N.H. state officials reject petition to ban rafting on Lake Winnipesaukee, what to know

Rin Velasco, USA TODAY NETWORK - New England
·1 min read

Boaters will still be able to head to Lake Winnipesaukee to raft in Braun Bay.

Some Moultonborough residents in New Hampshire filed a position to stop boat-rafting and curb the amount of noise from Braun Bay on Lake Winnipesaukee. But, the New Hampshire safety commission rejected the petition.

This story essentially involves two parties: the tourists that like to throw boat parties on Braun Bay and "raft" and the property-owners in Moultonborough tired of hundreds of boats and a thousand people on the water every weekend.

Rafting is when boaters who drop anchor and tie their boats together to form “rafts.”

The property-owners filed a petition with attorney James Armillay addressed to the safety commission requesting a ban on boat-rafting on Braun Bay, citing noise, environmental damage and lowering of property values.

New Hampshire Safety Commissioner Robert Quinn rejected the petition, asserting that the petitioners failed to prove their claims, according to the New Hampshire Union Leader, which first broke the story.

What was the argument against allowing rafting

The property-owners filing the petition argued against rafting on the grounds that it violated public safety and constituted a danger to the microscopic fauna in the water.

Quinn countered by saying that the area is public property, not private property, and is thus meant to be used broadly by the public.

More: Lakes that rival Winnipesaukee What are the largest lakes in New Hampshire

Why is Lake Winnipesaukee so popular

Kids leap from swimming rafts with a stunning mountain backdrop. Restaurants serve comfort food and upscale versions of s’mores. There’s even a comic book shop.
Kids leap from swimming rafts with a stunning mountain backdrop. Restaurants serve comfort food and upscale versions of s’mores. There’s even a comic book shop.

Winnipesaukee is so popular due to its picturesque views that one can enjoy with friends or family.

The lake is also very popular because of the plethora of exciting waterfront activities a person can partake in like cruising on boat rentals and rafting. It's a summer favorite with tourists.

Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on wickedlocal.com: Lake Winnipesaukee will still be open for 'rafting' despite petition