from my local harbormaster, unconfirmed, is that the DNR application process is so long that people just put down illegal moorings. Like many government offices they are so overwhelmed and underfunded that there is no enforcement. This is just what I was told when considering putting down a mooring. No personal experience.

Make sure your boat does not look abandoned. A few years ago a derelict fishing boat burned and sank if Penn Cove - about 20 miles from my home. Penn Cove is famous for it's mussels. It cost millions to raise the derelict and the cause of the fire was inconclusive enough to prevent prosecution. They are going after the owner for the salvage costs. He has a long history of illegal dumping of hazardous waste.

Why am I telling you this? The DNR stepped up it's derelict removal program to prevent a future Penn Cove incident.