Saturday, July 23, 2011

A Boating License Is An Investment In Water Recreation For The Community

By Adriana Noton


No matter what activity we engage in for enjoyment, it seems there is always some form of charge involved. Citizens have come to understand that these fees are usually quite a bargain of we consider what they buy. A boating license is o different than the other licenses we incur, and they help keep our recreational areas available.

There are so many things we take for granted when it comes to outdoor recreation, especially when it comes to the conveniences. We expect our parks to be clean and well kept, safe and lighted so we can enjoy them with our families. We expect there to be some form of authority to ensure others enjoying the waterways do so in a manner that does not infringe on our experience. When others are misbehaving, we want someone to be there to reign them in.

Sailing along on the lakes and other bodies of water is a relaxing and comfortable way to relax and unwind, but getting that boat floating takes some infrastructure. Boat ramps, docks and fueling centers are available at most of our parks, but they are not funded privately. Likewise, the markings that ensure we know where the water is too shallow and that keep boaters and fishermen separated a safe and friendly distance.

We take for granted there will be someone to help us learn safe boating. We believe there will be someone to ensure that individuals do not take unsafe vessels out into our pathway. We hope that someone will be watching to ensure no one gets too close to the animals and hurts or harasses them.

Even getting our boat into the water and ready for our adventure requires considerable infrastructure to be in place and in operating order. Someone has to build the facilities, man them and ensure the consumables are brought in for our convenience. All of our parks and recreation areas meet exacting standards and all of that requires revenue to maintain.

The supervisors who work tirelessly for the public good use the money collected to help with everything from providing life preservers to pushing for safety legislation and providing warnings of hazardous conditions. There is much that goes into ensuring our waterways are safe enough for recreational activity. At the same time a lot of energy is expended making sure those of us using it do not destroy the environment we so love.

In addition to the places we visit to begin our excursions on the water, there are concerns for the lakes rivers and shores themselves. Erosion is a constant threat, whether caused by overuse, weather or the action of the water and tides. Stabilizing the shores and countering erosion are functions that require constant attention.

For those who not only want to ski, para sail or just cruise, the animals we capture for sport and to eat also require the attention of authorities. Over fishing can deplete a species over time, and we all want our children and grandchildren to have as much fun landing the big as we do. A boating license is much more than just a tax on those who own boats, it is an investment in the outdoors that impacts us all.




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