The controversial Route 27 boat access ramp in Belgrade will remain open, despite proof that 46% of boats exiting the site carry aquatic plant fragments and a continuing public outcry over the state’s inability to act on the issue.  The government’s latest policy stumble took center stage when the Commissioners of Environmental Protection, Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and Conservation met to decide 2006 management policy for the ramp.  

 

Public comment at the Commissioners’ meeting favored closing the ramp, but also illustrated sharp disagreement among stakeholders.  In the end, votes by the two agencies whose “mission is to provide access” outweighed DEP Commissioner Littell’s call to close Route 27 to motorized craft.  DOC Commissioner McGowan’s good faith effort to locate an alternate ramp site is welcome and encouraging.  Nevertheless, the threat remains.

 

The BRCA Milfoil Committee deplores the state’s inaction, which condemns the other lakes in our watershed to unacceptably high jeopardy.  We, who volunteer to protect these ponds, bear the unenviable burden of attempting to warn all boaters using five very popular, highly accessible lakes about the impending hazard of plant transfer from Route 27.  While we have been able to mount a vigorous defense (6,954 inspections and six plant surveys at access sites in 2005), invasive plants possess the advantage because ramps can’t be monitored 24/7.  The committee believes that if motorized boats continue to use the Route 27 site, it will only be a matter of time before one or more of Messalonskee’s sister lakes catches her contagion.   The Belgrades are destination lakes, if they succumb to infestation,  then all other Maine lakes will be at far greater risk, and sooner or later lake-dependent towns and businesses will be hit in the pocketbook.

 

DEP funds to educate the public and prevent and control infestations is lessened by the administration’s inaction because it’s the DEP that foots the bill for inspections at Route 27.  DEP’s share of Lake and River Protection Sticker funds is fixed at 60%, and has remained flat since the program began.  Costs for personnel and plant management are rising, thus putting the squeeze on its funds for essential public education and prevention.  In 2005, it cost DEP $18,997, or $27 per boater, to monitor Route 27.  That equates to nine and a half Cost Share Grants, the funds that provide seed money for inspections.

 

The bottom line is clear.  When constituencies disagree, our government can’t make policy.  The standoff at Route 27 will continue until leadership addresses the polarization among lake users.  In the meantime, invasive plants will enjoy the advantage.  Maine’s failure of policy represents a huge step backwards for all who value her lakes, streams and rivers.

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