2/6/1990 - Laserfiche WebLink

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operating a boat because right now the only thing a person needs to know before buying or operating a boat on the river is how to write out a check. Ray Reinhard, resident for 14 years, deeply appreciated the recreational opportunities the river provides and was relieved to hear that the Commissioners are willing to continue to allow waterskiing in the Narrows. Dave Artigas, owner of Boats'N Motors, wished to point out that outboard and stern -drive boats have the prop all the way behind the boat, while the big inboard boats, if they hit a manatee, will funnel it right on through the prop and out past the rudder, just like a meat grinder. The outboard boats and stern -drive boats are designed to kick up, which puts the prop up out of the water. He agreed that we need to establish a boater safety education program and that we should have "no wake" zones and idling zones, but felt we should leave the speed zones as they are. Mike Kiefer, resident of Vero Beach, advised that he is involved with an engineering firm dealing with environmental issues, and he wished to share some of the things he has learned in these issues during the .last 3-4 years. He hoped the Board wouldn't confuse the various issues of boating safety, manatee protection, habitat protection, and shoreline erosion, because they are all very different issues and cannot be solved with one catch-all solution. These issues need time and attention, and he didn't feel there has been enough time to address them in depth. He wished to recommend that the County develop this manatee protection plan in conjunction with the marina siting that will be adopted in the new Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Mr. Kiefer was also concerned about the economical impact to property owners and to the businesses dependent on marine recreation because the DNR's proposal is going to require some financial obligation and the County is going to have to come up with the funds. He felt 48 1990