"commercial Zones" At Marinas

[Fishhand]

For Release: Immediately

Contact: P.J. Spaul

Phone: (501) 324-5551

CORPS ESTABLISHES ‘COMMERCIAL ZONES’ AT MARINAS

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Sept. 26 – In the interest of public safety and the security of visitor property, the Little Rock District of the Army Corps of Engineers has established ‘commercial zones’ around marinas that will restrict recreational activities within 50 feet of all marina docks.

Lakes that fall under the new policy include Beaver, Table Rock, Bull Shoals, Norfork, Clearwater, Greers Ferry, Dardanelle and Millwood. Examples of prohibited activities within these zones are boating, fishing, swimming and diving. Commercial zones are being marked with signs and buoys.

Fishing beneath boat storage docks has created the most difficulties because hooks and lures sometimes damage boats or docks. People like to fish under marina docks because they act as structure that attract fish. One alternative for anglers is to work with local Corps offices to create fish attractors out of discarded Christmas trees or certain other materials. Many fishing clubs have long been involved with the Corps and state fish and game agencies in creating these.

Boaters sometimes obstruct operations around marinas by boating or fishing too close. Swimming or diving around marinas is always unsafe. Keeping recreational activities away from the docks will also help cut down on thefts and improve safety by reducing boat traffic.

Public access to recreation is still guaranteed at Little Rock District lakes. There are more than 256,000 acres, and the commercial zones constitute only about 1 percent of the total lake area.

It is not unusual for the Corps to restrict recreational activities in certain areas if a need exists. For instance, recreational activities are commonly restricted at locks, dams, spillways, powerhouses, swimming areas, and water intakes to help ensure safety and protection of lives and property. The commercial zones have the same intention.

Restrictions at marinas are not new. No fishing zones have been in place since 1986, and commercial zones have been in place since 2007. The new policy formalizes the commercial zones and establishes the means for Corps park rangers and other law enforcement officers to enforce the policy.

The 50-foot buffer will be used whenever possible to provide consistency from marina to marina. However, with a written request to the Corps that demonstrates a special need, a marina operator might be allowed to place some additional restriction on recreational activities that obstruct ingress and egress to marina docks. Posted signs will indicate an extension of the commercial zone.

The Corps discussed and coordinated the commercial zone policy during its development with members of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society and the Missouri-Arkansas Marina Association.

[Dutch]

That kind of settles the discussion from several months ago as to whether or not one could fish next to a marina.

[Tom Spence]

My fear is that there are alot more "commercial" docks than the Corps would like us to think. Does this ruling include any dock owned by a resort? It not only takes away the docks, but sections of these lakes. In smaller pockets of water this 50 foot zone can easily take up a whole cove or pocket of water that is not near the dock. Marina owners will be able to buoy off areas that were legal before and now nowhere near the docks but still off limits. How will docks be posted so we know which are commercial and which are not? I've never had a problem with not fishing near concession docks, but this is going to take away alot more water than they want us believe. Fin and Feather in Springfield sent out emails to everyone on their list explaining the new rule and included Senator Bond and Congressman Blunt's phone numbers (Bond 417-864-8258 and Blunt 417-889-1800) in an effort to get people to contact their offices about this. According to the email, this new amendment was made behind closed doors with only the marina owners and the Corps was represented. Good grief, we as fishermen (and women) give alot of money to the Corps with annual passes, ramp fees, etc. Our voice needs to be heard in this.

[techo]

I agree with T1365. Thanks for the email addresses too.