Don't bother visiting Illinois

I just discovered today that my home state is now charging $6 for any non-motorized watercraft to be on Illinois waterways. Yep, if I want to take my family of 5 on an inner-tube float down the river, it will cost me $30 to do it.

http://www.daily-journal.com/archives/dj/display.php?id=508937

Jefferey I use to tube and raft during college on a local river by my university.During spring and summer I would hit the river two days a week. I cant amagine the price I would have to pay if they had this there..

It's absolutely ridiculous. Next they'll charge a tax for simply being outside.

In the West, there are boat inspections for non-native species. Many cost money and most will soon. ATVs have to be registered. Power boats have to be registered. Human powered craft are being registered in more and more states.

We have increasing government interference, but it also provides a way to track ownership and theft. It provides funding for access improvement, and water quality programs.

I just cant comprehend how non motorized water craft have a problem with Sustainability? Makes no sense when petroleum products are what pollute the eco system..Just another way to tax you..

Denis,

Non-motorized water craft are often made from petroleum based materials and metals like aluminum or plastic. People burn lots of fuel in vehicles to get to a destination to use their non-motorized craft. Old boats go in landfills. Theft is an increasing problem and registering boats helps find the owners.

I understand the importance of having fee to protect the environment.  When you go to your location you are paying fuel tax, the car you drive you pay a sells tax, the food you buy sometimes you pay sales tax, if you drink you are paying sales tax, plus tax on the alcohol.  The tire on that car has tax, the clothes you wear are tax, and just working you pay a tax, after a hard week I need to pay more to the government?  I buy my park passes, wilderness permits, parking fees, and still I’m asking for a donation.  I’m ask to pay camping fee and more, I pay property tax.  I would gladly pay more if I know that I will benefit others and/or feel I am getting my money worth, but the money is not being spent for the public enjoyment more for self interest of politicians.  The fee that you describe I feel will effect the family negatively because they can’t afford that none motor trek in the water and enjoy the freedom of the great outdoors.  Now I will get off my soap box and hope everyone here is doing great.

I think some of you are missing the point. I'm not registering a canoe. I'm paying $6 to take an inner tube down a stream.

And as one commentator pointed out...it will cost more for the state to police this new policy than will be collected from the fees.

So if I water-ski and fall in, wearing a life jacket, does that count?  Sounds like the government misses its money and wants it back. 

Vote with your feet(move)

TheRambler said:

Vote with your feet(move)

Rambler,

If it were just me, I would. Illinois ranks last in a number of issues, and Chicago politics rule this state.

I promised my wife I would only move us away from family & friends if I had a job opportunity that could just not be missed out on. I've passed up on 2 tantalizing job offers in the past 2 years (one was an hour from Springer Mountain, GA) because they didn't meet that criteria.

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