Well here's my thoughts now that I started a string on this.
The ocean is still free here also but they're working hard on restricting
access to that. Luckily one of our large utility company's released some of
their land for public access. It's a mile walk to the water which in itself
keeps out the people who aren't nature minded so to speak. It isn't a
matter of a few hundred or even a few thousand dollars to get near the coast
line. It's the people that own the MULTI MILLION dollar homes that are
buying up the coast lines and wanting to own their own private beaches. I
believe the banks of rivers and the coast should all be open to public
access. Similar to public sidewalks and the 10-15 ft of land surrounding
public roads. I don't believe people should be able to cut across your yard
to get to it. I have the money to afford pay to fish. I just don't believe
anyone person should be able to claim a river or ocean front as belonging to
them and charge another person or restrict access to such a beautiful
shoreline. I believe it should belong to everyone to enjoy. I like TU
conservation efforts and the public awareness they build. I don't want to
see "leasing waters" grow into a common practice that prices out the person
with other finacial priorities or limits, like it has in Europe. I think
we're heading in the right direction when we limit the catch or promote
catch and release.
Just my thoughts,
Deb
