While the notion of user fees is often an attractive method of generating revenue, in this case a fee or registration provision for canoes, kayaks, rowboats and sailboats was inserted into the proposed budget to provide General Fund revenue targeted for support of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

The proposed fee concerns me. How will the state enforce the provision for out-of-state registration? How will the fees be enforced without further unfunded mandates to canoe livery businesses and an increase in the presence of local police? Why is none of this fee structure being diverted to the Saco River Corridor Commission in pursuit of its legislative mandate? Why is the town of Fryeburg not being allowed to recoup funds expended for police and rescue services provided to those who use the Saco River?

According to the Saco River Corridor Commission, the Saco is the most used river in Maine, and probably in New England, in terms of recreational use. The Saco also flows from New Hampshire, where another dozen or so canoe rental entities exist and whose clients routinely float into Maine, thus “using” this Maine river – without paying for it. Is there now to be a border war over canoes, such as the Legislature created over snowmobiles?

It is unconscionable that the Legislature has added this “midnight provision” without adequate public discussion and debate as to its merit.

Legislators should reject any budget that includes the provision for canoe and kayak registration fees.

David Knapp, selectman, Fryeburg

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