Mike...thanks for passing along. I received multiple calls and reports about the Cape side access situation. The signs have been posted in each of the past two years and it appears this year there are just more of them with some new language. Unfortunately, the extreme popularity of the canal does have the owners of the train tracks & the land concerned about an accident. The signs are about insurance and protection from a law suit if someone is hurt. That does make some sense.
What we at MSBA have not been able to do is communicate with an angler who can give me a first hand report of actually being denied walk in access from a legal parking spot. I have also not been able to talk to anyone that actually received a ticket for trespassing. If you hear any talk of denied access please respond that Patrick Paquette of MSBA is looking to talk to someone willing to step up and tell their own personal story in a public venue. MSBA has lawyers, media professionals and other tools to fight denied access along the canal but we will not use them based on speculation or rumor.
Without a formal "case" there is not much any organization can do to help. Without rock solid proof of denied access, all the chat is nothing but rumor. Please know that if you find us a real issue; we will take some action. If you do find someone who was denied access tell them to get in touch with me.
MSBA remains ready to act...this is why you should be a member!!!!!
Patrick Paquette
MSBA Gov't Affairs
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