Laurel Lake GONE CRAZY!!!!

[jwp]

I just spoke with the District Ranger at the US Forest Service office in London.

The rumor is true. $50 permit and $300,000 liability insurance that covers the EVENT (not individual anglers). Apparently this has been on the books for some time, but "closed" tourneys (like club events) were exempt. He says that is no longer the case. All tourneys will require the permit and to get the permit you'll have to show proof of insurance for the event.

He has seen this thread and promised that their public affairs folks will continue to try to get the word out.

[Derek Ibarguen]

Hello, This is Derek Ibarguen, U.S. Forest Service District Ranger of the London Ranger District on the Daniel Boone National Forest. I want to take this opportunity to describe the changes in management of the Fishing Tournaments on Laurel River Lake and the reasoning behind it. I also want to make it clear that the management of fishing tournaments on Laurel River Lake is the responsiblity of the U.S. Forest Service not the state of Kentucky.

Up until 2010 the tournaments were considered "open" or "closed". Open tournaments were defined as open to the public, a fee was charged and liability insurance required. Closed tournaments were considered not open to the public, fee and liability insurance were waived.

Tournaments will be managed according to federal regulations on Laurel River Lake which do not distinguish between "open" and "closed" tournaments but do require a fee and liability insurance under certain circumstances. If an entry fee is charged and/or there are 75 more participants a permit is required. Subsequently all permits require a $50 fee, liability insurance and 30-days advance notice for permit processing.

If an entry fee is not charged and your tournament is less than 75 people a permit is not required.

If you have any questions please feel free to call me or Eloyce Promenschenkel, District Recreation Program Manager, at 606-864-4163.

Thanks, Happy Fishin'

[Wormin]

Thank you Mr Ibarguen for taking the time post this.