Friday, July 22, 2011

For Everyone Who Enjoys Recreation On The Water, A Boating License Is Critical

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.

Even when we are enjoying the recreational joys of riding the smooth waterways in our local area, there are services that go unheralded but are an important part of our experience. Some things seem so obvious that they should be automatic, like monitoring the lakes and streams for safety. But whether its checking for water quality or monitoring for dangerous creatures, someone has to do it, and they need to be paid.

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 the roads we drive to bring our vessel to the water has to be constructed and maintained. The moorings, docks and boat ramps need to be inspected for serviceability and lighted at night, all services the government provides. On a more earthy level, we expect our parks to have restroom facilities that are open, reasonably maintained and appropriately furnished.

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.

There is also the issue of the other use of our lakes rivers and bays, namely the collection of sea life in the form of fish, crabs and others for sport and consumption. Not only is it important to monitor and control the quantities removed, but the size and sex, to preserve the species for future use. A boating license is a contribution to all that has to happen to make sure our bodies of water are safe, fun places to enjoy.




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