard buoys. There was also an update on their new boat, which is scheduled to arrive before the season, and a discussion about a problem with the septic system at Sherman base.

In the Treasurer’s report, it was noted that the CLA’s financial position is “still solid” at $34,000 ahead of budget due to a number of factors, including the very successful annual appeal for donations from the community as well as their business partners.

Public Awareness Committee members shared that they are starting to plan for the annual Candlewood Lake cleanup and they will also take part in the Sherman Community Expo on May 2, in addition to the traditional Memorial Day parade in Sherman.

The next regular Candlewood Lake Authority meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, 7:00 p.m.