Hello! The camping season is upon us,
I know there have been a lot of cold days but it is time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, get back to camping and hanging out with your friends.
The park will officially open on Mother’s Day weekend
however I will let you come on the first and begin Spring cleanup. The utilities will be on and if you experience any issues with them please report them to me directly.
Keep in mind that all issues with cable TV are handled directly with Cox Communications.
I participated last Thursday in a meeting with officials of the DEM to discuss the various outstanding issues.
The DEM admitted there are a substantial number of grandfathered docks, although they can’t seem to determine exactly where they are so I would say we will be O.K. for at least this season. The lawyers for both sides are working out a simple process that you, as campers, can use to obtain dock approval.
The DEM understands that our insurance prohibits us from assuming liability for the dock at your site.
Effective immediately all private dock owners ( the ones who have a dock at their campsite – if you are on the big floating dock or at the jetty, this does not apply to you) must provide the camp with a certificate of insurance for a minimum liability coverage of $500,000 If you do not provide us with a certificate of insurance for your dock you must remove it from the water and dispose of it.
The same level of insurance is required for anyone who has a power boat (either gas or electric) and a golf cart.
The insurance company is demanding that we obtain certificates for all the aquatic and motorized activities. It is required at all campgrounds, not just Bowdish. I do not believe the insurance is very expensive and if you think it is, understand that you can still have your boat at your site you will just have to accept that it may have to be beached. Also if you have a private dock it must have a gate or chain across the entrance with a no trespassing sign attached. I know it seems like a hassle but we all have to take safety seriously.
As far as docks that are controlled by the campground
, such as the big floating, dock you can only use the dock as boat slippage, it can not be used for any other type of activity especially swimming or diving. All swimming is to take place in the swimming areas or out in the middle of the lake at your own risk.
Thank you, John and Carrie. I for one have been at Bowdish for 24 or 25 years and it has been a very positive experience. I can’t wait for another year filled with friends and fun! Thanks for all you do! Susan, Red 3