Re: [Paddlewise] ACA abandons conservation & advocacy!!!

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steve Brown" <steve_at_brown-web.net>
To: "'Sean Peterson'" <northwoodspaddler_at_msn.com>; "'Paddlewise List'"
<paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net>
Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2004 2:06 PM
Subject: RE: [Paddlewise] ACA abandons conservation & advocacy!!!


> Since an important ACA motto is something like "educate, don't regulate" I
> doubt advocacy will be dropped.
> My view is that conservation is only tangential to paddling so dropping
that
> may put my membership dues to better use. I hope it happens.
>
> Steve Brown

I have no idea whether there is even a kernel of truth to the initial email
to the list making the charge.  But I have no doubt that conservation is
certainly vital for paddlers.  Every paddling group I have been part of from
the ACA to modest local canoe/kayak clubs and every paddling business I know
as well have strongly avowed conservation.  The environment is part and
parcel of the paddling community's needs.  For example, water trail groups
like the one I am a part of, The Hudson River Watertrail Association states
"The HRWA was formed in 1992 as an all-volunteer, non-profit environmental
and recreational action group."  PaddleWise itself on its website says
"PaddleWise is dedicated to safe and environmentally responsible sea
kayaking and other paddle sports." i.e. putting conservation on par with
safety.

I think you would be hard pressed to name even one paddling entity that
feels conservation is tangential, i.e. out of the way of paddling needs.

ralph diaz
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