stonedam island

[garysanfran]

YOU are correct. There are two spots on Stonedam with similar views to the one in your photo. I'm sorry, but a closer look shows that your photo was taken near the stone-wall about 150' north, before the No Trespassing Zone. The spot I was thinking of is in private property a bit further on south...Sorry!

And I agree with bdbd, The Lakes Region Conservation Trust is setting aside as much land for the public use as donations can help them purchase. A very worthwhile Cause.

[trfour]

Originally Posted by garysanfran

YOU are correct. There are two spots on Stonedam with similar views to the one in your photo. I'm sorry, but a closer look shows that your photo was taken near the stone-wall about 150' north, before the No Trespassing Zone. The spot I was thinking of is in private property a bit further on south...Sorry!

And I agree with bdbd, The Lakes Region Conservation Trust is setting aside as much land for the public use as donations can help them purchase. A very worthwhile Cause.

I Love the Island and your history, as I said. .... And yes, We Will continue to support The Lakes Region in any way that we can!

[JRice]

Hi everyone, I thought that I would throw myself to the lions as it were. I spent many summers on stonedam from the mid 1960s through the '80s. I love the island it is a part of who I am. Sadly what has happened on the lake as of late is disconcerting to say the least. We no longer feel safe on stonedam and we have suffered a great deal of vandalism over the years.

We never had armed guards on Stonedam. Gary may have had the misfortune of running into me at some point. No one else ever patrolled the island. After 1978 only three people had the right to grant permission to vist the private part of the island, which, until 1980, was all of it, they were myself, my sister and my father.

There was one person, whose name I have forgotten who kept insisting that my uncle, Lyman Rice, had given him permission to visit. When asked, Lyman said "Oh, That A****" Lyman, for the record, never had an ownership interest anyway.

I would never have given permission to someone I did not know.

In any event the concept of private property has seemed to have lost its meaning as of late and as we really are not wealthy people it is time to get out with our memories intact. It is my sincere hope that whoever purchases the Rice portion of stonedam will have the time and resources to enjoy the Island as my family has for 70 plus years.

Jonathan Rice

[Pineedles]

No criticism here JRice, you have done what needs to be done, set the record straight. Welcome to the forum! Please continue to protect what is yours and don't let anyone tell you it is not your right to protect your property.

[JRice]

Hi,

Further to the above, the Lakes Region Conservation Trust does in fact own 112 acres of Stonedam Island. The Rice family owns the remaining 28 acres.

Over the years there has been confusion among the general population as to where the property lines are, many not believing that any part of the island remains private. I have personally encountered some particularly belligerent "visitors" who upon being informed that they were trespassing refused to leave.

When the LRCT first took possession of their portion they were awesome neighbors that worked hard to build all the trails that I wish I had built and patrolled regularly. In the last ten years or so their appearance has been spotty at best, making it more difficult for us. I fully support their cause I just wish they could maintain more of presence.

JR

[tis]

It is a shame you had to go through all that. People are belligerent sometimes. They act like they belong on your land and you don't. I just can't understand that kind of thinking. If I even mistakenly went on someone's private property, I would be very apologetic, not give them a hard time. It has happened to us, so I can feel for you. I am sorry you had to sell. We had to sell for the same reason. People would be there when we got there and tell us they had permission from the land owner to be there (not obviously knowing we were the landowners). They also would be using it and when we came not even move, even race us to get there first. They left their trash too.

[trfour]

Originally Posted by JRice

Hi,

Further to the above, the Lakes Region Conservation Trust does in fact own112 acres of Stonedam Island. The Rice family owns the remaining 28 acres.

Over the years there has been confusion among the general population as to where the property lines are, many not believing that any part of the island remains private. I have personally encountered some particularly belligerent "visitors" who upon being informed that they were trespassing refused to leave.

When the LRCT first took possession of their portion they were awesome neighbors that worked hard to build all the trails that I wish I had built and patrolled regularly. In the last ten years or so their appearance has been spotty at best, making it more difficult for us. I fully support their cause I just wish they could maintain more of presence.

JR

Just to let you know. My Daughter and I visited the Island long and before the LRCT got involved and there was signage just off the dock that very clearly stated the rules of the walking trails. We followed them to the letter and had a very enjoyable visit!


Regards



Terry
___________________________

[sea_n_ski]

I live directly across from the Rice's on Meredith Neck and have enjoyed how Stonedam Island seems to light up with the morning sun shining on it. Especially in the fall when it looks like the trees are on fire. I often Kayak around it in the early morning and really enjoy its beauty. I think its sad that boats raft off its shores, but there is little you can do. I do remember the "Party Barge" coming an going 15 years ago. Sometimes this double decker had tons of people with some pretty wild looking parties.

My children grew up taking their pontoon paddle boat across and swimming off the rocks in front of the Rice's place. They would pack their lunch and head over to the island on their adventure. Their annual ritual is to swim over and back ( guided by a kayak of course). I hope they never trespassed, although I am sure they swam into the beach on occasion. I apologize if they trespassed, but I am sure they were always respectful.

One of the main reasons we bought our home was we understood that Stonedam could never to developed. We also thought that if the Rice's ever did want to sell their private parcel, the LRCA had first right of refusal. My children and I will be disappointed if that part of the island becomes developed. Although I cannot blame the Rice's for their feelings as some people on the lake are disrespectful.

[jrc]

sea n ski

I'm sorry it's makes you sad that I raft off Stonedam. I'm glad your children had a great time enjoying the lake. Too bad my family enjoying the lake makes you sad.

BTW we never tresspass on the Rice's land.

[chipj29]

Originally Posted by sea_n_ski

I live directly across from the Rice's on Meredith Neck and have enjoyed how Stonedam Island seems to light up with the morning sun shining on it. Especially in the fall when it looks like the trees are on fire. I often Kayak around it in the early morning and really enjoy its beauty. I think its sad that boats raft off its shores, but there is little you can do. I do remember the "Party Barge" coming an going 15 years ago. Sometimes this double decker had tons of people with some pretty wild looking parties.

My children grew up taking their pontoon paddle boat across and swimming off the rocks in front of the Rice's place. They would pack their lunch and head over to the island on their adventure. Their annual ritual is to swim over and back ( guided by a kayak of course). I hope they never trespassed, although I am sure they swam into the beach on occasion. I apologize if they trespassed, but I am sure they were always respectful.

One of the main reasons we bought our home was we understood that Stonedam could never to developed. We also thought that if the Rice's ever did want to sell their private parcel, the LRCA had first right of refusal. My children and I will be disappointed if that part of the island becomes developed. Although I cannot blame the Rice's for their feelings as some people on the lake are disrespectful.

So you think it is sad that boaters choose that spot to enjoy the lake, yet it was OK for your children to swim there?

[sea_n_ski]

The lake for everyone to enjoy and your point is well taken. My point was that if someone owns a piece of land and has boats anchoring off their shore it is sad for the owner. Especially if someone is swimming ashore and trespassing. Could you imagine owning lake front and having 5 to 10 boats anchor off your shore every weekend? I also apologized in my post if my children were trespassing. I feel bad for Mr. Rice and his family in that regard. I doubt my children or most of the boaters caused any of the problems he stated. It's always the select few that ruin things for everyone else. So, I don't think my children are any better than anyone else. Now that I understand the situation I will make sure the kids stay clear of his private property.

[jrc]

I always anchor near the public dock, never near the Rice's home or dock. I don't even know where it is. Generally, I avoid anchoring in front of someone house. Too close or too many boats is rude, even if legal.

I can see how that would bother people. Sadly, there are spots on the lake where waterfront property is congested and less than ideal, because of rude people. Too bad common sense is so uncommon.

[JRice]

I suppose that I will never be able to end confusion surrounding Stonedam.
Terry, before LRCT got involved there was absolutely no trespassing, no trails and no signs. My grandfather Tat Rice, (Never went by Tom) valued his privacy.

If anyone ever ran into someone with a gun it was me. Sorry! No one else ever patrolled, and when LRCT got involved I stopped, happily.

Not all the boaters that raft in the cove are sent from the devil. Some, on the other hand were, and unfortunately for all of us it is those that leave the lasting impression. I have had some most unpleasant encounters with people who either did not believe that I was one of the owners, or simply did not wish to give up their party spot for love nor money.

I try not to be bitter about my experience on the island, as many of my most treasured childhood (and adult) experiences centered around Stonedam.

Twins-- you got it. Its an island, and somehow that seems an invitation. Yes the facilities get used-whether in commission or not. The cabins get used, stuff gets stolen and or broken. Somehow this does not happen at home.

My young cousin has been spending summers on the island as of late and I believe that his presence has made a difference.

My thanks to all of you who enjoy the lake, and the island as I have.

Oh yes, Sea n ski, you are correct. Stonedam can't be developed to any major degree so your view is safe. Five more small houses maximum, no McMansions or such stupidity. The point with our cabins can sustain no further building. All this per an agreement between us and LRCT.

Jonathan Rice

[trfour]

, "Terry, before LRCT got involved there was absolutely no trespassing, no trails and no signs. My grandfather Tat Rice, (Never went by Tom) valued his privacy."

Thanks for correcting me. I was not aware that it was the LRCT that built the walking trails and signage for the visiting public's use.
A very beautiful and Serene area of the Lakes Region!



Terry
_____________________________

[VtSteve]

Great memories of Stonedam JR. Like Gary, my parent's place was directly across from your cove more or less. I do remember when there was talk of development, and the LRCT purchasing as well. Obviously, there was huge support in keeping the island pretty much as it is today. The value of the island to nearby property owners is immense, so they should think about helping out some more, as should all lake users.

Sadly, my parents decided to sell the place, which we always thought would be there. As you can see, your island has impacted many boaters for decades, and in a positive way. Sorry you had to put up with so much just to have some privacy for yourselves.

[granitehead]

Hiked Stonedam today and came upon a large encampment covering the entire picnic area at the south end overlooking Eagle Island... 3 large tents, generator, many coolers, clothes lines, fishing gear. No one was there at the time but clearly, they'd been set up a while and planned to stay some more. I thought LRCT lands were open to the public sunrise to sunset with no overnights. Any one know what this camp is about?

[garysanfran]

I know the Rice family and they typically use the house on the north side. I'd call the police and marine patrol and report the trespassing. The disrespectful public has destroyed this place for the Rice's. I've kicked a lot of people off their beach.

[RailroadJoe]

On the Google maps, it shows two stone breakwaters. What was the original use of these?

[granitehead]

I received clarification today from the LRCT that the Rice family retains deeded rights to camp at that picnic spot even though it's within the LRCT conservation boundaries. That's great! Glad they they can still do that.