LAUNCH FEES INCREASE - AGAIN!!!!!!

[gbillingsly]

I just received correspondence from the Corp of Engineers that said they are raising the launch fees again in 2004!!!!<br /><br />Last year it was $25 for an annual pass and $2 a launch. This year it went to $30 annual/$3 a launch - AND NEXT YEAR $4 a launch!!!<br /><br />Of course they are still also leasing off our launches to cities that are charging as much as 300% of the Corp launch fees!!!<br /><br />Will you be able to afford a few hours on the lake when these fees escalate to over $10, $20, $50?<br /><br />Has anyone ever wondered why boaters are charged to launch? Boat launch operating costs are a very small portion of the total park operations.<br /><br />I urge everyone to call and write their Congressmen and State Representatives to complain about these oppressive and discriminatory fees. <br /><br />The Republican Administration is hell bent on making us pay - and pay again for use of OUR public lands. Not everyone in America is rich, and this commercialization of our recreation will certainly ensure that to be an outdoor enthusiast - you will also need a mastercard!!<br /><br />Is this trend fair for your children and grandchildren?

 

[magster65]

Re: LAUNCH FEES INCREASE - AGAIN!!!!!!

Our local boat launch is run by the municipality. The rates are currently 6 bucks a launch under 24' then it's 50 cents a foot on top of that for bigger boats. A seasons pass can be had for a 100 bucks (no additional fees on that). There is another ramp nearby on the indian reserve, it's 10 bucks a launch plus somewhere around a buck a foot over 22'. People still go there... (???)

 

[roscoe]

Re: LAUNCH FEES INCREASE - AGAIN!!!!!!

The ten lakes closest to my home all have FREE launches. Many many more are free but require a $3 park entry fee. Even most of the private launches are free because they want you there to buy their bait, food, gas, liquor, etc.<br /><br />Click this link to see what they pay on a dinky 866 acre lake in California, also check out all the restrictions. <br /> http://www.norcalfishing.com/sanpablo.html

 

[Whaler Proud]

Re: LAUNCH FEES INCREASE - AGAIN!!!!!!

The lakes in question are Corps of Engineer impoundments. In Texas, this is a major impact. I do not remeber any Corps lakes in California but if there are, then the program raing fees will impact those lakes.

 

[marty_scher]

Re: LAUNCH FEES INCREASE - AGAIN!!!!!!

gbillingsly<br /><br />Nice political jab, but it seems I remember paying fees when the Democrats were running things <br /><br />Governments need(want)money at every level. <br /><br />Boaters are like cigarette smokers, in that they are somewhat of a "captive audience" and may not simply quit, just because they are paying more fees (or taxes). The bureaucrats know this and are willing to cash in on it.<br /><br />Unfortunately for our children, it's only going to get worse.<br /><br />Marty

 

[gbillingsly]

Re: LAUNCH FEES INCREASE - AGAIN!!!!!!

That is a very good point Marty. I'm actually not typically any particular slant, but tend to follow speecif issues. The political slant in my post has come from my frustration on dealing with the current system as it relates to "privatization" and "commercialization" and the "leasing" of our federal public parks and boat ramps.<br /><br />In any case, no matter who is in office, things are going to get a lot worse unless everyone gets involved now and voices their concerns. I love to fish and go out on the boat, but frankly with the kind of access fees I've been hearing about across the country - I'll soon have to quit cold turkey.

 

[cpasseno03]

Re: LAUNCH FEES INCREASE - AGAIN!!!!!!

most launches round these parts ask about 5 bucks. Here in the river the county marina asks for 5, yet if you go a mile upstream theres a brand new launch thats free, one or two years old, and practically vacant! Another thing is they laid it out real crappy, not to mention the way they did it, it would have been easier AND cheaper to make it a double, but NO too stupid to realize it... anyway, either launch leads you the the same lake huron, one is a mile further, but the other costs 5 bones...<br />Craig

 

[Whaler Proud]

Re: LAUNCH FEES INCREASE - AGAIN!!!!!!

It is great that most of the respondents have reasonably priced ramps from which to launch. However, one thing that Greg has left out of his posts is the fact that the privatization program is not going to stop with the Corps of Engineers.<br /><br />There will always be a ramp somewhere that is reasonable. The real issue here is the leasing of land paid for by the taxpayer to corporations who then set their own fees for use of public (originally) access points. <br /><br />Greg has done a fantastic job of researching this movement and has discovered that the Forestry Department, Parks Department, BLM (to name a few) are all looking at ways to lease rights to public property. While this may be good for the bottom line of the respective bureaucracies, it will have a major impact on pristine areas we have come to take for granted.<br /><br />There is no public land that is immune to a privatization program. The more glorious and politically potent sites will end up being left alone but places that Greg has described in previous posts will disappear slowly but surely.<br /><br />In using Grapevine Lake as an example, since I moved to Texas in 1995, this lake has gone from being a sportsman's paradise (hunting, fishing, sailing, boating) to an overpriced playground for out of towners. The forested shoreline has given way to major developments that lock out a large percentage of former users and has forever changed the diversity of the lake.<br /><br />I do not hate development. However, when my tax dollars were used to build a facility to benefit the community, I get upset that it is auctioned to the highest bidder so the environment can be changed forever. This is short sighted planning at its worst and spans all political parties.<br /><br />You may not have Corps of Engineer facilities where you live, but be aware that the federally controlled lakes and facilities that are in your area may be changing for the worst. Let your elected officials know if you disagree with privatization. Lobby for state control if that is a viable solution because this will happen. <br /><br />Just .02

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: LAUNCH FEES INCREASE - AGAIN!!!!!!

Hard for me to visulize launch fees....most all ramps here in Florida are public and free. A very few are private(boat sheds) and charge.<br />I feel bad for you guys

 

[ebbtide176]

Re: LAUNCH FEES INCREASE - AGAIN!!!!!!

i have to say that i can acknowledge the point of feds doling out recreation land to private corps. i hope everyone notices that.<br /><br />why it came about? i think it was more of gov cutbacks in certain areas, instead of a grand scheme of big business to take it over. but still it ends up as an opportunity that only big ones will jump on. i feel it is basically a problem with america not liking all the bureacracy, and demanding cutbacks - and politicians taking advantage of who/where they do the cutting. <br /><br />it bites. so far i'm ready to see if it will help. i'd rather pay for 'free enterprise' than have feds make me pay for something against my will. now this seems hypocratic- because i'd pay for recreational lands anyway but i think you understand my point. <br /><br />but i'm not a real political 'animal' like some here, so i'd like some direction on this sad topic.

 

[marty_scher]

Re: LAUNCH FEES INCREASE - AGAIN!!!!!!

Unfortunately, the leasing of public land is not illegal and is certainly nothing new.<br /><br />I fished a fabulous lake in MN, with a cabin sitting on a lot, leased from the state for $1 per year. The lessee helped on the Muskie (not the fish) governor campaign (I think), a long time ago.<br /><br />I think with most of these deals, it not what you know, but who you know.<br /><br />Everyone else gets to take it in the shorts

 

[12Footer]

Re: LAUNCH FEES INCREASE - AGAIN!!!!!!

I don't guess they'll ever get enough of our money.<br />A pox upon them.<br />

 

[gbillingsly]

Re: LAUNCH FEES INCREASE - AGAIN!!!!!!

Hi 12 Footer, I notice your a military man. You may want to know also that when the Corp of Engineers leases out these parks and ramps, the new lease holder no longer honors the Golden Access Pass (disabled veterans), Golden Age Pass, etc.

 

[gbillingsly]

Re: LAUNCH FEES INCREASE - AGAIN!!!!!!

Hi Marty, <br /><br />You are right about leasing being nothing new, although in the past, they usually leased to "create" more access points - or get help with retaining unused access points. <br /><br />I think what is shocking now is the fact that they are leasing away up to 100% of a lakes access points just because there are leasee's willing to take them over.

 

[gbillingsly]

Re: LAUNCH FEES INCREASE - AGAIN!!!!!!

hi ebb,<br /><br />If you are really interested in learning more about this topic, there is an expert on these issues named Scott Silver. He has been following these issues long before they were on anyones radar screen. He has volumes of information at <br /> <br /> http://www.wildwilderness.com <br /><br />and would be happy to keep you posted on the issues.