THE HARBOR COLUMN:

In my column last week, I broke the news about the attack on the state’s Department of Boating and Waterways (Cal Boating) to merge with the Department of Parks and Recreation led by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Now, it is a national news story with boating organization across the nation including the BoatU.S., which is the largest recreational boaters association in the nation, and our own Recreational Boaters of California.

As I mentioned last week, this is for one purpose only — money. Cal Boating receives its funding from dedicated revenue sources paid by boaters. Parks and Recreation wants to absorb Cal Boating, so parks department officials can get their hands on Cal Boating’s dedicated dollars. If it happens, boaters will be the losers, as the dollars will be diverted away from boating and boating projects to other areas. Boaters will not be the only losers, as the 3 million boating enthusiasts support a $17-billion per year industry in the state. Boaters, city officials with boating facilities, chambers of commerce leaders, and yacht clubs need to let your state legislators know that you do not support this proposal, as it will greatly affect the infrastructure and marine safety enforcement in California.

Recreational Boaters of California has issued a call-to-arms and how you can contact the governor and legislators by going to www.rboc.org/ call_to_arms. The request is to write or e-mail Schwarzenegger to withdraw this plan. You can do so at either gov.ca.gov/interact #email, or send a letter to the Honorable Arnold Schwarzenegger, governor, state of California, State Capital, Sacramento, CA 95814. Additionally, write or e-mail your senator and Assembly member, identifying yourself as a constituent by including your address. The contact information is at leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html. Jerry Desmond Jr., Recreational Boaters of California’s director of government affairs, is requesting that you send a copy to him ( rboc@rboc.org or by fax at (916) 441-3520), and you can contact him for additional information.

Tip of the week is to tune into my radio show this Saturday, as I will be discussing this topic with in-studio guests including Walt Kadyk, Recreational Boaters’ director and immediate past president, Mark Silvey, the organization’s director, and Lt. Erin Giudice, Orange County Sheriff Department Harbormaster. The show airs at 11 a.m. on KLAA-AM (830).

MIKE WHITEHEAD is the Pilot’s boating columnist. Send marine-related thoughts and story suggestions to mike@boathousetv.com or go to www.boathousetv.com.