Registering paddlecraft: Scuttlebutt or a new law?

The skepticism in the room was palpable.

Three state staffers had just told the 40 canoeists, kayakers and rowers gathered at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center that none of them would have to pay a fee and register their paddlecraft.

The register-your-boat issue "was never on the agenda and never part of the plan," said Jerrie Lindsey, director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Office of Recreation Services.

The paddlers — an eclectic mix of Gulf-loving souls from North Central Florida to Naples — scoffed audibly. Some cleared their throats. Others snickered.

Ms. Lindsey asked for a show of hands from those who came to the FWC Listening Session. ("Listening Session" is state jargon for a meeting in which a facilitator raises issues, discussion happens and a report gets written but no decisions are made). She wanted to know who came because they heard FWC plans to extract money from paddlers and other nonmotorized boat owners who now are not required to fill out any paperwork with the state regarding their vessels.

COURTESY PHOTO Kayakers abound in Lee County waterways. Nearly everybody's hand went up.

I'm here to tell you this: Use your hands this week (right now, if you can spare a few minutes) to type an e-mail to the state and make your concerns known.

The meeting — one of three FWC sessions, with the July 27 one in Punta Gorda being the last — was simply to "recognize the needs, desires and interests (of paddlers) so it can inform what we do in our planning," Ms. Lindsey said.

It went on for 90-plus minutes with discussion limited to access issues, user conflicts, law enforcement presence, navigation issues and safety/education.

I'm guessing the gentleman in the front row with a tattoo on his leg that read "Shut up" still thinks the state will force him to register his kayak, even though most states from sea to shining sea have no such requirement.

I'm pretty sure the man whose T-shirt read, "I paddle to get away from you people" remains convinced he was lied to. The state is looking for new funding sources as powerboat registration numbers tumble thanks to the economy; boat registration fees go to funds that build ramps and access. It's as simple as that, he and others seemed to be saying in the parking lot on the scenic Peace River after the meeting broke up.

The sun dropped. People got into cars and trucks with kayak racks and boats atop them. They went home.

But it's not over. You can take action now, regardless of whether you think FWC staffers are up to some antics or whether you take them at their word that they plan to write a report based on the comments gathered and just keep it on the shelf until it's needed.

You have until Friday, Aug. 7, to e-mail FWC (listeningsessions@ myFWC.com). The deadline is arbitrary, just one set so the comment period can close and staff can compile a document in September that will identify common issues and concerns from around the state regarding access and other issues. It will be posted at www.MyFWC.com. The FWC Boating Advisory Council will meet Oct. 15 (stay tuned for the location). The full FWC Commission meets Dec. 9-10. Could it be a sign or just luck that the latter meeting is slated for nearby Clewiston? (FWC meeting locations rotate around the state.)

I'd imagine the report could be discussed at both sessions. But even if it's not, they provide another avenue for kayakers, canoeists and rowers. The meetings are public. A showing of paddlers could underscore the current here — that although most people love their kayaks to get away from people, they can unite when necessary to be heard.

— Betsy Clayton is a freelancer based on Pine Island and also is Lee County Parks & Recreation's waterways coordinator. Contact her at boatingbybetsy@ yahoo.com.

Register

>> Canoeists, kayakers, rowers and other non-motorized boat owners can e-mail FWC: listeningsessions@myFWC.com

>> Deadline is Friday, Aug. 7.