SUN JOURNAL • November 2, 2021
After loon lovers urged legislators last spring to clamp down on boat racing on Maine lakes, state regulators took a crack at coming up with rules that would balance the protection of wildlife and boating enjoyment. Loon fans said Monday they’re unhappy with the proposed regulations. Rick Wiggin of Standish, who has watched races on Watchic Lake, told regulators at a hearing Monday that their draft rules merely “codify already existing boating safety rules and make the permit application process for a boat race more rigorous” without doing anything to protect loons. Wiggin said there is a science-based alternative the state could adopt, allowing races on lakes where loon density is low and there’s enough space to stay away from known loon territory.