An item from the press release folder illustrates a problem that will
erode opportunities for boating in most communities unless it is
addressed.

I drive nearly every day past a good example of this phenomenon. An
area once occupied by the physically largest recreationally oriented
boatyard on Seattle's Lake Union is being developed for condominiums.
To skirt City of Seattle requirements that any waterfront developments
must be related to water-oriented activities, a very small dock has
been built as part of the project. It would seem unlikely that there
will be any public access to this dock, as none of the new owners of
the $half million and up, up, up waterfront condominiums will want
strangers coming ashore in their front yard. Most likely the moorage
will be sold to the condo residents.

Anyway, press release follows:


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Scott Croft, 703-461-2864,
Date: January 15, 2007

TIME RUNNING OUT TO ENTER
BOATU.S. RECREATIONAL BOATING ACCESS AWARD

Declining Water Access Threatens Boating

As waterfront land values skyrocket and condominiums sprout on nearly
every acre of waterfront property, recreational boaters are losing more
and more access to the water with every passing day. To spotlight the
problem and to recognize those who are helping turn the tide, BoatU.S.
has launched a national Recreational Boating Access Award. But time is
running out - the deadline to enter is February 1, 2007.

The BoatU.S. Recreational Boating Access Award will honor an
individual, group, government body, business or non-profit organization
that has succeeded in preserving or improving public waterway access.
Judges will look at four criteria: 1.) the challenges faced in
retaining or increasing access in an area; 2.) the direct impact or
measurable results of the solution; 3.) the level of success in
increasing awareness of the issue in a community; 4.) and
"repeatability," the ability to take the successful approach and adopt
it in other areas.

Examples of solutions could include creative public/private
partnerships, changes in land use planning or permitting processes, tax
incentives, legislation or public ballots, publicity or public
education. Eligible activities include those undertaken in the last
three years.

Winners will be announced at the Working Waterways and Waterfronts - A
National Symposium on Water Access to be held in Norfolk, VA May 9-11,
2007. For more information, go to http://www.BoatUS.com/gov/AccessAward