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May 14, 2008

Swimming will be off limits at Beach Pond in Exeter

Beach Pond in Exeter is being closed to swimming all season, the state Department of Environmental Management announced.

"Erosion control" efforts are under way at its 430-acre Beach Pond Management Area to stabilize the former beach, a DEM news release says, in addition to steps announced in the fall that DEM says will eventually restore vegetation and filter runoff from Route 165 before it hits the pond.

While visitors can still go boating, fishing and hiking, parking has also been pared to about 15 to 20 cars without trailers.

Signs are up on Route 95, Route 3 and Route 165 saying there's no swimming. Signs noting "No Trailers. Parking for Boating, Fishing, Hiking Only" are expected to be posted on site by the weekend.

Parking on the opposite side of Route 165 remains open to vehicles with small boat trailers. The boat launch site in the Connecticut part of the area is also available.

Beach Pond Management Area will not be staffed because of budget limits. But it will be subject to patrols and maintenance, the DEM said.

A "dilapidated building" that once housed offices and concessions has been taken down and portable bathrooms are no longer available.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Mike McKinney  at 12:39 PM | Permalink

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