Read this article! Respond if you have a good idea, not just bitchin. See my letter below.
http://chattanoogan.com/articles/article_172485.aspDear TWRA,
As a life-long fisherman and hunter i want to applaud this agency for the excellent work done to preserve trout fishing in this state. I am happy to purchase my Sportsmans license each year to comply with all game laws.
Because of the trying economic times, and the money grab the General Assembly is attempting on this agency, I reccommend a new appraoch to generating income for the preservation of our state fisheries.
I propose a fee on all boats (canoes, kyaks. ect) that use the public water ways. Case in point, the canoe traffic on the Caney fork, Hiawassee, and Watauga rivers is exceedingly heavier, each summer. These folks use the water ways, tie-up the boat ramps for excessive
periods to assimilate their groups, litter and pollute the water and are not required to pay anything.
A daily use fee of a few dollars is very reasonable to ensure there will be money for the maintenance of the public facilities that we all enjoy. Fisherman should not have to foot the bill for everyone else to enjoy the rivers.
The National Forrest Service charges a daily use fee to park and use the Hiawassee I feel that TWRA should get its fair share of fees from the out-of state rafters, and non-fishing boaters who overload the rivers and encroach on the fishermen's space.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter,
J. Carter Parham
Lookout Mtn., TN
