Ramp reservations

[gterrien]

Hey all,

Wanted to ask if anyone else is concerned or surprised at the ramp reservations this year. 

I called all my lakes for the NBAA MCI circuit and all the offices have said we do not even need to call anymore to have them mark it in their books. 
What amazes me is they are more than willing to keep track to make sure we do not have a ramp double booked with two larger tournaments.  My first event is on Lobdell on May 29th and DNR office rep said just get there early.  He was not even keeping a book.  Lake Orion and Oakland are keeping track, but it does not mean we cannot show up.

And each one I call said they liked the way it was in the past.  They had very little issues at ramps with the call-in-system. 

I know as directors we do our best not to book on top of another trail on the same lake, but it is a task with all the divisions, clubs, and trails out there.   

Let's hope 2010 will be as smooth as past years. 

[McCarter]

yeah, i was told the same thing.  its gonna be interesting seeing what happens when you get 2 20 boat tournaments on the same day at the same lake that has a smaller ramp/lot. 

McCarter himself

[fiker]

I just wish I could get/keep/be informed as to where the tx's are going to be.  Seems like it wouldn't be that big a deal to post it on the net, after permits are drawn.
Those of us that don't compete much would kinda like to know how to avoid the traffic.

Isn't there supposed to be a percentage limit as to how many of the available spaces can be designated to a tx?

If so, how many? 
Also, if so, is it enforced?

[djkimmel]

There has been a percentage limit stated in the past, but does that only apply to permit lakes? I think the only fair thing it first-come, first-serve, as it always really has been.

Enforcement is not in place in most cases and not truly feasible at the MDNR's present size and budget.

I believe that is what is driving these changes. Along with the reduced number of complaints and incidents over recent years.

Roy's open list is the best source right now for tournaments of any size. The real big tournaments mostly go to the big lakes. Events not listed should normally be mostly made up of small club events that would fill only the smallest boat ramps. The MDNR still does not have the computer/database system (and personnel) to maintain such a list. No organization has stepped forward to volunteer to do so and any mention in the past has raised questions of favoritism or potential complaints over bias.