5/26/1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

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commercial fishermen should not be given an exemption from whatever regulated speeds are finally put into effect. If this plan is going to be fair, make it fair across the board. Commissioner Bird believed the exemption for the commercial fishermen was in the necessity of going at a faster speed to lay out their nets. He didn't believe they have a carte blanche exemption where they can run across the flats at any speed they want. Mr. Rose advised that the exemption is not carte blanche, but in some areas it is only to set nets and in other areas they can run up to 20 mph. Commissioner Scurlock agreed that this would be an enforcement nightmare. Mr. Luethje felt the State's plan is a big mistake and that it should be revisited. He urged everyone to attend tomorrow night's meeting. In response to Commissioner Bowman's request for the definition of slow speed, Mr. Rose advised that the text in the amendments to the rule defines slow speed as a boat that is not on plane, riding level in the water, and producing a minimum wake. Commissioner Bowman felt that was the definition of idle speed, but Mr. Rose advised that idle speed is the minimum speed necessary to maintain steerage. Chairman Eggert understood that in any case both speeds are under 20 mph, and Mr. Rose explained that while we hear that 7 mph is slow speed, that is somewhat of an average. He wished to point out that all the definitions for speed regulations allow the boater to maintain steerage and allow him the necessary speed to get out of the way of threatening weather conditions. Allen Edwards explained that he just heard about this issue last night and would like to say that he feels we are being held hostage by the DNR and that we should fight it. Over the Memorial Day holiday weekend he was out on the river several times and 47 -V