As of November 1, 2009 New York State will now require all boaters and their passengers on recreational watercraft which are less than 21 feet in length to wear a personal floatation device during off-season boating activities, between Nov. 1 through May 1, the violation of can result in a fine of $25 to $100. This new law will cover all vessels from kayaks and canoes to motorboats, sailboats and rowboats.�
The Knickerbocker Yacht Club, with its’ 136 year history, has been closed down due to the tough econimic times. As a smaller club, it found it difficult to maintain the fine tradition it was known for and effectively compete finacially with The Manhasset Club, The Port Washington Yacht Club and The North Shore Yacht Club, the three remaining yachting clubs which are all larger venues. The club is being sold for development.
Suffolk County Police Officer Timothy Tonkin was recently honored for his quick action in saving a Cold Spring Harbor man from drowning when his SUV became submerged in water by a boat ramp. Officer Tonkin dove in the water and swan to the truck. He immediately broker the vehicle’s window and pulled the man to safety. Congrats to the Suffolk County Police in helping to keep our residents and waterfront safe. I think its important that we take the time to note the good people, places and things in our society rather than continue to have our mind numbed by mainstream media’s “news” of all that is wrong.
Suffolk County, New York issued there 2010 County Budget on 9/16/09 which interestingly includes $300,000 of savings from marina outsourcing. The County runs 4 marinas, the Shinnecock Canal County Marina, the Timber Point Marina in Great River, the Smith Point boat ramp on Fire Island and the Tuthill Point Boat Ramp in East Moriches. These marinas, which represents approximately 227 boat slips are popular among boaters as they are an affordable alternative to private marinas. The question that seems to be on many minds is what exactly is the County Executives intent with regards to these properties. Will privatization be far behind? Will the many boaters who have waited years to aquire the right to dock their vessels at these marinas be displace by private interest or tremendous price increases? How is Suffolk County going to truly achieve $300,000 in savings and on whose backs will that obligation fall? We’d love to hear your feedback?
As of this Thursday, October 1, 2009 New York State will require all fishermen over the age of 16 years, both fresh water and salt water, to purchase a license. The newest legislation coming from Albany now adds all salt water anglers into the mix for the state’s hunting, fishing and trapping license. Originally only required for fresh water fishing, the new guidelines now cover all coastal and marine waters, the Atlantic Ocean, the Long Island Sound and the Hudson River. License can be purchased at most sporting goods stores and bait & tackle shops as well as by phone from the Department of Environmental Conservation at 866-933-2257. License fees range from $4 for a 1 day permit to $10 for the year. Serious anglers might opt for the lifetime permit for $150.
In the State’s never ending quest to raise money, fees and charges like these are a quick source of cash to fill their coffers. But is this user tax on fishing right, fair and just? Many fishermen are angered at the new fees. With some of the highest property taxes in the nation, especially homes on the water, is it fair to have to pay for a license fee just to fish from your own back yard? What about the commercial charter boats? Their licensing fees are increasing to $400 from their current $250, a whopping 60% increase in one swift action.
How does our current government justify this leaping increase when inflation is less than 3% annually? According to aides for Governor Paterson the new license fees are to fulfill federal requirements to create a National Saltwater Angler Registry to be part of wildlife management efforts.
With some 250,000 New York State residents potentially affected by this license it sounds like a $2,500,000 bonus to the states budget. What do you think?