Arkansas Canoe Club Forums

Interesting, I didn't realize there would be so much reaction when this was posted. Just trying to give a heads up to club members going to the Mulberry. You know on western permits we are always inspected before we launch and have to be prepared for inspection anytime during the trip. Awareness at the launch areas seems to be the proper approach. It seems dialog with the authorities is desired by most who posted on this subject. So, how do we tactfully engage the enforcers? I believe everyone wants less trash in the rivers, should be common ground.

Brent

Sparky wrote: So, how do we tactfully engage the enforcers? I believe everyone wants less trash in the rivers, should be common ground.
Brent

We don't. Engaging the enforcers no matter how tactfully never has a positive outcome. It's their supervisor's job to engage them so we must engage him. I'm offering to do that, but before I can I need an answer to my question. Does anyone involved in this thread object to the head of enforcement seeing it?

Deuce wrote:

Sparky wrote: So, how do we tactfully engage the enforcers? I believe everyone wants less trash in the rivers, should be common ground.
Brent

We don't. Engaging the enforcers no matter how tactfully never has a positive outcome. It's their supervisor's job to engage them so we must engage him. I'm offering to do that, but before I can I need an answer to my question. Does anyone involved in this thread object to the head of enforcement seeing it?

In as much as it is a publicly viewable forum, I don't see how anyone could object. Just my opinion. I do agree that prelaunch inspection/education would be more beneficial as well as better use of AG&F manpower than the use of ticketing strainers. It would not yield revenue though, if that is the priority.

I don't object to anything I've said being seen by AGFC. I've already voiced some of those same concerns in person to the head of their enforcement division when he was kind enough to come to a Central Chapter meeting to talk about this stuff a couple of years ago. He was Chief of the Enforcement Division then, and is now a Deputy Director, so I think he would have a good handle on both the Enforcement point of view and a "bigger picture" that looks at Enforcement as one piece of a bigger puzzle.

Great, thanks Cowper. Is it Deputy Director Crow? If so I'll loop him in too.

No objections here.

Stupid question....

Do we ever work with the "enforcers" while they are in training on some of the issues mentioned above. Do we give them some extra training on the water in kayaks/canoes so they are better prepped for doing their job & at the same time learn we are, for the most part, on their side & not the "bad" guys?

A good relationship might help... sort of .... maybe....

They should put their new guys through rec/whitewater school :)