Plan to improve Schoodic Lake boat launch explained

MILO – A plan to improve a “pretty rough” public boat launch on Schoodic Lake in Lake View Plantation was explained Monday to more than 50 people during an informational meeting.

The state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has filed an application with the Land Use Regulation Commission to do the shore-land project at an anticipated cost of $100,000. The cost will be funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and DIF&W’s dedicated boat access account.

The “rudimentary launch” off Gerrish Cove Road is located on the site of a former sawmill and was purchased by the state in 2003, according to Peter Bourget, DIF&W’s assistant director of fisheries development.

Since it was purchased, Bourget said nothing has been done to improve the site other than some brush removal. Large boulders are now sticking up a foot or higher in the middle of the road to the launch, he said.

Stephen DeWick of Pine Tree Engineering Inc. of Bath, the project engineer, told the crowd Monday that the plan is to remove the rocks in the launch ramp; grade the ramp; install 53 precast launch planks attached by metal straps; dismantle and rebuild the existing dock; construct a walkway; and construct three parking lots to accommodate 15 vehicles.

Leon Bucher, a DIF&W planner, said users will carry out what they carry in for garbage. In addition, overnight camping or swimming is not allowed at the location. Bucher said he expected the public to alert the department of violators. Signs will be posted at the site regarding its use. The state will do the necessary maintenance of the launch site such as mowing and brush removal, he said.

When the plan was first presented to LURC earlier this month, several residents expressed concern over a gamut of issues from trash to toilet facilities. That prompted LURC to ask DIF&W for a full application for consideration, including the public informational meeting. There will be no public hearing for the process.

Ted Wolfertz of LURC’s Greenville office, told residents LURC held off on further review of the project until this week’s informational meeting. If the project is approved, the earliest a permit could be issued is the first of November. If the permit is issued, the state would have to start within two years and have it finished in five years. Should someone file an appeal, however, the permit could be held up, he said.

While some of those same concerns aired earlier to LURC were heard Monday, these concerns were overshadowed by comments made by those who supported the project.

“I think this is a long time coming,” Milo resident Tony Hamlin said.

If the permit is approved, the project will likely begin in the spring, participants were told.