Re: Delaware River’s new launch fees

Joel W. Coyne
Lamberville
   The following letter was written to John Trontis, assistant director of Parks and Forestry, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and submitted to The Beacon for publication:
    I have been an avid canoeist and environmental advocate for over 30 years. In fact, that is one of the main reasons I moved to West Amwell — just across from the Fireman’s Eddy, Delaware River access, some 15 years ago. I have enjoyed paddling the river across the street from my house for many years, and sort of consider it my extended front yard. Therefore, I’m sure you can imagine I was quite taken aback when I walked across the street the other day and was confronted by a sign stating I will now be charged $12 per day per boat just to launch on the river.
   I understand the state needs revenue sources to fund programs and resources, and that perhaps a usage fee for river access is justifiable. However, this one-size-fits-all “sledge hammer” approach is definitely not the way to proceed with this matter. I would like to make several points supporting my contention that a different approach is needed:
   — First of all $12 per day per boat is just too much. This will dissuade residents from using one of the greatest natural resources we have, the Delaware. In these days of economic uncertainty and belt-tightening, people are looking for free or low-cost activities for the family. With the imposition of these fees, it could cost families some $50 just to launch paddle boats on the river. Boating, especially non-motor powered paddling, is environmentally benign and healthy for residents, and should be supported, not discouraged by government entities.
   — If fees must be instituted, they should certainly be graduated according to environmental impact. How is it justifiable to charge the same fee to launch a canoe or kayak as to a much higher impact jet ski or other gas-powered and polluting motorized vessel? These high-impact vessels impart noise pollution, water pollution and are disruptive to wildlife, as well as endangering non-motor vessels.
   — In addition, why will tubers not be charged at all? Hoards of tubers descend on the river, discharged by private companies making money from the river and not being charged any fee. This is definitely an unfair policy.
   — Although some launch sites are charging access fees, other sites will be exempt. This will put an undue burden on the sites not charging a fee, as people will gravitate to sites where there is no access fee to put a boat on the river. Lambertville and Frenchtown will become overwhelmed, leading to additional traffic, congestion and wear and tear on the local infrastructure.
   — Many people will seek out and even create other access points to circumvent the fee-charging launch sites. This is both for economic considerations and out of principle. This will mean additional erosion of river banks, negative impact on riparian vegetation and wildlife, and trails being forged to the river all along potential access points, making the area much harder to patrol and control.
   In summary, a different, more reasoned and equitable approach is needed to address the issue of fee-based Delaware River access. I strongly urge you to reconsider your department’s position, and to structure and implement well-crafted, judicious resolution to this matter.