Monday, April 17, 2006

Public NC Boat Ramps in Short Supply

As spring temperatures rise fishermen are finding that just getting their boats in the water is getting more difficult every year. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission maintains many public boat ramps on the NC coast and Outer Banks but unless you are willing to race the sunrise, it is often impossible to find a parking spot. The number of registered motor boats has increased by 13% for coastal counties in the last 5 years, more than 3 times the state average of 4%. And while state spending on public boat access has also increased, no one will argue that it has not been able to keep up with demand. There are a couple of very interesting possibilities in the works now that may soon make life a little easier for those fishermen who rely on public boat ramps. First, the NC WRC is talking with the North Carolina Department of Transportation about including boat ramps in future bridge replacement projects. Land at the foot of the Emerald Isle Bridge that is currently used simply for flowers has been identified as a prime opportunity. The second ray of hope comes from the proposed use of additional funds generated by the new recreational saltwater fishing license to fund additional public boat ramps. It seems that the state has finally accepted that something needs to be done to maintain public access to North Carolina's waters and we are hopeful that their efforts will be soon in coming. More on the state's plans is available from the Jacksonville Daily News.

Archive Link 1 Comments Tell a Friend