tournament news

There was an addition to the Loch Raven boating permit contracts for 2017. The addition was added to the forms that were provided to return permit holders, during registration. I am posting this information because many people who signed their contracts did not take the time to fully read the document as they were moving through the crowded lines at registration. Many assumed that the contract was the same as it has been for many years. That assumption was incorrect. Below is an image of my contract for 2017. I appreciate that Kevin provided a copy to me upon the request I made 2 days ago. I was unaware of the change and requested the copy for confirmation.
Item 15, states that no vessels are allowed above Papermill Rd Bridge. This restriction is new to the contract. Kevin, at the fishing center, conveyed to me that this has always been the rule, but was not in previous contracts. I am posting this information so that no one makes a mistake that will lead them to have their permit revoked.

The Maryland DNR has recently posted the following Best Practices videos:
- Catching a Fish
- Livewell Temperature
- Livewell Water Exchange
- Livewell Additives
- Culling Devices
http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Pages/bass/videos.aspx
These videos should be required viewing for anyone who fishes tournaments. Take a look!

As many of you may know, the permitting process at Loch Raven has changed for permit holders who purchased their first permit in 2016 or later. The process may change even further. There is a plan at Baltimore Recreation and Parks (BCR&P) that all permit holders, even those who have had permits for decades, will have to go into a lottery for a chance to win access to buying a permit every year.
After hearing of this proposal, two other concerned boaters and I, met with BCR&P, managers Chris McCollum and Kevin McCommas to discuss alternatives to their proposed changes.
BCR&P is motivated by the goal of providing access to the reservoir to everyone, equally. In their view, this goal is limited by parking lot constraints. Unfortunately, their solution (a lottery system) does not increase access to more people. This plan simply creates a system that will remove access from one customer to hand that access to another person. None of us want to lose access to permits, nor do we want to lose our substantial investment in our reservoir boats.
We have proposed an alternate plan to BCR&P that provides access to more permit holders, and will not put additional pressure on the parking lot. It is a great plan that will allow all permit holders to renew every year. Based on 2016 permits applications, this plan would allow for all permit requests to be provided access in 2018. There should even be excess permits.
BCR&P is receptive to this plan and is negotiating in good faith to provide a solution that meets all of our needs. With that in mind, I request that anyone who is renewing permits this year, understand that this is a cordial negotiation that we believe will meet the needs of all parties. There is no need to give Kevin a hard time when you pick up your permits. He is involved in the negotiations and antagonism won’t help. Please take the high road.
We will keep you informed.