BRUNSWICK

The boat launch at Simpson’s Point in Brunswick has been closed to motorized craft since the opening of the launch at Mere Point six years ago. Now, the newlyformed Rivers and Coastal Waters Commission wants public input on future uses, including reopening it to motorized craft for part of the year.

The workshop will take place at 6 p.m. July 16 in the Town Hall’s second floor conference room.

Simpson’s Point was closed to motorized boat traffic after the Mere Point boat launch opened in 2008 to offset the loss of eel grass habitat associated with boating activity there.

“At that time, eel grass was prolific,” said Harbor Master and Marine Resources Officer Dan Devereaux. “Over the past two years, it’s rescinded drastically.”

Eel grass, which provides critical habitat for wildlife and supports the local ecosystem, has been on the decline throughout Brunswick waters. Devereaux estimated a 90 percent reduction at McCoy Bay.

The eel grass has not returned Simpson’s Point since its closure to motorized traffic, and so a 2012 study of the eel grass population there was inconclusive, said Devereaux.

“There has not been any benefit from closing down Simpson’s Point, because eel grass everywhere is decimated,” said Commission Chairman Mark Worthing.

Simpson’s Point had been heavily used by clam harvesters, many using air boats and other small motorized craft to get to the clam beds, said Worthing. In the fall, the launch was used by duck hunters as a way to get to the islands in the bay.

Devereaux and Worthing said there is concern for clam harvesters’ safety, particularly in the stormy winter months, who must navigate rough, deep waters in order to get shellfishing areas in upper Middle Bay.

Mere Point is about four miles away by boat to upper Middle Bay, said Devereaux, whereas Simpson’s Bay is three miles closer.

Without motorboats, Simpson’s Point has become more tranquil, and a favorite destination for residents seeking a little R& R, especially on hot summer days, said Devereaux.

Swimmers also use Simpson’s Point, although swimming at any boat launch in Brunswick is prohibited.

Speaking for himself, Worthing said it would be “ perfectly fine” to allow motorized craft to launch from Simpson’s Point between November and May, because there would be little conflict with swimmers, kayakers or others using the launch recreationally.

The commission is serving in an advisory capacity, said Worthing. The final determination on any changes at Simpson’s Point is in the hands of the town council.

Devereaux said the goal is to come up with a plan for Simpson’s Point so that everyone — shellfish harvesters, neighbors, and the public — “ gets a small piece of the pie.”

Pamela LaJeunesse of Brunswick said she did not want to see motorized craft operating at Simpson’s Point, a place that she frequents. She was there on Monday afternoon with her grandson, exploring tidal pools and turning over rocks.

“ I know the clammers come here, and I’m all for that,” she said. “But I do think that I would prefer it just be for non-motorized boats.”

“It’s a beautiful place to sit and think,” LaJeunesse added. “If we had (motorized) boats, it would be so noisy, and then you would lose what it is, the specialness of it.”

Steve Walker, who represents the town council on the commission, said opening Simpson’s Point to motorized traffic in the offseason would be an “appropriate balance.”

However, recreational uses may strain town resources. There is little parking, and what there is is off-street. The town only owns a small right-of-way along the boat ramp, the rest of the area is private property. There is also no personnel available to act as lifeguards for swimming.

“Right now, we’re a little stuck with Simpson’s Point,” said Watson.

jswinconeck@timesrecord.com