Declining Water Access Threatens Boating

As waterfront land values skyrocket and condominiums sprout on nearly every acre of waterfront property, recreational boaters are losing more and more access to the water with every passing day. To spotlight the problem and to recognize those who are helping turn the tide, BoatUS has launched a national Recreational Boating Access Award. But time is running out - the deadline to enter is February 1, 2007.

The BoatUS Recreational Boating Access Award will honor an individual, group, government body, business or non-profit organization that has succeeded in preserving or improving public waterway access. Judges will look at four criteria: 1.) the challenges faced in retaining or increasing access in an area; 2.) the direct impact or measurable results of the solution; 3.) the level of success in increasing awareness of the issue in a community; 4.) and “repeatability,” the ability to take the successful approach and adopt it in other areas.

Examples of solutions could include creative public/private partnerships, changes in land use planning or permitting processes, tax incentives, legislation or public ballots, publicity or public education. Eligible activities include those undertaken in the last three years.

Winners will be announced at the Working Waterways and Waterfronts – A National Symposium on Water Access to be held in Norfolk, VA May 9-11, 2007. For more information, go to http://www.BoatUS.com/gov/AccessAward.