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This is Governor Butch Otters round-a-bout way of getting the paddle and row folks to pay a registration fee. Butch tried to pass legislation last spring to have any kind of watercraft pay for registration. Now he is using this Real Estate Agent from Priest Lake to introduce this bill (that passed the House yesterday) that will force boaters to pay an invasive weed fee. I don't want this to turn into a blame game. We all have a responsibility to keep our stuff clean but this bill is not based on science and will be just another way the State collects fees and pisses away the money on new government programs. Contact your local representative. Let them know how you feel. Legislation would tax Idaho boaters for invasive species fund
Submitted by [url "http://voices.idahostatesman.com/user/outdoors"]Zimo[/url] on Wed, 03/11/2009 - 12:26pm.
If House Bill 213 passes, motorized and non-motorized boaters would have to pay an annual tax for a sticker before they could launch on Idaho's waters.
The bill, which is floating through the Idaho Legislature, is being touted as a way to fight the invasion of quagga mussels, tiny creatures that wreak havoc in waterways and water systems. This is a serious threat with consequences that could cost Idaho $94 million a year to maintain and clear out water systems.
Motorized boats registered in Idaho would pay $10 a year for the sticker. Boats coming into Idaho but registered out of state would have to pay $20. The cost for nonmotorized boats would be $5 annually. Boaters caught on Idaho waterways without the sticker would be subject to a $100 fine.
The stickers would fund informational programs and special high-pressure washing stations.
The Idaho Conservation League and the Western Whitewater Association (motorized river boaters) support the measure, but it is opposed by the Idaho Whitewater Association (nonmotorized boaters) and Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association, which say it's not fair because it hasn't been proven that kayaks and rafts are a means of transporting the invasive species.
The mussels are introduced into new states by boats traveling from one body of water to another. They were inadvertently introduced into the Great Lakes in the mid-1980s. They have spread across the country and are now found in Lake Mead on the Nevada-Arizona border and in California, Colorado and Utah.
OK, before we tax Idaho motorized and nonmotorized boaters for an invasive species that is not here yet, why not just make non-resident boaters pay an invasive species cleanup fee before using Idaho waters?
Why not pass legislation that all boats coming into the state have to be cleaned at boat-washing stations, which could be set up at truck weigh stations.
Why tax Idaho boaters going to and from waters within their state?
Read more about the bill at: www.legislature.idaho.gov/legislation/2009/H0213.htm.
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Shouldn't this be a federal issue? A USFW issue? Maybe an immigration issue?
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I don't know where I stand on this issue. For one, I think it is very important to maintain clean waters, without clean waters all of us on this forum wouldn't have much to talk about right? And what's five bucks? On the other hand, I motor boat and float which costs me $30 if this passes. Once there is something like this started it gets more expensive almost yearly, 5 years from now I might have to pay $50 or $100 to boat, then it would start to hurt. My boats go to at least 3 different states a year, so if it became federal, really ouch! I don't know, it would be nice if everyone just took the initiative to clean there equipment, but we all know that ain't going to happen. So maybe to protect our state we might just have to add a few more dollars to the fishing jar every year. I would like to hear other peoples' view on this one.
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My feeling on this is that boats that have not been shown to transport the invasive species (kayaks, rafts, drift boats, etc) not be dinged for it. From my understanding it's "usually" motor boats that seem to have the bigger issues. Wouldn't it make more sense to add it on to the boat registration fee and earmark x amount every year for it? Also Idaho doesn't currently have these invasive species. Why not require it of out of state boats, kind of like a temporary registration? Like Steelienut said, I own both motor and float craft, it would start to add up quickly, especially if I add a drift boat in a few years. I did send an email to my state reps voicing my thoughts on this issue. Hopefully a more reasonable option will occur. Heck, at most waters would it hurt that much to just set up a hose with a pressure nozzle on it for just this purpose?
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Wouldn't waders with felt soles also transport these species just like the bunks on a boat trailer? I agree with the out of state boats paying a 5 dollar wash down fee each time they come in to the state or a yearly fee. I thought the zebra and quagga mussels had to be kept in water to survive and could only live out of water for a couple of days. It seems like this might exempt outboards of they are dry. They need to be kept out.
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[angelic] The invaqsive species are here. Do your homework
[mad]
First look at how much you spend in gas, food each year to fish.
Then look at how many times you fish and then do the math.
Bottom line is if the folks who don't motor don't want to pay then stay home. Every year I pay my jet boat registration. This goes back into the baot ramps, parkinf lots the floaters also use.
If you don't pay I thnk we should close the baot ramps to them until they do.
Check your facts and realize it is a small price to pay to enjoy the float and fishing here in Id[mad][mad]
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I am about sick of fees. To get ready to go camping in the spring it costs me well over $250 just for stickers. $35 for the boat, $30 for the pontoon, $180 for the camper, $13 x 3 for the dirt bikes, $5 for boat trailer, $5 motorcycle trailer, $45 for a Fishing & Hunting license. On top of that, I have to pay for fuel, groceries, tackle, and bait. Then I also have to pay for the camp spot, pay to park at the boat ramp, pay to dump my RV. Funny how the RV fees originally were for campgrounds and RV dumps but now you pay for that separately.
The point is, know matter what you think the fee is for, it will always be raised over and over every chance they get because more people will want a share of the income. The state will want their share, [url "mailto:F@G"][/url][url "mailto:F@G"]F@G[/url] will want their share, the County needs some also, Parks and Recreation needs some, Forest Service will need a little, Bureau of Reclamation will need a share, and on and on. The Feds will tax the income so everyone will raise the fee so they make the same after taxes. OH, and then you need someone to run the program. You better look for a few more people we will have to support like a few secretaries, accountant to track the money, someone to decide what to do with the money, a few people to install something like a high pressure washer, someone to sit there and watch you use it, and a few maintenance people to fix the equipment. In the end, they will charge you a SEPARATE FEE to use the REQUIRED pressure washer once you forget about the other fee you have all ready paid. Also, do you really think that $10 will pay for a pressure washer for every boat dock in Idaho? If you can not do it at every boat ramp and dock, are you really doing any good? or is this just another fee going into someone's bonus?
This is the way government works. Lie, cheat, steal and manipulate. And I work for them...
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Goosebuster,
Don't get upset at the floaters. Most of them don't even need a ramp. Many floater also own other watercraft that they pay to register. This new fee is not based on logic. It is Butch Otters attempt at find revenue anywhere he can. He sees the paddle/oar crowd as easy revenue. I only want people to put forth the effort to contact their Legislative Districts Senators. It already passed the House. Forget those fools. You all need to contact your Legislative District Senator. This whole thing is just another way for you to pay a tax/fee that will really do no good in the ways of preventing or reducing the spread of invasive species. I would be willing to pay $25/year per craft if I knew what they were up to would work. This is just a way the State can gain more revenue from the citizens of Idaho.
I support good science creating good legislation. This program is not based on good science. They are only out collecting more money.
[mad][mad][mad][mad][mad][mad][mad]
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I don't have a boat so I won't comment on the registration issue, but Kentd71 did bring up a good point that felt soled wader boots can certainly transport invasive species allong with boat motors and trailers and should be cleaned each time we switch drainages or bodies of water.
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Give the government time and they will have you buying registration stickers for your waders! After all, you make a good point as they do enter the water like water craft and can carry evasive species.
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I agree that waders can spread invasive species. So can dogs, birds, fish, etc. That is why we need good science to create a reasonable policy that all responsible parties can agree upon. Hell, most of the fish we enjoy catching in Idaho are introduced, non-native, invasive species. We have found ways to live with, manage, and work around them. We need to find a way to manage any new invasive species. A blanket fee for boaters is misguided and unfair. Boat registration is already astronomical! To pay about the same to register a boat or a truck seems to be an unfair. How many potholes do you see the County filling at your local reservoir? Our State coffers have huge holes in them and money in does not mean money out. Once this fee gets traction we can expect it to increase year after year, unsustainably...
This legislation just popped up this year. Be wary of these people that push these agendas. Since when does a Real Estate Agent (Anderson from the North)push for environmental standards and issues regarding invasive species? He only wants to clean up the water so he can make more money selling waterfront property. If he really cared he would have put some language in the bill explaining where the money would go and how he expected to use the money for the invasive species. But instead he did this:
Look at this: Where do you think the money will end up going???? IT DOESN'T EVEN HAVE A PURPOSE YET!!!!! WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE!!!!!
From the Spokesman Review:
Rep. Jim Clark, R-Hayden Lake, gave the only opposing debate in the House, saying, “I know I’m gonna be the skunk in the garden this morning.” Clark objected to the bill’s emergency clause, the fact that the money would go into a fund subject to appropriation rather than a dedicated fund, and the idea of leaving details to rule-making. He noted that the bill itself just collects the fee; it doesn’t set up wash stations at boat ramps or even mention the invasive mussels.
WE ARE BEING SCAMMED!!!!!!
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sounds like somebody needs to start a Potition to stop this take it to the bodys of water and get people to sign it. thats my idea any thoughts?
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[mad]
If any one went Henry's last summer you would see that Parks and Rec were fronting the cost of spraying boats etc prior to them being put in the water.
We already have mussels in the SF here by IF. It was found when getting ready to tear out a bridge south of town.
I am sure it didn't just walk its way here.
If you check the MT reqs you will see that they want you to clean your bat and your waders. If Mt is smart enough to see it coming we should also
![[Image: bobmad.gif]](http://www.bigfishtackle.com/images/gforum/bobmad.gif)
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in idaho's fish and game rule book it asks us to clean ours as well. i was thinking about throwing a little spray bottle of bleach and water solution in to my car to spray down my waders when im done.
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So under 10ft it doesn't apply to. I am going to fold the end of my pontoon boat 1 inch and tape it- that will put me at 9'11"
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I gotta say...those critters are a real threat! IF the money went WHERE they say it will is understandable, but we all know this isn't always the case.
Being a born Idahoan, I live in Utah now. We heard rumors to the effect that Idaho wanted to raise out of state season permits to $95.
We all here say, FINE do what you must, but catch up with the times and go for the 365 day instead. I have no problem with that. Don't like the fact that it cost my hubby almost $200, to fish my home waters, but I demand 365 days, not Jan 1st to Dec 30th.
Now this boat fee? If it is a problem, why charge out of staters twice as much, we all are the same risk, trust me Utah doesn't mean more chance.
We don't show it either.
That is greed and they keep hammering us out of towners Idaho could loose a LOT of revenue.
How would you feel if there was NO work in Idaho, so you come to Utah and get paid half as much because you aren't a local.
The Indians are about the only one that can CLAIM a land in my opinion.
To comment about charging out of staters and not locals is discrimination.
As I said earlier, I was born and raised in Idaho...there are allot of out of towners in the same boat, so please don't feel we don't belong. [angelic]
Got to go to the work sometimes.[  ]
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It's almost $50.00 for a resident with a two pole permit . I don't think twice as much for a non resident is asking to much . Don't you wish you would have bought a life time license when you were one . On the boat situation , there is no contamination in Idaho yet so unless someone from Idaho goes boating in Utah and brings them home with them . The only way they will get here is from another state . Every time I launched my boat at Henry's last year the guy operating the boat wash asked me . Have you had your boat in any Utah waters ? I told him no but washed the boat any way . I am not trying to make anyone mad . FG I love your posts and Pictures and hope some day to meet you . Just my .02 . Curt G.
P.S. Just had a good idea . What would be cheaper , put a boat wash at every launch in Idaho . Or put one on every main road coming into the state . That would wash every Boat coming into the state before it's launched . P.P.S.I have an even better idea . Make every state that is known to be infected put a boat wash , every place there is a road leaving the state . Then it would not cost Idaho anything .
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Ours is $85. for ONE rod.
You guys seem to think Utahan's don't know how to clean a boat.
I don't know which waters are infected here if any, here. Maybe it is just the fact it is another state and a form of control incase of a breakout.
I do take offense to you all BLAMING Utah. It can happen in your own waters by an Idahoan....REALLY!
It is discrimination and Idaho will hear about that if they do try to up the charge to out of staters or JUST out of staters for something everyone needs to do.
Guess what, I know someone right in Idaho that has a stream and a pond land scape. The stream gets covered with snails.
Maybe Seagulls? Or other birds. It don't take much to get this stuff started and I for one CLEAN my boat and waders, and NON FELT soled boots after every outing. Do all of you?
I fished Henry's last year and was welcomed with open arms by fish and game. TOURISM! It is what keeps states going.
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No big deal.
$20 for the rowboat because it has an electric, $5 for the drift boat, $5 for each kayak, $100 for licences (Full year plus 2nd pole)
"That'll be $140 for the year sir!" but only $40 more than last year, one less meal out, will pay for it. More of a loss for some restaraunt in Idaho than it is for me.
Cost of playing.
As for the mussels, they are coming, can't be stopped, only delayed. They couldn't be stopped east of the rockies, they can't be stopped west of them either. Some say they are the best thing to ever happen to Erie, cleaned up the water, promoted weed growth, gave young fish a place to hide. Only time will tell.
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