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September 15, 2006 FF&WCC / Boating Advisory Council Fax (850) 488-9284 We wish to register our strong opposition to the idea of “registering” such recreational, non-motorized watercraft as canoes and kayaks. Recent stories in the press have alerted us to the fact that a Paddlers’ registration and tax program is currently being considered by the State. Here are a few of the reasons for our objection. Since it is implied that some or much of the tax money would be for the purpose of building new boat ramps or improving old ones, it should be noted that this is a feature of practically no interest to serious paddlers. Kayakists and canoeists tend to avoid ramps because they are dangerous for launching, bruising/scratching to crafts and typically polluted with petroleum and other substances. Furthermore, paddlers are not looking for the “easy, civilized launch.” They seek and find low impact, natural spots to glide their crafts into the water. Any paddlers’ tax money put into boat ramps would be a travesty of benefit only to the motorized boating public who should underwrite their own needs. Furthermore, it should be noted that instead of taxing non-motorized craft such as kayaks and canoes, we should do everything possible to encourage their owners to use and enjoy Florida waters because: They do not cause wakes or bank erosion. They do not inject petrol into Florida waterways. They do not chop up aquatic vegetation with their props. They do not create noise pollution. Canoeists and kayakists are among the most active river and lake protectors in the state, often organizing their own river clean-ups and championing river wildlife. Many paddlers are members of principal environmental organizations in Florida. Paddlers tend to support Florida’s state and county parks. They do not kill manatees. As a general rule they are not among the boaters who over-fish and have alcoholic parties on Florida’s pristine waters. Florida’s wildlife officers do not need the added burden of policing paddlers. Plus it would create a gigantic pubic relations disaster for the State. It would place another economic burden on canoe rentals and outposts. Dealing with paddling tourists from out-of-state would be another controversy. If they’re let off “free” then resident paddlers would have a legitimate issue: Not fair. If out-of-staters are taxed, it would be an enforcement nightmare. Florida’s canoeists and kayakists are among Florida’s most ardent environmental supporters. To tax them and use the money for waterway features they have no need of would bring at the very least outrage and probably rampant non-compliance. We recommend that the idea be recognized for what it is: Taxation without representation. It should be scrapped without delay. Sincerely, George Griffin |