Unfortunately, this happens on many Michigan rivers every weekend. The Boardman, the Crystal, the AuSable…seen and used by many as theme parks. The answer lies in education about rivers and what they are as entities, as living systems and the answer also lies in enforcement of existing laws. Though we like to think of ourselves as civil beings, we don’t always act accordingly. There are serious consequences to operating a watercraft under the influence, so why not call a tube just that…a watercraft? We also paddle and float rivers without registration tags. Perhaps we start to regulate any device on the waterways. I pay a fee every year for a fishing license, yet those who float past me ride for free. There are also severe penalties for urinating in public, nudity and crass behavior. So…we enforce. Not enough money for officers? Register tubes and kayaks.
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