Michael Izzo

@MIzzoDR

In an effort to quell noisy boaters at the request of Lake Hopatcong shoreline homeowners, the state has proposed a new ordinance that would restrict recreational fishing on the water during the summer.

The new rule, N.J.A.C. 13:82-3.11(l), would prohibit certain activities on the lake during between May 15 and September 15, specifically restricting vessels from anchoring more than 200 feet from the shoreline.

The commission would also prohibit tethering a raft or tube more than 20 feet from an anchored vessel and prohibit more than 10 vessels from anchoring together, or “rafting.”

But while the rule would exist to spare homeowners from excessive noise, opponents of the proposal say it will prevent fisherman from anchoring where they are most likely to find fish.

According to the proposal by the New Jersey Boat Regulation Commission, a subsidiary of the state Motor Vehicle Commission, the law was created in consultation with State Police Marine Services Bureau and comes at the request of citizens who own property alone Lake Hopatcong’s shores, particularly along Byram Cove.

Byram Cove residents have quarreled for several summers with people who frequently tie their boats up together and party in the cove. The group informally refers to itself as Byram Cove Party, which has a Facebook page with more than 5,500 followers.

“It's just a way to push the boaters away from Byram Cove to some other part of the lake and most likely annoy other lakefront homeowners,” said Scott Carter, one of the founders of the Byram Cove Party Facebook page.

Carter questions the purpose of limiting rafting to 10 vessels.

“Why is it safer to have 10 boats tied together versus 11?” Carter said. “I would like to know what the issue is… Splitting 20 boats into 10 and 10, 10 feet apart that you still shouldn't dare pass in between is an improvement? The new law actually makes the 20 boats even harder to navigate around. All it’s going to do is make things more congested.”

Carter also agrees the rule could affect fishermen and even homeowners, who would not be able to anchor off their property according to the proposed rule.

Ed Mackin, president of the Knee Deep Club, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the resources of Lake Hopatcong, said the group is trying to raise awareness of the proposed rule.

“This is something that could change our fishing, could shape our way of doing everything we’ve ever done,” Mackin said. “We’re not objecting to less clutter in Bryam Cove, we want it to be safe for everyone, but this is going to affect other people. This could cripple a couple dozen businesses.”

Mackin also questions the seemingly arbitrary decision to set the limit at 200 feet.

“Is the noise really going to be different at 200 feet than 201 feet? Where does that number come from? Have they even seen Lake Hopatcong?” Mackin said. “In some parts of the lake, 200 feet means it’s minimal what you’ll be able to do. You’re mitigating everyone into the same channels of water, and where is the safety in that?”

Mackin said most fish in Lake Hopatcong meet at weed lines, where shallow water meets deep water. That’s normally within 100 feet of the shore on the lake, as Mackin said after about 15 feet in most spots, light can’t penetrate the bottom for weed growth.

Lake Hopatcong rule about safety, state says

“Ideally that’s where everyone wants to fish. So this is going to affect a lot of places. The miles of shoreline and main lake points, fishermen and rental boat companies, it will affect all of it,” Mackin said. “We understand the safety aspect of this, but don’t know why everyone is going to be penalized. It doesn’t make any sense. If someone is out there fishing at 5 a.m., who is he hurting?”

Laurie Murphy, owner of Dow’s Boat Rental on the lake said this rule would be detrimental to her business.

“I do little fishing boats, sell bait and tackle, so for me this could hurt,” Murphy said. “I get the homeowners want a path to keep people away from the shoreline, but for the fishermen it’s not good.”

Murphy said while she understands the concerns of homeowners, noise on the lake should not come as a surprise.

“I get where it’s coming from, with all of the boats anchoring and partying in Bryam Cove, but the homeowners need to understand they’re on a public lake and this is what goes on for the summertime,” Murphy said. “We’ve been on the lake here since 1971 and this what you deal with on a public lake.”

Murphy said she is unsure how much the regulation would be enforced outside of Byram Cove, but the law would affect the entire lake.

“They’re looking at Byram Cove but if a law passes it won’t be specific to one area,” Murphy said. “There needs to be more specifics to this because it is definitely bad for fishermen.”

The Lake Hopatcong Foundation board said the matter is on the agenda for their January meeting.

The next Boat Regulation Commission meeting will be held Wednesday, Jan. 11, at 10 a.m. at the Cecile F. Norton Community Center, 1167 Ocean Avenue in Sea Bright. The meeting is open to the public. The next public meeting won’t be held until March.

Murphy said she sent an email and letter to Edward Harrison, acting chair of the Boat Regulation Commission, explaining how the proposed changes would hurt her business and asking the commission to reconsider how the rule is written.

To comment on the proposed rule, anyone can email LPPMSB@gw.njsp.org or submit a written comment to:

Edward Harrison, Jr., acting chair, Boat Regulation Commission c/o Marine Services Bureau Division of State Police

P.O. Box 7068

West Trenton, NJ

08628-0068

Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636; mizzo@GannettNJ.com