The Stockbridge Bowl Boat Ramp

by Daniel Miraglia

The Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLS) is an umbrella group that represents over 4,000 sportsmen and women in Berkshire County. The BCLS has gone on record for several years supporting erosion control improvements and the installation of a docking system at the public access ramp on Stockbridge Bowl.

A docking system will be a huge benefit for the Commonwealth's Lake and will assist the general public with launching vessels and also improve their public safety.

The Public Access Board has informed the BCLS that due to work constraints and the rising cost of materials they would be unable to fund this project for several years which is unfortunate and such delay would stall any project and much needed improvements at Stockbridge Bowl indefinitely.

Doug Cameron, head of MA Fisheries and Wildlife Public Access Board, has presented the Town with an estimate and time frame for the completion of this project. One estimate submitted is for the permitting, engineering, design, concrete pads, and docks installed. The second estimate, separate from the docks, is for permitting, design, engineering for installing erosion control and improved drainage near the inland bank and new docking systems.

We are very confident that the town's Conservation Commission will agree that this scope of work will greatly enhance and stabilize bank erosion, curb non-point source pollution, and improve the health of the existing aging oak trees and their current exposed root systems.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Editor's Note: 1. Berkshire County League of Sportsmen President is Wayne McLain and Daniel Miraglia is BCLS Representative 2. The charge of the Public Access Board is to provide access to the state's waterways.