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Fisherman and boaters need your support!
A proposal to restrict boating near the Cypress Street bridge will be brought before the Redding City Council tonight at 7:30. The Shasta County Sheriffs Office and the California Department of Boating and Waterways recommend that all boating activity be restricted until construction is complete. This could have a huge impact on the local economy for years to come. The Hwy 44 bridge is next in line after completion of the Cypress Street bridge which could limit use on the river until the year 2012.
The construction company used a plan set forth by Caltrans to ensure safe boat passage during the construction period. I think somebody dropped the ball on this one. To my knowledge, the Sheriffs Department(who enforces boating safety), and the California Department of Boating and Waterways were never asked for their input on a safe passage for boaters.
As a local fly fishing guide, I use this portion of the river professionally and recreationally. To restrict boating on this stretch of river would mean loss of income for local guides, shops, restaurants, and hotels. Will I have to tell my clients, "Sorry. We can't float the upper stretch of river and catch big, beautiful wild rainbows under the Sundial Bridge. Try again in 2012."
I urge all boaters, fisherman, photographers, and retailers to attend tonights meeting at 7:30 to keep our public waterway open.
Thanks,
Tim
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