Dark Parks

There are several state parks slated for permanent closure &/or "temporary closure" this legislative season as a measure to meet budgetary concerns. They are not being closed due to a lack of use or interest; they are busy parks that are being closed to keep a budget. A partial list of parks slated for closure are: Fort Casey, Larrabee, Millersylvania, Peace Arch, Flaming Geyser, Rainbow Falls, Potlatch & several others. A full list of parks on the chopping block, go to http://www.wta.org/trail-news/magazine/projected-state-park-closuresnews/magazine/projected-state-park-closures

As boaters, as campers, as hikers, as fisherman, as Washingtonians, we use these parks! We need these parks!

The parks you grew up with could turn into lawless zones costing the state even more money than the budget for simply maintaining the parks. Recovery of a park that has been closed is not an easy proposition either, but the legislature is facing difficult choices. Without our imput the officials may think of the money over the people. We should not let that happen.

If these closures bother you as much as it bothers me you should sign the petition using the link below then contact your elected officials and let them know how you feel before April 3rd.

Petition: www.PetitionOnline.com/WASHPARK/petition.html

Governor Gregoir: http://www.governor.wa.gov/contact/

State Senator: http://www.leg.wa.gov/Senate/Senators/

State Legislature: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/Default.aspx

ATTN: Boaters

Do you have your Boaters Safety Education yet?
The requirement is stepped to age as follows:
By Jan 1st 2009
25 years and younger are required to have a safety card
By Jan 1st 2010
30 years and younger are required to have a safety card
By Jan 1st 2011 C-12
35 years and younger are required to have a safety card
By Jan 1st 2012
40 years and younger are required to have a safety card
By Jan 1st 2013
50 years and younger are required to have a safety card
By Jan 1st 2014
59 years and younger are required to have a safety card
After 2014 -- all boaters are required to have a safety card
The Tacoma Police Department's Marine Services Unit will conduct a class on 5 Saturdays from April 18th to June 13th. This class will fulfill the course requirement for obtaining a state Boater Education Card. The class is given at 3701 S. Pine St and is free, but boaters will need to send their completion certificate I-18 and $10 application fee to the state to receive the Boater Education Card. Call 253.573.2383 to reserve a space & visit http://www.parks.wa.gov/ to learn more about the Boater Education Card Program.

Foss Harbor Living

Living aboard your vessel can be a challenge for people, because of space limitations, moisture and other issues that landlubbers don't face. We have several boaters that are new or returning liveaboard tenants and it is time to help them out a little bit.
Tips for boaters who liveaboard can be found @ http://www.livingaboard.com/
The best information, though, comes from fellow boaters. Do you have a unique idea for space, storage or overcoming other hurdles that you would like to share with your fellow boaters? Please post it here so everyone can benefit.
Don't forget the Foss Waterway Liveaboard Association's Clean Green Boating Fair on May 2nd. That will be a great place to network with other boaters and find that piece of information that saves time, energy, space and headaches.
Living aboard can be fun- we can't wait until the weather gets better so we can prove it!

Fishing Season Begins

An elderly fisherman wrote to a mail order house the following: "Please send me one of those gasoline engines for my boat you show on page 438, and if it's any good, I'll send you a check." In a short time he received the following reply: "Please send check. If it's any good, we will send the engine."
C-18
inquire about new fishing regulations at
fisheregs@wa.dfw.gov

BE SURE TO COME IN FOR FISHING FOTOS FOR THE BRAG BOARD (BOARD OF ENVY)

GOOD LUCK!