The Legislature finds that the recreational use of watercraft on rapidly flowing rivers in this State has become an increasingly popular sport. Many members of the public rely on commercial whitewater outfitters to provide safe and enjoyable trips on these rivers. This sport may pose significant risks to the users of these rivers if outfitters are not skilled and knowledgeable in the navigation of those rivers and are not properly regulated. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] The Legislature further finds that increased use of the State's rapidly flowing rivers has increased the environmental, physical and social burdens on that resource. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] The Legislature further finds that it is in the public interest for the State, as trustee of the public waters, to regulate commercial whitewater rafting, pursuant to: the State's authority to protect the health, safety and welfare of its citizens; the State's authority to protect its natural resources or rapidly flowing rivers; and the State's authority over the care, supervision and protection of navigation. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] The Legislature further finds that, in exercising this authority, it is in the public interest for the State to adopt measures to ensure the competence of commercial whitewater outfitters; to adopt recreational use limits; and to allocate the privilege of commercial use where necessary to meet the objectives and goals of this chapter. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).] The Legislature further finds that it is in the public interest to allow stable, well-qualified outfitters who are providing excellent service and meeting the conditions of their allocations to continue to do so, subject to periodic review. [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]
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