Friday, March 30, 2007

NC Boat Ramps in Short Supply

The results of an official survey by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission were released this week but the results are far from surprising to fishermen - the state concluded that there aren't enough public boat ramps. The WRC's "Boating Access Survey" was conducted from October through December of 2006 and was based on the responses of 3,783 North Carolina residents, with particular attention paid to coastal counties. One out of three respondents in coastal counties said they have lost access to a boat ramp in the last five years and 7 out of 10 respondents also said they would like to see more public boat ramps. Participants in the boating access survey also cited crowding, limited parking and lack of public restrooms as top concerns about existing ramps. In a similarly timed announcement, the WRC also announced their renewed interest in building a boat ramp at Cedar Point near the NC 58 bridge over Bogue Sound. We're hopeful that the state will make a serious commitment to public water access in 2007 and hope to see significant improvements with the new funds from the saltwater fishing licenses. More on the boating access study is available from the International Boat Industry's website.

Archive Link 0 Comments Tell a Friend