| USA. NMMA and National Forest Service begin waterway access, safety & conservation partnership |
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| Thursday, 02 November 2006 | |
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NMMA News: Amidst increased waterway access restrictions at the federal, state, and local levels in recent years, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and the U.S. Forest Service signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today aimed primarily at preserving boating access for millions of American boating families. The new agreement was celebrated at a signing ceremony this morning at the 2006 International Boat Builders Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) in Miami. The U.S. Forest Service manages many public recreation sites popular for boating in forty-four states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. As more and more people live in urban areas, the Forest Service’s eighty-nine boating related recreation sites offer the public an excellent setting to enjoy the great outdoors. “Both the Forest Service and NMMA share a common interest in improving and enhancing water access so people are better able to enjoy their coastal waterways and lakes,” said Thom Dammrich, NMMA President. “This partnership is particularly significant for those boaters who don’t live on the water and rely on public access to launch their boats from a trailer.” According to Dammrich, many people become boaters initially with a trailerable boat, eventually moving towards larger boats over time. Under the agreement signed today, the U.S. Forest Service and the nation’s largest recreational boating industry trade association, the NMMA, commit to improve and enhance boating access efforts. Along with promoting public recreation opportunities, the Forest Service and NMMA will also work together to expand outreach efforts to educate the public on boating safety and aquatic stewardship. “Considering more than 70 million Americans go boating each year, I am enthusiastic about the federal government’s appreciation for maintaining access to public waterways,” said Monita Fontaine, NMMA Vice President and Senior Counsel of Government Relations. “This MOU is the foundation of what we hope will be a long-lasting public-private partnership committed to working together to resolve water access issues.” |
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 02 November 2006 ) |
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