On March 22nd, the New Hampshire Senate voted unanimously against a proposal to require a $10 per boat per year fee on all boats used in the state. It is likely the vote came as a direct result of calls, emails, and letters from paddlers and business owners. After careful consideration, the paddling community generally opposed the legislation. The New Hampshire Department of Fish and Game remains in financial distress and paddlers should seek other ways of supporting the agency through endorsing dedication of state funds, volunteerism, and by reducing any demands on the agency through safe boating and taking care of rivers and river access areas.
These proposals often resurface in subsequent months or years, so paddlers should be prepared for furhter action as needed.