By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

HARRISON — If they had to make a choice — use Zakelo as a beach or a boat launch — most residents chiming in during last week’s public hearing would side with keeping the small, intimate spot as a beach.

Many via Zoom voiced their concerns about an increasing number of big boats being launched at the remote spot on Zakelo Road, where the lake level is shallow and there is little to no room to park trailers.

Presently, the site has had dual usage, but Town Manager Tim Pellerin found that state law requires that a site be either one or the other, not both.

The Harrison Select Board held the hearing to gauge public opinion on the issue. While officials listened to comments, no decision was made last Thursday. The board will discuss the matter at their next meeting.

Pellerin noted that the property deed does not designate a particular use. Back in the 2000 era, selectmen voted to put up a sign indicating when boats could be launched from Zakelo into Long Lake.

However, if the spot is used as a beach, state guidelines call for the area to be “defined” by roping and certain markers.

Legal counsel reviewed the matter and informed municipal officials they needed to decide what the best use of land and access to water is.

Selectman Rick Sykes asked Pellerin if he had received an answer to whether the area could be used strictly for swimming (although a small area could be retained to launch canoes or kayaks) certain months of the year, and as a boat launch during other designated times of the year?

Pellerin was told such an arrangement could be used, but a “mechanism,” such as a gate, would be needed to prevent boats from launching during the “swim period.”

Zakelo Road resident Debra McLaughlin suggested a swim period of June 1 to Sept. “The major concern is safety. Children and families sit by the water and enjoy the beauty of the beach; exhaust going into the water isn’t good,” she said.

Colin Holme, executive director of Lakes Environmental Association, recommended discontinuing launching there all together. His reasons included the launch area is shallow, parking is limited and most importantly, there is a high risk of invasive plants being introduced into Long Lake since the area lacks a courtesy boat inspector.

“There is not enough money to cover enough hours at primary launches (such as the head of Long Lake).People do whatever they want without supervision,” Holme said.

He said the Zakelo Beach area is a “prime habitat” for invasive species because it is shallow and muddy

“Do you want another place for plants to come in to the lake?” he asked. “Use as swimming only.”

While he applauded the idea of allowing boat launching early and late in the season, Holme was a little leery the arrangement, over time, could become confusing. 

“People will wonder why can’t we launch now,” he said. “Make it one use, make it for swimming. Allow ice fishermen and snowmobilers access to the lake.”

William Post, who has a mooring there, hasn’t seen any problem between those looking to swim and those trying to launch a boat.

Resident Keita Whitten said the remoteness of Zakelo Beach creates various challenges. She asked the owner of a “large” pontoon boat to use the in-town launch site due to space as well as the craft could be inspected there. His response, “he didn’t need to, he had spoken to town hall and had been cleared.”

Zakelo Road resident Leone Rickabaugh prefers to keep the area solely as a beach, saying boats damage the beach area.

“Swimming is wonderful for children during the day. It should close at dusk, because there’s all kinds of stuff on beach, like condoms. It’s a party area at night,” she said. “It’s very shallow. Parents are able to let children play and not have to worry.”

Resident Rick Liberty, who owns property next to the beach area, provided officials with numerous pictures and documentation regarding dangerous situations he has witnessed. One example is a boat looking to return to shore, forcing a family to ask their children to return to their side. He says maintenance on boats there create a “downright dangerous, health and safety issues.”

“A boat will be coming in and suddenly you see little heads pop up out of the water,” Liberty said. “We’re just waiting for something horrible to happen there. It’s not what the area is all about. People who are hot and tired and don’t feel like going into town to launch their boat bend the rules.When you have it happen over and over, it is really scary. I’m hoping you decide to have it as a beach.People who don’t have waterfront need a place to go; we have places where boats can be launched.”

Liberty suggested that if officials deem Zakelo as a swim area, gate should be installed to make sure no one bends the rules; and a street light be placed to avoid partying.

Charlie Sclafani, who has lived on Zakelo Road for 15 years, has “seen all kinds of things happening that shouldn’t be like keg parties, boats launched because of their size.

“There’s no one to watch them and it becomes a free for all,” he said. Sclafani said giant rocks could be used to “prevent activity that doesn’t belong there,” and they could be moved in the winter to allow folks access to the lake and get on the ice.

People also spoke about garbage being left on the beach, as well as people using private property as a bathroom facility.

“It’s a total misuse of private property, disrespectful,” one person said. “If you need to use a bathroom, you should go home.”

Mark Curran of Naples Road has used the beach for 36 years — swimming and launching small boats on occasion. He understands some concerns, but also supports some short-term policing “to clean this up.

“I don’t want paddlers banned,” said Curran, who also asked that the beach stay open since he likes to take a summer swim at 9 p.m. from time to time. “It’s unfortunate people don’t follow the rules. Unfortunately, we need to deal with things that we shouldn’t have to; I’d hate to see traditional use cut off; rope off the swim area, provide space to get smaller boats in; there’s not a lot of room to work with.”

Selectman Sykes read a text from resident Penny Bean, who suggested that the town let voters decide by referendum how Zakelo should be used.

After a half hour of comments, the hearing closed and Select Board members posed questions to Pellerin.

The town manager noted that a swim area and non-motorized crafts, such as kayaks and canoes, could co-exist, but the swim area has to be “designated” by ropes and markers.

Sykes asked LEA’s Holme whether courtesy inspectors check kayaks and canoes for invasive plants.

“They’re supposed to,” Holme responded.

Board Chairman Ray Laplante thanks the public for their comments and “good feedback; it’s very helpful.”

Pellerin said the town will publicize when the topic will be brought up for discussion.