Three Coves Closed to Rafting

[Lakegeezer]

We've seen this problem before. As yet another set of cove owners close off their private area to the public, boaters now must squeeze into the remaining coves to anchor for a picnic, making them crowded and potentially trigger more restrictions. Will there be any coves left to anchor in by 2020?

Since anchoring within 150 ft of shoreline part of the privatization, even the single family boaters are restricted. This reduces the recreational value of the lake for those that don't own property on it. The coves are where boaters can enjoy a quiet time and relax. Out in open water, anchoring in the wind and wake is less relaxing. Property owners can enjoy their cove full time, morning and evening, weekend and week day, spring, summer and fall. Boaters will only be a annoyance for a few hours on nice weekend days for about 8-10 weeks - at most. It is selfish to force them out.

It disturbs me that we usually hear of the new rafting and now anchoring restrictions after the decision has been made. There seems to be no watchdog group, protecting the boating public. While the public hearing was probably posted, it sure wasn't mentioned here, where those effected would hear about it. Why can't the state require effective public notice, just to give these restrictions a fair hearing?