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Old 04-13-2010, 02:27 PM   #7
VtSteve
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There aren't that many launch sites on Winni, so having a sign the size of the infamous Braun Bay NR sign would be pretty basic. Instead of some silly sticker, use some of the Public Service announcements on TV to get the basic message across. I think it's had a positive impact on early season fishing/PFD awareness. The new NY law for PFD's got widespread coverage on television and radio.

But there's really no replacement for first hand communication. One of my jobs is to point out things I think are obvious, but most do not. Last year on Winni had some stops for speeding in a NWZ, 41 warnings were issued, 9 were cited with a summons. Not astounding data by any measure, but accidents throughout NH waters were up. With limited resources and budget trouble, I would try to limit stops to those that are so obviously breaking one of these two rules. Cut down on courtesy inspections, or charge a fee. Directly focus on the problem areas.

Now is an excellent time to do the courtesy inspections, since summer is a way's off, and so are the busiest weekends. Perhaps they have already moved in this direction, I don't know. But I'd gladly give up random inspections and boarding to concentrate on the troublemakers. Note: As I stated above, some people just don;t know the rules, and need a freindly instruction from a happy to share LEO I don't consider them boneheads nor trouble makers just to be clear.
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