Superintendent of Hooch NRA?

[Drifter]

Fellow fisheads,

Anyone know his/her name? I need to speak with this person regarding the boat ramps at Palisades West and Johnson's Ferry NRA.

Last Thursday I fished the Hooch DH at Palisades West (PW). I have been planning a driftboat trip through this area and needed places to launch and take out. Seems the boat ramp at PW would be the ideal takeout. I thought about launching at Johnson Ferry (slide boat down bank because ramp is closed to public!)

Anyhoo I see a o'fishul looking person at PW taking the money out of the parking fee boxes. I ask her if I could use the boat ramp to pull a boat out. She responded, "I don't see why not." I then explained that the sign at the boat ramp driveway says "Do Not Enter". She explained that beginning in May, a concessionaire runs a rafting business and they don't want vehicles around the take-out point because of the crowds and kids. Fair enough I says. (DH is over by then anyway.) She re-iterated that she didn't see a problem with me using the ramp during the winter months when the concessionaire is closed. I love it when someone applies logic and common sense when making a decision! She ended the conversation by saying that she did not work enforcement, and suggested I call headquarters to make sure. I did.

That afternoon I spoke by telephone with a pleasant sounding NRA employee at the Headquarters Office. She also said she didn't see a problem with me using the ramp! She then said she would put me on "hold" and ask a ranger. She came back on the line and in a very apologetic tone of voice, stated that she was wrong. She stated that she had asked a ranger and he said that if he allowed me to use the ramp, he'd hafta let everyone use the ramp.......... NOW THERE"S A NOVEL IDEA! Allow taxpayers to use a facility that they paid for! I wanted to speak with the ranger but I figgur I'll make more headway with the super.

Anyone here interested in getting the ramps at Johnson's Ferry and Palisades West open during the DH season? It would make a nice 6 or 7 mile float in a canoe, raft, kayak, driftboat. Loading and unloading would be a breeze.

Thanks for allowing me to vent. I'm a little upset because two boat ramps are closed to the taxpayers year -round so a concessionaire can make some money.

Regards,

Drifter

[BLACK KNIGHT]

Outrageous! Good luck.

[Lisa Klein]

The park superintendent is Kevin Cheri, Chief Ranger is Scott Pfennigar (I think thats how you spell it). Asst. superintendent is Bill Carol. The general phone number is 770-399-8074. I think Scott's extension is 237. I'm not sure about Kevin's and Bill's extensions.

[Drifter]

Thanks Lisa.

I promise I'll be polite http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/wink.gif

Drifter

[The Owl]

You have my support. Sounds like the sensible option to me. Just don't mention you know me. http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/wink.gif


Owl

[THE EG]

Put this advice under "Be wary because you might just get what you want".

Drifter,

Just having some fun but slightly being serious. Be wary because you just might get what you want. Then when the local kayaker club finds out it might be you and 800 new friends whose idea of a good time is doing figure eights up and down the river.

Cane Toads and Kudzu were a good idea at one time also. http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/smile.gif

Hey. I don't know what I'm talking about but I'm starting to see the black helicopters. http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/wink.gif

[Drifter]

Update:

First let me ask this: Does anyone know of a way to reach NRA Superintendant Kevin Cheri by telephone. I can't get by the "gatekeeper". The first question Mr. Gatekeeper asks is, "Who are you with?" When I get around that question, they ask, "What is it in reference to?"

Three phone calls and I still can't get to him.

On one occasion Mr. Gatekeeper says "he (Cheri) is with someone right now. Can I take a message?" I give him my number and wait all afternoon for a call back. Nada.

I have spoken with other Park Service individuals with regard to opening the ramp at Paces with no luck. The second person (Mr. Tillman I believe) tells me that the ramp is leased year round to Chattahoochee Outdoor Center so I'd need to talk to that doode. So I call Chatt Outdoor doode and he says "no problem" go ahead and use the ramp. I tell him I can't get in touch with Mr. Cheri by telephone because of Mr. Gatekeeper. He says he can relate. He suggests I "just show up" cause that is what he does. I tell him I hate dealing with beaurocracies and he says, "I can relate".

Called Mr. Tillman back and explained that I have the go-ahead from the person leasing the property. He says to hold off and he'll have an o'fishul answer, "....by the end of the week, no later than Sunday (03/04/01)." No answer yet!

Drifter

PS. Bill...I don't think kayakers would be a problem because they can access the ramps now. They just hafta carry their boats about 50 yards. Also I think the cold weather and colder water this time of year keeps the 'yak crowd in check. The logic I try to use with the NPS is that DH occurs in the Winter when there is no rafting concession operating.

[Windknot]

Logic, Drifter? With a bureaucrat?

Seriously, I hope you get somewhere with this. The EG's point is well-taken about an unexpected flood of boaters, but most small craft owners already cope with difficult-to-impossible access. I've seen some Jon boats with "training wheels" mounted on the transom. Whatever works!

[Drifter]

Thanks for the support Don! It's just a shame that we have to jump through all these hoops to use a ramp that ought to be open anyway. It wasn't an issue in the days before Delayed Harvest.

I don't see any difference in this ramp and the ramps at: Buford, Abbotts, Medlock, and Jones Bridge....and Morgan's Falls, and Johnson's Ferry(although it's closed).

Go figgur.

Drifter

[Windknot]

Johnson's Ferry is used by a rafting concessionaire also, is it not?

The plot thickens.

[LLBEAN]

Trout in the water....
Kayakers go in DH water....
Many big DH trout in water with the kayakers....
Kayakers not in the water for long, Chief.

-They're gonna need bigger boats

[Drifter]

NPS will not return my phone calls nor answer my emails.

I'm through with it.

Drifter

[BLACK KNIGHT]

Your tax money at work. Call your Congressman or Senators.....you deserve an answer.

[sageboy]

FYI: I just read in the AJC today where Congressmen are being innundated with thousands of e-mails. As more & more people are going online, they are figuring out how easy it is to e-mail their senator/representative. You may have to write an old fashioned letter to get their attention. Of course that never seemed to work for me either - i always got the standard generic response letter. Then again, Cinthia McKinney is my representative - I don't know what I expected.

[BLACK KNIGHT]

Phone their office, or better yet, does your rep have town hall meetings like mine does from time to time. Jump him there.

McKinney? you're screwed. You have no representation.

[FlygURL]

After email Drifter a few times, I found the Superintendents generic ( CHAT_Superintendent@nps.gov , which is listed on the NPS website) and personal email. This is what I sent him:
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Subject: Ramp at Paces Mill
Author: jandb@mindspring.com
Date: 3/6/01 8:14 AM

Mr. Cheri,
We met during the CRNRA public meetings to open discussion to the public for the
management plans. I was, at the time, president of Georgia Women Flyfishers, and
am now serving as Outings Director for the club.

A friend of mine, Steve, has been trying diligently, yet unsuccessfully, to reach you to discuss the boat ramp at the Paces Mill unit. Steve is a fellow fly fisherman and enjoys fly-fishing from his homemade drift boat whenever he can The new DH section of the Hooch has been very enjoyable to the fly
fishermen of Atlanta and abroad. Steve, and another fishing companion of mine, would like to use their drift boats on the productive waters of the DH section. To make this feasible, they would need access and use of the boat ramp at the Paces Mill unit. It is my understanding that this ramp is leased year round to the Chattahoochee Outdoor Center. From conversations with other park service officials, Steve contacted the Chattahoochee Outdoor Center and they agreed to public access and use of the ramp. When Steve called back the park services officials (Mr. Tillman, I believe), he said that Steve would receive and answer
by Sunday, 3/4/01. Steve has not received any answers yet.

Mr. Cheri, would you contact Steve regarding this matter? His email is
skeeble@mindspring.com and should answer your email promptly.

Thanks,
Beth Tuttle
jandb@mindspring.com<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Kevin Cheri, the CRNRA Superintendent, replied within 2 days (3/8/01) saying that he would have his Chief Ranger look into the matter to see if it is "operationally feasible" and send a response to Drifter and myself.

I plan on emailing Mr. Cheri, as a reminder, on Thursday, 2 weeks after his repsonse.

------------------
FlygURL
Beth's web page - check it out! (http://www.mindspring.com/~jandb)
"Remember No Hunters, No wildlife, No fishermen, No fish." - O'Neill Williams (http://www.oneiloutside.com)



[This message has been edited by FlygURL (edited 03-19-2001).]

[Drifter]

Beth,

Thanks for all your help! This is a copy of the email I sent Mr. Cheri on 03/12/01:

----------------------------------------

Dear Sir,

Approximately two (2) weeks ago I had a conversation via telephone with a Mr. Tillman with regard to the opening of the Paces Mill boat ramp. I explained that due to the popularity of the new "Delayed Harvest" trout fishery on the lower Chattahoochee River, I wished to utilize the Paces Mill boat ramp as a take-out point for my McKenzie driftboat. I know of two other driftboat owners who also wish to utilize the boat ramp. As you are probably aware, there is no gate blocking use of the ramp however there is a sign at the driveway that reads, "Do Not Enter". I'm assuming that the ramp is off-limits to boat trailers due to the Summer crowds of rafters using the ramp as a take-out.

I further explained to Mr. Tillman that the delayed harvest program ends in mid-April and the fishing subsides as the water warms. Additionally, the rafting concession does not open until late May. Due to these reasons, I can't see a problem with using the ramp as a take-out during the rafting "off-season". Mr. Tillman suggested I contact the concessionaire (Chattahoochee Outdoor Center) and speak with the individual leasing the property. I then contacted Mr. Butler (I believe this is his name) with regard to the boat ramp. He stated that he had no problem with me utilizing the ramp while the rafting concession was closed. Additionally, I understand that Ms. Beth Tuttle has been corresponding with you in regard to usage of the boat ramp.

Also thanks for a "job well done" in maintaining a clean, safe environment at the Paces Mill Unit. I have utilized the area several times this past Winter and have really enjoyed my visits. I would appreciate any clarification you could offer with regard to the usage of the Paces Mill boat ramp.

Sincerely,

Steve Keeble
skeeble@mindspring.com
(home phone) 770-251-****
(cell phone) 404-784-****

[Drifter]

Hooch Floaters and Drifters,

This issue is not dead yet! I received an email from the Assistant Super today.

Thanks to the perseverance of FlygURL, we're still in the game.

Drifter

[Drifter]

Oz has spoken!

Today I received written correspondence from Superintendent Cheri with regard to my request to use the Paces Mill boat ramp. Bottom line....keep your driftboat and trailer off the boat ramp. Here is the "meat" of the response:

[quote]Your request to access the boat ramp by vehicle was reviewed by the Chief of Science and Resource Management and the Chief Ranger. The recommendation was that this activity would impose an adverse impact on the resources of the National Recreation Area and present an unnecessary safety hazard due to the configuration of the river at that location. It therefore is not feasible to grant your request.[endquote]

Thanks to all (especially FlygURL) who have offered help and encouragement. Looks like I'll steer clear of the Hooch DH for awhile and head to the Hi, S Holston, and Wautauga. Owl...the more I think about some of the comments you have made with regard to wilderness designation by government, etc....your right....the more I believe the folks making the decisions ain't got a clue! Until recently, you could speed through Yellowstone NP on a noisy, smoking snowmobile...but you can't back a trailer down a boat ramp...go figure.

I bet the "Chief of Science and Resource Management" has never seen the Paces Mill ramp and the "configuration of the river at that location". I also bet he doesn't know about the government approved "privet pullers" that denuded some of the riverbank at Paces Mill. Now that's an adverse impact on the resource!

I feel better now,


------------------
The Drifter &lt;'(((&gt;&lt;
The Virtual Fish Camp (http://www.mindspring.com/~skeeble/virtualfishcamp.htm)

[Windknot]

I love the smell of bureaucracy in the morning!!!

[sageboy]

This disturbs me.

Drifter I assumed (naively as it turns out) that when you eventually wove your way through all the government red tape & got your request in front of the proper buracrat, that it would be automatically approved.

"The recommendation was that this activity would impose an adverse impact on the resources of the National Recreation Area and present an unnecessary safety hazard due to the configuration of the river at that location" - WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

The only adverse impact on the resources of the NRA that I can think of, would be parking your trailer. If this is the case, unhitch it and pay an additional $2 parking fee for it. And what "unnecessary safety hazard" would you present that the commercial rafters wouldn't? Maybe the rafters are required to have liability insurance. If that's the case, you should only be required to give them a certificate of insurance to get a permit issued.

Why were our tax dollars spent on this boat ramp and how can a commercial interest have access to it while the general public doesn't?

Maybe I'm over reacting here (I did just finish a double cappucinno) but responses like you received are what I have become accustomed to from our government officials. The easiest thing for them to do, and the path of least resistence for them was to deny your request. It would be refreshing if occasionally they would think outside the box & remember as public servants, who they are employed to serve.

Bob http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/smile.gif
(Sorry I rambled/I've got to start thinking decaf)

[Drifter]

Bob,

I think you're correct. They took the easy way out and denied the request. Less risky that way.As far as the statement "...this activity would impose an adverse impact on the resources of the National Recreation Area and present an unnecessary safety hazard due to the configuration of the river at that location." I don't have a clue what he's talking about. I've played devil's advocate here but can't find logic anywhere in the answer. By "configuration" maybe he means shallow water. If so then he doesn't have a clue about the characteristics of a driftboat. And by "adverse impact" maybe he thinks I'm gonna drive my truck out into the river to reach deeper water..???? I dunno.

I was hoping that in the least he would say, "Let's try it for a month and see how it goes then re-evaluate." I'm glad this mentality hasn't reached such great float rivers such as the Henry's Fork, S. Fork of the Snake, Bighorn, Smith, Jefferson, etc...etc...



------------------
The Drifter &lt;'(((&gt;&lt;
The Virtual Fish Camp (http://www.mindspring.com/~skeeble/virtualfishcamp.htm)

[Frequent Flyer]

Bureaucracy and risk taking are mutually exclusive. Also, I believe risk is an all- important parameter in the equation of success.

Loren

[FlygURL]

All I have to say for those guys is "Uh-Oh!"

------------------
FlygURL
Beth's web page - check it out! (http://www.mindspring.com/~jandb)
"Remember No Hunters, No wildlife, No fishermen, No fish." - O'Neill Williams (http://www.oneiloutside.com)

[Starr]

All I can say is that someone is very lucky I do not live in Ga. Things like this just gets grips my ***. (excuessss my language) Guys this is what your repersentive's are for. Call them, set up a meeting with them, show them picture's and ask why is it that none of this applies to the people that have the lease, and how can the NRA lease land that the public pays the taxes for. After all this is suppose to be public land and not privite.
Any way you have no more to lose, unless you're afraid of pissing off someone from NRA.



Been reading owl's post for to long. Going to end up just like him.
I'm in good company right owl.

[This message has been edited by Starr (edited 04-25-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Starr (edited 04-25-2001).]

[The Owl]

Drifter,
Well, at least you can feel good about going through all the hoop-la to get to an answer. It's not a good answer or even a logical one, as far as we can tell anyway, but it's at least a decision. If we could only get decisions on Spanish "no estealo el fishos" signs as fast. Even I, the ever-so-super-skeptical one, am pretty amazed at the response. On top of that, it seemed much more impersonal and "cold" than it ever needed to be IMHO. Never having seen the river there, though, I suppose that I am not qualified to judge.
At least the powers that be are consistant in their ways. Sounds like a repeat performance of the Gwinnett Water Treatment meeting..........you could smell defeat in the air when we walked in the room......minds were already made up......destiny set in stone....

Roadless makes sense in some instances....I'm not totally against it....but if it's going to be used as a blanket law for all wild areas, then it'll be over my( and everyone that uses the wilderness') dead bodies, I should hope.
There's no sense in trying to be pleasant about it, really. Taking access away from the people that love and strive to maintain these areas - well, - if that's the goal of it, then I say that the Roadless Int. is a farce. Locking people out of the wilderness won't help preserve anything other than the "happy feeling" tha the extremist get from knowing that the forest is "safe" from hikers, hunters and fishermen.

Yep, hikers, hunters and fishermen, killers of the wilderness.

What a shame and what a joke.


Ooops.......sorry.....I guess I got going there...

Anyway, sorry bout the turnout on the ramp thing Drifter.
And welcome to reality all those that will follow. http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/wink.gif Bravo !


Owl http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/smile.gif

[Drifter]

If they are worried about adverse impact...they need to go about a mile above Abbott's Bridge (http://webpages.charter.net/skeeble/index.htm/cows.jpg)Look at the damage the cows have done!




------------------
The Drifter &lt;'(((&gt;&lt;
The Virtual Fish Camp (http://www.mindspring.com/~skeeble/virtualfishcamp.htm)

[Windknot]

Drifterdoode - Just thinking out loud, but I wonder if Scott Bernarde (AJC) would like to float with you?

I bet we could muster a work party to hand-carry the boat and motor. Hell, I'm in just for the aggravation!

It may be a character flaw but "For profit access, si - public access, no" just gets under my skin.

Don

[Drifter]

Good idea Don!

I'll see if he's interested.


------------------
The Drifter &lt;'(((&gt;&lt;
The Virtual Fish Camp (http://www.mindspring.com/~skeeble/virtualfishcamp.htm)

[FlygURL]

Since the CRNRA is part of the National Park Sevice, I figured local politicians would not be able to help much. So I recently emailed Senators Cleland and Miller, and Congressman Linder. I want to contact President Carter too, if anyone has contact info for him.

This is what I sent to the Congressman and Senators: <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Senator Cleland,

The Chattahoochee River in the Metro Atlanta area has quite an unusual resource - the awesome Chattahoochee River. While not many metropolitan area can boast of such a trout fishery, I am sure that none can boast about anything like the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) maintained by the National Park Service (NPS).

In the past year the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GaDNR) had implemented a Delayed Harvest (DH) regulation on the Chattahoochee River from Sope Creek to Cobb Parkway. Delayed Harvest is a program where in the winter months, from November through mid-May, trout are stocked yet anglers are limited to artificial baits and cannot harvest trout. Once the DH season is over, anglers can use natural baits and can harvest trout. This provides an excellent catch and release fishery during the winter months, while allowing an abundant harvest in the spring. On the Chattahoochee River, the DH portion of the river runs through the two CRNRA units, Cochran Shoals and Palisades Units.

Currently the boat ramps that are available in the DH section at two units are leased to the Chattahoochee Outdoor Center (http://www.chattahoocheerafting.com/), which operates a canoe and raft rental on the river. The operating season is from the first weekend in May, operating weekends only until June 4th, 2001, through the second weekend in September, operating weekends only from the last two weeks of the season.

In recent months I have been in contact with the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) Superintendent, Kevin Cheri, as have some of my fellow fly fishermen. We have requested that the CRNRA open the boat ramps at the both CRNRA Units to the public during the Delayed Harvest season. We would like to use drift boats to access this area of the river. In letters sent as early as February, we have been trying to get the policy changed so that boats could access the river at these points. Finally in May, we received a statement that our request was denied.

"Your request to access the boat ramp by vehicle was reviewed by the Chief of Science and Resource Management and the Chief Ranger. The recommendation was that this activity would impose an adverse impact on the resources of the National Recreation Area and present an unnecessary safety hazard due to the configuration of the river at that location. It therefor is not feasible to grant your request." - Letter/email from CRNRA Superintendent Kevin Cheri to Steve Keeble and myself.

Senator, the Chattahoochee Outdoor Center is allowed to use these ramps for raft, canoes, as well as their own motorized drift boats. I find that this policy is unfair to those of us who want to use this resource. I request that you take a look into our request to see what you can do about allowing the public to access their tax supported boat ramps. Please contact me at any time if you have any questions.

Thank you,
Beth <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

If any of you would like to contact your legislators, I will look up the contact info for you.

------------------
FlygURL
Beth's web page - check it out! (http://www.mindspring.com/~jandb)
"Remember No Hunters, No wildlife, No fishermen, No fish." - O'Neill Williams (http://www.oneiloutside.com)

[William McClendon]

Glad this is being fought.
Just wanted to make one point:
If the rafting guys lease this place doesn't that mean they kind of own it or at least own its use? Well then if they say Steve can use it then why does it matter what the CRNRA thinks?
Just thinking out loud.
Milliam

[The Ole Man]

William
The problem is that the ramps are blocked with metal poles, preventing a boat trailer from entering the ramps. Even if the rafting company says go ahead and use the ramps, the obstructions would have to be removed by the Park Service.

The real question here is "wherein does the Park Service have the right to lease boat ramps that belong to the public and contained within a public park to a private company and deny the public use of them?" Not just one ramp but at least three ramps in a row. Organized political and media pressure could make a real sticker out of this.

Obviously, the rafting concession wants to preclude motorized boat traffic from their rafting run. A jetski hatch could become a real problem down there-but Drifter is only talking use in the off season-the DH season months. Course the Park Service could try a ban on all motorized craft which would clear up the need to block any ramps, but they would have to coordinate changes of that nature with the state. I think the Hi in Tn is a no motor zone, so Hi Outfitters float operation, for example, has no need to try to privately lease the ramps in order to preclude motor traffic from mixing with their raft hatch.

[William McClendon]

So the rafting dude doesn't have the ability to remove the poles? I thought he also used drift boats there and would remove them at these ramps.
But you are very right in that the real issue here is a government agency leasing public (tax paid for) land to a private agency. I guess I need to visit this area and get a better idea of the situation so that I can write some letters of my own.
Steve (or Beth or anyone else), if there's anything else I should know about this before I begin my letter writing...please email me.
Milliam

[Fishing Daddy]

Ole Man,
There are examples all over the place of public land, buildings, etc. being leased to and operated by private companies. Stone Mountain Park is the largest and most visible local example. There is nothing inherently wrong with this concept if managed properly. The good thing about the whole deal is that ultimately the managers and contracts involved are overseen by your elected officials which gives you a means to press your case, although somewhat indirectly, which is precisely what is being done here.

[Fishing Daddy]

BTW - Here is the link to find out how to contact your congressmen:
http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW.html
http://www.senate.gov/senators/index.cfm

[Drifter]

William et al,

To the best of my memory, metal poles completely block the ramp at Johnson's Ferry. They are spaced about 5 or 6 feet apart so folks can carry canoes and rafts to/from the river. Unfortunately you can't back a trailer down to the water.

Paces Mill (Palisades) is a different situation. It has poles also but if you drive to the rear of the parking lot you see a paved driveway. The driveway leads directly to the boat ramp. No gate, poles or nuttin'. Just a big sign reading, "DO NOT ENTER".

Now the kicker to all this is we want to use these ramps during DH (Fall and Winter)....when the rafting concession is boarded up tight! What a great float trip could be had from JF to Paces Mill if these were open. Now I suppose I could use my canoe but casting a fly rod from a canoe vs. driftboat just ain't the same.

Thanx for all the support, especially FlygURL!

Drifter

[Drifter]

Bringing to the top for 02 Tahoe.

[02 Tahoe]

Drifter,
Many thanks for bringing me up to speed with this issue and your attempts (and others) to get this issue resolved. I am now in real denial realizing that not only is the JF ramp closed, but you can't even take out at Paces Mill...I didn't realize there is a "do not enter" sign by the ramp. You are speaking about the ramp at Pace's Mill off of 41, correct? I've waded down there but I guess payed no attention to the signs. Had I known this situation existed, it would have definitely effected my decision to own a drift boat in the Atlanta area - I guess that's why there are not more of them down here given the quality of the Hooch. Do you see any daylight here on this issue - if so, I'll be glad to joing the fight as this directly effects me and like you, I'm incensed that we paid for these facilities, but are denied access. These are boats that can be used without motors, but we do need access in and out. I'm curious, have you ever looked into putting some kind of wheels on the back of your boat to where it could be "rolled" in and out?

In the mean time, I appreciate any insight (maps, websites or other info) on other drift sites (Hi, Cumberland, Tuck, etc) in a 2 or 3 hour radius.

Thanks for the info...disturbing as it is!

[THE EG]

Superintendent Cheri was at the Cochren Shoals workday all day on Saturday. I played with his dog, chatted with his wife and kids, and B983 almost ran over his daughter with the BBQ barge (well, she got in the way;)).

Had I thought about this, a few of us probably could have badgered him into rethinking opening those areas.

And since the rafting concession went out of business due to the fear generated by the E. Coli signs along the river, you might want to try opening up the lines of communication again.

Much like most things, he seems like a nice enough guy in person as opposed to the lack of tone in written correspondence.

Between the Settle's Bridge clean-up last year and Cochren Shoals this year, when they ask "Who are you with?", I'm pretty sure they will recognize the organization.

However, I'll say the same thing I did five years ago. Be wary of what you wish for. I doubt most folks realized when we did the Settles Bridge restoration that we might be paving the way (literally) for a tube hatch there.

[Windknot]

Bill, Access to the ramps (plus lots of other equally important stuff) is dependent on folks selecting the correct Alternate Plan for the General Management Plan they've been working/diddling/toying with!

The last Alternate Plan presented would expand ramps and access thereto. But since the Plan will cover a 20-25 year time span, I doubt we'll gain use of many in my lifetime.

[Drifter]

02 Tahoe...Paces Mill/41 is correct. This thread is over 4 years old so I don't know what signs, if any are still there. I've only been back one other time and forgot to look for the signs.

Eg...Paces Mill has become so popular with wading fisherman, it's probably impractical to attempt to float through there in a driftboat. I've moved on.