Kentucky Lake Ramp Fee

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LAUNCH FEE AT PARIS LANDING STATE PARK? PROPOSAL IRKS LOCAL OFFICIALS AND BOATERS

Launching a boat at Paris Landing State Park marina has been free since the conception of Kentucky Lake but that may soon change. Tennessee State Parks is considering a daily launch fee and the idea isn’t going over too well among the ranks of local officials, boaters, and politicians.

The proposed launch fee is $3 per boat and the revenue would be used to offset the cost of operation and routine maintenance of these facilities. The plan would include self-pay stations conveniently located at ramps to collect the daily fees, according to state park officials in Nashville.

“If the fees are implemented, we will give ample notification to ramp users. It's my understanding we would treat this much the same way we would basic park rules and regulation,” said Meg Lockhart, of Tennessee State Parks in Nashville. “If someone does not pay the fee, they would first get a courtesy reminder. If they continue, they would be cited for violating park rules and regulations.”

Although no public meetings have been held on the change in policy and no news releases have been issued to the media, the rumor mill has been running among the ranks of tourism related businesses in the area, fishermen, and recreational boaters.

It seems the change also caught local politicians and officials by surprise as well. No one seemed to know Tennessee State Parks was considering the move to take away free access to the boat ramp.

“I think it is very disappointing that the State of Tennessee would even consider the implementation of a boat launching fee. Since the lake is such a vital part of Henry County's economic viability, I am astounded that we would not have been contacted concerning such a major change in fees and policy,” said Henry County Mayor Brent Greer. “I have talked with Representative Butch Borchert and he is contacting the Department of Environment and Conservation and the Governor's office to discuss the matter.”

Borchert met with the Lieutenant Governor on Tuesday and expressed his dismay with the proposal. “I told him not to throw away a dollar while trying to make a penny,” said Borchert. “At a time when this area is hurting economically, we don’t need this as tourism is vital to our area. I told him I wanted it stopped.”

Paris Landing State Park marina has one of the most popular launch ramps in the area. It has a good location, with nice parking and security that appeal to both locals and tourists visiting.

Many of Kentucky Lake’s tourists come from such northern states as Illinois, Ohio, Missouri and Kentucky. That means tourism related businesses in the area attempt to lure visitors to Tennessee, which put us in direct competition with the Kentucky portion of the reservoir.

Visitors must pass through the northern portion of Kentucky Lake to get here and Kentucky State Parks do not charge a launch fee and have no plans to, according to Gil Lawson in the office of communications for Kentucky Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet.

Senator Roy Herron of Dresden also expressed surprise at the potential launch fee and was in the process at of contacting Jim Fyke, Commissioner of Tennessee State Parks, to obtain more information on the proposal.

Local bass fishermen Kevin Ray and Mark Wardlow of Henry County were not happy about the future fee. Both were under the impression the ramp and parking facilities were built with taxpayer dollars for the public’s use.

“Tennessee State Parks is considering initiating a daily launch fee at all boat ramps maintained by our department,” continued Lockhart. “If these fees are initiated, there will be some exemptions such as regional and national fishing tournaments that economically benefit the surrounding communities.”

No date has been mentioned as to when it would take effect. Paris Landing State Park personnel deferred comments to the Nashville office.

“Some ramps on Kentucky Lake such as Mansard Island and Cuba Landing Marina's concession contract, allow them to charge a launch fee to offset some of the maintenance costs of the ramp, said John Taylor, manager of Tennessee Wildlife Refuge office in Paris. “The money goes into their gross income of which they pay the Federal government a percentage.....that percentage goes into the General Treasury.”

“As for the many other refuge ramps, well, I guess it's my position that I don't like to charge user fees to our visitors unless we absolutely have to. If our annual budget can handle the maintenance of these ramps, I see no reason to charge a user fee for use. In addition, I don't think we have the personnel to administer and enforce such a program.......money would have to be collected frequently (especially this time of the year) from many, distant collection boxes or through the sale of decals/permits.”

“I don't think it is justified or cost effective on our refuges to charge boat launching fees. Someday we may not have a choice, but for right now, we have no plans to implement such a system on Cross Creeks or Tennessee National Wildlife Refuges.”

The saga continues to unfold as to the launch fee at Paris Landing State Park. Perhaps it’s a sign of the times as state agencies look for additional revenue but the idea is sure rocking the boat for recreationalists who are expressing discontent.

Steve McCadams is a professional hunting and fishing guide here in the Paris Landing area. He has also contributed many outdoor oriented articles to various national publications.

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