Franklin Lakes Considers Boating at Nature Preserve, Asks Residents

Officials in the borough of Franklin Lakes are considering allowing small boats, canoes, kayaks and paddleboards on the Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve, and is asking residents for their thoughts on the possibility.

The borough released an online survey Thursday soliciting resident feedback on the idea.

"The Mayor and Council are considering whether to allow small non-motorized “car-top” boats or similar watercrafts...on the Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve," the borough said in its release.  

"Only boats that can be brought into the Preserve on top or inside vehicles would be permitted – no trailers." 

The survey asks residents whether or not they think boating should be permitted, and to explain their feelings. 

According to NorthJersey.com, Mayor Frank Bivona - who first proposed the idea last spring - said recently he'd like to roll out boating at the Preserve this spring. The idea came from a Ramsey Outdoor-sponsored Paddle Day at the Preserve last year that was very popular, the report said. The borough council has supported the idea, but expressed concern about policing boating at the site, it said.

Take the survey here.