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Are you interested in creating signs for a paddling
trail? Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) that will help guide
you through the process of permitting and installing signs for a paddling
trail:
Can I make up my own trail marker design for my paddling trail?
No. Paddling trail signs are also known as ‘uniform waterway markers’ and it
is a legal requirement, (F.S. 327.41 and 68D-23.104 FAC), to use a
standardized sign format. These signs are designed to be
highly visible, increase safety, and decrease hazards for other watercraft.
Signs should be uniform in appearance and easily recognizable
across the state.
How do I learn about the standardized waterway marker format?
You can obtain a sign template, installation information, permit application
and checklist from the Boating & Waterways Section at Florida Fish and
Wildlife Commission:
Waterway Marker Application Checklist
and
Waterway Marker
Application or call Tara Alford at 850-410-0656, ext. 17169. Or send
e-mail to: tara.alford@myfwc.com.
Why do I have to have a permit to install waterway markers? Who do I
contact?
To be sure the signs follow safety guidelines; a permit is required from the
Boating and Waterways Section at FWC. These permits are free and
applications can be obtained here:
Waterway Marker Application Checklist
and
Waterway Marker Application or call
Tara Alford at 850-410-0656, ext.
17169. Or send e-mail to: tara.alford@myfwc.com. In larger navigable
waterways, it may be necessary to contact the Coast Guard, Army Corps of
Engineers, and Department of Environmental Protection. You will be advised
by FWC when you submit your application whether or not the other agencies
must be contacted.
Are there any exceptions?
If your waterway trail exists on an inland lake or canal then a permit may
not be required if the signs are posted less than 50 feet from the ordinary
high water line. Even if a permit is not required the signs must still have
the standardized format. Contact Tara Alford at 850-410-0656, ext. 17169. Or
send e-mail to: tara.alford@myfwc.com to see if your trail qualifies for
this permit exemption.
Will I need different signs if the paddling trail
crosses the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) or a busy channel?
If the proposed paddling trail shares a busy waterway
such as the ICW or other heavily-used channel, there are special safety
concerns for paddlers and possible regulation issues that will be
considered.
This should be discussed beforehand with
Tara Alford in
the Boating and Waterways Section, (850) 410-0656, ext. 17169 or e-mail:
tara.alford@myfwc.com beforehand.
How long will it take to get a permit for waterway signs?
This process will
typically take 30 days for processing through the Boating and Waterways
Section. You can contact Tara Alford at 850-410-0656, ext. 17169 or send e-mail to
tara.alford@myfwc.com
for an approximate timeline for other agencies.
Can I submit my application for waterway markers on-line?
No, not at this time, but you can download an application:
Waterway Marker Application Checklist
and
Waterway Marker Application and then send by FAX to
850-488-9284
What will the waterway marker signs look like?
Mileage markers and campsite information signs must be a minimum of 12” x 12”
and a maximum of 18” x 18”. It may be possible to use smaller dimension
signs on smaller waterways, but check with Tara prior to ordering to ensure
compliance. Tara Alford can be reached at 850-410-0656, ext.
17169 or via e-mail to tara.alford@myfwc.com.
Signs are constructed of .125 gauge 5052-H38 Allodined, or equivalent
(corrosion proof) aluminum, with reflective white background and orange
border with black block characters, and brown crossed paddles. They should be erected on Schedule-40 4” PVC pipe or pressure treated
wood post with 80lb concrete added to set the post if installed on shore.
Place a PVC ‘cap’ on top of the pipe to exclude rain. Use a larger diameter
PVC pipe if the sign will be posted in an area likely to receive abuse from
users or the elements. The signs should be a minimum of five feet above the
average high water line. Two 6” bands of reflective white striping should be
placed 8” apart on the post 6” below the sign. Mount the signs with a spacer
or extra washers between the sign and post on the uppermost hardware or
install the post at a slight forward leaning angle to deter birds from
roosting and leaving droppings.
The signs must be installed only on one side of the waterway, as close to
the shoreline as feasible, to avoid being a hazard to powerboats.
Buoys may also be used as trail markers and must extend at least 36” above
the mean high water mark. Buoys can be 5” and 9” in diameter. They have the same color and format as the
signage and display the permit number.
The FWC permit number must be posted in the lower left hand corner on all
waterway marker signs and buoys.
How do I install the waterway markers?
Place the signs on shore or as close to the shore as possible to decrease
possible hazards to other boats. In a narrow trail through a forested area,
place the signs between trees off the waterway to avoid posing a hazard
to powerboats. Do not fasten signs
to trees.
Who is responsible for maintaining the waterway markers?
The agency applying for the sign permit and installing the signs will be
responsible for monitoring and maintenance of the signs. This information
will be asked for on the sign permit application
How many signs will I need on a paddling trail?
Minimize trail markers as much as possible to preserve the wilderness
experience and to reduce installation and maintenance costs. Avoid providing
markers at each one-mile mark; instead use signs to clarify a route at a
‘decision point’ or where navigation is complicated or a campsite
identified. For safety reasons, signs should always clearly mark take-out
points (launches, ramps) along a paddling trail. Provide clear navigation in
supporting maps and guides so that users will not rely on signage as the
primary tool for navigation as signs can disappear from vandalism or storm
activity. When placing an initial sign order, obtain duplicate copies of
waterway signs to reduce time in replacing missing ones.
The type of water body and target audience will also dictate the number of
needed signs. In urban areas where users are more likely to be inexperienced
or the trail is confusing with multiple branches, it may be prudent to post
more signs to keep users on the trail.
For assistance with waterway marker questions please call Tara Alford at
850-410-0656, ext. 17169 or send e-mail to
tara.alford@myfwc.com.
For assistance with planning and design of paddling trails please contact
Liz Sparks in the Office of Recreation Services at
Liz.Sparks@MyFWC.com or
850-922-6160. For questions about signs contact Tara Alford at
850-410-0656, ext. 17169 or via e-mail to
tara.alford@myfwc.com.
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