Downing’s Landing Boat Launch, the heavily used public launch on Lake Winnipesaukee’s Alton Bay in the town of Alton, was reopened in early May, after two years of renovation.

The New Hampshire Fish & Game Department acquired the property, formerly Downing’s Marina, from the Downing family in 2012 to create the first public no-fee, trailered-boat launch on the lake. The facility can be used by powerboaters, sailors, and paddlers.

Major improvements to the facility include improved storm-water treatment structures, modernized double launch ramps, a new boarding pier, and reconfigured parking lot.

The work was funded through boat-registration fees, which are combined as match dollars with federal Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration funds to facilitate boat access opportunities in the state.