Caution Urged

Boaters and anglers should use caution in any attempt to use New Hampshire Fish and Game Department boat access sites around the state, because some boat launch ramps and access roads are under water or may have been damaged by recent heavy rains and flooding.

"We urge boaters and anglers to avoid using any boat ramp or access road that is flooded," said Daniel Lynch, Assistant Director at Fish and Game. "We appreciate the public's cooperation while we assess the situation. After the waters recede, we'll complete structural evaluations as needed. Public safety must be our first consideration."

The following public access sites are closed as of May 19, 2006, until further notice because ramps are under water or access roads are washed out:

* Boscawen -- Boat ramp closed and road washed out

* Bristol -- Newfound Lake boat ramp closed

* Deerfield -- Pleasant Lake boat ramp closed

* Dunbarton -- Gorham Pond boat ramp closed and roadway washed out

* Hooksett -- Lambert Park boat ramp on the Merrimack River closed

* Northfield -- Woodman Marsh access roadway washed out

* Nottingham -- Fundy Cove boat ramp in Pawtuckaway State Park closed

* Webster -- Knights Meadow Marsh access road washed out

Fish and Game is currently working to confirm conditions at other public access sites around the state. Boaters and anglers are urged to report any damage conditions at Fish and Game facilities, such as boat ramps and access roads, to the Fish and Game Land Resources Bureau at (603) 271-2224.

http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us