Paddlesports at the forefront of recreation in Michigan

 
State of Michigan Recreation Role

    Recreation responsibilities in Southeastern Michigan :

    1) development of a state-wide recreation plan.
    2) provision of large-scale recreation to serve the inter-county recreation needs of people.
    3) acquisition and management of natural lands.
    4) protection of natural resource areas and wildlife for conservation purposes.
    5) assistance to lower levels of government for development of recreation.

   
   Recreation includes paddlesports – canoe and kayaking.

   Paddlesports should come before motorboat fishing activities :
   - more accessible and desirable to the general everyday public.
   - kayaks and canoes cost far less than powerboats and don’t pollute the environment.
   - paddlesports provide much needed exercise, reduces stress levels, and is quiet.
   - launching a kayak or canoe can be easily done without highly expensive concrete trailer ramps
   - paddlesports adds to the economy via ecotourism , many travel quite far to paddle scenic areas.

    
 Waterways and scenic areas are very valuable as public recreational areas.
 Water is a shared resource that interconnects communities.
 It enhances the tourism industry and increase the quality of life for all .

    A navigable stream / creek / river is just as important as a walking / hiking / jogging / running / bicycle trail.

-
-

Fiscal respect in Paddling sports versus fishing ?

Does paddlesports get the same fiscal respect as fishing in Michigan ?

What is the $ dollar value of Paddlesports to the Michigan economy versus the fishing industry ?

http://www.outdoorindustry.org/images/researchfiles/2009%20Paddlesports%20Report.FINAL.pdf

Canoes and Kayaks dominate boating throughout the USA
http://www.examiner.com/kayaking-in-detroit/canoes-and-kayaks-dominate-boating

Out of all the possible boat types available to the public at large
(16 years or older) over 20 % of them choose to use a kayak or canoe.

Paddlesports provides revenue to the economy via purchases in local communities for lodging, restaurants, supplies, gasoline, shopping, etc.

-
-

Paddlesports recreation and dam removal

Dam removal  often  puts fishing concerns above those of the paddlesports industry and recreation.

Based on extended analysis of data collected for the Outdoor Recreation Participation Report using
the responses of over 40,000 Americans ages six and older - paddlesports is rapidly growing in the USA

17.8 million Americans ages 6 and older participate in kayaking, canoeing, and rafting

Kayaking has enjoyed steady growth in spite of the economic slump growing 3% each year.

The survey is the largest of its type examining participation in sports and outdoor activities.

http://www.outdoorindustry.org/images/researchfiles/2009%20Paddlesports%20Report.FINAL.pdf?79

Paddlers bring extensive revenue to communities via purchases for lodging, gasoline, restaurants, etc., etc.

Obstacles to fish ARE OFTEN obstacles to Paddlesports also - and our voice is powerful in $$$$  !

Aging dam crisis in Michigan

Dam removal in Michigan needs to be streamlined and fast tracked by a think tank of professionals which most definitely include paddling aficionados, paddlesports retailers, and the ACA - American Canoe Association. Michigan has an enormous amount of creeks, streams, rivers, ponds, channels and lakes; all of which need attention.


Aging Dam Crisis in Michigan