Town of Vinalhaven coastal access study

[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

0 OF VI ALHAVEN:

COASTAL ACCESS STUDY

prepared by

The Island Institute

Eastern Mid-Coast Planning
HT Commission September 1989
393
-M22
V56
1989

Town of Vinalhaven:
Coastal Access Study

US Department of Commerce
NOAA Coastal Services Center Library
2233 South Hobson Avenue
Charleston, SC 29405-2413

HT393.M22 V56 1989

prepared by:

The Island Institute
and
Eastern Mid-Coast
Planning Commission

with funds provided by:

Department of Economic and Community Development
through the Coastal Zone Management Program
and
The Town of Vinalhaven

September 1989

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Without the input of a great many people a report of this nature would not
be possible. The Island Institute and Eastern Mid-Coast Planning Commission
would therefore like to express our appreciation for all the assitance we had
from members of the Vinalhaven community to complete this project. In
addition to the many interested citizens of Vinalhaven who attended public
meetings and hearings, the authors would particularly like to thank the
members of the Vinalhaven Planning Commission who devoted substantial
comments to the final product and particularly to the Vinalhaven Public Access
Committee who constructively guided this project through to fruition.

Funding for this project was paid, in part, by a grant from the office of the
Coastal Zone Management and administered by the Maine Department of
Economic Community Development.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ................................................................................................v
INIRODUC11ON ..........................................................................................................1
Public Access Report and the Comprehensive Planning Process .......I
Access to Private Property .................................................................................2
Land Owner Liability .............................................................................................2
Shoreland Zoning Issues .....................................................................................3
U=ODS .......................................................................................................................5
COMMERCIAL ACCESS
Criteria .......................................................................................................................7
Table of Sites ...........................................................................................................9
Maps of Commercial Sites ............................................................................... 13
Inventory of Commercial Sites
The West Side
Dyers Cove .................................................................................................. 25
Old Harbor ................................................................................................. 26
The Reach .................................................................................................. 30
The Center of Town
Sands Cove ................................................................................................. 33
Carvers Harbor ......................................................................................... 37
Indian Creek ............................................................................................. 52
East Side
Roberts Harbor ........................................................................................ 56
Arey's Harbor ............................................................................................ 58
winter Harbor ........................................................................................... 58
Discussion and recommendations
West Side
Dyers Cove .................................................................................................. 60
Old Harbor ................................................................................................. 60
The Reach .................................................................................................. 61
Center of Town
Sands Cove ................................................................................................. 63
Carvers Harbor ......................................................................................... 64
Indian Creek ....................................................................................; ........ 66
East Side
Roberts Harbor, Arey Harbor and Winter Harbor ....................... 68
RECREATIONAL ACCESS
Criteria .................................................................................................................... 69
Map. of Sites ........................................................................................................... 73
Inventory of Recreational Access Sites
The West Side ................................................................................................ 74
The West Side ................................................................................................. 81
Discussion and Recommendations ............................................................... 88
West Side of Vinalhaven ............................................................................. 88
East Side of Vinalhaven .............................................................................. 88
'FIAY LAOMINGS ............................................................................................................. 91
Criteria .................................................................................................................... 91

Vii

viii Table of Contents

Map of Hay Landings .......................................................................................... 93
Inventory ................................................................................................................ 94
The West. Side ................................................................................................. 94
The East Side ................................................................................................. 95
Discussion and Recommendations ............................................................... 97

ERRATA

pages 17-28 should have been labeled 13-24
(currently there are no pages 13-16)

INTRODUCTION

PUBLIC ACCESS REPORT AND THE COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING PROCESS

The decision to conducf a Public Access Study of this nature is the
culmination of much thought regarding access to the shore.This study really
began upon the completion of the Vinalhaven Comprehensive Plan in February
of 1988. Although that date marked the culmination of a lot of hard work by
any individuals in the Vinalhaven community, it should correctly be viewed as
the beginning of an ongoing process. It is in this spirit of continuing to reach
m

the goals outlined in the Comprehensive Plan that we offer this Public Access
Report on the commercial and recreational access sites of Vinalhaven.

In its most basic form, a Comprehensive Plan is really a series of goals
followed by a set of required actions to implement those goals. The Vinalhaven
Plan follows this methodology. The plan outlines ten policy goals to guide
future growth management actions. One of those ten goals was 'To Protect The
Waterfronts of the Island and to Provide Public Access." To implement this goal
the Comprehensive Plan required that the community develop a "Shoreland
Management and Access Plan." This report is that Plan.

Coincide ntally, while Vinalhaven was in the process of approving its
Comprehensive Plan. in early 1988, the Maine State Legislature was debating
the merits of a Growth Management Bill which eventually passed House and
Senate muster to become that landmark piece of Legislation popularly called
"Maine's Growth Management Law." It is important to note the existence of this
state law because it requires all communities in Maine to develop state
approved Comprehensive Plans on a time table outlined by the comprehensive
Planning Office. Vinalhaven has been identified as a Tier III community and will
not be required to have a state approved Comprehensive Plan until 1996.

In its preamble to the Growth Management Law, the Legislature established
ten state goals to provide direction to the Planning Process. One of these goals
was 'To Protect the State's Marine Resources Indust1y, Ports and Harbors from
Incompatible Development, and to Promote Access to the Shore for
Commercial Fishermen and the Public." Interestingly, this state goal bears a
striking resemblance to Vinalhaven's goal of "Protecting Waterfronts of the
Island and Providing Public Access."

The authors strongly believe that in completing this report and acting on
its recommendation, the Vinalhaven community will be fulfilling both the letter
of its existing Comprehensive Plan and the spirit of Maine's Growth
Management law.

2 Introduction

AcCESS TO PRIVATE PROPERTY

It must be clearly understood by everyone, that identification of a site in
this report does not grant the right of public access onto that parcel of land.

An individual who accesses private property without the express or implied
permission of the owner is a trespasser. Publication of a site in this report
does nothing to alter this fact.

The rights of private property owners must continue to be respected. This
respect will hopefully allow the tradition of easy access over private property to
continue. Failure by the community at large to respect the rights of the private
property owners could result in the exclusion of the public from certain parcels
of land. As the island becomes more developed this respect for the private
property grows more important.

LAND OWNER LIABILITY

Islanders have traditionally enjoyed an easy right of access over the lands of
private property owners. However, in recent years the increase in tort claims
has caused many landowners to question the prudence of allowing persons onto
their land.

The common law recognized three distinct groups of individuals to whom a
landowner owed varying degrees of care; the invitee, the licensee and the
trespasser. Maine has abolished the distinction between "licensee" and
"invitees." In Maine, all persons rightfully on anothers land are owed the same
duty of care.

Trespassers are those that use the property of another without the consent
of that person. With respect to trespassers a landowner is only liable to those
trespassers who are harmed due to the landowner's deliberate and callus
disregard of known hazards on the property.

Along with forty-one other states, Maine has passed legislation limiting the
liability of landowners who allow the public access to their land for recreational
purposes. The statutory language is contained in 14 M.R.S.A. 159-A, which
states in part "An owner, lessee or occupant of premises shall owe no duty of
care to keep the premises safe for entry or use by others for recreational or
harvesting activities or to give warning of any hazardous condition, use,
structure, or activity on these premises to persons entering for those
purposes."

In other words, the law allows the private property owner to treat the users
of his land as trespassers to whom no affirmation duty of care is owed. Section

Introduction 3
Land Owner Liability

159-A goes further in stating that the landowner is not ordinarily liable to those
persons to whom he expressly gave permission to enter his property.

A 1985 amendment to the law allows landowners who are sued and found
not guilty to cover their costs and expenses including reasonable legal fees.
This fairly recent expansion of the statute by the Maine Legislature is a clear
indication that the law is designed to afford the greatest amount of protection
to the landowner.

Landowners should be aware that despite the protection of 14 M.RS.A.
159-A, there are some situations where they may be held liable for injuries
occurring on their property.

The first instance is where the landowner fails to warn the recreational
user against a dangerous condition on his land. An example of this situation
might be where a landowner has an open well shaft.

The second case where a landowner may be liable is where he charges a fee
for entering his land.

In the third instance, if the landowner has an independent duty to act in a
certain way and the landowner breaches that duty then the landowner could be
held liable.

With the exception of the three cases just mentioned, Maine landowners
can rest assured that they will not be liable for injuries to recreational users of
their property irregardless of whether the injured person was an invitee or
trespasser.

SHORELAND ZONING ISSUES

The first zoning enabling legislation was passed in Maine in the mid 1920's.
In the decades that followed, zoning became an accepted land use tool in many
Maine communities.

Recognizing a special need to protect both inland and coastal waters in our
state, the Maine Legislature passed the Mandatary Shoreland Zoning Act in
1971. In that law the legislation charged the Department of Environmental
Protection with developing a model ordinance that could be used by local
communities around the state. This model ordinance was originally drafted in
1974 and has been periodically updated in recent years.

The Shoreland Zoning Unit within the Department of Environmental
Protection has been working on the most recent.revision to the "Model
Ordinances" for the past eighteen months. The new draft has gone through
substantial public debate and four major revisions. It is scheduled for a final
public hearing before the Board of Environmental Protection in the fall of 1989
and is expected to be approved by that same Board by December of this year. To

4 Introduction
Shoreland Zoning Issues

the best of our knowledge, communities will have until June of 1991 to
incorporate the changes outlined in the state model into their local ordinance.

These state mandated changes will have a major impact on the existing
General Zoning Ordinance of Vinalhaven. At a minimum, Vinalhaven must adopt
the mandatory changes by the state imposed deadline.

The fact that the time frame for state mandated changes is arriving at
approximately the same time as your review of eodsting ordinances is fortuitous.
The state is encouraging coastal communities to identify and zone Maritime
Activities Districts. Although Vinalhaven has already taken a meaningful step in
that direction with the creation of a Marine Commercial District on the west
side of Carver's Harbor, now might be the perfect opportunity to consider the
extension of this type of zoning to pockets of commercial fishing activity in the
outlying harbors. Specific recommendations will be made in the commercial
fishing section of this report.

As the committee reviews suggested amendments to the Vinalhaven
General Zoning Ordinance, it should look to the state mandated Shoreland
Zoning Model Ordinance as the glue to bind the other suggestions into a well-
organized package.

METHODS

The public access si tes inventoried in this report are sites that have been
traditionally used and/or are being used now by the community of Vinalhaven in
order to gain access to the shore. Both commercial and recreational points of
access have been identified in this report.

The 133 sites identified came from community input at two public
meetings on Vinalhaven during the month of January with representatives from
the local fishing and lobstering community and local residents. Two newly
created maps were displayed at the meetings in order to facilitate the
community in identifying the location of particular access points. The two
maps included; a parcel map of the working waterfront from Old Harbor to
Roberts Harbor, drawn to a scale of 1" = 200" and a town wide map drawn to a
scale of 3/4" = 1,000'. Data collected for each site identified included
ownership, traditional rights of access, and physical description.

Following the identification of all the access sites as viewed by the
participants in the public meetings, most of the sites were visited in order to
verify their visual descriptions and conditions. All of the sites were then
located on the two maps. These maps were posted at the Town Office for
several weeks during the month of March for anyone in the community to
check the proper location and name of the sites.

With this information, the public access committee invited the local
community to attend a hearing in which the sites and their future importance
were discussed. On the basis of this hearing, the consultants were able to
prioritize sites that appeared to be most important to the community for
preservation. These areas are considered important to the community for one
of several reasons; 1) they currently play a significant role in providing access
to the shore, 2) they are thought to be important sites for the long term
preservation of access to the shore and/or 3) their access is currently
threatened.

Following the comprehensive inventory of the commercial and recreational
access sites in this report, are the discussion and recommendation sections
that discuss the results of the public hearing. It is this section that provides
the Town of Vinalhaven with a forward looking perspective on those.areas along
the shore that warrant their attention over the next few years.
Recommendations for long term planning and ordinance implementation are
made in order to facilitate the Town in making decisions ab out ensuring public
access is available now and in the future.

CONMERML ACCESS

CRITERIA

Ninety-six sites have been identified in this report as commercial access
points. The sites are identified numerically on the maps accompanying this
report counter-clockwise from the west side of the island to the east side of
the island. This information is presented by "cove" around the island since
fishermen will fish in areas that are closest to their homes, if at all possible.
For this reason, the "coves" are considered as distinct working harbors.

The coves have been grouped in three general areas, as described to us by
the local community. These include: The West Side, the Center of Town, and
the East Side. The West Side extends from Dyers Cove to the east end of the
Reach, the Center of Town extends from the edge of the Reach through Indian
Creek, and the East Side extends from the edge of Indian Creek to Winter
Harbor. The northern end of the island did not have any commercial access
sites identified for this report. Though the coves are presently independently
in the following order from West to East:

West Side:
1. Dyers Cove
2. Old Harbor
3. The Reach
Center of Town:
4. Sands Cove
5. Carvers Harbor
6. Indian Creek
East Side:
7. Roberts Harbor
8. Arey Harbor
9. Winter Harbor

there is certainly overlap in use between the coves. Carvers Harbor in the
center of Town has the highest use, and is used by fishermen who need
services, wharf and repair space, that may not be available in their coves.

The overriding criteria for all sites is that they have been and continue to
be used by the commercial fishing industry to gain access to the shore. The
best effort has been made to include all sites that have some sort of shoreline
access around the entire island, with focus in the center of town, for
commercial fishing interests.

The sites identified provide access to commercial fishermen for the
following activities; grounding-out, hauling and repairs of boats, boat launching,
storage of boats, storage and repair of fishing gear and equipment, haul-outs of
floats and lobster cars, and service of boats.

8 Commercial Access
Criteria

The vast majority of the 96 sites identified are privately owned. The rights
of these private owners are not at all in jeopardy through inclusion in this
report. Only three sites are owned by the Town of Vinalhaven in the center of
town. Though the security of these sites seems assured, it is important to
include them in this comprehensive inventory of an coastal access sites for
future planning purposes.

Conunercial Access 9
Table of Sites

Table of Sites
Tand Access water access lease own of users
pmr/good haff1whole *1 42 low/med/hi&

2
3
4,
5
6 vb
7
8

10 e

12 v
13 v
14 v v ve

16 vj v
17 f
18, v
19 v %01
20 %/ v v
21 v v

22 V /
23 V vg v
24 %/ v %01
25, V V
261 %/
27 %/ vh VC
28 %/ %/ h
29 V Vh
30, %/ h v
31 vh v
32 v vh %/
33 V h v
341%/ %/j / %/
35 V v v ve
361 Va %,ej %/ El

10 Commercial Access
Table of Sites

Umd Aecess water access lease own of users
poor/good half/whole. *1 02 low/med/hIgh
-37 v / g -
38 vj /g v
39 d v 9
-40 V d v C
41 e
42 V d 9
43, V V
44 V v
45 h V
46 h %/
47 vg v
48 v v v
49 V v %/ I
so d VC v
51 Vd v v
52 Vh v
53 Vh v I %/
54 h v
55 %/h v
56 /hj v %/ 1
56R 1/h v
57 v v

59 v V h v v
60 v %/ h v v
61 v %/ h %/ v
62 v h V v
63 v h v v
64 V %/j
65 vi
66 v v v
67 Vd V v V,
68 v %/ %/
691 V %/ v
70 v %/j v v
711 v I v v

Commercial Access
Table of Sites

Tand Access water accew leaft own of UWJ8
pwr/good b"/whole *3L *2 low/med/high
72 V d /J V
73 %/ %/ Ve
74 V V V
75 Va V C
76 1 V Vj V
77 V /j V V
78 Va %/ V Ve
79 V V V %/
80, V %/h V V
81 V %/ h V V
82 V Vh V V
83 V Vh %/ V
84, %/ %/ h V V
85 V Vh
86 Va V
87 %/ %/ %/ e
881 Va V V %/

89 Va V V
90 V V
91 V
92, V
93 V V
94 V V V
95 %/
96, Vj V V

&ey
*1 site is not owned by the user, rather it is leased or a special
arrangement has been made between the owner and the user
*2 site is used by the owner

a = foot access only b = owned by state c = owned by Town
d = parking available e = family use f = currently not available to
fishermen g owned by an association, co-op
h = wharves are joined j grounding or hauling site

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ------------

car -d Hai-bar

genii

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
WEST SIDE
carvers
4ct r- in o r
Ndrton

--------------- ......
4Z,
CENMR OF TOWN

C@2

Istand
MAP
VINALHAVEN
COMMi@RCIAL ACCESS srFEs

rAA"
:S@eptember .1989

ROAD Of
0 0
0
5- 0 10 131

01cL Harbor

MAP 2
VINALHAVEN
-:-WFST SIDR COMMERC
LAL ACCESS SUES

ISLAND 200
tember 1980
:-Scale:""

-- - - ------- ---

Ge-
L - - ----------- -------------- 2,35 93
Insert A

--------------- ------
Insert B
M -A,P 3 75
VINALHAVEN
CENTER OF TOWN: CON&MRCIAL ACCFSS SUES - Bar- L
REFER TO MAio 3A FOR INSERT A
MAP 3B FOR INgERT 6 77 C-S 76,
1@@ INUK Xis 0 200
i@ .-@ @ - Potato
. tethber 1989
-Sep Scale

INSERT A
MAP 3A

25 6 4
2
2
?- 9

N
32
3

0 zoo

2m
L
f-V 0 mm,'%lova
Commercial Access 23
Maps

7 5
6 59,6

39 .6

67, n

INSERT B
MAP %36

0 200 73 74
Scale

Commercial Access 25
Maps

090 0 200
Scale

DWEDITORY OF COMMERCM SUES
THE WIEST S13DE

DYERS COVE

Site Name: Site Number: 1

Ownership: P Warren Location: Map 5, lot 42

Traditional Riy-hts of Access: Vehicular access is available to the site.
There is a wharf at the site which is only accessible from mid to high
tide.

Site Description: The site facilities include a half tide wharf and float.
The wharf is used as well to store traps.

Comments:

Site Name: Site Number: 2

Ownership: D. Anthony Location: Map 5. lot 33

Traditional Rights of Access: There is, a residence on the site which
provides walking access to the shore. The wharf at this site is only
available from mid to high tide.

Site Description: Facilities at this site includes a place to store traps and
a grounding out beach.

Comments:

Site Name: Site Number: 3

OwnershW: A. Warren Location: Map 5, lot 29

Traditional Rights of Access: There is vehicular access available to this
site. As with the other sites around Dyers Island, the water dries at low
tide so the wharf is only accessible from mid to high tide.

Site Description: This site has a fish house, wharf and a place to store
traps.

Comments:

Site Name: Site Number: 4

OwnershW: V. Swears Location: Map 5, lot 14

26 Commercial Access
Inventory: The West Side
Dyers Cove

Traditional Riahts of Access: There is vehicular access to the site.

Site Description: There is a fish house used by a fisherman at this site.

Comments:

Site Name: Site Number: 5

Ownership: R. Swears Location: Map 5, lot 4

Traditional Rights of Access: There is vehicular access available to this
site. The wharf can only be used from mid to high tide because the cove
dries at low tide.

SitC Description: The facilities at this site include; a fish house, wharf, a
place to store traps and a grounding out site.

Comments:

Site Name: Site Number: 6

Ownership_: State of Maine Location: Dyers, Cove

Traditional Riahts of Acces�: Access to this site is from the water.

Sit!g Description: Several wharfs are located on the ledges in Dyers Cove
which are used to store traps.

Comments:

OLD RARBOR

Site Name: aM Number: 7

OwnershiR: N. Guidoboni Location: Map 27. lot 9

Traditional Riy-hts of Access: Local fishermen use this site to store traps,
do repairs, and loa@@nd haul their boats. It is accessed by a private road
off City Point Road which is wide enough at the shore end for trucks to
load and unload. The site is accessible by water at nearly all tides, but
cannot be used at extreme low tides.

5M Description: This high stone wharf can handle four boats at a time,
two tied up along the front, and one on either side. Spiles along the
edges of this relatively large wharf protect the boats from hitting against
the stone. A small workshop is located near the wharf for doing small
repairs.

Commercial Access 27
Inventory: West Side
Old Harbor

Comments: Local fishermen consider this wharf to be the best one in Old
Harbor because of the good condition of the stone wharf, the site's
accessibility for hauling boats, and its deep water access.

Site Name: Site Number: 8

Ownership: J. Smith Location: Map 27, lot 7

Traditional RiEffits gf Access: This site tucked in the western comer of
the cove is only accessible by foot.

Site Description: There are no structures at this site, just a small piece
of flat land along the shore where the lobsterman can store his car when
it is not in the water. The topography rises steeply behind this land, so
it is only accessed by foot, over private property.

Comments: Considering the lay of the land, this site is bein g put to its
best use as a commercial fishing facility.

aiLe Name: Site Number: 9

Ownership: J. Smith Location: Map 27, lot 6

Traditional Riahts of Access: This site has no wharf but is used by a
single fisherman to pull out his lobster car and store his traps. At high
tide he can bring his boat to the side of the lobster car and dump his
traps. At low tide he can drag his traps up the gently sloped shore. The
only land access is by walking over the ek[sting embankment.

Site Description: There is no road to this site and no structures at the
site. Above the shore there is an embankment which extends along the
western shore of Old Harbor. Along the shore, the area flattens out and
has been filled in with great pilings. The use of this area is restricted
because it drains completely at low tide.

Comments: This is one of three haul-out sites used by the fishermen in
Old Harbor.

Site Name: Site Number: 10

QMership: S. Warren Location: Map 27, lot 4

Tra_ditional Rights of Access: This site is used by three members of a
fishing family. These men store their traps , do small repairs, and load
their boats at this site. A single boat can tie up along one side of the
wooden wharf. Ms. site is accessible'by 4 small dirt road off City Point

28 Commercial Access
inventory: The West Side
Old Harbor

Road. The road can accommodate a four-wheel drive truck. The site
goes dry at low tide.

Site Description: The facilities at this site include a wooden wharf and a
boat house "locker". Next to the wharf facility is a gently sloping gravel
beach which is an ideal site for grounding-out.

Comments: The site is being well used according to local fishermen who
claim it has everything a fisherman needs, though they would prefer the
wharf was made of a more durable material.

Site Narne: Site Number: I I

Owner�hip: H. McDonald Location: Map 27, lot 1A

Traditional Rights of Access: This site is used by a family member who
goes from this site. The wharf is accessible only at high tide. The site is
only accessible by a foot path off City Point Road. The fisherman lives
nearby and can therefore walk to the site.

Site Description: The workshop at this site had been used to store and
fix traps and to paint pot buoys, however, it's present condition has
limited it's use. Punts are moored off the wharf. Water leaves the site at
low tide exposing a small beach.

Comments:

Site Name: Site Number: 12

Ovmership: V. Ames, L. Walker Location: Map 28, lot 9

TraditiQnal Rights of Access:

Site Description: There is a workshop at this site.

Comments:

Site Name: Site Number: 13

Ownershim C. Guilford Location: Map 28, lot 8

Traditional Rights of Access:

Site Description: This site is used by a fisherman.

Comments:

Commercial Access 29
Inventory: West Side
Old Harbor

Site Name: Site Number: 14

ownership: Scudder Location: Map 28, lot 7

Traditional Rights of Access This site used to be a dealership where gas
was available and lobsters were sold. Now there is a wooden catwalk at
the site used by three fishermen in a family to store traps, haul boats,
and ground out. This site is accessible from Granite Isle Road and a
private drive. This access had frequent use when the site was a
dealership. Flat beds and pick up trucks would drive directly to the
shore to pick up lobsters.

Site Description: The facilities at the site include a wharf and float. A
pulling line is located off the wharf which allows skiffs to be tied up off
shore. At, low tide, the site dries out. Adjacent to the wharf the terrain
slopes gently and provides a good site for boats to be cleaned.

Comments:

Site Name: Site Number: 15

Ownership: Van Guilford Location: Map 28, lot 5

Traditional Rights of Access: This site is used by a fishermen to st ore
traps and load boats- It is also used to tie up punts. It is accessible
directly off Granite Isle Road. The site dries at low tide.

Site Description: There used to be a repair shop located at this site
which was destroyed during the storm of 1978. The fisherman who
owns this site lives directly across the street and can walk to the wharf.

Commen

Site Name: Site Number: 16

Ownership: T. Grant Location: Map 28, lot 3

Traditional Rights of Access: The site is used by local fishermen for
grounding-out. There is also a granite wharf used by the owners of the
property for recreational purposes. This site can only be used at high
tides. A driveway provides walking access to the site from the house on
the property.

Site Description: The land to this site drops gradually to the shore where
there is a rocky beach. A float extends off the wharf and a pulley line is
used to access the punts off shore.

30 Commercial Access
Inventory: The West Side
Old Harbor

Comments: This is one of three grounding out sites in Old Harbor and
therefore has an important role in providing local fishermen with a place
to clean their boats. The wharf however, is not currently used by the
fishermen of Old Harbor.

Site Name: Site Number: 17

Ownership: J. Upton Location: Map 20, lot 1C-7

Traditional Rights of Access: The site is not currently used by fishermen
because the property surrounding the beach is privately owned.
Fishermen used to use the site to ground out their boats.

Site Description: At the eastern end of the cove, this area drains out at
low tide opening a spot for cleaning off the hulls of boats. Behind this
small patch of sandy beach the topography rises steeply limiting the land
based accessibly of the site.

Commgnts: Though this site is not accessible to local fishermen, it is
thought that it could provide a significant contribution to the fishing
activity in Old Harbor.

Site Name: Site Number: IS

Ownership: M. Mesko Location: Map 20, lot 1C-2

Traditional Rights of Access: This site has a half tide float. There is a
residence on the property which provides access to the shore.

Site Description: Facilities at this site includes a pulley line and a place
to store traps. The owner of the site has a mooring in the harbor and
uses the float to tie up his dinghy.

Comments:

THE REACH

Site Name: Site Number: 19

ership: J. Jr. and R. Carlson Location: Map 15, lot 2

Traditional Rights of Access: This site is used by a fisherman to store his
traps and his outboard and to work on repairs. This site is accessed
directly off a private road off Dog Town Road.

Commercial Access 31
Inventory: West Side
The Reach

Site Description: This site is located on the west shore of Creeds Cove.
There is no wharf at this site, though there is a large working ftsh house
which is used for repairs, building traps, working on ropes, and painting
pot buoys. Along the flat and narrow cove, floats and traps are stored.
The fishermen's outboard also lays out alongside the floats.

Comments:

Site Name: Site Number: 20

Ownership: R. Young heirs Location: Map 16, lot 11

Traditional Rights of Access: The owner of the property uses the wharf
to store his traps and equipment, work on small repairs and ground out
his boat. A small private road off Dog Town Road provides access to the
site.

Site Description: This property lies directly across the cove from the
previous site. There is a small wooden wharf and fish house on the shore
end of the property. Steep banking separates the wharf from the
driveway and the area to store traps. A float has been placed off the
wharf to give enough depth of water for the fisherman to tie up his boat.
The wharf is too small for storage of traps, so the fisherman has to carry
his traps over the banking in order to lay them out. A small beach at the
end of a cove is used for grounding-out.

Comme nts:

Site Name: Site Numbe : 2 IL

Ownership: K. Holbrook Location: Map 16, lot 15

Traditional RiLshts of Access: This site is currently used by the fisherman
who owns it. A town road provides access to the property line. From
the property line to the shore, another parcel of private land must be
crossed.

Site Description: There is a fish house and an old stone crib wharf on the
shore. The fisherman's residence and workshop are also on the
property.

Comments:

32 / Commercial Access I
Inventory: The West Side
The Reach ' I
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iNvENToRy oF CommRmAL Sam

THE UNMR OF TOWN

SAINMS COVE

Site Name: Site Number: 22

Ownershia: Peterson Location: Map 17, lot 29

Traditional Rights of Access: This site has a full tide stone wharf and
can be accessed on land by vehicle.

Site Description: Facilities at this site include the stone wharf, a
workshop and place to store traps. There is also a careening beach to
ground-out the boats.

Comments: According to the local fishing community this is one of the best
sites in Sand Cove because of its excellent accessibility.

Site Name: Site Number: 23

Ownershia: Sand Cove Associates Location: Map 17, lot 28

Traditional Riehts @af Access: This site is available to local fishermen
who rent space from Sands Cove Associates. It is used to ground out
boats and is accessible at all tides. It is also used to haul traps and
service boats. The road access is via Sands Road to a private road that
goes through several lots.

Site Description: This site is located at the head of Sand Cove. A large
stone and gravel wharf in good condition accommodates hundreds of
traps and has room enough for a truck to drive to its edge. Two bait
floats are attached to the wharf. The wharf can handle several boats at
once. Alongside the wharf, the ground slopes gently where there is a
beach and a site for cleaning boats.

Comments: This is considered a valuable site for local fishermen
because of the facilities it provides and its accessibility at all tides.

Site Name: Site Number: 24

Ownership: W. Hutchinson Location: Map 17, lot 27

34 Commercial Access
Inventory: Center of Town
Sands Cove

Traditional Rip-hts of Access: There is a half tide wharf available at this
site. Access to this site on land is by car.

Site DesgrialLo_n: Facilities at this site include a beach for grounding-out
boats, a wharf and workshop.

Comments:

Site Name: Site Number: 25

Ownership: Mark Olsen Location: Map 17, lot 24

Traditional Rights of Access: There is vehicular access to this site. The
wharf can only be accessed from mid to high tide.

Site Description: This site has a wharf and a place to store traps.

Comments:

Site Name: Site Number: 26

Ownership: Gene Guilford Location: Map 17, lot 22

Traditional Rights of Access: There is vehicular access to this site.

Site Description: There is no wharf at this site, and the fisherman uses
the nearby town wharf. Facilities include a workshop/fish house And a
place to store traps.

Comments:

Site Name: Site Number: 27-33

Ownership.: see following 7 sites Location: Map 17
lots 16-23
Traditional Rights of Access: This large stone wharf crosses seven
parcels owned by fishermen who all have access to the wharf for

Commercial Access 35
Inventory: Center of Town
Sands Cove

storing traps, doing repairs, and loading their boats. The wharf is only
accessible to half tide.

Site Description: A series of small fish houses abut this long stone
wharf used by the fishermen. The land is nearly flat to the shore; and
a small access road connects the various parcels. The site is only
accessible to half tide.

Comments: Six of the seven sites are owned by the fishermen who use
them. Site 30 is the one exception.

Site Name: Site Number: 27

OwnerLhip: Town of Vinalhaven Location: Map 17, lot 23

Site Name: Site Number: 28

Ownership: J. Philbrook Location: Map 17, lot 21

Site Name: Site Number: 29

OwnerEhip: J. Philbrook Location: Map 17, lot 20

Site Name: Site Number: 30

Owner@hip: R. Colson Location: Map 17, lot 19

Site Name: Site Number: 31

OwnerLhia: Olsen, Crossman Location: Map 17, lot 18

Site Name: Site Number: 32

OwnerLhig: H. Alley Location: Map 17, lot 17

Site Name: Site Number: 33

Ownership: R. Walker Location: Map 17, lot 16

36 Commercial Access
Inventory: Center of Town
Sands Cove

Site Name: Site Number: 34

Ownership: S. Jaques Location: Map 17, lot 15

Traditional Rights of Access This site is used for hauling lobster cars
and storing floats. The site is privately owned and is rented to several
local fishermen. Access is via private property. Parking is not
available along Sands Road and one must cross this property in order to
get access to the shore.

Site-Description: There is a large building on this property which is
now used as a workshop. Floats are stored on either side of the
building though there is an increasing problem of storage space since
the property is privately owned.

Comments: With permission of the current owners, this site provides
the one of two places for fishermen to store their floats in Sands Cove.
However this use can not be assured in the future as it is already
getting congested.

Site Name: Site Number: 35

Ownership: R. Walker Location: Map 17, lot 9

Traditional Rights of Access: This site used by several members of the
family can be accessed by car. There is full tide access to the shore.

Site Description: There is a wharf at this site which is also used to store
traps. There is a workshop at the site for the fishermen to do small
repairs to their gear.

Comments:

Site Name: Smith Point at Grimes Park Site Number: 36

Ownership: American Legion Location: Map 17, lot 5

Traditional Ri2hts of Access: Though part of Grimes Park, a small beach
area has been traditionally used by fishermen to lay their floats. There

Commercial Access 37
Inventory: Center of Town
Sands Cove

is no land access, except by walking through the park so fishermen
usually use their skiffs to get at their floats.

Site Description: This site is part of Grimes Park, a wooded picnic area,
that is next door to the ferry terminal on the island. The western shore
of Smith Point is mostly rocky except for one strip of sandy beach. This
is the location where two floats are hauled and stored during the
winter months.

Comments: This is one of two sites in Sands Cove that provide a place
for fishermen to haul their lobster cars. Though both are in private
ownership, this site is less vulnerable to a change in land use as it is
surrounded by a local community park owned by the American Legion.

CARWRS HARBOR

Site Name: Bay State Wharf Site Number: 37

Ownership: Bay State Lobster Company Location: Map 17, lot 4

Traditional Rights of Access: This is one of two land based commercial
fishing facilities in Vinalhaven. This facility is open to all fishermen
who sell their fish to Bay State. This facility, directly off West Main
Street provides ample parking for the fishermen. Large four wheel
trucks and bait trucks can back up directly to the wharf to pick up
lobster. The wharf at this site is available at all tides. The site is used
for storing traps, and floats.

Site Description: This facility is located at the western edge of Carvers
Harbor next to the Ferry Landing. It is the first in a line of working
wharfs in Carvers Harbor. The wharf is in good condition and provides
room for storage. It can handle one boat at a time to unload lobsters.
Gas is available to the fishermen, though no ice or other services are
available. A large unoccupied building is part of the facility.

.Comments: The facility is an important asset in Carvers Harbor since as
it is one of two commercial sales outfits. The wharf is currently large
enough to handle. boats as they come in and unload their lobsters and
gear. Parking is not a problem at this site. The building associated with
the site is not being used and could perhaps help bring in revenue if
repaired to store traps, equipment and provide space for repairs.

38 Commercial Access
Inventory: Center of Town
Carvers Harbor

Site Name: Bay State grounding out site Site Number: 38

Ownership: Bay State Lobster Company Location: Map 17, lot 4

Traditional Rights gf Access: Though privately owned, this site is used
by fishermen to ground out their boats and to transport pots and traps
on and off their boats. There is room at the site to drive a truck to the
ramp.

Site Description: Located between Bay State Lobster Wharf and the Co-
Op, this site provides room for a single boat to ground out. This narrow
slice of land between wharfs drains at low tide and turns to mud. A
stone wall with spiles along one edge provides a place for the fishermen
to haul their boats for repairs or maintenance. It. has also been a place
where moorings and traps are hauled for repairs.

Comments: This site serves several functions for the fishermen who
conduct their business out of Carvers Harbor. Located between two
vitally important commercial wharfs, this grounding out site gets used
frequently by the local fishermen. Since a stone wall abuts one side of
the site, it provides another service to the fishermen.

Site Name: Fishermen's Co-Op Site Number: 3 9

Ownership: a cooperative Location: Map 17, lot 3

Traditional Rights of Access: This facility provides electricity, gas, fuel,
bait, ice, and. hauling and loading space for members of the Co-Op. The
Co-Op deals solely with lobster and crab. The Co-Op has its own parking
lot on the opposite site of West Main Street. Traps and floats are * often
stored in the parking lot. Usually a backhoe is used to move the floats
back and forth. An additional five parking spaces are available to the
fishermen in front of the Co-Op.

&ite Description: The Co-Op is an organization of local lobstermen, and
as a member each lobsterman earns profits of the Co-Op's earnings. The
members at the Co-Op represent 30% of the total fishing community.
The facilities at the Co-Op include a large unloading dock, a small wharf
and floats. The large building is used for unloading and storing. Large
ten wheeled trucks can back directly into the building to unload. The
back side of the building, which faces the wharf, is open to allow easy
transport of the bait to the- awaiting fishing boats. One boat can tie up at

Commercial Access 39
Inventory: Center of Town
Carvers Harbor

a time to the wharf. Each lobsterman is asked to stay no longer than is
needed to conduct business. In order to add space for fishermen to
unload, get supplies, and services, floats are set up during the peak
lobstering season. These floats can handle up to five boats at a time.
Business with the Co-Op can normally occur without substantial delays,
although periodic hold ups do occur.

Comments: This site is heavily used and relied upon for fishermen who
do not have their own wharfs and who fish out of Carvers Harbor. This
facility, and Bay State are the only two land based fish buyers along
Vinalhaven's waterfront.

Site Name: Fish Plant Wharf Site Number: 40

Ownership: Town of Vinalhaven Location: Map 17, lot 2

Traditional Rights of Access: This site, formerly leased to Pen Bay, is
used by fishermen and recreational boaters. The facilities at this site
include a stone wharf and float. Fishermen use this site to haul and
store traps, and do repairs on their seining nets. This is one of two town
owned wharfs on Vinalhaven's waterfront. The western side of the
wharf is used by any commercial fisherman and the eastern side is
reserved for business with Pen Bay Fish and Cold Storage.
Approximately 20 vehicles can park in the lot provided by Pen Bay Fish
and Cold Storage. Tractor trailers are able to maneuver and use the
wharf for loading and unloading.

Site Description: The stone wharf extends 200 feet and can hold three
boats on a short 'term.basis for hauling and repairs. The town owned
float is used by commercial and recreational users. The site is.also used
by the oil boat to unload fuel.

Comments: This sites provides a very good wharf facility for the local
fishermen. It is one of two places available to fishermen to repair their
seining nets. The parking facilities at this site appear to be adequate
and are shared by commercial and recreational users. This was the only
local buyer for seafood other than lobster and crabs.

Site Name: Town boat launch Site Number: 4 1

Ownership.: Town of Vinalhaven Location: Map 17, lot I

40 Commercial Access
Inventory: Center of Town
Carvers Harbor

Traditional kights of Access: This site provides a gravel ramp for
launching fishing boats and a stone wharf to load supplies and to tie up
dinghies.

Site Description: This facility was formerly leased to Pen Bay by the
Town. In addition to the stone wharf, the Town sets off floats from the
wharf to make the site available at all tides. This area is used by
fishermen to tie up their boats, load gear, and get supplies. The gravel
ramp also allows fishermen to haul and launch their boats. Ice is
available for the fishermen at this Town owned facility.

Comments: This wharf and launching site is an important area for the
fishermen using Carver's Harbor. As a Town owned site, fishermen
have a place to conduct much of their fishing trade and haul their boats.
Therefore the local fishing community highly value this site.

Site Name: Calderwoods Wharf Site Number: 42

Ownership: W.W. Bunker and Sons Location: Map 18, lot 69

Traditional Rights of Access: This facility offers short term wharf space
for both recreational and commercial boats. Boaters, whether
commercial or recreational, can get fuel, supplies and ice at the general
store associated with the wharf. Parking for this facility is shared with
the Harbor Wharf which has commercial non-marine related shops.
Half of the lot is generally available to the commercial fishermen.

Site Descr iption: This site is located next to the Town owned launching
site. The wharf is 40 ft. long and has space to tie up one or two boats at
a time. There are also two floats available at this site, each of which can
hold one boat at a time. Punts tie up to this wharf all year long.

Comments: This site is stressed for access as the parking lot is
congested during much of the year. Because of the vulnerable location
of this site relative to the surrounding uses, the continued availability of
the wharf to fishermen should be carefully considered by the
community.

Site Name: Harbor Wharf Site Number: 43

Commercial Access 41
Inventory: Center of Town
Carvers Harbor

Ownership: K. Cowles Location: Map 18, lot 68

Traditional Rights of Access: Presently the property is in private
ownership and the owners are sympathetic to the fishermen. The block
of buildings surrounding this site had been owned by Bay State Fishing
Company. At that time, the use of the property was marine related,
providing adequate parking and wharf space for the fishermen.
Parking for this facility is now shared with two other fishing interests,
Hopkins and Calderwoods Wharfs.

Site Description: This site is located off West Main Street between
Hopkins and Calderwoods. There is a single float at this site which holds
up to 4 dinghies or skiffs. Within the block owned by Mr. Cowles, there
is a boat supply store, a fish market and several non-marine related
businesses.

Comments: Since the site is now zoned marine commercial, any new
non-marine related use should be prohibited.

Site Name: Site Number 44

Ownership: C. Toleman, J. Thomas Location: Map 18, lot 67

Traditional Rights of Access: This site has a full tide wharf and vehicle
access.

Site Description: The facilities at this site include a wharf, workshop
and a place to store traps.

Comments:

Site Name: Site Number: 45-6

Ownership: D. Dyer Location: Map 18, lot 66

Traditional Rights of Access: There is a full tide wharf at this site as
well as vehicle access.

Site Description: In addition to the wharf there is a place for the
fisherman to store traps and a workshop to do repairs on the gear.

Comments:

42 Commercial Access
Inventory: Center of Town
Carvers Harbor

Site Name: Hopkins Yard Site Number: 4 7

Ownership: K. Hopkins

Traditional Rights of Access: Hauling, repair services, and storage
facilities are available to both commercial and recreational boats at this
site. The property is approximately one acre in size and can store up to
50 boats.

Site Descril2tion: Boats of nearly any size that frequent the Vinalhaven
waters can be serviced here. Haul and storage fees at this site have
increased dramatically over the past five-ten years, which is a concern
to the commercial fishermen. This site is used primarily for yearly
repairs and maintenance by the fishermen and as a storage facility for
the recreational boats. Some commercial boats are stored at this site
over the winter, though 70% of all commercial vessels are kept on their
moorings during the winter. This facility can handle most repairs a
fishing vessel might require and has the equipment needed to haul a
boat for these services. Smaller repairs such as engine servicing,
welding, and electronic work can also be handled at this boat yard.

Comments: Without access to this boat yard to service boats, fishermen
would have a difficult time working the Vinalhaven waters. This is the
only place along Vinalhaven's shoreline where commercial boats can do
any kind of major repairs on their boats as well as yearly maintenance
work. - I
Site Name: Site Number: 48

Ownership: M. Lemso Location: Map 18, lot 64

Traditional Rights of Access: By land, there is vehicle access. This area
of the harbor dries out at low tide, so there is just half tide access by
water.

Site Description: The facilities at this site include a workshop, wharf,
and a place to store traps. There is also a residence at the site.

Comments:

Commercial Access 43
Inventory: Center of Town
Carvers Harbor

Site Name: The Bowery Site Number: 49

Ownershia: H. Hopewell Location: Map 18, lot 62

Traditional Rights 2f Access: This site provides an excellent grounding-
out spot for fishermen and a potentially good wharf. Many of the local
fishermen use this grounding-out site for boat repairs and maintenance.
Historically the wharf had been used by several fishermen. It is now in
private ownership and is rented by one fisherman. This fisherman still
uses the storage building, and stores his traps on the wharf. Access to
this site is from West Main Street though there is no parking available.
The one fisherman who rents the site has a key to unlock the gate.

Site Description: This site is located behind Carvers Harbor Apartments.
The stone wharf at this site is collapsing. The wharf is 100 ft. long and
is missing the spiles, but a boat is able to rest against it.

Comments: This grounding-out facility is considered one of the best for the
fishermen who use Carver's Harbor because it is easy to get to.

Site Name: Town Float Site Number: 50

Ownership: Town of Vinalhaven Location: Map 18, lot 59

Traditional Rights of Access: This site has a major parking lot located in
the center of Town. The lot can hold up to 75 cars and is available to
anyone on a first come first serve basis. There is also a stone wharf,
float and ramp at this site.

Site Description: The parking lot, located in the center of town, has
concentrated use during the spring and summer months when the town
itself is more populated. The cement ramp at this site is used to haul
floats and small recreational boats.

Comments: This site in Carver's Harbor is one of only two places
available to fishermen to haul traps and repair nets. It is considered by
the local fishing community to be a very important site for commercial
uses.

Site Name: The Sail Loft Site Number: 51

Ownership: W. Patten Location: Map 18, lot 56

44 Commercial Access
Inventory: Center of Town
Carvers Harbor

Traditional Rights -of Access: This site has a traditional fishing wharf
that is centrally located in Carvers Harbor. This part of the Harbor is
tidal and therefore cannot be used during low tide. The site used to be
a boat yard and so there is a large parking lot associated with the site.
Today the site is used by a fishing family which rents from the owner.

Site Description: The facilities at this site include a granite 100 ft long
wharf and a parking lot that could hold eight to ten cars. The parking
lot is closed off for parking vehicles and is used to store traps and pots.

Cornments:. This wharf site and potential boat yard has potentially good
access with a parking lot located directly off West Main Street. It is a
place where fishermen can tie up their boats to load gear and get
supplies. With major repair work, the site could again be used to haul
boats.

Site Name: T Dock Site Number: 52-56a

Ownership.: see following 6 sites Location: Map 18,
lots 49-54
Traditional Rights of Access: This extended wooden wharf has its own
small access road used by the fishermen who own the lots. Tucked in
the upper reaches of Carvers Harbor there is only half tide access.

Site Description: These lots all joined have a wooden wharf shared by
the owners. This wharf is used to store traps. There are also
workshops at this site. One of the sites is landlocked (56a) but has
vehicle acces's and a workshop. In addition to these facilities there is a
grounding-out beach at site 56.

Comments: This wharf is considered by the local community to be
picturesque and vital to the fishing industry.

Site Name: Site Number: 52

Ownership: W. Lloyd Location: Map 18, lot 54

Site Name: Site Number: 53

Ownership: J. Bickford Location: Map. 18, lot 53

Commercial Access 45
Inventory: Center of Town
Carvers Harbor

Site Name: Site Number: 54

OwnerLhip: J. Philbrook Location: Map 18, lot 52

Site Name: Site Number: 55

OwnerLhip: R. Toleman Location: Map 18, lot 51

Site Name: Site Number: 56

Ownership: P. Osgood Location: Map 18, lot 49

Site Name: Site Number: 56a

Owner&hip: H. Day Location: Map 18, lot 50

Site Name: Site Number: 57-58

OwnershiR: J. Poole & Wadleigh Location: Map 18,
lots 45-6
Traditional Rights of Access: This site has vehicle access and a half tide
wharf.

Site DescriRtion: Facilities at this site include a wooden wharf, and
storage space for traps. There is no workshop at this site.

Comments:

Site Name: Site Number: 59-63

Ownership: Bennett family Location: Map 18,
lots 26-29,44
Traditional Rip-hts of Access: This site includes a series of half tide
wharfs used by the fishing family who own the lots. There is vehicle
access to this site.

Site Description: Facilities, at this site include 5 wharfs, a grounding-out
site and several workshops.

46 Commercial Access
Inventory: Center of Town
Carvers Harbor

Comments:

Site Name: Leo Lane Site Number: 6 4

Ownership: W. Holmquist

Traditional Rights of Access: Fishermen have traditionally used this site
as an access to the grounding-out site at the Creelman property. A town
road is accessible three fourths of the way to the shore. The road turns
into a private drive and has a turn around by the shore which allows
four to five cars to park. Fishermen will park here and walk across a
Town owned right of way to get to the Creelman property and Dyers
Wharf. The wharf at this site can be accessed at all tides.

Site Description: The facilities at this site include a workshop, bait shed,
traps storage and wharf, and parking for the fishermen using the
nearby grounding-out site.

Comments: As the current owner of this property is a fishermari, he is
agreeable to having other fishermen use it as an access to a nearby
grounding-out site. There is currently a problem with the parking
because of a boundary dispute with the adjacent landowners.

Site Name: Shags Site Number: 6 5

Ownership: Creelman

Traditional Rights of Access: Several fishermen use the site to ground-
out their boats for small repairs and maintenance. As this property is
privately owned, there is not accessible parking. Fishermen park at the
Holmquists or at Hopewells and walk with any needed equipment for
repairs and maintenance work to their boat.

Site Description: The sand beach at this site provides an excellent
grounding-out area for fishermen to clean off the hulls on their boats.

Comments:

Site Name: Site Number: 66

Commercial Access 47
Inventory: Center of Town
Carvers Harbor

Ownership: T. Dyer Location: Map 18, lot 16a

Traditional Rights of Access: There is a full tide wharf at this site as
well as vehicle access.

Site Description: Facilities at this site include a workshop, bait shed,
wharf and a grounding-out site. The owner of this site ' who uses the
wharf allows other fishermen to use the grounding-out site.

Comments:

Site Name: Hopewell Wharf Site Number: 67

Ownershi.a: Location: Map 18, lot 13

Traditional Rights of Access: This site is used by two fishermen to store
their traps and small punts. The stone wharf can accommodate three
boats at a time. The wharf is also used by recreational boaters;
yachtsman and the traveling Sunbeam. A private drive off Atlantic
Avenue is used for parking up to ten vehicles. A float is attached to the
wharf and can be accessed at all tides.

5@ite Description: Located in Carver's Harbor, this site has a stone wharf
in good condition and a float. The wharf is located on flat terrain at the
end of a private drive. There is a small yard and fish house used for
storage associated with this site. One fisherman goes from this site.

Comments:

Site Name: Site Number: 68

Ownership: L. Romer Location: Map 18, lot 12

.Traditional Rights of Access: This small wharf is used by one fisherman
to store his traps and supplies and to load these supplies onto his boat.
The site is accessible from a private drive off Atlantic Avenue and dries
out at lo w tide.

Lite Description: As one of many small, private wharfs in Carver's
Harbor, this wooden wharf is equipped with two workshops for the

48 Commercial Access
Inventory: Center of Town
Carvers Harbor

fisherman who uses the site. One workshop is located directly on the
wharf and the second is located on land beside the wharf.

Comments:

Site Name: Site Number: 69

Ownership: E. Doughty

Traditional Ri2hts of Access: This is one of a series of small privately
owned wharfs that use site # 71 for parking. The wharf is used by a
fisherman to store his fishing gear and load his boat. It is also used to
tie up his dinghy.

Site Description: This site is located on the eastern shore of Carver's
Harbor. The wharf is in good condition. On this same property is a
residence.

Comments:

Site Name: Site Number: 70

Ownership: A. Osgood Location: Map 18, lot 6

Traditional Rights of Access: This site for grounding-out is large enough
to accommodate five boats and is available to any fisherman. Access is
difficult at this site because it is surrounded by private property.
Fishermen will park at Osgood's and then walk along the beach to get to
this grounding out site.

Site Description: Fishermen use this site as they do the previous site.
Once the waters drain, a gravel ramp provides access to the water for
the fishermen to clean the hulls of their boats.

Comments:

Site Name: Alfred's wharf Site Number: 71

OwnershiW. A. Osgood Location: Map 8 1, lot 6

Commercial Access / 49
Inventory: Center of Town
Carvers Harbor

Traditional Rights of Access: In addition to the grounding-out site, Mr.
Osgood owns this stone'wharf which is used by the local fishermen to
store their traps and do minor repairs on their buoys, ropes, and traps.

5jLit Description: Tucked in Carver's Harbor, next to the Crab Plant, this
site provides a wharf in good condition and a small boat house for
repairs.

Comments: This site is considered a very important site to the
commercial fishermen who fish out of this area.

Site Name: The Crab Plant Site Number: 7 2

Ownership: E. Bissell Location: Map 18, lot 5

Traditional Rights of Access: This site used to be a crab processing plant,
owned by Bay State, though now it is in private ownership and is used
by several fishermen in the area. The site is now primarily used for
grounding-out, and provides plenty of parking 'for the local fishermen
who are using the wharfs along this stretch of Carver's Harbor. It is
estimated that 20 cars can park on this property.

Site Description: In addition to the large parcel of land now used for
parking, there is a 100 foot wooden wharf, associated with the crab
plant. The wharf, though currently in disrepair, is being retained for
marine related use in the future.

Comments: This is the largest marine commercial deep water wharf on
the east side of the harbor. This large parcel of land provides plenty of
parking, as well as a substantial building for marine commercial use.

Site Name: Site Number: 73

Ownership: F. Young Location: Map 18, lot 4

Traditional Rights gf Access: This site is used by a family of fishermen
to conduct their commercial fishing business. The workshop on site is
used to store traps and do minor repairs. Access is from a private road
that runs directly to the wharf.

50 Commercial Access
Inventory: Center of Town
Carvers Harbor

Site Description: This site is located to the south of the crab plant. The
facilities at this site include a wharf, bait shed and workshop. Boats can
tie up to the wharf along its front and both sides.

Comments:

Site Name: Site Number: 74

Ownership: Jeff Moyer Location: Map 18, lot 1

Traditional Rights of Access: The boat house on the property is used by
fishermen to have repairs done on their boats. This site is accessible at
all tides for shallow bottomed boats. As with the previous site, it is
possible to drive directly to the wharf.

Site Descripfion: The house associated with this property is located
adjoining the wooden wharf. One boat can tie up to the wharf at a time
though at low tide rocks are exposed. In addition to the wharf and boat
house, there is a gravel ramp on the shore. This is used to haul
outboards and floats. A workshop on the adjoining property is used to
build small boats and floats.

Comments:

Site Name: Lane's Island bridge Site Number: 75

Ownership: Town of Vinalhaven Location: Map 13

Traditional Rights of Access: This site is used by fishermen for pulley
lines to provide all tide access to their dinghies.

Site DescriZign:

Comments:

Site Name: Site Number: 7 6

Ownership: G. O'Keefe Location: Map 13, lot 9

Traditional RiAts of Access: At the entrance of Carvers Harbor, this
grounding-out site has traditionally been used by many of the local

Commercial Access 51
Inventory: Center of Town
Carvers Harbor

fishermen. Floats are stored at this site over the winter to dry out.
Access to this site is difficult as the property surrounding it is privately
owned. There is no direct road access. Fishermen will bring their
dinghy by water to get their boat to the site to do maintenance work.

Site Description: The topography at this site gently slopes to the shore
where there is a gravel beach. Floats are easily dragged on shore
during the high tides, and then can be moved inland once the tide
recedes. There is also an old stone wharf piling at this site, evidence of
its earlier use.

Comments: This site is currently not used very often, because there is
no vehicle access across the private property.

Site Name: Potato Island Site Number: 77

Ownership: Paul's Lobster Company Location:

Traditional Rights of Access: This site has the same use as the previous
site. Access presents a difficulty, particularly since access is by water
only.

Site Description: This property has a beach shore, which has been the
traditional site for the fishermen to haul their boats and floats. There is
a ramp down to the shore, to ease the movement of floats in and out of
the water.

Comments

52 Connnercial Access
Inventory: Center of Town
Indian Creek

INDIAN CREEK

Site Name: Site Number: 7 8

Ownership: Steve Rosen Location: Map 18, lot 160

Traditional Rijzhts of Access: This small wharf and its facilities are used
by a single lobstering family, the owners of the property. It is used by
the fishermen to repair traps, store rope, and store and repair pot
buoys. The property owners have only to walk from the house down to
the wharf to get access to the wharf.

Site Description: The facilities at this site include a small wooden wharf,
a bait house, fish house and shop. The shop is currently used to conduct
the business described above. The bait shop had been used to store
fish, now the fishermen go into Carver's Harbor to sell their lobster.
There is a sharp rise in the topography at the Rosen site, so that Round
the Mountain Road is higher in elevation than the wharf.

Comments:

Site Name: Site Number: 79

Ownership: G. Walsh Location: Map 18, lot 158

Traditional Ri2hts of Acce ss: This site is used by the property owners
who are fishermen. It is used by the family to store their traps and do
repairs on the equipment (ropes, buoys, traps). The wharf is used to
load the supplies onto boats and to the dinghies. One can get iccess to
the water here only by crossing this property.

Site Description: The facilities at this site include a large building, that
had been used to build boats, and a wharf. The boat house is now used
to store and repair traps. There is a steep slope from Round the
Mountain Road to the water's edge, upon which the boat house and
wharf are built.

Comments:

Site Name: Site Number: 8 0 - 8 5

Commercial Access 53
Inventory: Center of Town
Indian Creek

Ownership: see following 6 sites Location: Map 18,
lots 153-156a

Traditional Rights of Access: As with the large stone wharf in Sands
Cove, this wharf is accessed and used by several fishermen. There are
five boat houses situated along the wharfs edge which are used by the
fishermen to do repairs. Traps are also stored along the entire wharf.
There is a small road off Round the Mountain Road that can
accommodate a truck. As well, the paved portion of Round the
Mountain Road ends in front of this wharf, so fishermen can park
directly in front of the wharf to get to their boats and boat houses.

Site Description: The topography drops off at- this point so that the road
and wharf are close to sea level. Unlike the previous sites, these parcels
of land are used exclusively for fishing. There are no residences
associated with these lots. Trucks can be driven to the wharf, one at a
time, to unload supplies onto the wharf and into the boats.
Approximately five boats can tie up along the length of this wooden
wharf.

Comments: This is one of a few sites along Vinalhaven's working
waterfront where several commercial fishermen can conduct their
business with individual loading sites and storage facilities.

Site Name: Site Number: 80

OwneLah@ig: S. Davis Location: Map 18,
lot 156a

Site Name: Site Number: 81

Ownership: R. Philbrook Location: Map 18, lot 156

Site Name: Site Number: 82

Ownemhj1p: R. Dyer Location: Map 18, lot 155

Site Name: Site Number: 83

Ownership: J. Littlefield Location: Map 18,
lot 15.5a

54 Commercial Access
Inventory: Center of Town
Indian Creek

Site Name: Site Number: 84

Ownership: J. Littlefield Location: Map 18, lot 154

Site Name: Site Number: 85

OwneLEh@ig: J. Chille Location: Map 18, lot 153

Site Name: Site Number: 8 6

Ownership: E. Hamilton Location: Map 18, lot 3

Traditional Rights of Access: This site is used by an individual fisherman
to haul his floats and store his traps. There is a small wooden repair
shop on the site which is used by the fisherman to fix traps, mend ropes
and paint buoys. A long private road off Boston Road is used to get
access to this site from the east.

Site Description: Located across a small private foot bridge from the
extended wooden wharf (80-85), this site has one building used for
repairs. There is no wharf at this site. Since the ground slopes gently to
the shore, it is a good site for hauling traps and lobster cars. At one
point, there was a wharf at this site, however there are no remains of
this prior use.

Comments:

Site Name: Site Number: 8 7

OwnershiR: Osgood Location: Map 19, lot 1

Traditional Rights of Access: This site is used by the fishing family who
owns the wharf and residence on the property. It is used to haul floats
and outboards. The wharf is used to store traps and the fish house is
used for minor repairs. A private drive is used to get access to the
water from the residence.

Site Description: This site is located at the tip of a flat peninsula facing
Indian Creek. As this site is close to the mouth of the creek, it does not

Commercial Access 55
Inventory: Center of Town
Indian Creek

drain at low tide. On either side of the wooden wharf, the fishermen
are able to haul their floats.

Comments:

Site Name: Site Number: 8 8

Ownership: Dickey Location: Map 19, lot 12

Traditional Rights of Access: This site is used by the landowner to store
his traps and do minor repairs on his equipment (traps, buoys, ropes).
The only access to the site is via private property. The site is also used
to store his dinghy.

Site Description: This Pond drains at low tide, and the owner has to play
the tides in order to bring his dinghy to his wharf. The only entrance to
this wharf by land is via the small private foot bridge located at the end
of Round the Mountain Road.

Comments:

DIVENTORY OF srrzs

EAST SME

RoBmm HMWOR

Site Name: Site Number: 89

Ownership: Charles Mullen Location: Map 25, lot 17

Traditional Rights of Access: This site has a half tide wharf.

Site Description: There is a residence on this property which provides
the owner with access to the shore. Facilities at this site include a
workshop and wharf. A mooring is located off the site.

Comments:

Site Name: Site Number: 90

Ownership: L. Coombs Location: Map 26, lot 6

Traditional Rights of Access: This deep water wharf is presently being
used by the owner who is a fisherman. The owner has his own parking
for the site and has access from his private drive.

Site DeScription: This site is located at the southern end of Robert's
Harbor. There is a large granite wharf at this site which is
approximately 10 feet long and 100 feet across the front of the wharf.
The wharf is built off a small promontory that defines one end of the
Harbor.

Adequacy Analysis:

Site Name: Site Number: 9 1

Ownership: Beckman Location: Map 26, lot 16

Traditional Rights of Access: This site is used by a single fish erman to
conduct repairs on his buoys and traps. It is also used to store his traps
and load supplies onto his boat. This is a half tide wharf, as are the two
sites to the west. Road access is from a. private drive off School House
Road.

Commercial Access 57
Inventory: East Side
Roberts Harbor

Site Description: There is no residence on the property. The facilities
include a wooden wharf in good condition and a large repair shop.

Adequacy Analysis:

Site Name: Site Number: 92

Ownership: Conway Location: Map 26, lot 15

Traditional Rip-lits of Access: This site is used by a single fisherman to
store his traps and equipment and to load these supplies onto his boat.
There is only half tide access to the site. By land, access is from the
private drive associated with the property.

Site Description: This site is used primarily for fishing, as there is no
residence on the property. There is a wooden pier and fish house at
this site.

Comments:

Site Name: Site Number,: 93

Ownership: A. Poole Location: Map 26, lot 14

Traditional Ri2hts of Access: This site is used by the property owner to
conduct his fishing business. His shop is used to do minor repairs on his
equipment and store traps. The wharf is used for loading supplies and
tying up the owner's dinghy.

Site Description: The facilities at this site include a wooden wharf and a
small repair shop located upslope from the wharf. This proper 'ty,
including the residence, is located on a steep hill. The wharf is difficult
to access by vehicle.

Comments:

Site Name: Old Bay State property Site Number: 94

Ownership: E. Marion Location: Map 26, lot 10

58 Commercial Access
Inventory: East Side
Roberts Harbor

Traditional Rip-hts of Access This property used to be owned by Bay
State Fishing Company. At that time, the three buildings on the site
were used regularly: a saw mill, fish house and storage barn. The
property has recently been sold to a private landowner who is leasing
the rights to use the wharf to a single fisherman. Access to this site is
via private property. When the site was used more actively for fishing,
trucks would transport fuel, supplies and fish to the site from the center
of town.

Site Description: This stone wharf is located at the tip of a man-made
peninsula at the northern end of Roberts Harbor. The wharf faces
Narrows Island, and grants all tide access for small lobster boats
passing through the channel to Arey Cove. In the past, this site was
actively used. It supplied gas and bait to fishermen and offered a
location for the fishermen to sell fish.

Comments: For fishermen who do not live in the area of Carvers Harbor,
but live on this end of the island, this site provides good access and an
excellent facility for fishing.

AREYS HARBOR

Site Name: Site Number: 95

OwnershiR: James Poole Location: Map 30, lot 13

Traditional Rights of Access: This is a traditional right-of-way (family
property) for access to dinghy.

Site Descript ion: In addition to the right of way, this site is used to store
-traps. An old workshop is on the site though currently not used.

Comments:

WMERELPMOR

Site Name: Site Number: 96

Ownership: H. Gross Location: Map 9, lot 76

Traditional Rights of Access; This site is used by the owner and his
family who used the adjoining property and Western Island for trap
storage.

Commercial Access 59
Inventory: East Side
Winter Harbor

Site Description: There is a residence on this property as well asa
careening beach used to clean the hull of the fishing boats used by the
family.

Comments:

60 Commercial Access
Discussion: The West Side
Dyers Cove

DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This part of the report is divided into two sections: discussion and
recommendations. The discussion section summarizes the findings of the
inventory and discusses the adequacy of different uses (haul-outs, repairs) for
each cove. In addition this section highlights sites that are currently
threatened. The recommendations section provides the Town of Vinalhaven
with recommendations to preserve the working waterfront. The
recommendations are enumerated to help the Town prioritize their efforts.

WEST SIDE:

DYERs CovE

DiSCUSSION:

This northwest facing cove is well protected. Currently there are five
commercially used fishing sites that are privately owned and one state owned
site in the cove. As the properties are privately owned by the individuals who
are using the sites, access is currently not a problem. Each one of these sites
has only half tide access by water as the cove is very shallow at low tide.

Dyers Cove defines the western end of commercial activity and therefore has
a significant role to play in keeping access open for fishermen on this shore.

REcOMMENDATIONS:

Based on the input from the local fishing community, this area provides
enough wharf space and commercial access for the fishermen who live and
work this cove. To preserve the existing access in Dyers Cove the Town
should:

1. Attempt to secure the existing "water dependent uses" in the current
shoreland zoning Ordinances in Dyers Cove;

2. Monitor land use changes along this cove to ensure these limited sites can
be retained for commercial fishing interests; and

3. Ensure the State owned wharf (# 6) remains available to the local
fishermen.

OiD HARBoR

DiSCUSSION:

Commercial Access 61
Discussion: West Side
Old Harbor

Along the commercial waterfront, Old Harbor has the largest number of
users on the west side. -There are 12 commercial sites all privately owned.
These sites provide fishermen with places to haul and store gear, do small
repairs on pots an buoys, ground-out their boats, haul lobster cars and land
their boats. Most of the commercial users do not own the properties with shore
access so their use is contingent upon the good will of the property owners.

One site in particular (Guidoboni's wharf, #7) is used by a fair number of
fishermen because of the quality of the site, the all tide access, and its
facilities. There is excellent vehicular access to the site. The continued
accessibility of this site is very important, as it can support the use of more
than one fisherman, provides parking, and versatility in use for haul-outs,
storage, and repairs.

One site (# 17) in Old Harbor has been lost to private use. It was one of just
four sites to ground-out boats. As careening beaches (grounding-out sites) are
limited along Vinalhaven's waterfront, the loss of a single site is significant.
Efforts to keep the remaining careening beaches open (# 10, 14,16) should be
made in the future by the Town.

Along the two and a half miles of shoreline in Old Harbor, only 20% is used
commercially, mostly by fishermen who do not own the properties. Of the
total 12 commercial sites, half of these have wharves. These six wharf sites
should therefore remain available to commercial interests.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

As this area represents the highest use on the west side of the island the
Town should:

1. Examine the possibility of obtaining easements on privately owned
wharves, as they becomes available, to ensure their continued availability to
the fishing community;

2. Attempt to secure the existing "water dependent uses" in the current
shoreland zoning Ordinances in Old Harbor; and

3. Monitor availability of grounding-out sites since there is a limited number
of sites currently available.

THE REACH

DiSCUSSION:

In the stretch of land between Old Harbor and Sands Cove, there are three
commercial sites. Each of these are owned and used by fishermen, and have an

62 Commercial Access
Discussion: The West Side
The Reach

associated residence. Two of the three sites have wharves (#20, 21) though
the ladder is in disrepair.

REcOMMENDATIONS:

Based on feedback from the local fishing community this area is not
currently threatened and therefore the Town should simply monitor land use
changes in this area to protect the commercial fishing interests and so that not
all of the sites are lost.

Commercial Access 63
Discussion: Center of Town
Sands Cove

CENTER OF TowN:

SANDS COVE

DISCUSSION:

The center of Town is defined by three distinct coves: Sands Cove, Carvers
Harbor, and Indian Creek. These areas represent 70% of the total commercial
fishing industry along Vinalhaven's entire waterfront. The efforts of the
community to preserve a working waterfront should be focused in this busy
area, the Center of Town, where fishermen have traditionally preferred
conduct their business.

Based on discussions with the local fishing community, Sands Cove
contributes significantly to the activity in the center of Town. It appears there
are presently enough storage, wharf and repair sites, though grounding-out and
haul-out sites are limited.

In Sands Cove, there are a total of 15 sites, most of them found along the
eastern shore of the cove. Ten of these sites are on adjoining properties, seven
of which form a long stone wharf used by the various landowners (#27-33).
There is only one other shared arrangement like this on Vinalhaven in Indian
Creek. Therefore this concentrated area for commercial activity should be
thought of a single site for commercial access.

Most of the sites are used by the landowners so access is currently not an
issue, though if the properties were sold a significant commercial area would
also be lost.

All of the sites provide a place for fishermen to do their repairs and store
traps. However there are only three places where boats can ground-out (#22-
24) and two places where fishermen can haul-out their floats and lobster cars
(#34, 36). The above mentioned sites are privately owned; to this date access
has been granted to the fishermen though there is no guarantee that these
places will remain open for their use in the future.

Recommendations:

To ensure the continued productivity of this area the Town should:

1. Consider purchasing or acquiring an easement on one of the existing
private sites for grounding-out and haul-outs in the event the availability of
any of these sites diminishes.

2. Continue monitoring the availability of the extended wharf site (#27-33) to
commercial fishermen in the event any of the shorefront properties becomes
inaccessible through private ownership.

64 Commercial Access
Discussion: Center of Town
Carvers Harbor

CARVERs HAMOR

DiSCUSSION:

Forty one sites have been identified in Carvers Harbor, which represents
43% of the total number of sites identified for the entire waterfront. This
harbor is actively used by fishermen who live in and around the harbor area. In
addition fishermen who work other areas of the waterfront will use Carvers
Harbor for services, such as fuel, they can not get in their own area. Many of
the sites within Carvers Harbor provide all of the services needed by fishermen
to conduct their business, including, grounding-out, servicing boats and
equipment, loading and unloading and selling their fish.

Ninety percent of the sites are privately owned including the only two
commercial facilities on the island (The Bay State Lobster Company #37, and
the Co-op #39). Four of the sites in Carvers Harbor are owned by the Town. A
majority of the individually owned sites have their own storage and repair
provisions (600/6), however the grounding-out, and haul-out sites are few, and
shared by the fishermen.

Many of the sites that are privately owned are used by the owners of the
properties, or are jointly owned by a few fishermen. Some of these sites,
considered to be critical to the fishing community, are often owned by
fishermen who share wharves, storage and/or repair space, and vehicle access.
They include: the T Dock (#52-56A) and the sites on Leo's Lane (#61-64).
There is potential threat to these sites because they are already being crowded
by non-commercial interests, potentially restricting access In addition these
sites are vulnerable to changes in land-use. If one lot is sold, there is a greater
potential for the adjoining lots to be sold. The fish houses associated with
many of these sites have the potential for being converted to other uses if this
is not prohibited. These areas represent approximately 26% of the total sites in
Carvers Harbor.

There Is a significant portion of the total number of sites not owned by the
users, where the use is threatened for a variety of reasons. One example is the
Sail Loft (#51) which is owned by non-commercial interests and the Crab Plant
(#72)-though this site is being held for future marine related use. Other sites
have lost access and include: the Bowrey (# 49), Shags (#65), Osgood's
grounding-out site (#70), Lane's Island (#76), and Potatoe Island (#77). Two
sites are threatened because of a lack of parking places including Calderwoods
(#42) and the Harbor Wharf (#43). With changes in land uses from commercial
fishing to non-marine related ocurring on properties adjacent to these wharf
sites, their existence is threatened. In total these sites represent 20% of the
sites in Carvers Harbor.

Commercial Access 65
Discussion: Center of Town
Carvers Harbor

This inventory has demonstrated that nearly 50% (26% + 20%) of the sites
in Carvers Harbor, though currently used by fishing interests, have a potential
threat of becoming non-marine related.

In Carvers Harbor, there are only two places to repair nets; the Fish Plant
Wharf (#40) and the Town Float (#50). Along Vinalhaven's entire waterfront
there are just two places to haul boats, both sites are privately owned and in
Carvers Harbor. The Fishermen's Co-op (#39) has limited capacity and can only
be used by members of the Co-op, leaving Hopkins Boat Yard (#47) as the major
facility for boat hauling and repairs. Carvers Harbor has as well the one launch
site (# 1) which is owned by the Town. As the number of these sites are
limited, they have a significant role in providing services to the local fishing
community.

All the shore property from the ferry landing to the Mill Stream is zoned
marine commercial which includes sites 37 to 49 or just 13% of the total
commercial sites identified along Vinalhaven's waterfront. All the other sites
identified in Carvers Harbor and along the waterfront have less restrictive
zoning to protect marine related uses.

REcOMMENDATIONS:

Based on the input received from the local community, Carvers Harbor
represents a significant portion of Vinalhaven's working waterfront. Nearly half
of all activity takes place in this harbor, bringing in fishermen from the east
and west sides of the island for services that are not available elsewhere (ie.
boat launching and long term boat storage). Most of the sites are privately
owned with nearly half of those having potentially threatened access. For these
reasons the Town should:

1. Restrict any new building activity within the marine commercial zone that
are not marine related.

2. Ensure existing fish houses and any boat structures are not transferred to
non-marine related uses.

3. Examine the feasibility of obtaining easements on existing private wharves,
in the event they become available, to ensure their continued availability to
commercial fishing interests in the future.

4. Monitor the use of the boat yard, which at the present time is adequately
supplying services to the fishing community. If at some point there is
insufficient storage, alternative sites for a boat yard should be considered.

5. Consider acquiring land for parking of non-marine related businesses away
from the shore to relieve the congestion in Town, if the congestion is only

66 Commercial Access
Discussion: Center of Town
Carvers Harbor

providing a few parking spaces for access for unloading and the
handicapped.

6. Secure existing Town owned properties, which provide services that are
not available at any other sites (ie. net repairs, large parking areas, boat
launching).

7. Examine the feasibility of acquiring additional commercial wharf space to
ensure there is adequate space available for commercial fishing in the
future.

8. Continue monitoring the availability of sites to ground-out and haul-out.
Should their availability diminish, the Town should consider purchasing or
acquiring an easement to use one or two of the careening beaches.

9. Monitor changes in land use and be preparedto make zoning or purchase
decisions to ensure that adequate access is available for repairs and storage.

INDLAN CREEK

DiSCUSSION:

Eleven sites are identified in Indian Creek, all of which are privately owned.
The fishermen who use this creek use Carver's Harbor to get gas and supplies
and to sell their lobster. The sites in Indian Creek unlike any other area are
used by the owners, and shared in some cases by a family of fishermen. Many of
the sites have a residence with walking access to the shore. All of the sites are
used for storage and repairs, and all but one site has wharves. Two of the sites
are used for hauling lobster cars and floats. There is one long extended
wooden wharf which serves a similar purpose to the extended stone wharf is
Sands Cove.

The topography of this area has dictated the use of the sites, and all but site
#87 drain at low tide,. At high tides the fishermen must take their boats around
Lane's Island to get to their wharves as there is no passage under the Lane's
Island bridge. At low tide the area drains to a mud flat and consequently there
are no places to ground-out.

REcOMMENDATIONS:

The wharves in this area are currently adequate to meet the needs of the
fishermen who use the area. However to maintain the fishing use of the small
parcels the Town should:

Commercial Access 67
Discussion: Center of Town
Indian Creek

1. Monitor existing wharf sites so that these access points are secure in the
future for commercial fishing interests.

2. Extend the marine commercial zoning district to include productive
fishing sites in this cove.

68 Commercial Access
Discussion: East Side

EAsT SIDE:

ROBERTS HARBOR, AREY HARBOR AND WWMR HARBOR

Discussion:

Six sites are identified in Roberts Harbor for commercial fishing. Each of
these sites have privately owned wharves. Two additional sites have been
inventoried in Arey Harbor and Winter Harbor. Roberts Harbor is the last active
harbor along Vinalhaven's working waterfront. The cast side of the island
represents 8% of the total sites along Vinalhaven's waterfront. All of the sites
in Roberts Harbor but one, are used by the owners. The Old Bay State Company
property (#94) is currently being leased to a single fishermen, and according to
the local community provides excellent facilities that at some point in the
future should be restored. Half of the sites have residences on the property
where the others are used exclusively for their shore access, and have no
structures. The site in Arey Harbor provides a traditionally used right-of way
and in Winter Harbor the site is used for grounding-out.

Recommendations:

Based on comments made by the local fishing community there is one site in
Roberts Harbor that could provide access for a number of fishermen who live in
the area. In the event there is a loss in access along the east end of the island
(#94). the Town should consider obtaining an easement on available private
wharves.

Recreational Access 69
Criteria

RECREATIONAL ACCESS

CMMMUU

Thirty-nine sites have been identified in this report as recreational access
points. The sites are identified numerically on the map accompanying this
report. The criteria for inclusion in this report will be outlined in the following
paragraphs.

The prime requisite for all sites is that they be coastal. The authors realize
there are a substantial number of inland recreational sites located on
Vinalhaven that will not be included in this report.

The access points identified are those sites where island residents have
traditionally gone to engage in a variety of recreational pursuits such as bird
watching, clamming, picnicking, swimming, small boat launching, and just
admiring the view. In every site identified, residents engaged in a wide range of
recreational activities.

The majority of sites identified in this report are privately owned. As we
mentioned in the introduction, the rights of private property owners should be
recognized and respected.

Eleven of the sites identified are in the public domain, owned by either the
town of Vinalhaven or the Federal Government. While their continued
availability as access points would seem assured, it is important to inventory
them at this time for future planning purposes. Finally, there are several sites
in private ownership where an easement has been given to a separate entity.
Access to these sites is governed by the express terms of that easement.

70 / Recreational Access
Graph of Recreational Sites

Site Name Ownership Current Uses Degree of Use Comments
1 Smiths Point American Legion Picnicking, Medium Newly rated site.
Parties, Hiking Important to
preserve public
access
2 Sands Cove Multiple Owners Access to boats, LOW Site is used by
scenic views both
recreational and
commercial
users.
3 Creeds Cove Town of Clamming. LOW
Causeway Vinalhaven scenic views
4 Old Harbor Town of Swimming, Low
Bridge Vinalhaven canoeing
5 City Point Brownsword Scenic views, Medium Favorite spot for
(Pvt.) picnicking, islanders in the
sunsets off season.
6 Bill Brown Trail Scudder Hiking, bird High The beauty and
watching, scenic undeveloped
views nature of this
site should be
preserved
7 Pumpkin Bridge Town of Canoeing, LOW Wide varlety of
and Pond Road Vinalhaven and kayaking, ice recreational
Private Owners boating, skating activities
pursued at this
site
8 Granite Island Vinalhaven Small boat Medium As part of a town
Bridge (Mun.) access, scenic way this site
views appears secure
for future use
9 The Basin Ross (Pvt.) Hiking, Low Geographically,
picnicking, this site is
scenic views important as it
is the only site
securing the
eastern shore of
the basin
10 Basin Falls Roberts Hiking, High This site
clamming, provides a
picnicking, multitude of
lobstering, kelp uses. Its future
gathering, preservation as
recreational an access site is
boating extremely
important
11 Old Lobster French Bird vratching LOW
Pound (The
Basin)
12 Wharf Quarry French Picnicking, LOW Access to this
hiking site is very
difficult
13 Ames Farm Reynolds (Pvt.) Small boat LOW This site
access, provides the
clamming only access to
Crockett Cove
14 Rial Calderwood Bunin Picnicking, LOW Future
Beach small boat development
access, may adversely
swimming impact this site
@
3

12
F

Recreational Access 71
Table of Sites

Site Name Ovmership Current Uses--FDegree of Use contments

15 Browns Head U.S. Government Picnicking, LOW Town should
Lighthouse least to scenic views make an effort
Vinalhaven to obtain a fee
simple interest
in the lighthouse
property. should
the Federal
Government
make it available
16 Perry's Creek Vinalhaven Land Hiking, birding Medium This site is
and Roy Dyer Trust gaining
Trail popularity as a
recreation
access point
17 Indian Ladder Roberts Smelting Low
18 Rabbit Lodge Roberts Picnicking, Low As the only
hiking, access site
clamming identifled on
Long Cove, this
site merits
future
preservation
19 Polly Cove Gordon (Pvt.) Swimming, LOW Geographically.
camping, this site is very
picnicking important to
access on Carver
Cove
20 East Home Goldman Hiking, LOW
Beach
21 Ritz Beach Scenic views, LOW
hiking.
picnicking
22 Starboard Rock Hoyt Hiking, Medium Historic
picnicking, landmark with
scenic views, spectacular
views
23 Mill River Town o f Small boat LOW Steep banks
Access Vinalhaven access make access
I difficult
24 Carrying Place Lane Small boat LOW
Bridge access, duck
hunting,
clamming
25 Calderwood Town of Scenic views LOW Steep access
Neck Bridge Vinalhaven and no parking
lirnits use of this
site
2 6 Hall Causeway Grange Small boat Low-Medium This is an
access, hunting, important
fishing access point for
a variety of
sporting
activities
27 The Meadow Small boat LOW
access, wildlife
viewing
28 Poor Farm Hildreth Clamming LOW This site
receives very
little use

72 / Recreational Access
Graph of Recreational Sites

site Name Ownership Current Umm Degree of Use Comments
29 Olson's Sand Bar Olson Clamming LOW This site
receives little
use. Public is
discouraged
from access
30 The Breakers Jenny Hiking, LOW open exposure
clamming, provides vistas
picnicking, in all directions
scenic views
31 Geary's Beach Town of Clamming, Medium-High This town
Vinalhaven swimming, owned beach
birding, includes a half
picnicking mile of shore
frontage
3 2 Arey's Neck Town of Nature walks, Medium This site has
Vinalhaven picnicking difficult access
to the vrater
33 Butts Wharf Jenny Scenic views LOW Very infrequent
use of this site
34 Old Town Dump Town of Scenic views Medium This site is well-
Vinalhaven used by
residents
-U-5 Brightwell's Scenic views LOW There is little
Wharf public use of this
site
36 Indian Creek Hamilton Hiking, scenic LOW Access to MY
Bridge views site is
discouraged by
the owner
37 Lane's Island Town of Fishing, High This site
Bridge Vinalhaven swLmming, small receives a high
boat access degrree of use
38 Lane's Island. Dwyer Sailing classes Medium This site
Pulley Lines provides an
important
recreation
opportunity to
island
youngsters
39 Lane's Island Me Nature Scenic views, High As one of thF
Conservancy birding, nature most important
walks public access
sites on the
island it should
remain
protected and
pen to the
public

Recreauonai Access 73
Map of Sites

0
N 9 c k

"70.

74 Recreational Access
Inventory: The West Side

INVENTORY OF RECREATIONAL ACCESS SITES

THE WEsT SME

Site Name: Smiths Point Site Number: I

Ownershil2: American Legion

Traditional Rights of Access: The park area, which is owned by the
American Legion has traditionally been considered a public park. It is
accessed by footpath from the ferry landing parking lot. It is used for a
variety of social functions such as picnicking, parties and hiking.

Site Description: This site is exposed on three sides with views of Sand
Cove, The Harbor and out to Greens Island. The topography varies from
flat to rocky. There is a beach on this north side.of the point with rocks
and ledges on the south and east sides. The vegetative cover is mixed
with a grassy picnic area shaded by stands of spruce.

Comments: Due to the public service philosophy of the Legion, we feel
there should be a close liaison between the Town and the Legion for the
continued preservation of this site for public use.

Site Name: Sands Cove Site Number: 2

Ownership: Multiple Owners

Traditional Rights of Access: This site is primarily used by commercial
fishermen for the storage of gear. Access from shore is by foot path and
vehicle. Water access is available at almost all tides. From a recreational
point of view the main attraction of the site is scenic views and access to
pleasure boats.

Site Description: The site is the location of a number of old fish houses
scattered along the shore. The landcover is primarily rock and grass.
Open views of the cove are offered all along the site.

Comments: This site is considered important by the community because,
in part, of the commercial interest that uses the site. For both
commercial and recreational groups, therefore, this site has a high
priority.

Site Name: Creeds Cove Causeway Site Number: 3

Ownership: Town of Vinalhaven

Traditional Rights of Access: In the past this site has provided access for
commercial and recreational clammers andmusselers, the site can be

Recreational Access 75
Inventory: The West Side

accessed by foot and at high tide, by boat, and is a known stopping place
for scenic views.

Site Description: The site drops off from the main road down to a gravel
beach. Views of the Reach and Talbot Island.

Comments: This site is not used very frequently.

Site Name: Old Elarbor Bridge Site Number: 4

Ownership: Town of Vinalhaven

Traditional Rights of Access: Access to this site is on the bridge which
provides the access to Old Harbor Pond.

Site Description: This site is used primarily for swimming and canoeing.

Comments: The fact that this site straddles a town road should insure
its access into the future.

Site Name: City Point Site Number: 5

Ownersh@ia: Brownsword

Traditional Rights of Access: This site has long been a favorite
picnicking, parking, and sunset watching spot. It is primarily used by
islanders out of season.

Site Description: This site is located at the end of a private dirt road.
There is a granite block landfill with very steep sloping ledges. There are
panoramic views of Western Bay and Hurricane Sound. Due to the
steepness of the slope there is no deep water access.

Comments: This site is one of the favorite spots on the island for sunset
watching.

Site Name: Bill Brown Trail (to Basin) Site Number: 6

Ownership: Scudder

Traditional Rights of Access: Access to this undeveloped, wild land is on
foot on clearly marked trails. Vehicles must be left out on Granite Island
Road. The site is used primarily for hiking, bird watching and views.

Site Description: The trail leads off the town road, through woods to a
grassy shore. The walking is easy on well traveled trails. Upon reaching
the shore the visitor comes upon a salt marsh. The land continues to
remain in an wild undeveloped state. Branches lead to the Basin, Old
Harbor Pond, and Otter Pond.

76 Recreational Access
Inventory: The West Side

Comments: Due to the beauty of the spot and its proximity to Carvers
Harbor this site generates 3trong support by the community.

Site Name: Pumpkin Ridge, Pond Road Site Number: 7
(Old Elarbor Pond)

Ownership: Town of Vinalhaven and Private Landowners

Traditional Rights of Accesra: Access to these sites is off a town road
which leads to an @1-d woods road, privately owned. Islanders and visitors
use the pond for canoeing and kayaking in the summer and ice boating
and skating in the winter.

Site Description: The site is surrounded by homes and undeveloped
land. The pond water, although fresh is brackish. There are nice views
to the North and Northwest of the pond.

Comments: Due to the concentration of use and the variety of different
recreational activities we feel this is an important site to preserve for
public access.

Site Name: Granite Island Bridge Site Number: 8

Ownership: Town of Vinalhaven

Traditional Rights of Access: This granite causeway and low bridge has
long been a favorite access point with islanders. It is an excellent spot
for the launching of small boats. Due to the fact that the site is part of a
town way, its future access would seem assured.

Site Description: This site encompasses a granite causeway with a low
bridge. The town road has a small pullout area providing minimal
parking space. There are great views of the Basin with Dyers Harbor in
the foreground and Rockland in the distance. There is a gradual slope of
the land to a marshy mud flat.

Comments: Since this site is part of a town way, it's future. accessibility
should be assured.

Site Name: The Basin Site Number: 9

Ownership: Ross

Traditional Rights of Access: Access to this site is over an unimproved
wood road. There is no vehicle access. This site has traditionally been
used by islanders for hiking, picnicking and views.

Recreational Access 77
Inventory: The West Side

Site Description: The site is reached by an easy walk to a primitive camp
site. There is a wonderful expanse of scenery from the granite bluff with
immediate views'of the basin and the western bay beyond. From the bluff
a narrow trail winds down the steep slope to the water. The granite
outcroppings are covered with pines and huckleberry.

Comments: Due to its beauty and undeveloped state, this site should be
considered for future public access.

Site Name: Basin Falls Site Number: ILO

Ownership: Williams

Traditional Rights of Access: Access to this privately owned property has
been by footpath ai@d- boat. The site has been traditionally used for kelp
gathering, clamming, lobstering, picnicking and recreational boating.
Access is discouraged by the owners during the summer months.

Site Description: This site is accessed from a forested canopy to a marsh
which opens onto a granite strewn shoreline. The area has a pristine
natural beauty and offers spectacular views of West Penobscot Bay.
Reversing falls are formed by this narrow bottleneck by tides racing
into and out of the basin.

Comments: This site is considered by the community to be one of the
most important recreational access points on the island. Due to the
.diversity of the site, a wide range of recreational activities can be utilized.
Due to the strong public support for continued access to this site, we
strongly recommend that future public access rights be assured should
the present ownership change.

Site Name: Old Lobster Pound, the Basin Site Number: I I

Ownership:

Traditional Rights of Access: T[iis little used site is accessed on foot from
a road.

Site Description: This quiet spot envelops this visitor in its tranquility.
Ospreys and herons can frequently be seen fishing in the old pond. The
shore is rocky and moss covered with spruce woods guarding access to
the high ground.

Comments: Ibis site receives very little use.

Site Name: Wharf Quarry Site Number: 12

Ownershin: French

78 Recreational Access
Inventory: The West Side

Traditional Rights _qf Access: This site, located on property has provided
islanders a variety of recreational pursuits. The site is used as a picnic
spot and for exploring and hiking over the old quarry. We should note
that vehicular use of this road is discouraged. Access from the water is
available at the Old Granite Wharf.

Site Description: This site encompasses the remains of an old quarry.
Much of this quarry machinery is still usable. There is a residence on
this site with the remains of structures dating from quarrying days. It
was at this site that the granite for the St John the Divine cathedral was
quarried. A granite wharf compliments the quarry. Outstanding views of
upper Hurricane Sound and the Camden Hills are available from this site.

Comments: Access to this site is very difficult.

Site Name: Ames Farm Site Number: 13

Ownership: Reynolds

Traditional Rights of Access: This site is accessible by both road and
water. It has been traditionally used for launching small craft into
Crocketts Cove. The site also provides access for a limited amount of
clamming. As with most of the recreational access sites on Vinalhaven, it
is private property.

Site Description: The site is occupied by a renovated farm house. It offers
views to -the north and south along Crocketts Cove. The land is steeply
sloped down to 100 feet from shore then bottoms out to a grassy area.
The vegetation cover is primarily grass with a few oak trees. The rocky
shore only allows water access at 1/2 tide and above.

Comments: This site is infrequently used. -

Site Name: Rial Calderwood Beach Site Number: 14

Ownership: Bunin

Traditional Rights of Access: This site provides boat access at all tides. It
is accessible on the landward side via an old woods road and foot path.
The present owners have subdivided some of the property and access to
Calderwood Beach in the future appears uncertain. Traditionally this site
has been used by teenagers, school groups and islanders in the off season.
It is one of the favorite island picnic spots.

Site Description: This site is accessed by a short steep grassy bank before
broadening out into a gradually sloping gravel beach punctuated by granite
out croppings. At present there is an open field behind the beach with no
cottages in the immediate vicinity. It is anticipated that a house win be
built at this beach site in the near future.

Recreational Access 79
Inventory: The West Side

Comments: Due to the wide range of recreational activities enjoyed by all
ages the town should continue to monitor development activity around
this site. Should the opportunity arise in the future for the town to
obtain an interest in Calderwood Beach then that action should be
pursued.

Site Name: Browns Head Lighthouse Site Number: 15

Ownership: U.S. Government (Lease to Vinalhaven)

Traditional Rights of Access: Traditionally, the grounds of this site have
enjoyed free access. Presently, it is leased to the Town and the grounds
remain open to the public. Lighthouse Cove is a traditional picnic spot.

Site Description: This rock bound site has a vegetative cover of grass, and
woods leading to a rocky cove to the west of the point. Excellent views
are afforded of the thorofare, North Haven and the Camden Hills.

Comments: This site is presently used for housing town employees.

Site Name: Perry's Creek/Roy Dyer Trail Site Number: 16

Ownershinj Vinalhaven Land Trust

Traditional Rights of Access: Recently established trails open to the
public cross the property from the North Haven Road to Perry's Creek.

Site Description: A secluded hiking, birding, and exploring area in
broken spruce forest with rocky high points.

Comments: Although a recent acquisition, this area has become a very
popular coastal access point.

Site Name: Indian Ladder Site Number: 17

Ownership: Roberts

Traditional Rights Qf Access: This unusual site is a traditional smelt run.
In the past it has experienced moderate use, but it is increasing because
of land trust involvement with nearby land.

Site Description: This secluded site presents the visitor wit h a stream
and waterfall emptying into a long tidal inlet. There is a steep decline
from the highland down to the waters edge. Mixed spruce and hardwoods
surround the stream. The narrow view up the creek presents no visible
buildings.

80 Recreational Access
Inventory: The West Side

Comments: This site is under conservation easement to the Vinalhaven
Land Trust.

Site Name: Rabbit Lodge Site Number: IS

Ownership: Roberts

Traditional Rights of Access: Access to this site is by foot. Due to the
steep terrain on the east and west sides of Long Cove this site provides
the only reasonable access to Long Cove. The site is used as an access
point by hikers, clammers and picnickers.

Site Description: The land on this site is primarily spruce clad with a
grassy slope leading to the water. There are nice views to the south and
north with a reasonably good anchorage at the mouth of the cove.

Comments: Perhaps due to the steep sides of the-cove, this site receives
very little use.

Recreational Access 81
Inventory:_ The East Side

THE WEsT SIDE

Site Name: PoUy Cove Site Number: 19

Ownershilp: Gordon

Traditional Rights of Access: Access to this site is via Town Road with
the exception of the.last 100 Ft. which must be negotiated on foot.
Site Description: This site has been a traditional camping, swimming and
picnic spot for islanders. The cove is surrounded by a course gravel
beach. The Hurricane Island Outward Bound School uses this spot to
bring their pulling boats to shore.

Comments: This site should be carefully monitored.

Site Name: East Home Beach Site Number: 20

Ownership: Goldman

Traditional Rights of Access: This site is one of the largest undeveloped
parcels of land on the east side of the island. From the land it is
accessed by foot and can also be accessed by boat. Seaward access is
available on all tides.

Site Description: A woods road leads down to a rock and gravel beach.
The variety of natural flora and fauna make this site a very attractive spot
for hikers and picnickers.

Comments: The town should continue to monitor this site for future
inclusion as a public access point.

Site Name: Ritz Beach Site Number: 21

Ownership:

Traditional Rights of Access: This privately owned site at the entrance to
Winter Harbor is used for picnicking and hiking. Access is by a driveway
into the property.

Site DescriT)tion: The site is the location of a home. It overlooks a gravel
beach with a sand bar to a nearby island. The gradual slope of the beach
make low tide the best time to use the water. The visitor can catch
outstanding views of Eastern and Seal Bay.

Comments: nils site has traditionally been well used.

Site Name: Starboard Rock Site Number: 22

82 Recreational Access
Inventory: The East Side

Ownership: Hoyt

Traditional Rights of Access: Access to the site is by foot or (discouraged
by owner) boat. A historic landmark used by hikers and picnickers, with
the permission of the owner, for many years.

Site Description: High granite bluff with spectacular views of Winter
Harbor, Seal Bay, etc.

Comments: No parking available. Starboard Rock is generally accepted as
one of the premier coastal landmarks of Vinalhaven.

Site Name: MM River Access Site Number: 23

Ownership: Town of Vinalhaven

Traditional Rights of Access: This site is accessed down a steep slopes to
the river. A new guard rail makes access difficult.

Site Description: This site has no improvements. The vegetation cover is
primarily grass which intersects marshland along the shore.

Comments: This is an important site in providing small boat access to
the Mill River.

Site Name: Carrying Place Bridge Site Number: 24

Ownership: Lane

Traditional Rights of Access: This site is accessed via the old granite
bridge and adjacent sloping ledge. It proves an excellent site for the
launching of small boats. Traditionally this site has provided access for
duck hunting and clamming.

Site Description: The granite bridge is the focal point of this site. The
adjoining ledge gives way to marsh. Substantial mud flats are visible at
low tide.

Comments: This site has received little use.

Site Name: Calderwood Neck Bridge Site Number: 25

Ownership: To wn of Vinalhaven

Traditional Rights of Access: Due to the steep decline from road to shore
this site does not provide good access to the shore. The site is included
in this inventory for future consideration as an access site.

Recreational Access 83
Inventory: The East Side

Site Description: This site is located on the road to Calderwood Neck.
There is no parking area and the land slopes very steeply down to the
water. There is a southerly view over to Meadow Pond.

Comments: This site receives very low use.

Site Name: HaU Causeway Site Number: 26

Ownership: Grange

Traditional Riahts of Access: Traditionally, this site has been utilized for
its visual access. The site is accessed off the "Round Island" Road. The
site is situated near the church and Grange Hall which provides parking
space for this site. This site has also been used to launch punts for
hunting and fishing.

Site Description: This site is located near the Latter Day Saints Church
and a Grange Hall.There is a steep decline off the road down to a rocky
shore. The site provides exposure to the north and south.

Comments: This site is regarded by islanders as an important access
point.

Site Name: The Meadow Site Number: 27

Ownership:

Traditional Rights of Access: This meadow has traditionally been used as
a spot to launch small boats. The area is an important wildlife habitat.

Site Description: This meadow is an open grass covered site which
descends into a marshy area. There is no development in this immediate
area.

Comments: Due to the unique nature of this habitat, its preservation for
public access should be noted.

Site Name: Poor Farm Site Number: 28

OwnershW: Hildreth

Traditional Rights of Access: This site has traditionally provided access
to Smith Cove for clamming. The land is privately owned and the public is
discouraged from accessing the site,

Site Description: The site has a mixed vegetative cover of fields and
trees. Grass footpaths meander to the shore.

84 Recreational Access
Inventory: The East Side

Comments: This site receives little use.

Site Name: Olson's Sand Bar Site Number: 29

Ownership: Olson

Traditional Rights of Access: This privately owned site is accessed by
road with the owners permission.

Site Description: This property is the only land approach to the sand bar
and Brown and Stoddard Islands. This site has traditionally been used for
clamming, birding, and hiking.

Comments: This site has been considered one of the traditional clamming
spots on the island.

Site Name: The Breakers Site Number: 30

OwnershiD: Jenny

Traditional Rights of Access: This beach area has traditionally been used
by islanders for beach walks, clamming and picnicking. Up to this point
it has been possible to drive right up to the beach. The land is privately
owned. The owner has requested visitors to use the adjacent state beach.

Site Description: This rock and sand beach offers an open exposure to all
vistas. A stone wall protects the site from high tides and storms. The
site offers wonderful views of the east side of the island.

Comments: This privately owned site is strategically located in
reasonable proximity to Carvers Harbor. The town should continue to
monitor use at this site.

Site Name: Geary's Beach Site Number: 31

Ownership: Town of Vinalhaven

Traditional Rights of Access: Geary's Beach is widely used by islanders
and visitors alike. It is accessed by a town road to a public parking area.
The diversity of the site makes the area appealing to a wide range 'of
individuals. Clarnmers, swimmers, birders and picnickers all find their
interests rewarded at this site.

Site Description: This site opens on a large cove with a sand/gr avel beach.
There is a picnic area with table and trash cans. There is a gradual slope
to this beach, making it a good site for young swimmers.

Comments: This site is very highly regarded by islanders and should
most definitely be preserved.

Recreational Access 85
Inventory: The East Side

Site Name: Arey's Neck Site Number: 32

OwnershW: Town of Vinalhaven

Traditional Riahts of Access: This town park is accessed by a town road
with a parking pull off 0.2 miles from where the access path leads into
the woods. This site does not provide good access to the ocean

Site Description: This site is used by the public for nature walks and
picnicking. The site has a mixed vegetation cover of woods and open
fields. Upon reaching this shore there is an open view of Arey's Cove.

Comments: This park should definitely should remain as part of the town
park system.

Site Name: Butts Wharf Site Number: 33

Ownership: Jenny

Traditional Riahts of Access: This privately owned site is used very
sporadically by people in the off season. Access is around the shore or
across lands.

Site Descriplion: This upland grass gives way to a flat, muddy beach.
There is a view to the southwest across Arey's Cove and over to Narrows
Island.

Comments:

Site Name: Old Town Dump Site Number: 34

Ownershia.
L Town of Vinalhaven

Traditiona I Rights of Access: At end of a town road off Pequot Road, with
public parking lot. Beautiful views from elevated point.

Site Description: Grassy area with steep slope to the water.

Comments: This site is well used by island residents.

Site Name: BrightweUs Wharf Site Number: 35

Ownership:

Traditional Rikhts of Access: 'Ibis property is accessed by foot. At high
tide the site may also be accessed by boat. At present it has almost no use
from the general public.

86 Recreational Access
Inventory: The East Side

Site DescriRtion: The site has a mixed vegetative cover. Heavy over
growth in the upland descends to a steep rocky shore. The site presents
beautiful views of Indian Creek.

Comments: This site was identified as a 6 rod town landing. If only for
this reason, it should be preserved in the record for future investigation.

Site Name: Indian Creek Bridge Site Number: 36

Ownership: Ha milton

Traditional Rights of Access: This footbridge has traditionally been used
by walkers and joggers. Access to this site has been discouraged by the
landowner.

Site Description: This granite and wood footbridge provides an excellent
vantage point for views of Indian Creek and the Atlantic beyond.

Comments: This site receives limited use due to the wishes of the owner.

Site Name: Lane's Island Bridge Site Number: 37

Ownership: Town of Vinalhaven

Traditional Rights Af Access: This site has traditionally been utilized by
both recreational and commercial users. The site is used for recreational
fishing and swimming. Commercial users tie the pulley lines of their
punts to the bridge. All tide access is available.

Site Description: The Long's Island Bridge is supported by a granite
causeway on either side. To reach the water requires a climb down a
steep granite embankment.

Comments: This site receives a high degree of use by islanders, for both
recreational and commercial purposes.

Site Name: Lane's Island PaUey Lines Site Number: 38

OwnershiM Dwyer

Traditional Rights of Access: This site had been used to bait trawl, but
now is used for a private dock and by ARC sailing classes. Access to this
site is via a private drive off Lane's Island Road. Water access is available
at all tides.

Comments: This site provides a valuable recreation resource for island
youngsters.

Site Name: Lane's Island Site Number: 39

Recreational Access 87
Inventory: The East Side

Ownership: The Nature Conservancy

Traditional Riahts of Access: This site is one of the most popular
recreation spots on the island. The site is accessed by footpaths which
lead off of a way. It is managed by the Nature Conservancy as a nature
preserve and is open to the public.

Site Description: As one approaches this site the eye is greeted with a
gentle roll to the land the landscape is dotted with pockets of juniper,
bayberry, and raspberry with grasses providing the rest of the vegetative
cover. The land slopes gradually to a sand and gravel beach. It is an
extremely good site for children due to its gentle slope. Beautiful views
are witnessed in all directions.

Comments: Due to its natural beauty and its proximity to Carver's Harbor,
it is very important that the towns monitor this site to ensure that it
remains protected and open to the public. The town of Vinalhaven and
the Vinalhaven Land Trust should both work with the Nature Conservancy
to ensure the preservation of this unique site.

88 Recreational Access
Inventory: The East Side

DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

For purposes of analysis, we have bisected the island on a north-south line from
Carvers Cove to Carvers Harbor. Discussions and recommendations will be
made for each section.

WEST SIDE OFVINALHAVEN

DISCUSSION:

Eighteen sites have been identified as recreational access sites on the west
side of the island. Five sites are presently in the public domain and the rest are
in private ownership. Interestingly, there is a very even geographic distribution
with nine sites located in the northern end of the sector and nine sites located
from the Basin south toward Carvers Harbor. It sh ould also be mentioned that
this side of the island does have two public inland recreational sites.

REcOMMENDATIONS:

1. The town of Vinalhaven should initiate a substantial extension of its lease
with the Federal Government for the Brown's Head Lighthouse property.
Should the opportunity present itself to obtain a fee simple interest in the
property then that possibility should be seriously explored.

2. The town should approach the American Legion to formalize the public's
right to use this area. Assuming that the American Legion wanted to retain
title to the property, the public's right to use this land could be
accomplished by an express easement or lease.

3. Basin Falls is considered by the Vinalhaven community as one of the most
important recreational access sites. The town and/or Land Trust should
make every effort to work with the owner of this property to ensure some
level of public access to the Falls.

EAsT SIDE OF VINALHAVEN

DISCUSSION:

Twenty-one sites were identified as recreational access sites on the east
side of Vinalhaven. In a near reflection of the distribution on the west side of
the island, eleven sites were identified in the northern end of this sector with
the remaining ten sites located from Arey Cove down through Carvers Harbor.
This side of the island also has three inland public recreational sites. Although

Recreational Access 89
Inventory: The East Side

it was certainly not planned this way there is almost an equal distribution of
coastal access sites in the four quadrants of the island.

REcOMMENDATIONS:

1. With rumors persisting that the Nature Conservancy may be disposing of its
Lane's Island Reserve, the town should research the 1968 gift of deed and
closely monitor the Nature Conservancy. This site, used by appro.,dmately
fifty people a day in the summer months and so close to Carver's Harbor, is
extremely important to the recreational access needs of Vinalhaven.

2. East Home Beach is one of the largest undeveloped parcels in the northeast
quadrant of the island. This area of the island also lacks a public
recreational access site. We recommend that the town explore the
possibility of obtaining an easement to this beach area.

HAY LANDINGS

CRrrERIA

From 1979 to 1980 Del Webster conducted a thorough investigation into
the Town Ways and Hay Landings of Vinalhaven. His work referenced 186 Town
Ways. Some of these Town Ways terminated at a so-called Hay Landings or
Town Landings.

On the attached map, 21 of the Hay Landing sites have been identified. As
Del mentioned in his 1980 study, transportation by boat was the most practical
way to trade in the 1800's. The Hay Landings facilitated trade in all of the
island commodities. As the twentieth century progressed, road infrastructure
improved dramatically thus relegating many of these Hay Landings to distant
memories.

Recommendations:

1. The Public Access Committee should physically view the 21 Hay Landing
sites identified in this report. That review would indicate the level of
development on or near the site, the proximity of existing town roads and
topographical features.

2. Should the Committee determine to further investigate any of the Hay
Landing sites the following steps should be followed:

* Research the type of interest the town had on the day
the Hay Landing was created. Did the town acquire a fee simple interest or
an casement? Those landings created prior to 1820 would have to comply
with the statutory requirements of Massachusetts in effect at the time.

* If an easement was created, what was the scope of the easement? Did it
allow a team of horses "in hay season?" Some historical research into the
period would be appropriate.

* Research issues of discontinuance and abandonment of the road leading to
Hay Landing. If a Hay Landing site is a long way from a present town road
the status of that road must be researched. Under 23 M.R.S.A. 3026, if a
town voted to discontinue a town road prior to 1965, title to the thread of
the road reverts to the abutting property owners and no public easement
over the road would remain. The same results apply if the road was deemed
abandoned for a period of thirty or more consecutive years prior to 1965.

9 Assuming research to this point has provided a glimmer of hope that the
public interest in a Hay Landing may still eidst, then a fon-nal title search
should be conducted to the specifications of the "Maine Title Standards."

92 Hay Landings
Criteria

Assuming all the preceding research was on its side the town could then
seek a Declaratory Judgment in Superior Court.

Hay Landings 93
Map

E c K

94' Hay Landings
Inventory: The West Side

INVENMRY

Hay Landing (H.L. 11
Road laid out from Captain Carver's Mill to Havilla Pease's shore for town
landing.

Hay Landing (H.L. 2)
Town road at Deep Hollow to Old Harbor Pond.

May Landing (H.L. 3)
State aid road laid out between Uncle Tom's Cabin and Lane's Cottage.

Accepted March 6, 1950.

Hay Landing (H.L. 4)
Bridge near Dyer's Island.

Laid out by selectmen on April 1, 1875 and accepted on April 17, 1875.

Hay Landing (H.L. 5)
Town landing near school house to Mttle Basin Falls to mountain between
Robert and Edward Barton.

Laid out by selectmen on February 10, 1864 and accepted on March 7,
1864.

Hay Landing (H.L. 6)
Marsh by William Vinal's land to John Leadbetter's shore for town landing.

Hgy Landing (H.L. 7)
James Crockett's fish house to town road leading from Sam Young's to
schoolhouse.

Laid out by selectmen June 20, 1817.

Hay Landing N.L. 8)
Schoolhouse south district to Samuel Young, Jr.'s cove for town landing.

Accepted May 4, 1811.

Hgy Landing (H.L. 91
Town road near David Young's cove to Theophilas Hopkins.

Laid out by selectmen August 20, 1820 and accepted on September 20,
1820.

Hay Landing (H.L. 101

Hay Landings / 95
Inventory: The West Side

Shore of Samuel Norton property to town road between Moses Mills and
Paul Myrick.

Laid out by selectmen on August 29, 1827 and accepted o n September 10,
1827.

Hay Landing (H.L. 111
East Robert Green's to Mill Dyke to town road and brook between J. Ames
and B. Mills.

Laid out by selectmen on September 18, 1858 and accepted on March 7,
1859.

HU Landing (H.L. 12)
East side of James Calderwood's mill. to where road divides itself thence to
shore for town landing.

Laid out by selectmen on November 8, 1808.

THE EAsT SIDE

Hgy Landing (H.L. 13)
Shore of Winter Harbor to town road near Jonathan Calderwood.

Laid out on March 22, 1828.

Hay Landing (U.L. 14)
William Vinal Bridge to Anthony Coomb's shore for town landing.

Hay Landing (H.L. 15)
Beach near Jonathan Burgess gate at town road near John Lindsay.
Laid out by the selectmen on December 23, 1854 and accepted on March
26, 1855.

Hay Landing (H.L. 16)
Shore at Benjamin Coomb's grist mill to town road near John Lindsay.

Laid out by selectmen on April 2, 1830.

Hgy Landing (H.L. 17)
Arey's Harbor to town road near Dan Smith.

Laid out by selectmen on August 20, 1827 and accepted on September 10,
1827.

Hay Landing (H.L. 181
George Laturn's to town road opposite Crosby Arey.

96 Hay Landings
Inventory: The East Side

Accepted on April 4, 1853.

Hay Landing (H.L. 19)
TOVM road near Israel Carver's to Indian Creek for a town landing.

Accepted on May 15, 1820.

Hay Landing (H.L. 20)
Daniel McKellar's District #4 road around Folly Brook Hill to shore.

Laid out by selectmen on November 15, 1856 and accepted on March 16,
1857.

Hay Landing fH-L. 21)
James Fernald's store to William Smith Jr.'s wharf.

Laid out by selectmen on December 23, 1854 and accepted on March 26,
1855.

Hay Landings 97
Discussion & Recommendations

DLSCUSSION:

REcommNDATioNs:

2. Should the Committee determine to ftirther investigate any of the Hay
Landing sites the following steps should be followed:

o Research the type of interest the town had on the day
the Hay Landing was created. Did the town acquire a fee simple interest or
an easement? Those landings created prior to 1820 would have to comply
with the statutory requirements of Massachusetts in effect at the time.
e If an easement was created, what was the scope of the easement? Did' it
allow a team of horses "in hay season?" Some historical research into the
period would be appropriate.

o Research issues of discontinuance and abandonment of the road leading to
Hay Landing. If a Hay Landing site is a long way from a present town road
the status of that road must be researched. Under 23 M.RS.A. 3026, if a
town voted to discontinue a town road prior to 1965, title to the thread of
the road reverts to the abutting property owners and no public easement
over the road would remain. The same results apply if the road was deemed
abandoned for a period of thirty or more consecutive years prior to 1965.

* Assuming research to this point has provided a glimmer of hope that the
public interest in a Hay Landing may still e--4ist, then a formal title search
should be conducted to the specifications of the "Maine Title Standards."

9 Assuming all the preceding research was on its side the town could then
seek a Declaratory Judgment in Superior Court.

[AECEIVED
8 89
DECD-OCDIOCP

141026