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"Boaters interested in a free public launch on Lake Winnipesaukee finally have their put-in spot.After years of effort to find a location, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department purchased a private marina at the southern-most tip of the big lake late last fall.For about 150 years it was known as Downing's Landing.\"This is exciting news for New Hampshire's outdoor enthusiasts because it creates the first state-owned and controlled public boat ramp with parking on Lake Winnipesaukee,\" said Fish and Game executive director Glenn Normandeau.\"For years, we've wanted to provide the public with a boat access site on the big lake, and I am thrilled that we've been able to do it.\"The state closed on the property for $1 million on Nov. 20, 2012, and this has been its first summer as a public ramp. It is located at the corner of Route 11 and 28A.The facility includes an existing boat launch with paved parking for vehicles with trailers, as well as a handful of cartop parking spaces.The site includes two buildings and several docks that will allow for excellent shorebank fishing opportunities, particularly during the spring salmon season.\u00A0It is paid for with money from boater registration fees.It is for the most part a turnkey facility which was opened to the public with minimal work. This is quite different from most acquisitions of undeveloped property, which can take months or even years of planning, permitting and construction before a boat access site can be opened to the public.Future renovations and improvements may include dock repairs and installation of a newer concrete boat ramp.In addition to the New Hampshire's Public Boat Access Program, which is funded through boat registration fees, federal Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration funds were used to buy the ramp.Fish and Game's Facilities and Lands Division acquires land for public water access sites, refurbishes existing sites and builds new public boat access areas. Fish and Game maintains more than 140 public boat access sites throughout New Hampshire. \u00A0"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.wmur.com/article/public-boat-ramp-opens-on-lake-winnipesaukee/5183440>