Fee for Kayaks

[fatlazyless]

Originally Posted by RANGER CANOE CO

The Lakes Region and bodies of water in NH that attract "destination" paddle sports people from out of state probably spend $200-300 per day, to enjoy what NH has to offer them. Not to mention people who vacation here for a week or 2 from all over the country and Canada. Everyone see's the car toppers on the road with out of state plates, every where @ restaurants, convenience stores, gas stations, Motels, ect. So now they will be nickle + dimed with this "FEE", or get a citation for being unaware of this "FEE". "Conservation"...... Please. Its another BS government $$$$ grab. People dont have to come NH to spend there hard earned $ "FYI". There are plenty of places in neighbouring states to PADDLE for a weekend or the day. The $ generated wont even pay for the signs + ENFORCEMENT that will have to made, FOR people TO BE aware of this ridiculous F + G is 7 yrs late on their plan of their long term funding situation. So they come up with a $10 fee. This N + D mentatialy just hurts retail, and seasonal business of all kinds

....you know....considering what the proposed, ten-dollar canoe or kayak or rowboat or sailboat less than 12', Fish & Game sticker program will help to pay...it is a great bargain....

If you have ever car-topped a kayak or canoe, then you know that a launching spot with parking plays a big part in canoing/kayaking. By paying just ten dollars/year for a sticker you are supporting the program....

....as a local and long-time builder of very high quality, super light-weight canoes, www.rangercanoe.com, I am a little surprised that you do not support the proposed ten dollar/year sticker program, when you consider what it does....maybe you want to re-think your position on this, or something?

....so, let's get with the program ... hut-hut-hut! ..

[MikeF-NH]

I think its a bit over the top to suggest that a $10 fee will send tourists to other states. If they are coming to Winni for a week, they are already spending "thousands" and another $10 is not going to drive them away. Maine has been requiring a $10 invasive species sticker for years and while inconvenient to have to remember to get one, it is not a deterrent for me to visit. I'm sure people will be more annoyed by getting hit with fines for not knowing but, like Maine, visitors will become aware as time goes on and accept the expense.

Also, most of your boaters fees goes into a public access fund to pay for sites like Downes Landing and maintenance costs all over the state. These are the same landing/launches used by canoes and yaks. People using these craft also rely on Fish and Game and Marine patrol for assistance and should pay their share. Yes, I have a canoe and I pay registration on it (because I have a trolling motor I use sometimes on it). I have no problem kicking in another $10 and I certainly am not rich.

Like many, I am more concerned about a history of mis-management of funds and raiding of funds raised by the above activities to pay for mis-management of the general fund. I don't like that a "Conservation and History" license plate is offered. The funds from this go to both Conservation and Historical efforts whereas I think they should separate these two efforts so you can direct your money to where you want it. Both are important but by combining them, I see that as another way of raiding Conservation funds.

[fpartri497]

I trailered my Jet Ski to sebago lake In maine last summer . I didn't think twice about paying the ten dollar fee for maines Invasive species sticker. I think Its a great program

[LIforrelaxin]

Originally Posted by fpartri497

I trailered my Jet Ski to sebago lake In maine last summer . I didn't think twice about paying the ten dollar fee for maines Invasive species sticker. I think Its a great program

Your right this is a good program.... but that is because it is set up correctly....

taking 10$ for every kayak, and saying it is to go into the Fish and Game budget which can then get funneled back to the general fund... Is just a state being creative, trying to find more money.

[Pineedles]

Here's an email letter I just received form NH F&G.

News from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
Phone: (603) 271-3211
Email: info@wildlife.nh.gov
For information and online licenses, visit http://www.wildnh.com

* * * * * * *

CONTACT:
Executive Director Glenn Normandeau: 603-271-3511

December 20, 2013


EVERYONE BENEFITS FROM FISH AND GAME; LET'S WORK TOGETHER ON A FUNDING SOLUTION

By Glenn Normandeau, Executive Director, N.H. Fish and Game Department

It seems like everyone is talking about canoe and kayak decals these days. I am writing in response to the volume of public comment the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department has received recently following news reports about the recommendations of the Commission on Fish and Game Department Sustainability. One of several possible revenue sources it recommended considering was a non-motorized watercraft decal. In fact, no laws have been passed or decisions made yet on that or other ideas for generating future funding.

The Commission is a Legislative body established last year to look at the funding gap between what the Department takes in and the revenue we need to fulfill all of our obligations to the residents and guests of New Hampshire. In spite of significant reductions in personnel over the last three biennial budgets, rising costs are still outpacing revenue. This gap is a serious problem, and time is short. Unless something changes, the Fish and Game Fund will be depleted by the end of this biennium (June 30, 2015). Given our mission of conserving the state's fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats, it would be irresponsible for us to sit back and do nothing.

What's at stake are the services people across the state count on the Fish and Game Department to provide, from managing wildlife populations to rescuing hikers, stocking fish and building boat ramps. It takes financial resources for the Fish and Game Department to do its job properly.

The citizens of New Hampshire care deeply about the state's fish and wildlife, land conservation, and access to public waters. Fish and Game is the agency that protects and maintains these valued resources, which not only have significant intrinsic value in their own right, but are a powerful economic engine for New Hampshire. Hunting, fishing and wildlife watching alone contribute approximately $550 million annually to the economy of the state.

As the budget was hammered out for the current biennium, the Legislature recognized the importance of finding new revenue for Fish and Game, and had the foresight to set up the Sustainability Commission. This body is proceeding to look for a solution in a reasonable, responsible manner. Along the way, they will be listening to public concerns.

The commission cares about impacts of various revenue-raising ideas on particular publics. That said, they also recognize that all citizens, as well as the guests that fund our second largest state industry, tourism, benefit from the services provided by Fish and Game, while the majority of the financial burden of operating the Department has been squarely on the shoulders of the state’s sportsmen and women who hunt and fish.

We look forward to the discussion in the coming months, as the Sustainability Commission works with the Fish and Game Department and the public to find new revenues to fill the gap. I intend to strive for an outcome where a means can be found by which the broader public that benefits from Fish and Game’s services contributes to its operation. I honestly believe that most people who enjoy New Hampshire's outdoors and value our quality of life are willing to do their part. Let's focus our energies on finding a solution together. Thank you for your interest and engagement as we go forward. Read the Sustainability Commission's initial report and learn more at http://www.wildnh.com/funding.

- ### -

[ursa minor]

We pay something on the order of $200.00 per year to register our little fleet including roughly $48.00 for a 16 foot sailboat with no engine. On one hand, being able to have the fleet and the front row seat on this amazing lake to use them is a very good problem to have; believe me when I say that I know we've been blessed. On the other hand, where does this stuff end? We have 3 kayaks and they get a lot of use. Another $30.00 a year might not bring us to the tipping point but sometimes it's the principal of the thing. We already pay a lot in fees and taxes as it is. I'm getting a little tired of hearing they need to find new revenues and getting "fee'd" to death as a result. Exactly how did they get things done in the past without all the fees? Then again, when I was a kid the Marine Patrol got by with part time officers and much more modest boats. Now we have "Homeland Security" specials with 400+ HP on the transom and every other bell & whistle imaginable. I guess I just wish there could be a little more balance and common sense when these type of things get suggested. And yes, next I'll be yelling at kids to get off my lawn...

[ursa minor]

We pay something on the order of $200.00 per year to register our little fleet including roughly $48.00 for a 16 foot sailboat with no engine. On one hand, being able to have the fleet and the front row seat on this amazing lake to use them is a very good problem to have; believe me when I say that I know we've been blessed. On the other hand, where does this stuff end? We have 3 kayaks and they get a lot of use. Another $30.00 a year might not bring us to the tipping point but sometimes it's the principal of the thing. We already pay a lot in fees and taxes as it is. I'm getting a little tired of hearing they need to find new revenues and getting "fee'd" to death as a result. Exactly how did they get things done in the past without all the fees? Then again, when I was a kid the Marine Patrol got by with part time officers and much more modest boats. Now we have "Homeland Security" specials with 400+ HP on the transom and every other bell & whistle imaginable. I guess I just wish there could be a little more balance and common sense when these type of things get suggested. And yes, next I'll be yelling at kids to get off my lawn...

[Winnisquamguy]

Originally Posted by ursa minor

We pay something on the order of $200.00 per year to register our little fleet including roughly $48.00 for a 16 foot sailboat with no engine. On one hand, being able to have the fleet and the front row seat on this amazing lake to use them is a very good problem to have; believe me when I say that I know we've been blessed. On the other hand, where does this stuff end? We have 3 kayaks and they get a lot of use. Another $30.00 a year might not bring us to the tipping point but sometimes it's the principal of the thing. We already pay a lot in fees and taxes as it is. I'm getting a little tired of hearing they need to find new revenues and getting "fee'd" to death as a result. Exactly how did they get things done in the past without all the fees? Then again, when I was a kid the Marine Patrol got by with part time officers and much more modest boats. Now we have "Homeland Security" specials with 400+ HP on the transom and every other bell & whistle imaginable. I guess I just wish there could be a little more balance and common sense when these type of things get suggested. And yes, next I'll be yelling at kids to get off my lawn...

By the looks of it you have two homes, I don't think the $30.00 is going to put you into the poor house. Yes I understand NH is know for all these fees but look at what a beautiful state we live in...somebody has to pay. You cannot have nice things and not pay for them.Its that simple!!

[ursa minor]

In reply to Winnisquamguy, yes you're correct, however I think you may have missed my initial point. We've worked hard for many years to get to the point we're at and are very aware of how fortunate we've been. No, another 30 bucks isn't going to ruin us , I guess I'm just asking where this type of thing ends? Does everything end up being fair game for an additional revenue stream?

You and I can't spend money we don't have and not have to deal with the consequences. If F&G is having revenue issues how about looking in the mirror first before just dreaming up another fee? For instance, did they really need a roughly $100,000.00 Donzi center console to patrol the lake? It's a nice boat but from what I've observed over the years it spends most of it's time tied up at the town pier in 19 Mile Bay. The earlier posts describing the thinking that went into purchasing Downing's Landing first and figuring out the finances later are just baffling to me. That just wouldn't happen for the rest of us.

[MeredithMan]

This was in The Boston Globe and The Citizen last week:

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A legislative study group is floating the idea of imposing fees on canoes and kayaks in New Hampshire, but some lawmakers say the plan would sink like a stone.

The legislative Commission on Fish and Game Department Sustainability is recommending a $10 annual fee for no-motorized vessels.

State Sen. Jeff Woodburn of Dalton told WMUR-TV (http://bit.ly/19qIUmW) that the idea is dead on arrival in the Legislature, but state Sen. Bob Odell says lawmakers need to take a serious look at getting people to pay for the services they enjoy outdoors.

Fish and Game director Glenn Normandeau says at the very least, there needs to be a discussion given that the department’s costs are outpacing revenues even with significant personnel reductions in the last several years. Unless something changes, the Fish and Game Fund will be depleted by July 2015, he said.


‘‘I honestly believe that most people who enjoy New Hampshire’s outdoors and value our quality of life are willing to do their part,’’ he said. ‘‘Given our mission of conserving the state’s fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats, it would be irresponsible for us to sit back and do nothing.’’

[Billy Bob]

‘‘I honestly believe that most people who enjoy New Hampshire’s outdoors and value our quality of life are willing to do their part,’’ he said. ‘‘Given our mission of conserving the state’s fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats, it would be irresponsible for us to sit back and do nothing.’’

Ok based on that why don't they just increase the Hooksett toll to Ten bucks a way and hit everybody !!! Seriously , the state needs tax reform VERY badly. These nickel and dime solutions are driving people away . do a sales tax or income tax and get rid of the junk fees