Seems to me the Ely outfitters could get together and bring thier case to thier congressmen, and to the C in C (Obama) - not a good economic time to be putting more people (even though its just summer time employment) out of work. If its a rule, it can be modified easily enough to either give the small boat operators a discounted rate, or an exemption.
On the other hand, it probably only affects maybe a dozen summer jobs? which may only partly involve tow sersive, so maybe not enough jobs involved to be a big deal to the gov't.
I've never used a tow service, and never would, so not a big deal to me either way.
Subject: US Coast Guard Rule Enforcement Date: November 17, 2009 9:53:36 AM CST
I thought I would pass along the link to another blog that you may or may not want to place on the forum. It is from Voyageur Canoe Outfitters, located in Minnesota at the extreme end of the Gunflint Trail (BWCA entry point 55). I am not sure if it meets the criteria for being in the forum or not. Specifically I am referring to the US Coast Guard looking to start enforcing licensing requirements for tow service operators in the BWCA. Here is the link: (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)
Scroll down to Aye, Aye Captain!
Additional info: (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links) (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)
FWIW - The same year Ronald put me in the top rate, new Uniform Capitalization Rules put me out of business. A few months later, those rules were later modified to a million plus threshold. It was too late and I filed amended returns.
I don't have a dog in this fight as I have my passport and the new (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links) but just in case anyone missed it, there it is. The knee jerks have spoken. Arguably, I believe Aye, Aye Captain! is the most valid argument I've skimmed on the subject.