Petition Requests Free Boat Launches by Sharon Roznik 8-30-2010

Petition requests free boat launches
Public meeting set WednesdayBy Sharon Roznik • The Reporter • August 30, 2010

A Ripon man is heading a petition drive to bring an end to mandatory boat launch fees.

Fred Krahn says that Article 9 of the Wisconsin Constitution guarantees free use of state waterways.

He is hoping to gain support for a two-part complaint he has leveled against the Department of Natural Resources, and his petition, during a Wednesday meeting of the Winnebagoland Musky Club.

The public is invited to attend the meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 500 Fond du Lac Ave.

Krahn, who calls himself an avid fisherman, said local municipalities are being forced by the DNR to collect boat launch fees under threat of losing large sums of grant money.

Wisconsin Waterway Commission meeting minutes include references that indicate $5,000 in grant money would be withheld from municipalities if they did not charge boat launch fees, Krahn said.

But a gas tax that goes into a state water resources account is supposed to be used specifically to maintain and create access points to the water, he said.

“The DNR already has the money to maintain the launches. Instead they use it for other things, like fighting invasive species,” he said.

Winnebagoland Musky Club President Scott Klapperich said boat launch fees, which started out around $2, have increased to as much as $12 in some areas. At Supple’s Marsh boat launch in Fond du Lac, the fee is $5. Most landings in Fond du Lac County charge between $3 and $5, he said.

“We understand these landings don’t just take care of themselves. There’s trash pickup and maintenance and the need for nice piers. We have no problem with that,” he said.

However, club members take issue with how the money is used. Of the $30,000 collected in boat launch fees in Fond du Lac, the majority has been used to put up playgrounds, Klapperich said.

“We support Fred’s effort. He is trying to raise awareness of what is going on, so fishing clubs can get involved,” he said.

Krahn’s first complaint states the DNR’s act of withholding funds violates a DNR administrative code stating “the department encourages free access.” The second complaint demands the state of Wisconsin and the DNR fulfill their civic duty to provide free access to the waters of Wisconsin.

“This is the only instance in which the state is charging us for a right. They don’t charge you for walking into a public building, even though it may need a facelift,” he said.

Krahn said he has about 150 petition signatures so far.