EMFC Mooring Plan

The Elkins Mooring Field Cooperative (EMFC)

Boat Mooring Policy

1. MOORING FIELD
   1. The Elkins Mooring Field Cooperative Club mooring field shall be located: to the west of the Elkins Town beach and bordered by the Snyder’s property.;
   2. We strongly encourage residents to not install a mooring to the north of Elkins Beach due to the prevailing winds and in the event of a boat being blown into the designated swimming area.
   3. within safe and practical mooring depth;
   4. providing adequate mooring clearance for all boats navigating to and from respective moorings;
   5. The EMFC will also investigate providing no wake markers on the outside of the mooring field as well as a clearly delineated channel located on the western side of the mooring field.
   6. with sufficient margin of safety from the swimming area which includes swimming dock(s), floats/rafts, float lines, and accessibility for the life guard’s rescue boat which shall be maintained at all times during the boating season for ready and unobstructed access the entire area.

1. Number of moorings: The EMFC strongly desires for the mooring field not to exceed 20 moorings.
   1. The number of moorings may be reduced should mooring circumstances change. Such circumstances may occur if:
      1. Length of boats and configuration changes give rise to crowding and the potential for damage to surrounding boats due to crowding;
      2. The positioning of the boats cannot adequately provide for the clearances stipulated in 2 above.

1. Guidance: The EMFC shall operate as a community with the guidance of one EMFC Mooring Field Master, in a volunteer roll.
   1. The Mooring Field Master shall suggest mooring assignments in accordance with this policy.
   2. The Mooring Field Master shall work with the EMFC to configure the position of moorings and respective boats to optimize safety and minimize the potential damage to adjacent boats in accordance with section 1 above.
   3. Communication is highly valued at the EMFC, if challenges arise, owners are encouraged to communicate politely with fellow mooring owners.
   4. If 3c above does not work, disputes and interpretations of the EMFC shall be under the guidance of the Mooring Field Master.

1. Ownership: All moorings, including concrete mooring blocks, tethering chains and swivels, and attached shackles, shall be the property of and maintained by individual boat owners.

1. Procedures at the beginning of the season: for mooring purposes:
   1. The mooring field may be used anytime based on the discretion of each boat owner.
   2. A mooring field map will be posted on community board for individuals who would like to review the plan.
   3. Members of the EMFC should review the EMFC Mooring Policy at the beginning of the season.

1. Procedures at the end of the boating season: for mooring purposes:
   1. Owners of boats are strongly encouraged to remove their boats and take any actions to preserve mooring locations through the winter months.
   2. These procedures may vary year-to-year depending upon whether a mooring contractor is engaged and depending upon such contractor’s recommendations.

1. Mooring balls and hardware:
   1. The EMFC strongly encourages each owner to provide name and phone number directly on the mooring ball or attached to.
   2. The EMFC strongly encourages each owner to purchase a white mooring ball with a blue stripe. An example can be found at the end of this document Item A.
   3. Mooring balls and attaching hardware and pennant lines (i.e., the line that attaches the boat to the mooring) will be owned by and under the responsibility of the respective mooring holders.
   4. Mooring balls should be of a size appropriate to the given boat and should be labeled with the respective mooring holder’s name, at all times, clearly visible from a reasonable distance from the ball. This is needed to facilitate re-installing balls and hardware and to avoid mooring location confusion.
   5. Pennants should be as short as practical to minimize the swing radius as all boats move around their respective moorings. Mooring holders should periodically inspect the mooring hardware including shackles, swivels, and chains. Chains should also be kept as short as practical. Any questions may be directed to the Mooring Field Master of EMFC.

1. ELIGIBILITY TO MOOR A BOAT IN THE MOORING FIELD
   1. A mooring holder is strongly encouraged to be a resident member of Elkins Mooring Field Cooperative Club.
   2. The mooring should be used by the mooring holder for the primary use by his/her household.
   3. It is strongly recommended that mooring holders be responsible for all who operate the mooring holder’s boat are properly certified under state regulations and guidelines for operating respective watercraft. This also extends to the reasonable use of alcohol, proper boat handling, and all rules and courtesies of speed and safety.
   4. A mooring holder is encouraged not to maintain a mooring for a boat used for any commercial use.
   5. The mooring holder is encouraged to be in compliance with all provisions in the Mooring Policy.

1. Temporary or extended non-use. If a mooring holder cannot use his/her mooring for a short period due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness or protracted boat repairs, the mooring holder is encouraged to inform the EMFC of the mooring holder’s intentions.

1. BOATS ELIGIBLE FOR MOORING
   1. There are not any specific laws that prevent individuals from mooring any type of vessel in the Elkins Mooring field. However, the EMFC strongly encourages individuals who are interested in learning more about possible mooring locations to contact the Mooring Field Master and the EMFC for advice. As a cooperative we realize the importance of open communication and collaborating in search of solutions. However, we want to prevent one individual’s interests if possibly resulting in the mooring field being removed in totality. The following guidelines should be regarded as suggestions:

1. Runabouts, ski boats, and whalers, typically of single hull design, including in-board, in- board/out-board, and out-board, with a hull length up to 22 ft.
2. Pontoon Boats
3. Sail boats, including those with motor assist, up to 22 ft., except for those that can typically be stored on shore and launched at the public boat ramp. A typical example would be a sunfish or canoe type vessel.
4. Proper registration: all boats should be properly registered, year-to-year, displaying registration stickers and bow numbers as appropriate.
5. Change of boat during the boating season: it is very helpful if you notify the EMFC leadership team in writing via email at elkinsmoorings@gmail.com

1. APPLICATION FOR MOORING
   1. There is no specific application required for individuals to currently install a mooring in the Elkins Mooring Field. However, in an effort to organize the field the EMFC Leadership has a mapped plan, application, and if necessary waiting list for those desiring to join the cooperative. This is provided to any resident who understands the importance of working together so that we can all continue to enjoy Pleasant Lake.
   2. The EMFC strongly encourages you to fill out the following application and submit it. You should anticipate a member of the EMFC contacting you to offer advice, location recommendations, and other support.

EMFC APPLICATION

1. Mooring no longer desired: if a mooring holder no longer wishes to obtain a mooring, he/she should notify EMFC in writing as soon as possible, anytime during the year.
2. Returning EMFC Mooring holders
   1. Returning mooring holders should communicate with Mooring Field Master to update any information for the season and review Mooring Field map.
   2. Review procedure 5 above and ensure step 7 are taken care of before mooring for the season.

1. New Applicants for a mooring
   1. New applicants should satisfy all eligibility requirements as a mooring holder.
   2. New applicants should satisfy all eligibility requirements for an intended boat.
   3. When there is mooring availability and no waiting list
   4. New applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the EMFC to determine availability,
   5. and status with respect to any impending waiting list.
   6. If two or more applicants apply, when a waiting list had not yet been established, priority shall be given to the first application received.

1. When there is no availability and there is a waiting list or a waiting list will be established
   1. New applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a mooring form anytime during the year signifying interest and intentions in a mooring and indicating mooring holder eligibility and boat eligibility.
   2. Such an applicant does not need to own a boat prior to submitting the form or prior to obtaining a mooring.

1. Waiting list
   1. When a waiting list is established as determined by one or more applicants signifying interest with the submission of a mooring form, the EMFC shall maintain a waiting list that will survive year to year. We strongly encourage residents to remain patient throughout the process.
   2. If there is a waiting list, new eligible applicants may join that list in the order their forms were received anytime during the year.
   3. If an applicant next in line chooses not to participate, the next applicant in chronological order will be offered such available mooring.
2. BEST PRACTICES & OTHER GUIDANCE
   1. In anticipation of storms with very high winds, mooring holders should make arrangements to remove boats from moorings to prevent mooring blocks from being dragged off position or boats breaking free potentially causing damage to other’s property.
   2. PLEASE do not park at the beach parking lot unless you have a town parking sticker. There is additional parking located by the Gazebo.
   3. PLEASE ensure that you access the mooring field via the beach and/or other public access. The small bridge and rock area extending beyond the picnic area is NOT public property and should not be utilized.
   4. Boat moorings are for storage only. Please be considerate to our neighbors by keeping noise levels low and keeping social gatherings outside the Elkins Mooring field boundaries.

Item A: