30
THE WEIRS TIMES, Thursday, January 7, 2010
gOOdwin from 32 without stirring up sedi-
ing months and a garden ment or undermining the
hose like pipe was wound structure.
around the structure, rest- Only turn on the gear
ing on the lake bottom. once the lake starts to
The air flow through the freeze and turn it off after
hose, which had numerous ice stops forming in the
pinholes along its length, late winter/early spring.
allowed air bubbles to es- Through intelligent man-
cape and race to the sur- agement of your ice pro-
face (bringing up the warm tection gear you can save
water mentioned earlier) a considerable amount
causing weak spots or open of electricity and reduce
water in the ice at the sur- the amount of open water
face. These compressors around the dock.
ran non-stop and were Please remember that all
relatively noisy for their de-icing equipment opera-
size. Many neighbors were
unhappy with the cumula-
tive noise affects related
to these units and often a
cover was constructed to
make them quieter. Often,
the cover could cause the
unit to overheat and fail
and once the ice froze it
Any permanent structure like this dock is at risk of being
was usually impossible to
restore open water. One
damaged by ice floes.
CoUrtesY Photos
advantage to this type of
unit is the relatively small can open an incredible affected by freezing ice
amount of open water at amount of ice if run con- differently and one must
the surface, however, as stantly. These work by consider; winter uses, sun
they run constantly, they bringing relatively warm exposure, currents, depth
are not very energy effi- water up from the bottom contours, prevailing winds,
cient. There are only a few and pushing it around neighbor’s de-icers, and
small manufacturers still the docks via the spinning other site specific factors
offering these units. propeller. In shallow water, to maximize efficiency and
Most people are prob- a bottom mount usually minimize too much open
ably more familiar with the works best and in deeper water. Do you like to snow-
Many different types of aerators are available. It’s best to
propeller type units which water other types can be mobile, ice fish, or skate consult a professional about which one is best for your
are the most current type considered. and need safe access to particular situation.
of aerator. These can be So, the question every- the ice?
floating, hanging, bottom one asks is; what will work Do you have a long dock, By actively managing the tion requires a NH Dept. of
mount, or dock mounted. best for me? Unfortunately, wide dock, or a special circulators ON time during Safety permit under RSA
These types of units are there is no easy or cor- shorefront consideration? the changing season, you 270:34 and a “Thin Ice”
now the most popular and rect answer. Each site is Are you around in the win- can control the amount of sign is required and regu-
ter to monitor the ice? All open water and electricity lated under RSA 270:33.
these factors must be con- used. In many areas, the Permits are available from
Kindred Spirit Farm
sidered in choosing your combination of a timer and your local Town or City
best alternative. We usual- a thermostat will allow you Clerk for $0.50.
ly suggest having someone to accurately regulate the
Registered Shetland Sheep!
available to monitor your open water around your Paul Goodwin is the
NASSA Flock #1755
ice protection gear and dock. Every site is unique president of Watermark
starting out with either a and through some simple Marine Construction, 603-
How many more bottom mount circulator in experimentation, you can 293-4000, www.dock-
days did you say
shallow water and a hang- custom tune de-icing to source.com.
ing unit in deeper water. your specific conditions
until Spring?
603-387-1070 • Center Sandwich, NH • www.Kindredspiritfarmnh.com
gORham from 9
courageous and make that local shelter, become a
shire thanks to new laws. call to your local Police volunteer, come in and
As mentioned earlier, Department - be politely walk a lonely dog, or spend
there are simply no rules insistent that your report time cuddling a home-
1-
pertaining to cats and kit- is actively followed up. less kitten. Help feed the
tens – a shame because Thinking “oh someone starving, help bathe the
so many of them succumb else will call”, might mean unkempt and the dirty,
to the cold with no place nobody called and an ani- help rehabilitate the lost
to go. mal died. Remember – and unwanted.
As a new year begins cruelty and neglect of com- The rewards are spiritual
may I drop the pebble of panion animals goes hand and long lasting.
an idea in the pond? in hand with other crimes Check your local listings
Would all of you reading directed at humans. or go online to www.nhhu-
this column now make a If we turn our backs on mane.org for volunteer
silent pledge to get a little the helpless ones, our so- information.
more involved this year ciety suffers as a whole. And a safe and warm
with animal welfare. Be Get involved with your New Year to all.
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