NAME: Lake Wyola Boating and Safety Review Committee
OBJECTIVES: to identify specific actions that can be taken by the Town of Shutesbury, the Lake Wyola Association (LWA), private citizens and the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to address safety issues at Lake Wyola.
BACKGROUND: Lake Wyola has seen an increase in use over the past ten years by both boaters and swimmers. The Lake has become a destination for people from out of town and has also seen much more activity since the opening of the state park beach. The public boat launch on Randall Road is available to the public at large. Recreational use of the lake has increased with many more swimmers, faster boats, paddleboarders, kayaks and canoes.
The bylaw that governs the use of Lake Wyola was last updated in 2014. A recent boating accident on Lake Wyola has highlighted the need for the Town and other concerned parties to evaluate whether changes are needed in the Town’s “Motorboat and Persons using Lake Wyola” bylaw and in the overall management of this valuable public resource.
WORKPLAN: The task force will be responsible for undertaking the following tasks:
a. Review current bylaw and recommend changes to the bylaw to account for current usage patterns on the lake.
b. Review how the bylaw is enforced and make recommendations to the Selectboard regarding any needed changes.
c. Identify ways to educate the public about the bylaw including but not limited to signage, LWA communications and the town website
d. Make final recommendations to the Shutesbury Selectboard
SCHEDULE: The task force would begin work upon appointment of members by the Shutesbury Selectboard and will conclude its work within 8 months of the appointment unless an extension is granted by the Selectboard. The goal is to have a recommendation for an amended bylaw and other possible changes completed in time for the next Annual Town Meeting in April 2025.
MEMBERSHIP: The membership shall consist of no more than 7 individuals appointed by the Selectboard and shall represent the following constituencies:
a. Representative(s) from community organizations and Shutesbury residents, many who enjoy the lake but do not necessarily live on the lake
b. One representative from the fire department and one from the police department will serve as ad hoc members. DCR will also be contacted to identify a person to serve as a resource to this committee.
BUDGET: At this juncture it is not expected that any public or private funding will be necessary to undertake the work of the task force. This could change once work is underway and would likely be for specific projects rather than any kind of committee administration.
REPORTING: The task force will provide updates to the Selectboard on a quarterly basis and will provide a summary of its findings and recommendations upon the completion of its tasks.