In response to the question what can we do other than. . ?

Joining ARRA is good. However joining an organization that represents your particular user group within the State of Florida would be even BETTER. National level organizations wont ride in on a white horse and "save the day" unless there is a rec user organization that's doing the leg work.

I've been working with a handful of people in the state and with a number of rec user groups orgs in an effort to get better organized in so much as being a clearing house or a com link from one group to another so that when there's a issue or online advocacy campaign concerning public acccess, or public "water" access each of the other groups can weigh in on an issue in a show of solidarity and support. Much like the anti-recreationlialist and animal extremeists are doing with online networks.

For example, recently rec boaters and fishermen came to the aid of Airboaters in Citrus county when there was a proposed noise ordinance being proposed that would have greatly limited public access. Together and through a combined effort from four state rec user organizations they were successful in preserving public access. Those organizations were Standing Watch, Florida Guides Association, Save Our Sandbar, and the Florida Airboat Association.

I use this as an example for what can be accomplished if we all pull together with the common goal being protecting "public access".

Sooooooo if you have a chance, please check out the Florida Recreation Action Network (FRAN)
Web: http://www.f-r-a-n.org

and if you know of, or belong to an organization in Florida that represents your user group, please have them get in touch. E-mail: info@f-r-a-n.org

Stand together or hang divided.