While no guidelines have yet been established and no suggested launch areas, non-motorized boating and fishing are now permitted on Lake Margaret. Two motions tabled by Coun. Gary Clarke to permit these activities passed by identical 6-3 votes Monday night. Although no signage has yet been posted, city clerk Maria Konefal says the best idea is to stay tuned.
A suggestion by Mayor Joe Preston to run this as a one-year pilot project was not included in the motions.
Coun. Clarke calls Lake Margaret, “a positive recreational place for the city to add to Waterworks and Pinafore. It has some features those two don’t have, in terms of accessibility.”
Calling it a serious threat to the health of Lake Margaret, Coun. Steve Peters was vehemently opposed to opening up the body of water to non-motorized boating and fishing.
Peters was joined by councillors Jeff Kohler and Mark Tinlin in opposing the move to allow more activity at Lake Margaret.
Last month council voted 5-4 to not spend $50,000 on an environmental assessment to determine the feasibility of such activities. Mayor Joe Preston cast the deciding vote.
Preston said at the time, “The report will tell us whether it is yet possible or yet suggested that the lake has the viability to sustain catch-and-release fishing and non-powered boats.”
This past winter, the city authorized skating on Lake Margaret after dozens of individuals began taking advantage of the frozen body of water.
