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The Director’s Eddy
PUBLIC ACCESS T
he ACA has been actively supporting public access to waterways for over 133 years.
Whether you are in Hawaii or the Chesapeake Bay, the ACA has supported and defended responsible access to waterways. I believe people who have the opportunity to access and recreate on waterways are more likely to actively support, protect and conserve places they have been or frequent—that goes for any outdoors area, not just waterways. Very little is required for paddling access. Paddlers do not need fancy entry and exit points. Typically paddlers are low maintenance and have contrary spending habits (i.e. we buy $1,000 worth of equipment but will not pay $2 to park; five paddlers will sleep in the parking lot of a $29-a-night motel). At the very least, paddlers of all abilities need a
path to the water and something that looks like a parking spot. Paddlers are usually careful not to upset the ecosystem and rely on sustainable points of entry and exit. I encourage paddlers to take those who do not
frequent the waterways so they can enjoy and hopefully become engaged in protecting their local waterway. Recently, the ACA has weighed-in and actively supported North Georgia, Montana, California,
and is currently tackling legislating in Virginia regarding bottomland access issues. Because access issues bubble up through the grassroots, local
rule-makers look for precedent, so it’s important to be a part of an organization that is actively engaged in solving problems. It’s important to be a part of an organization focused on representing grassroots initiatives. ACA-ers are on the ground and we often bring these issues to light. Through our community awareness programs like Paddle Green, we are hoping to help communities become more engaged in providing proper access. Hopefully, through use, people will become engaged in tackling the issues to conserve and protect waterways for future generations. Join the ACA—help people paddle, explore and protect the waterways they love.
Wade Blackwood, ACA, Executive Director Canoe-Kayak-Raft-SUP-Rescue
74 ADVENTURE KAYAK | SPRING 2013
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