Charlton Conservation Board Votes to Fund Wake Surfing Study
Conservation Board · Meeting of August 19, 2026
Charlton Conservation Commission votes to fund a wake surfing impact study on South Charlton Reservoir. Resident Jim Triplett presented his own range-finder survey showing the lake averages just 9 to 12.3 feet deep, below the roughly 20 feet and 400 feet of shoreline clearance he said studies recommend to avoid ecological harm from wake-surf boats. A former lake association officer countered that a family bought their home specifically to wake surf after confirming no rule barred it, calling new restrictions a threat to "homeowner rights." The board voted to seek proposals for a peer-reviewed study funded through the town's Municipal Waterways Fund, pending Lakes and Ponds Committee approval.
Separately, the conservation agent reported at least five $300 fines and years of unpermitted grading at 24 Sturbridge Road, where runoff reached Cady Brook and the owner "did not agree to stop construction." The commission also moved its hearing start time to 6:30 p.m.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 3,214 words
Source: the Conservation Board meeting of August 19, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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