A hearing for HB 229 On Defining Wake Boats Has Been Scheduled – Wednesday, February 3Rd At 3:00Pm

This is the text from the most recent e-mail from Jodi Grimbilas.

The bill can be downloaded from https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/billText.aspx?sy=2021&id=267&txtFormat=pdf&v=current

The meeting will be held on line via Zoom and can be accessed at https://www.zoom.us/j/92220129569
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**WHAT DO WE DO NOW:

• PREPARE TESTIMONY. WE NEED LOTS OF BOATERS TO TESTIFY IN OPPOSITION. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU ARE WILLING TO TESTIFY (Thank you to those who have reached out). We will be in touch in the next day or so to those who have indicated they want to speak to help you sign up for the remote hearing and prepare your statement of testimony.

• WRITE AN EMAIL TO THE COMMITTEE. Whether you are testifying or not, please send an email to the Committee opposing HB 229. (see below for template and email address)
• IF YOU CANNOT TESTIFY – REGISTER YOUR OPPOSITION TO HB 229 FOR THE HEARING. For those who cannot make the hearing that day or do not wish to testify, there is an opportunity to log in your opposition and note that you do not want to speak. We will send out another email on the “how to” record your opposition through this means. We need numbers to show strong opposition. The Committee will consider the number of supporters and opponents recorded for this bill.

Template for emails to House Resources Committee. Emails are to be sent to the House RR & D Committee – HouseResourcesRecreationandDevelopment@leg.state.nh.us

Note: Be polite and courteous. * Note: Be brief and concise. * Note: Please personalize – NO FORM LETTERS Subject line (a couple of thoughts): “Please Oppose HB 229” or “Please Oppose the Wake Boat Definition bill” or “HB 229 – please vote No” (Something that tells them what bill you are writing about)

To the Honorable Members of the House Resources, Recreation and Development Committee:

Intro – A couple of sentences about who you are, where you live, where you boat (if not the same as where you live). Some people note what they do for a living, or other aspects about themselves. You might note if you are a volunteer for a lake steward group or environmental group, etc. Note whether you are a “tow boat” owner or enjoy time with family that owns a tow boat. If you have a small business related to boating/tourism please let them know.

Personal Stories – A couple of sentences about your lake life. Are you predominately out there with friends and family? Some have noted that their “boating time” is screen -free for kids – which is a major reason they love family time on the boat. Others note that it brings their spread out family together to make memories. Have you been boating for a long time? Some mention the activity of wake sports as a lower impact sport for all ages. Many have talked about that boating and water sports as a family pastime. Do you have your boater’s license? When on your tow boat, do you enjoy different activities (some have noted they love the versatility of a tow boat – allowing for tubing, wake sports, leisurely cruising, etc.)?

Observations: Maybe a sentence or two about your observations? We expect to hear complaints about erosion of the shore, aquatic invasive species, lake bottom disruption, danger to swimmers, paddlers and wildlife. Any irresponsible boater can contribute to those problems. If you have lived on a lake for years and do not see erosion problems specific to these boats, it might be worth adding. We don’t want to throw stones at other types of boats – we want to recognize that the issue is not the boat – it’s the behavior of the operator. Share observations that you feel might be relevant.

Conclusion – End with a statement thanking the Committee for considering your opposition to HB 229. Ask them to focus on the education of boaters and enforcement of current laws – not singling out certain watercraft for definition and restrictions. Everyone should be able to share the waterways as long as they do so responsibly.

Sign with your Name from (hometown)

If you have any questions or need any assistance – please do not hesitate to contact us. We will help with drafting, reviewing, connecting, and/or preparing testimony so that family boating is well represented at the hearing.

Jodi

Jodi Grimbilas, President
J Grimbilas Strategic Solutions LLC
(Office) 4 Park Street, Suite 101, Concord
(Mail) PO Box 233, Northwood, NH 03261
(Cell) 603-496-2638
jodi@jgstrategies.com