This was in The Boston Globe and The Citizen last week:
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A legislative study group is floating the idea of imposing fees on canoes and kayaks in New Hampshire, but some lawmakers say the plan would sink like a stone.
The legislative Commission on Fish and Game Department Sustainability is recommending a $10 annual fee for no-motorized vessels.
State Sen. Jeff Woodburn of Dalton told WMUR-TV (
http://bit.ly/19qIUmW) that the idea is dead on arrival in the Legislature, but state Sen. Bob Odell says lawmakers need to take a serious look at getting people to pay for the services they enjoy outdoors.
Fish and Game director Glenn Normandeau says at the very least, there needs to be a discussion given that the department’s costs are outpacing revenues even with significant personnel reductions in the last several years. Unless something changes, the Fish and Game Fund will be depleted by July 2015, he said.
‘‘I honestly believe that most people who enjoy New Hampshire’s outdoors and value our quality of life are willing to do their part,’’ he said. ‘‘Given our mission of conserving the state’s fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats, it would be irresponsible for us to sit back and do nothing.’’