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Helping to clear up canoeists' confusion

8:30am Tuesday 20th November 2007

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THE Environment Agency has confirmed a new set of rules for river usage around Hay-on-Wye and Glasbury.

The Wye Navigation Committee hopes the guidelines will clear up confusion for canoeists launching on to upper sections of the river, as public navigation rights are currently only in place below Hay.

A committee meeting in The Swan Hotel at Hay heard an access group was formed between the Environment Agency, Countryside Council for Wales, Wye and Usk Foundation and commercial and private canoeists to come up with the framework, clarifying access points on the river during canoeing high season.

Points have now been agreed for use between October and March, when canoeists enjoy waters at their highest.

Norman Tyler, of the Country Land and Business Association (Wales), said: "A framework was put in place ready for the opening of the canoeing season.

"It's been officially accepted by the canoeists and other members as a framework for sharing the use of the river."

Some committee members said an agreement was not enough however, and were keen for official legislation to be passed outlining public navigation rights on the upper river as well.

Tony Wilson, of the British Canoe Union, said: "These agreements aren't as worthwhile because agreements can be withdrawn at any time and therefore are not an alternative to legislation being passed."

The new guidelines are part of an Environment Agency management programme for the River Wye and the River Lugg after a Wye Navigation Order was passed in 2002.

For details, visit www.wyeuskfoundation.org/navigation/index


Your Say YourHereford Times

Rod Fisher, Monmouth says...
12:38am Sat 1 Dec 07

Would someone from the Wye & Usk Foundation like to justify why paddlers are granted free access to the river, while us anglers are forced to pay for permits in addition to buying rod licences? The WUF has badly let down people who really care for the river in favour of a bunch of whingeing freeloaders, I for one will not be making any further donations to the WUF as I don’t want my money used to subsidise people who regard our precious and fragile river as little more than a free theme park ride for urban delinquents.

Rod Fisher, Monmouth says...
12:38am Sat 1 Dec 07

Would someone from the Wye & Usk Foundation like to justify why paddlers are granted free access to the river, while us anglers are forced to pay for permits in addition to buying rod licences? The WUF has badly let down people who really care for the river in favour of a bunch of whingeing freeloaders, I for one will not be making any further donations to the WUF as I don’t want my money used to subsidise people who regard our precious and fragile river as little more than a free theme park ride for urban delinquents.

Rod Fisher, Monmouth says...
12:38am Sat 1 Dec 07

Would someone from the Wye & Usk Foundation like to justify why paddlers are granted free access to the river, while us anglers are forced to pay for permits in addition to buying rod licences? The WUF has badly let down people who really care for the river in favour of a bunch of whingeing freeloaders, I for one will not be making any further donations to the WUF as I don’t want my money used to subsidise people who regard our precious and fragile river as little more than a free theme park ride for urban delinquents.

Rod Fisher, Monmouth says...
12:38am Sat 1 Dec 07

Would someone from the Wye & Usk Foundation like to justify why paddlers are granted free access to the river, while us anglers are forced to pay for permits in addition to buying rod licences? The WUF has badly let down people who really care for the river in favour of a bunch of whingeing freeloaders, I for one will not be making any further donations to the WUF as I don’t want my money used to subsidise people who regard our precious and fragile river as little more than a free theme park ride for urban delinquents.

Paul Gibson, Stroud says...
5:24pm Sun 2 Dec 07

Name calling does not impress Mr Fisher. You pay for permits and rod licences because the rivers are stocked - and stocking costs money. Anglers are policed by the EA and others - at a cost - to ensure you have a sport. Canoeists take nothing away and onlty ask for rain. This agreement sets out access and egress points which is a "good" thing - protects the banks and spawning beds at other potential access and egress points. Other countries manage to share resources like the rivers - the FRench allow canoeing between 10 am and 6 pm, angling between 6 and 10! The Scots allow canoeing all the time and it seems to work. The reason canoeists want primary legislation is to try to spread canoeists thinly across a range of rivers - not concentrate all on the Wye and Usk, they will disrupt angling less that way. Canoeists do not want to paddle every stretch of water all the time!

Paul Gibson, Stroud says...
5:24pm Sun 2 Dec 07

Name calling does not impress Mr Fisher. You pay for permits and rod licences because the rivers are stocked - and stocking costs money. Anglers are policed by the EA and others - at a cost - to ensure you have a sport. Canoeists take nothing away and onlty ask for rain. This agreement sets out access and egress points which is a "good" thing - protects the banks and spawning beds at other potential access and egress points. Other countries manage to share resources like the rivers - the FRench allow canoeing between 10 am and 6 pm, angling between 6 and 10! The Scots allow canoeing all the time and it seems to work. The reason canoeists want primary legislation is to try to spread canoeists thinly across a range of rivers - not concentrate all on the Wye and Usk, they will disrupt angling less that way. Canoeists do not want to paddle every stretch of water all the time!

Paul Gibson, Stroud says...
5:24pm Sun 2 Dec 07

Name calling does not impress Mr Fisher. You pay for permits and rod licences because the rivers are stocked - and stocking costs money. Anglers are policed by the EA and others - at a cost - to ensure you have a sport. Canoeists take nothing away and onlty ask for rain. This agreement sets out access and egress points which is a "good" thing - protects the banks and spawning beds at other potential access and egress points. Other countries manage to share resources like the rivers - the FRench allow canoeing between 10 am and 6 pm, angling between 6 and 10! The Scots allow canoeing all the time and it seems to work. The reason canoeists want primary legislation is to try to spread canoeists thinly across a range of rivers - not concentrate all on the Wye and Usk, they will disrupt angling less that way. Canoeists do not want to paddle every stretch of water all the time!

Paul Gibson, Stroud says...
5:24pm Sun 2 Dec 07

Name calling does not impress Mr Fisher. You pay for permits and rod licences because the rivers are stocked - and stocking costs money. Anglers are policed by the EA and others - at a cost - to ensure you have a sport. Canoeists take nothing away and onlty ask for rain. This agreement sets out access and egress points which is a "good" thing - protects the banks and spawning beds at other potential access and egress points. Other countries manage to share resources like the rivers - the FRench allow canoeing between 10 am and 6 pm, angling between 6 and 10! The Scots allow canoeing all the time and it seems to work. The reason canoeists want primary legislation is to try to spread canoeists thinly across a range of rivers - not concentrate all on the Wye and Usk, they will disrupt angling less that way. Canoeists do not want to paddle every stretch of water all the time!

Rod Fisher, Monmouth says...
8:49pm Sun 2 Dec 07

Mr. Gibson perhaps you’d be good enough to tell us who exactly stocks the River Wye and with what species? Or are you as I suspect making a crass statement about a subject you obviously know nothing about? The EA does indeed police anglers, but who is policing those paddlers who seem to do just as they **** well like on this river with no regard for either other river users or our fish and wildlife? I fish in Scotland regularly, the numbers of people I see paddling there are tiny compared to the hordes encountered on the Wye, and furthermore Scots anglers unlike Wales and England are not required by law to pay a £70 fishing tax in the form of a rod licence( a licensing system for canoes and kayaks is long overdue). In France all rivers are owned by the state, an angler can fish anywhere in that country for a small fee, the fishing in most cases is extremely poor, unlike the UK where private individuals have often spent enormous sums of money to purchase and improve stretches of river and have every right to make a return on their investment from paddlers as well as anglers.

Rod Fisher, Monmouth says...
8:49pm Sun 2 Dec 07

Mr. Gibson perhaps you’d be good enough to tell us who exactly stocks the River Wye and with what species? Or are you as I suspect making a crass statement about a subject you obviously know nothing about? The EA does indeed police anglers, but who is policing those paddlers who seem to do just as they **** well like on this river with no regard for either other river users or our fish and wildlife? I fish in Scotland regularly, the numbers of people I see paddling there are tiny compared to the hordes encountered on the Wye, and furthermore Scots anglers unlike Wales and England are not required by law to pay a £70 fishing tax in the form of a rod licence( a licensing system for canoes and kayaks is long overdue). In France all rivers are owned by the state, an angler can fish anywhere in that country for a small fee, the fishing in most cases is extremely poor, unlike the UK where private individuals have often spent enormous sums of money to purchase and improve stretches of river and have every right to make a return on their investment from paddlers as well as anglers.

Rod Fisher, Monmouth says...
8:49pm Sun 2 Dec 07

Mr. Gibson perhaps you’d be good enough to tell us who exactly stocks the River Wye and with what species? Or are you as I suspect making a crass statement about a subject you obviously know nothing about? The EA does indeed police anglers, but who is policing those paddlers who seem to do just as they **** well like on this river with no regard for either other river users or our fish and wildlife? I fish in Scotland regularly, the numbers of people I see paddling there are tiny compared to the hordes encountered on the Wye, and furthermore Scots anglers unlike Wales and England are not required by law to pay a £70 fishing tax in the form of a rod licence( a licensing system for canoes and kayaks is long overdue). In France all rivers are owned by the state, an angler can fish anywhere in that country for a small fee, the fishing in most cases is extremely poor, unlike the UK where private individuals have often spent enormous sums of money to purchase and improve stretches of river and have every right to make a return on their investment from paddlers as well as anglers.

Rod Fisher, Monmouth says...
8:49pm Sun 2 Dec 07

Mr. Gibson perhaps you’d be good enough to tell us who exactly stocks the River Wye and with what species? Or are you as I suspect making a crass statement about a subject you obviously know nothing about? The EA does indeed police anglers, but who is policing those paddlers who seem to do just as they **** well like on this river with no regard for either other river users or our fish and wildlife? I fish in Scotland regularly, the numbers of people I see paddling there are tiny compared to the hordes encountered on the Wye, and furthermore Scots anglers unlike Wales and England are not required by law to pay a £70 fishing tax in the form of a rod licence( a licensing system for canoes and kayaks is long overdue). In France all rivers are owned by the state, an angler can fish anywhere in that country for a small fee, the fishing in most cases is extremely poor, unlike the UK where private individuals have often spent enormous sums of money to purchase and improve stretches of river and have every right to make a return on their investment from paddlers as well as anglers.

Strad, Yate says...
10:47pm Tue 4 Dec 07

Interesting Mr Fisher that in one quote you have stated that the French system is better as anglers pay less, but ignore the fact that Kayaks have open access. Personally I think that we should not be charged to use our rivers, but should have some environmentally sound guidelines to adhere to. In the US kayak /canoe fishing is very popular, is the dislike of kayaks aligned with the fact that an uptake in fishing from non-powered boats would dent the pockets of people who have invested in the belief that they should be allowed to rule who has access to water?

These investor are not investing to make life better for all, they have invested to make money, no other reason. They should not be allowed to make money out of something that should be free for angler, swimmer canoeist, rafter, alike.

Strad, Yate says...
10:47pm Tue 4 Dec 07

Interesting Mr Fisher that in one quote you have stated that the French system is better as anglers pay less, but ignore the fact that Kayaks have open access. Personally I think that we should not be charged to use our rivers, but should have some environmentally sound guidelines to adhere to. In the US kayak /canoe fishing is very popular, is the dislike of kayaks aligned with the fact that an uptake in fishing from non-powered boats would dent the pockets of people who have invested in the belief that they should be allowed to rule who has access to water?

These investor are not investing to make life better for all, they have invested to make money, no other reason. They should not be allowed to make money out of something that should be free for angler, swimmer canoeist, rafter, alike.

Strad, Yate says...
10:47pm Tue 4 Dec 07

Interesting Mr Fisher that in one quote you have stated that the French system is better as anglers pay less, but ignore the fact that Kayaks have open access. Personally I think that we should not be charged to use our rivers, but should have some environmentally sound guidelines to adhere to. In the US kayak /canoe fishing is very popular, is the dislike of kayaks aligned with the fact that an uptake in fishing from non-powered boats would dent the pockets of people who have invested in the belief that they should be allowed to rule who has access to water?

These investor are not investing to make life better for all, they have invested to make money, no other reason. They should not be allowed to make money out of something that should be free for angler, swimmer canoeist, rafter, alike.

Strad, Yate says...
10:47pm Tue 4 Dec 07

Interesting Mr Fisher that in one quote you have stated that the French system is better as anglers pay less, but ignore the fact that Kayaks have open access. Personally I think that we should not be charged to use our rivers, but should have some environmentally sound guidelines to adhere to. In the US kayak /canoe fishing is very popular, is the dislike of kayaks aligned with the fact that an uptake in fishing from non-powered boats would dent the pockets of people who have invested in the belief that they should be allowed to rule who has access to water?

These investor are not investing to make life better for all, they have invested to make money, no other reason. They should not be allowed to make money out of something that should be free for angler, swimmer canoeist, rafter, alike.

Peter Sorrill, On the river says...
9:40am Wed 5 Dec 07

The attitude and comments displayed by 'Rod Fisher' demonstrate why access 'agreements' do not work and why canoeists do not now sign up to them. The imposition of conditions by one sport on the participation in another, just because of the nasty dog-in-a-manger attitude as shown here, is totally unacceptable. Canoeists and kayakers have more respect for the riparian environment than the likes of 'Rod Fisher'. Canoeists and kayakers do not leave litter, lines and hooks, lead weights and plastic bags as anglers do. Canoeists and kayakers do not hurt wildlife, kill otters and comorants as anglers do. I will continue to paddle the Wye and Usk whenever and where-ever I like subject to there being water and any environmental considerations. I wonder if 'Rod Fisher' is one of the thugs that we saw attacking childrenin kayaks on the Teifi recently? He really shows why there's no point talking to the angling community about 'sharing' rivers.

Peter Sorrill, On the river says...
9:40am Wed 5 Dec 07

The attitude and comments displayed by 'Rod Fisher' demonstrate why access 'agreements' do not work and why canoeists do not now sign up to them. The imposition of conditions by one sport on the participation in another, just because of the nasty dog-in-a-manger attitude as shown here, is totally unacceptable. Canoeists and kayakers have more respect for the riparian environment than the likes of 'Rod Fisher'. Canoeists and kayakers do not leave litter, lines and hooks, lead weights and plastic bags as anglers do. Canoeists and kayakers do not hurt wildlife, kill otters and comorants as anglers do. I will continue to paddle the Wye and Usk whenever and where-ever I like subject to there being water and any environmental considerations. I wonder if 'Rod Fisher' is one of the thugs that we saw attacking childrenin kayaks on the Teifi recently? He really shows why there's no point talking to the angling community about 'sharing' rivers.

Peter Sorrill, On the river says...
9:40am Wed 5 Dec 07

The attitude and comments displayed by 'Rod Fisher' demonstrate why access 'agreements' do not work and why canoeists do not now sign up to them. The imposition of conditions by one sport on the participation in another, just because of the nasty dog-in-a-manger attitude as shown here, is totally unacceptable. Canoeists and kayakers have more respect for the riparian environment than the likes of 'Rod Fisher'. Canoeists and kayakers do not leave litter, lines and hooks, lead weights and plastic bags as anglers do. Canoeists and kayakers do not hurt wildlife, kill otters and comorants as anglers do. I will continue to paddle the Wye and Usk whenever and where-ever I like subject to there being water and any environmental considerations. I wonder if 'Rod Fisher' is one of the thugs that we saw attacking childrenin kayaks on the Teifi recently? He really shows why there's no point talking to the angling community about 'sharing' rivers.

Peter Sorrill, On the river says...
9:40am Wed 5 Dec 07

The attitude and comments displayed by 'Rod Fisher' demonstrate why access 'agreements' do not work and why canoeists do not now sign up to them. The imposition of conditions by one sport on the participation in another, just because of the nasty dog-in-a-manger attitude as shown here, is totally unacceptable. Canoeists and kayakers have more respect for the riparian environment than the likes of 'Rod Fisher'. Canoeists and kayakers do not leave litter, lines and hooks, lead weights and plastic bags as anglers do. Canoeists and kayakers do not hurt wildlife, kill otters and comorants as anglers do. I will continue to paddle the Wye and Usk whenever and where-ever I like subject to there being water and any environmental considerations. I wonder if 'Rod Fisher' is one of the thugs that we saw attacking childrenin kayaks on the Teifi recently? He really shows why there's no point talking to the angling community about 'sharing' rivers.

Rod Fisher, Monmouth says...
1:11pm Thu 6 Dec 07

Canoeists and kayakers do not hurt wildlife, kill otters and comorants as anglers do.I wonder if 'Rod Fisher' is one of the thugs that we saw attacking childrenin kayaks on the Teifi recently?
What total nonsense, once again we have a paddler resorting to spreading blatant lies in a feeble effort to justify the fact they have no moral right whatsoever to be on private rivers and they themselves are nothing more than a bunch of freeloading parasites. And by the way learn to spell.

Rod Fisher, Monmouth says...
1:11pm Thu 6 Dec 07

Canoeists and kayakers do not hurt wildlife, kill otters and comorants as anglers do.I wonder if 'Rod Fisher' is one of the thugs that we saw attacking childrenin kayaks on the Teifi recently?
What total nonsense, once again we have a paddler resorting to spreading blatant lies in a feeble effort to justify the fact they have no moral right whatsoever to be on private rivers and they themselves are nothing more than a bunch of freeloading parasites. And by the way learn to spell.

Rod Fisher, Monmouth says...
1:11pm Thu 6 Dec 07

Canoeists and kayakers do not hurt wildlife, kill otters and comorants as anglers do.I wonder if 'Rod Fisher' is one of the thugs that we saw attacking childrenin kayaks on the Teifi recently?
What total nonsense, once again we have a paddler resorting to spreading blatant lies in a feeble effort to justify the fact they have no moral right whatsoever to be on private rivers and they themselves are nothing more than a bunch of freeloading parasites. And by the way learn to spell.

Rod Fisher, Monmouth says...
1:11pm Thu 6 Dec 07

Canoeists and kayakers do not hurt wildlife, kill otters and comorants as anglers do.I wonder if 'Rod Fisher' is one of the thugs that we saw attacking childrenin kayaks on the Teifi recently?
What total nonsense, once again we have a paddler resorting to spreading blatant lies in a feeble effort to justify the fact they have no moral right whatsoever to be on private rivers and they themselves are nothing more than a bunch of freeloading parasites. And by the way learn to spell.

Strad, Yate says...
10:28am Fri 21 Dec 07

What total nonsense, once again we have a paddler resorting to spreading blatant lies in a feeble effort to justify the fact they have no moral right whatsoever to be on private rivers and they themselves are nothing more than a bunch of freeloading parasites. And by the way learn to spell.


Interesting commentary ROd, please back up your accusations with some scientific research demonstrating the damage caused by a passing kayak. The argument is by no means feeble, look at the precedent set by the majority of countries around the world. I am neither a free loader or a parasite, I kayak, canoe and fish. The only reason I can see for vehemence is that you are must be a land owner who considers himself to be loosing money? I can so no reason why I shouldn't be able to do what I can do in many countries around the world - freely use the rivers and countryside in an environmentally friendly way, including the ability to fish from my canoe.

If you are not a land owner I don't understand why o earth you have a strong desire to give money for something that should be free (note except for stocked waters, if a land owner is stocking a lake I can see no reason why they shouldn't charge to fish)

Strad, Yate says...
10:28am Fri 21 Dec 07

What total nonsense, once again we have a paddler resorting to spreading blatant lies in a feeble effort to justify the fact they have no moral right whatsoever to be on private rivers and they themselves are nothing more than a bunch of freeloading parasites. And by the way learn to spell.


Interesting commentary ROd, please back up your accusations with some scientific research demonstrating the damage caused by a passing kayak. The argument is by no means feeble, look at the precedent set by the majority of countries around the world. I am neither a free loader or a parasite, I kayak, canoe and fish. The only reason I can see for vehemence is that you are must be a land owner who considers himself to be loosing money? I can so no reason why I shouldn't be able to do what I can do in many countries around the world - freely use the rivers and countryside in an environmentally friendly way, including the ability to fish from my canoe.

If you are not a land owner I don't understand why o earth you have a strong desire to give money for something that should be free (note except for stocked waters, if a land owner is stocking a lake I can see no reason why they shouldn't charge to fish)

Strad, Yate says...
10:28am Fri 21 Dec 07

What total nonsense, once again we have a paddler resorting to spreading blatant lies in a feeble effort to justify the fact they have no moral right whatsoever to be on private rivers and they themselves are nothing more than a bunch of freeloading parasites. And by the way learn to spell.


Interesting commentary ROd, please back up your accusations with some scientific research demonstrating the damage caused by a passing kayak. The argument is by no means feeble, look at the precedent set by the majority of countries around the world. I am neither a free loader or a parasite, I kayak, canoe and fish. The only reason I can see for vehemence is that you are must be a land owner who considers himself to be loosing money? I can so no reason why I shouldn't be able to do what I can do in many countries around the world - freely use the rivers and countryside in an environmentally friendly way, including the ability to fish from my canoe.

If you are not a land owner I don't understand why o earth you have a strong desire to give money for something that should be free (note except for stocked waters, if a land owner is stocking a lake I can see no reason why they shouldn't charge to fish)

Strad, Yate says...
10:28am Fri 21 Dec 07

What total nonsense, once again we have a paddler resorting to spreading blatant lies in a feeble effort to justify the fact they have no moral right whatsoever to be on private rivers and they themselves are nothing more than a bunch of freeloading parasites. And by the way learn to spell.


Interesting commentary ROd, please back up your accusations with some scientific research demonstrating the damage caused by a passing kayak. The argument is by no means feeble, look at the precedent set by the majority of countries around the world. I am neither a free loader or a parasite, I kayak, canoe and fish. The only reason I can see for vehemence is that you are must be a land owner who considers himself to be loosing money? I can so no reason why I shouldn't be able to do what I can do in many countries around the world - freely use the rivers and countryside in an environmentally friendly way, including the ability to fish from my canoe.

If you are not a land owner I don't understand why o earth you have a strong desire to give money for something that should be free (note except for stocked waters, if a land owner is stocking a lake I can see no reason why they shouldn't charge to fish)

Comments are closed on this article.

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