How Boat Access Sites Are Developed
The Fish and Game Department's Statewide Public Access Program uses a variety of sources to identify water bodies needing access, including data from a statewide needs assessment, the Public Water Access Advisory Board, interested citizens and Department staff.
Once a water body is identified, land suitable for an access facility is carefully sought and evaluated. Only then can Fish and Game proceed with plans to buy and develop a site. The Department develops access sites for public use without compromising environmental quality. Regional planning commissions, municipal agencies, river and lake associations, sporting clubs and shorefront property owners are a few of the groups that help guide the Department's access initiatives. State and federal permits must be secured to protect water quality, endangered species, wetlands and other natural resources before a project can proceed. Management plans are made for the operation, inspection, maintenance and enforcement needs of each site to ensure it will be taken care of properly.
