6/16/1992 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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F - JUN 1 BOOK P�:�t �/" Chairman Eggert thanked Mr. DeBlois for his presentation. Commissioner Scurlock understood that the Board's intent tonight is either to reaffirm our position or issue a new position statement. Chairman Eggert opened the Public Hearing to those in attendance who had signed cards requesting to speak regarding this matter. Bill Moody, 6315 48th Avenue, member of MANWAC, appreciated this additional opportunity for boat enthusiasts to express their opinions and concern about our waterways. When this issue first arose, he was totally against regulation and is still against regulation without education. He stressed the benefits of education and pointed out that without education being tied to boater's registration or licensing, anyone can come from out of state and put a boat in the water without having any knowledge of the environment of the Indian River Lagoon. As an avid water skier, he felt that is wrong and that people should be ;educated about the river and the manatee. He believed that if the DNR wants to protect the manatee, they should have boater registration tied to boater education. Mr. Moody believed that the local boaters would not be against regulation if it did something to protect the manatee, but it is certain that education will make a difference in protecting the manatee. He believed that people want to protect the manatee but don't want to lose the use of the river in the process. Tim Bishop, 450 10th Street SW, thanked the Commission for holding this additional hearing. Being an avid water skier for many years, he opposed the restrictions being placed on certain areas believed to be the best for water skiing. He was concerned about the old channel by the yacht club and Spratt Creek. He felt that this county can take care of itself by working with the Florida Marine Patrol. He agreed wholeheartedly with education being the best approach rather than regulation. He didn't feel the DNR should be telling us what to do. Wally Kramer of Micco thanked the members of MANWAC for all the work they have done. He felt that if we had started an educational program 20 years ago, we wouldn't need to be here tonight. He agreed with MANWAC's latest recommendation which will give protection to the manatee and allow people to continue to enjoy water activities, but he felt sorry for the water skiers who are being affected the most because they cannot adjust to slow speeds. He cautioned that if manatee deaths increase, the DNR will be back with even tighter restrictions. In addition, Mr. Kramer 12 I