Wanted to bring you up to date on the non-motorized watercraft issue. At the last meeting in vero beach the group decided to work on the following steps to stop registration of non-motorized watercraft:
1. Start a list of companies, organizations, outfitters etc. that oppose registration, go to
http://www.paddleflausa.com to sign up. Pro-registration folks say paddlers want registration, have not heard from those that oppose.
2. Start a list of paddlers who oppose registration, go to
http://www.paddleflausa.com to sign up. Pro-registration folks say paddlers want registration, have not heard from those that oppose.
3. Develop a concise, maybe about 10 point list of reasons/bullets all paddling/sailing folks should oppose registration (in the works, will welcome input)
4. Make sure we all spread the word to any club, group etc. that we are members of and garner their support (names on list, letters of support, contact legislators).
5. Make sure we all spread the word to our customers and garner their support (names on list, letters of support (email fine), contact legislators)
6. Keep an eye on your county commissions. The Manatee Protection Counties have all met and discussed registration. Make sure your county is not working on a resolution to support registration. See the brevard county information at
http://www.paddleflausa.com. FWC is hosting a paddling trail conference in april and guess what is a discussion items? you guessed it, registration! the conference seems to be focused on attracting municipal and county governments.
7. Let your legislators know how you feel. Let the legislators who paddle know how you feel. If possible, develop a personal relationship with your legislators and invite them to come paddle! There will be a page at the website in the next day or two with specific folks to contact or you can start immediately and go to the links page at the registration info.
8. Keep you ear on the ground about any legislation or rumors of any legislation that might effect us. The rumor is that although MIAF (Marine Industries) says they won't pursue registration this year, they definitely will try in 2007 but the smoke signals are that they are trying this year. The registration will probably be attached to some unrelated, obscure bill so we miss it. We all need to get familiar with the legislative workings of our government.
9. Email FWC specifically Paul Oulette with our feelings but I have heard from him and he does not want all the e-mails. I gave him the website address so he can keep going there and checking how many are opposed to registration. Numbers count!
10. We need to get the sailing folks involved too as this will effect many of them. Anyone with any sail contacts please pass the info on to them or let me know who to contact.
11. Let's start getting the media involved so contact your local media people.
If you have any questions or any more ideas, please feel free to contact me. E-mail is quickest, phone might take a couple of days, trying to run a business too! Please spread the word and let me know how you feel! Keep an eye on the website, I've been updating it daily. We're trying to add a forum but have trouble so far.
See you on the river!
Becky Bragg
President, FPPA
Canoe Outpost-Peace River, Inc.
2816 NW County Rd. 661
Arcadia, FL 34266
800-268-0083
863-494-4391 fax
canoefla@desoto.net
http://www.canoeoutpost.com
