Michigan is a paddlesport lover’s dream, with its 76,000 miles of streams and rivers and four neighboring Great Lakes. More than 40 percent of Michigan, in fact, is comprised of water.
Paddlesport participation is increasing at a healthy rate of 7 percent each year in Michigan, and right now there are more than 600,000 paddlecraft in the state — a figure that is bound to increase as we enter the busy summer season.
While it’s great to see more people getting involved in paddlesports, there is growing concern among lawmakers about safety. Lost vessels, for instance, are are starting to pile up in the Great Lakes which is causing problems.
“During storms sometimes, the kayaks blow off shore and they drift around and people don’t know where they came from,” explained DNR Chief of Parks and Recreation Donald Olson.
In response, the Michigan State Waterways Commission is gathering support for legislature that would require all paddlecraft in the state to be registered. Registration could cost up to $10 per each vessel, and there are conflicting opinions about how often registration would need to be renewed.
Sources indicate that proceeds could be used to pay for infrastructure like boat ramps, which would benefit local consumers and retailers alike. More put-ins could further boost paddlesport participation and drive sales.
The Waterways Commission is receiving pushback, though, specifically from the West Michigan Coastal Kayakers Association, whose members are concerned about the price of the fee. $10 may not seem like a lot of money for a single vessel, but some people have numerous boats and could wind up paying a hefty amount.
It is not yet clear how the proposed legislation would impact businesses that rent kayaks.
The good news for residents, business owners and vacationers is that this is not an immediate change. The earliest that the proposed legislation could come into effect is 2019, meaning there is still time to voice your opinion on the matter and plan ahead.
Photo courtesy: The West Michigan Coastal Kayakers Association
