A trade group and a federal agency are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding that will increase boating access on public lands and promote aquatic conservation and stewardship.
The National Marine Manufacturers Association and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service are expected to sign the agreement today at the International BoatBuilders' Exhibition and Conference at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
The recreational boating industry generates $37 billion in annual sales and services. More than 71 million people participate in boating annually on more than 12.8 million registered boats throughout the country.
As coastal and lake regions experience a surge in demand from those who wish to live and recreate near the water, marinas and public access points are vanishing rapidly as land value increases. This results in higher tax burdens, putting pressure on marina owners to sell to private development, the NMMA says.
