Don't shoot the messenger..
Yah, Dan. I don't know why this sticks in my craw so bad. I think I mentioned that above. It's another state's issue, right? It's only $10 worth of beer money
. I post it here because I have been following it, and I think maybe other members are interested. Also, this is probably, "Coming Soon to a State Near You", so maybe other members will benefit. But something still ticks me off and I can't quite put my finger on it. So here is my Brain Dump in search of an answer:
First off, it is not a registration. They have repackaged it and now it is a "Conservation Decal", probably figuring the kinder, gentler, tree hugging name will get it through. Probably still can't use my decaled canoe to paddle with you in MN.
When this first made the papers this past fall, the gripe was that F&W was broke and couldn't afford escalating health care costs for retirees for one thing. Now, it it promoted as "Conservation" funding. I wonder where the money will go first? I think it will be a long time before the environment or paddlers see anything for the buck.
Paul Revere rode through my town, and the guy that built my house hid stores from the British, so maybe some of that Tax on Tea bit flows through my veins.
Also, these revenue generating ideas are contagious and it's only a matter of time before the neighbor states get wise to the cash cow.
What's with a sticker for each boat? I don't have a sticker for each shotgun or fishing rod or each hiking boot. Maybe a Paddling License like a fishing license would be easier for me to swallow.
I also think paddlecraft should be encouraged in every way specifically because they are non-polluting, low impact, and don't need fancy launches etc..
I also think this is poorly thought out. What's it gonna take to enforce this? They will just have to spend more money I guess. More staff, More health care, more vehicles/boats, more costly equipment.
Non-paddlers come up with, and vote for these ideas.
Why is F&W supposed to be self-supporting - if they are so important, maybe they should get general fund money?
Also, dare I ask, why is F&W broke? I hear they have nice offices, and I see a first rate TV show. Why have they taken on all these other conservation and rescue tasks that they don't have money for? Maybe, there is room to tighten the belt. Maybe other departments could help out.
Maybe the bigger issue for me is I still like the freedom to throw a canoe on the car and drop it in a stream without Johnny Law all over me.
I'd be interested to hear what others think.