Post by Woody Williams on Jan 1, 2007 18:40:34 GMT -5
Blue Grass gives OK to outboards
By Phil Potter (Contact)
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Blue Grass Fish and Wildlife Area users will be able to ring in the New Year with one noticeable change in boating regulations.
Starting on Monday (Jan. 1), anglers and hunters may use any size outboard motor to ply the waters of Blue Grass, Loon and Otter pits.
All other bodies of water in the Blue Grass Area will continue to mandate boat propulsion through the use of oars, paddles or electric motors only.
On Blue Grass, Loon and Otter anyone using an outboard motor must abide by "idle speed/no wake" rules.
Some havefound it too hard to cross the big lakes by electric power so they openly fired up their outboards and motored to their destinations.
Those caught by conservation officers usually got a warning and nothing else. Now the rules permit idle speed running and the "oops, I'm sorry" rule won't fly.
Blue Grass and Sugar Ridge Property Manager Nate Leavitt should be thanked for his efforts at allowing the use of outboards. Leavitt reads and attempts to respond to comments that Blue Grass users leave on their daily permit cards.
Leavitt saw that on windy days, too many people were imperiled trying to cross the lake - especially when they were hampered by batteries that were almost drained.
Waterfowl hunters will be able to finish their season under the new regulations but anglers can't use any of the property waters until Feb. 1.
Anyone using the three main lakes is reminded that all boats show proper registration stickers as well as following all other Indiana requirements.
By Phil Potter (Contact)
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Blue Grass Fish and Wildlife Area users will be able to ring in the New Year with one noticeable change in boating regulations.
Starting on Monday (Jan. 1), anglers and hunters may use any size outboard motor to ply the waters of Blue Grass, Loon and Otter pits.
All other bodies of water in the Blue Grass Area will continue to mandate boat propulsion through the use of oars, paddles or electric motors only.
On Blue Grass, Loon and Otter anyone using an outboard motor must abide by "idle speed/no wake" rules.
Some havefound it too hard to cross the big lakes by electric power so they openly fired up their outboards and motored to their destinations.
Those caught by conservation officers usually got a warning and nothing else. Now the rules permit idle speed running and the "oops, I'm sorry" rule won't fly.
Blue Grass and Sugar Ridge Property Manager Nate Leavitt should be thanked for his efforts at allowing the use of outboards. Leavitt reads and attempts to respond to comments that Blue Grass users leave on their daily permit cards.
Leavitt saw that on windy days, too many people were imperiled trying to cross the lake - especially when they were hampered by batteries that were almost drained.
Waterfowl hunters will be able to finish their season under the new regulations but anglers can't use any of the property waters until Feb. 1.
Anyone using the three main lakes is reminded that all boats show proper registration stickers as well as following all other Indiana requirements.
