Slalom Water Skiing Course Proposal Slated For Discussion

By Andrew Gorosko

The state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has scheduled a public informational meeting on a proposal to create a marked slalom course for water skiing along the west shore of Lake Lillinonah.

The session is slated for 7 to 9 pm on Tuesday, May 31, at Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street.

The Short Line Ski Club is seeking DEP approval to create a marked course for water skiing on the lake, which is an impoundment on the Housatonic River. The  course would be open from May 1 to October 31. Water skiing would be allowed on the course seven days a week, from 8 am until 30 minutes before sunset.

 At the May 31 session, people interested in the topic would have an opportunity to study the proposal, make comments, ask questions, and speak with the applicant and with DEP officials.

R. Michael Payton, the DEP’s boating unit supervisor for navigation safety/boating access, said May 26 that the proposed slalom run would be an 850-foot-long course that would be positioned along the Newtown shoreline of Lake Lillinonah, adjacent to Upper Paugussett State Forest, upriver of Shepaug Dam. George C. Waldo State Park in Southbury lies across the lake from the proposed slalom course, he said.

The slalom course has been proposed for a section of the lake that is near unpopulated land, he said.

The course would run parallel to the shoreline and be positioned about 175 feet from shore. The course would be 76 feet wide. The May 31 informational session is being held to gauge public sentiment about the proposal, Mr Payton said.

The applicant has met the DEP’s requirements in terms of wildlife protection in connection with the proposed slalom course, he said.

A DEP permit for the slalom course would be granted for an overall nine-year period, but permit renewals would be required after three years, and after six years, he said.

If DEP grants a permit for the slalom course, water skiers would be able to use the course this year, he said.

Also, people may submit written comments on the proposal before the May 31 informational session to  R. Michael Payton, DEP Boating Division, PO Box 280, Old Lyme CT 06371-0280.

Copies of the water skiing slalom course application may be obtained or viewed at the DEP Boating Division Office at DEP Marine Headquarters, 333 Ferry Road, Old Lyme, from 8:30 am to 3 pm on Mondays through Fridays.