Boating News

HOT SPRINGS – Complaints about unsafe operation of boats in confined areas of Lake Hamilton have resulted in increased enforcement efforts by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and Garland County Sheriff’s Office. An area of particular concern is the Big Mazarn basin.

After the market close yesterday, Brunswick Corporation announced it would cease production of all Bluewater Marine brands in Newberry, South Carolina. The shutdown means Sea Pro, Sea Boss, Palmetto and Laguna brands are out of production and Brunswick will close the entire facility by the end of next month.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reported 77 boating fatalities for 2007. Though this number may be disconcerting, following a few simple rules and paying attention while boating can make the difference between a safe and enjoyable day on the water and one that ends tragically.

Anglers will be pleased to know that the new and improved boat ramp at Nee Gronda Reservoir at the Queens State Wildlife Area in Kiowa County is open for use.

Employees from the Colorado Division of Wildlife completed work on the new and improved ramp on May 8.

COLUMBUS, OH - In an effort to better educate the state's recreational boaters about the importance of wearing life jackets, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft today announced its "Wear It, Ohio!" campaign.

COLUMBUS, OH - Recreational boaters across Ohio will soon benefit from a $260,365 grant awarded to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft for the construction and installation of shoreline sewage pump-out facilities.

Attention boaters: new boat validation decals are needed before you launch your boat this year.

The red validation decal obtained for motorboats, sailboats, or personal watercraft expired at the end of February and should be removed or covered. The new decal needed before launching boats this spring is green in color and is valid through Feb. 28, 2011.

May 4–11, 2008

Program 1606-R — Originally Aired November 4–11, 2007

Learning to live with the American Alligator; maintaining your tent; enjoying the altitude of Davis Mountains State Park; honoring Doc Shelton; the wild west at Palo Duro Canyon.

COLUMBUS, OH - Eleven Ohioans were honored in recent days for their commitment and hours of service to boating safety education in the state. The recognition came from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft as part of National Volunteer Week, April 27-May 3. Springfield resident Warren Shupp set a new record for volunteer service, earning a 7,000-hour volunteer pin.

BILLINGS — Lake Elmo State Park in Billings Heights will open for motorboat testing on Saturday, May 17, 2008, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All other days, Lake Elmo is open only to boats that are hand-paddled or have small electric trolling motors.