Don't launch onto the Connecticut River from Dartmouth property

[Erzo F.P. Luttmer]

The river was still in very good shape today between Wilson’s landing and the Ledyard bridge in Hanover. Perhaps elsewhere too, but I didn’t go there today. The main hazards are snow-covered areas under which no ice formed — this not supportable.

The place to launch near Hanover is Wilson’s landing or perhaps Kendall Park (but that involves a short walk down a snowy hill). We launched from Wilson’s landing and skated towards the Ledyard bridge. As we were near Dartmouth’s Ledyard parking lot, a Dartmouth security person asked a group of skaters who had just launched there not to launch from Dartmouth property because it exposes Dartmouth to liability. The security guard was friendly but made clear he had firm instructions not to let skaters launch from Dartmouth property, neither from the Ledyard lot or from the Lewiston lot across the river.

I ended up driving two of the skaters in the group from Wilson’s landing to the Dartmouth parking lot so that could retrieve their cars and pick up the rest of their group at Wilson’s, thereby avoiding getting off the ice at Dartmouth.

Hoping for good ice to return soon after this upcoming warm & wet spell. Happy skating,
Erzo

[Laura Bonk]

Hello All-- 

Although any landowner can restrict who uses their property, there is no liability for allowing public access for free in New Hampshire.

As long as the landowner does not charge for public use, they do not have any liability.

The NH Fish and Game website clearly explains this.  

Furthermore, the NH Supreme Court just upheld this law again after a sledding incident left someone seriously injured.  The apple orchard (Mack's Apples) allowed sledding, but didn't maintain the safety of the hill. The injured person sued and lost. 

On our land we allow hunters, ATVs, motorized bikes, horses, hikers and anyone else. We don't have any liability for allowing public access.

I just want to clarify this law in NH.

Also, it's legal to walk on private property unless it's properly posted No Trespassing.

Thus, I never hesitate to walk in front of someone's house when I have to go around a pressure ridge. 

Safe skating!

Laura 

Laura M. Bonk, MS, MBA
Certified Safety Professional

PO Box 194
Suncook, NH 03275
(603) 340-3524

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[Evan Perkins]

Thanks for the great information Erzo. Also, I think it should be noted that with today well above freezing in the night, not getting very cold. Ice is starting to rapidly under thin on the Connecticut river . Under thinning can occur at well below freezing depending on the current speed, and because the Connecticut is a dam release river, it may rapidly under thin at times when the flow is higher. I would say that today was probably the last day for Skating on this ice until the next round. Evan

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[Brian Costello]

Same rules in VT, I believe. 

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