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FAQs: Listening Sessions for Users of Non-Motorized Watercraft

Meeting the Needs of Florida's Non-Motorized Boating Community

• Why is the FWC holding "listening sessions" for paddlers and other non-motorized boaters?
• When and where will they be held?
• If I am not able to attend one of the meetings, can I submit my comments by some other means?
• Are these listening sessions intended to promote registration of canoes, kayaks and other small craft?

Why is the FWC holding "listening sessions" for paddlers and other non-motorized boaters?

It is clear to the FWC that the use of various forms of non-motorized boats, including rowboats, small sailboats, paddlecraft and rowing shells, has increased over the past several years. The "listening sessions" are intended to allow us to learn as much as possible about the needs, concerns and desires of people within our state who use non-motorized boats through face-to-face interaction. This will help us meet the growing need and requests for services the FWC has seen and anticipates seeing in coming years.

When and where will they be held?

• June 4, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Betty Easley Conference Center
  4075 Esplanade Way, Capital Circle Office Center
  Tallahassee, 32399-0950 (Click here for link to destination map)
   
• June 15, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Fish & Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) USF campus,
  KAS Auditorium, 100 8th Ave. SE
  St. Petersburg, 33701 (Click here for link to destination map)
   
• June 23, 6:30 - 8 p.m., FWC South Regional Office
  8535 Northlake Blvd.
  West Palm Beach, 33412 (Click here for link to destination map)
   
• July 27, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center
  75 Taylor St.
  Punta Gorda, 33950 (Click here for link to destination map)

If I am not able to attend one of the meetings, can I submit my comments by some other means?

Yes. You may send your comments, we are especially interested in access issues, use of the water with other "users", waterway maintenance, need for publications/guides or educational concerns, fish and wildlife impacts of these craft, safety-related issues or any other non-motorized boating topics, via email to the following address:  ListeningSessions@MyFWC.com

Are these listening sessions intended to promote registration of canoes, kayaks and other small craft?

No. These listening sessions are designed to understand the issues of concerns to paddlers and other users of small non-motorized watercraft. Workshops to explore solutions to the common issues of concern to paddlers and other users of non-motorized watercraft will be held following these listening sessions. No solutions have been pre-determined.

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