AMSTON LAKE

RULES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Rules

Section A  General Tax District Property Rules

Section B  Boating & Fishing Rules

Section C  Motor Vehicle Rules

Section D  Environmental Rules

Section E  Lake Use Passes

Section F  Rules Enforcement

Revision 14             May 27, 2007

PURPOSE

i       The quality of Amston Lake and its watershed and the safety of all the lake users are the prime concerns of the Amston Lake District.

ii      These Rules and Recommendations shall apply to the general use of the lake tax district properties.  They include: Amston Lake, "Main Beach", "Lollipop Beach", the seven right-of-ways to the lake, the Dam, and the Duck Pond.  These rules and recommendations have been developed by a committee composed of the Amston Lake District Board of Directors and resident volunteers, and were approved by the Amston Lake District voters on May 27, 2007 as a supplement to all State of Connecticut laws and regulations.  These Rules and Recommendations are subject to revision as required.

iii     In order to maintain the lake's high quality of water and habitat and provide a safe and pleasurable experience for all lake users, compliance with these Rules and Recommendations is required.

Section A        General Tax District Property Rules

A1   The lake, beaches, and right-of-ways, are for the year round use and enjoyment of District members and their guest(s) only.  For purposes of these rules, members shall mean persons (not clubs or organizations) who own real property in excess of $1000 within the District boundaries, and their families. Members and their guests using the District properties must have a current Lake Use Pass in their possession or they shall be considered as criminal trespass per CGS 53a107.

A2   The responsibility for the safety and welfare of persons using the lake properties is first & foremost INDIVIDUAL, namely that of the person(s) using the property.  The lake, beaches, and right-of-ways are used at the individual's risk and liability.  No life guard is on duty.

A3   Minors under the age of 12 years using the lake, boating, beaches, and right-of-ways must be accompanied by an adult.  Parents are reminded that they are responsible for the acts of their children per CGS 52-572.

A4   Use of the District Properties by day care facilities or other commercial enterprises shall be considered as criminal trespass per CGS 53A107.

A6   Possession of glass containers is prohibited on the lake, beaches, and right-of-ways. Carry out what you carry in. Discarding of trash into the lake or on the beaches is prohibited.

A7   Damage of any tax district property shall be considered Criminal Mischief as defined under state CGS 53a115 thru 118.

A8   In the interest of public safety and health, no animals are allowed on the beaches and right-of-ways from May 1st through September 30th.  Leash laws must be observed at all times.  Owners must clean up after their pets, and properly dispose of feces in a manner which protects the watershed.

A9   Main and Lollipop Beaches are open from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm.

A10 Groups wishing to use the beaches or other District property for special events, such as concerts, picnics, special events, etc., shall apply in writing to the District 30 days prior to the scheduled event and receive prior written approval from the District Board.

A11 Use of open fires, gas grills, or charcoal stoves, on Tax District Properties without prior written approval of the District Board is prohibited.

A12 Any device powered by an internal combustion engine is prohibited on the lake, beaches and right-of-ways any time of the year.  Exception shall be permitted for fire department rescue, handicapped, and general lake maintenance as approved by the District Board.

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Section B               Boating and Fishing Rules

B1   There are no exemptions to the State of Connecticut boating regulations because of District ownership of the lake. Boaters operating on the lake shall comply with the state requirements, including Registration, Certification of Operation, and an approved flotation device for each occupant.

B2   All boats on District property must display a current Amston Lake District boat pass (sticker).  Boats may not be launched, operated or landed closer than twenty-five feet from swimmers or waders.  Due to the risk of tipover, sailboats shall not be at the beaches or right-of-ways with the sail(s) "up" except when launching or landing.  Boats in violation of these rules will be tagged, and subsequently disposed of by the District.

B3   Seasonal Boat Storage. Main Beach --  Catamarans (only) may be kept at the shore edge to 15 feet inland adjacent to the grassed area at the south end of the Main Beach.  Allocation of space is to be based on a lottery if required.  Lollipop area – Boats may be kept on the shore at Lollipop but must be at least 25 feet away from the beach and swimming areas.  Right Of Ways – Boats may be stored at the sides of the property and shall be inland of the immediate shore area by 20 feet, to allow everyone beach access.  Moored boats must not obstruct swimming areas or adjacent properties.  Stored boats must be removed from tax district properties by November 1.  Boats stored in violation of these rules will be tagged, and subsequently disposed of by the District.

B4   Boats operated on or moored on the lake, or stored at beaches or right-of-ways are done so at the owners and/or operators personal risk and liability.

B5   The requirement of A1 shall apply to all persons using the lake for boating, fishing from a boat, or on the lake ice fishing.

B6     Private docks and rafts that are located on Tax District Property, and must be maintained so they are not a safety hazard. 

B7   Members and Guests fishing in the lake shall comply with the regulations of the State of Connecticut.  It is the responsibility of the fishermen to know the rules since they may change from year to year. 

B8   Members and guests shall also comply with all posted Amston Lake District fishing rules & regulations. Those fishing in the lake are encouraged to participate in catch and release so that more people can enjoy the pleasures of this sport.  Limits to keep bass are 16 inches minimum length and no more than 2 bass per day.

B9   It is in our vital interest that we avoid lake contamination by invasive weeds which can totally destroy the pleasurable use of the lake.  Consequently, all people wishing to put a boat in the lake are strongly recommended to keep their boat out of the water a minimum of  3 days to dry it out and to kill off any residual weed particles, if their boat has been in any other body of water.

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Section C               Motor Vehicle Rules

C1   For purposes of these regulations, a motor vehicle is defined as any internal combustion powered motorized vehicle including autos, trucks, tractors, ATVs, motor bikes, motorcycles and snowmobiles.

C2   Parking shall be in designated areas only.  Parked vehicles must prominently display a current Amston Lake District Car Pass, either on the mirror or dash board.

C3   All vehicles must be removed from the parking areas of Main and Lollipop Beaches when the beach areas are closed at sunset.

C4   Operation of any motor vehicles including ATV's and snowmobiles on the lake or beaches is prohibited.  Exception: Fire Department rescue, property maintenance, and handicapped, with a permit from the District Board.

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Section D               Environmental Rules

D1   Any septic matter that is running or leaching into the lake must be corrected. Failure to comply will be considered a violation of Public Health Code.

D2   Detergents, soaps or cleaning materials shall not  be used where the waste water can drain into the lake, storm drains, or streams.  (Low phosphate detergents are requested to be used by the owners of septic systems and for all outside cleaning activities.)

D3   Any alteration to the lake bottom or shoreline requires District and DEP approval.  Sand, gravel, stones, or rip rap shall not be deposited on the lake bottom unless an equal amount of material is removed.  No dirt, humus, loam, compost, grass, wood or like materials may be deposited in the lake or any Tax District Property at any time.  Raking of any materials into the lake is prohibited.

D4   Ducks, geese, and migratory fowl are major lake polluters. The introduction or feeding of any ducks, geese or other migratory fowl in or around the lake is prohibited.

D5   Use of chemical weed killers, herbicides, & fertilizers in the watershed area are discouraged, and it can be a violation of DEP regulations if they are allowed to run-off into the lake, storm drains or streams.  If fertilizers are used, sterilized organic fertilizers are encouraged.  Zero-phosphate fertilizers that are non-water soluble, and whose active ingredients are in single digits are also recommended.

D6   The control of aquatic plants by use of chemicals is governed by Connecticut state statute.  Approval by the District and permits from the DEP are required for any use of chemicals in the lake.

D7   Disposal of any oils or any other automotive fluids; chemical waste materials such as paints, cleaning solvents, medicines, etc.; or trash or unsafe environmental products within the water shed in such a way that they will be washed into drains, or the streams feeding Amston Lake is prohibited, and will be considered a violation of DEP rules.

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Section E               Lake Use Passes

E1    Lake Use Passes are provided yearly only to District members who are current with their Amston Lake District taxes.  Distribution is administered by the Tax Collector.

E2    Lake Use Pass, Car Pass and Boat Sticker ownership is not transferable.  Passes and Stickers may be used only by District members and their renters. A District member who rents property is responsible for providing all passes / stickers to renters.  A special pass is required for renters and is available from the District.  Year-round renters will be required to use the lake use passes / boat stickers issued to the property owner.

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Section F                               Rules Enforcement

F1    Any activity that is in violation of the laws of the state of Connecticut or the towns of Hebron or Lebanon, should be reported to the State Police.   (H- 228-3710;   L- 642-7432;   DEP-259-9523 )

F2    The Lake Manager, and the security officer(s) contracted to patrol the lake, beaches and the right-of ways are authorized to enforce these rules.

F3    All are warned that this lake falls within the jurisdiction of the DEP.  One of their regulations prohibits the contamination of a body of water such as could occur by an “unauthorized” use of weed herbicide in the water.  There are substantial fines for  violation of this law.