Winnipesaukee Forum - View Single Post - Final Statements on HB-162

Woodsy · 03-17-2006, 10:40 AM

Don...

Thanks for letting us debate. Although the debate was contentious at times, these type of debates about personal freedoms usually are. I appreciate your patience with all of us! True to your word, you stayed impartial on the forum throughout this long slow process. If we get a chance to meet, I would like the opportunity to buy you a drink and shake your hand. Good Job!

HB-162 didn't pass this time, and I have no doubt it will be brought up again, probably sooner than I would like. However, I wouldn't say that HB-162 was unsuccessful. HB-162 succeeded in putting a spotlight on the issues facing Lake Winnipesaukee. HB-162 brought out the best and the worst in people on both sides of the debate, myself included. This was a great debate, probably one for the ages!

HB-162 has resulted in a marked change for the better. The results of the hearings and the debate on this forum have been very positive for Lake Winnipesaukee as well as other NH waterways. There is new legislation pending that will address some of the issues such as: boat noise, more funding for the NHMP, tightening up of BSC requirements, and few other rules that will make the lake safer for all. I was informed the other day that there will be new signage at the public launches to inform daytrippers of the 150’ Safe Passage Rule and that a Safe Boating Certificate is required (Lack of signage was one of my biggest pet peeves).

We heard all sorts of stories from both sides. I personally learned a lot about how people perceive me, and my choice of boat. I am not a rowdy, drunken cowboy who thinks the lake is my personal playground. I am going to do everything I can to change that perception. The Hi-Performance boating community is a small one, and we need to be self-policing. I think all of the Hi-Performance boaters have been put on notice that they need to be better neighbors. Slowing down a bit and changing course when near other boats (regardless of 150'), making sure the other boater know you saw them, perhaps even a friendly wave might help.

The passion involved in this debate was truly inspiring. I think everyone agreed we needed to make some changes. We just disagreed on how to go about it. Tolerance and respect for others will need to be practiced. I hope with this issue behind us, (even if it is only temporarily) we can all work together to effect a positive change that allows everyone to enjoy the beauty of Lake Winnipesaukee safely.

Woodsy

03-17-2006, 10:40 AM	#11
Woodsy Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Weirs Beach Posts: 1,968 Thanks: 80 Thanked 980 Times in 440 Posts	Don... Thanks for letting us debate. Although the debate was contentious at times, these type of debates about personal freedoms usually are. I appreciate your patience with all of us! True to your word, you stayed impartial on the forum throughout this long slow process. If we get a chance to meet, I would like the opportunity to buy you a drink and shake your hand. Good Job! HB-162 didn't pass this time, and I have no doubt it will be brought up again, probably sooner than I would like. However, I wouldn't say that HB-162 was unsuccessful. HB-162 succeeded in putting a spotlight on the issues facing Lake Winnipesaukee. HB-162 brought out the best and the worst in people on both sides of the debate, myself included. This was a great debate, probably one for the ages! HB-162 has resulted in a marked change for the better. The results of the hearings and the debate on this forum have been very positive for Lake Winnipesaukee as well as other NH waterways. There is new legislation pending that will address some of the issues such as: boat noise, more funding for the NHMP, tightening up of BSC requirements, and few other rules that will make the lake safer for all. I was informed the other day that there will be new signage at the public launches to inform daytrippers of the 150’ Safe Passage Rule and that a Safe Boating Certificate is required (Lack of signage was one of my biggest pet peeves). We heard all sorts of stories from both sides. I personally learned a lot about how people perceive me, and my choice of boat. I am not a rowdy, drunken cowboy who thinks the lake is my personal playground. I am going to do everything I can to change that perception. The Hi-Performance boating community is a small one, and we need to be self-policing. I think all of the Hi-Performance boaters have been put on notice that they need to be better neighbors. Slowing down a bit and changing course when near other boats (regardless of 150'), making sure the other boater know you saw them, perhaps even a friendly wave might help. The passion involved in this debate was truly inspiring. I think everyone agreed we needed to make some changes. We just disagreed on how to go about it. Tolerance and respect for others will need to be practiced. I hope with this issue behind us, (even if it is only temporarily) we can all work together to effect a positive change that allows everyone to enjoy the beauty of Lake Winnipesaukee safely. Woodsy __________________ The only way to eliminate ignorant behavior is through education. You can't fix stupid.