Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2009 8:49 am
Good Morning,
Dale Moffatt here, for those of that are reading this post that do not know me. I have lived in Nitinaht for 9 years, operated a businesss (the store), and managed the campground for the last three years. I can truly say I have been here at the lake since kiteboarding came to the area and have seen alot of the "fireworks" since. I am commenting on this subject for two reasons, on a personal level, and on a factual level.
Personal level....
When you directly mention one individual or business your are directly involving them, and as such if not careful can affect them both in a positive and negative way. I strongly feel if you are going to mention someone or label them, then you need to get all the facts before you in this case attack them (especially if you involved personal comments like taxes). There is no mention of others who could be mentioned/involved also in this thread, both on a business level and personal level (but lets not go there).
Kiteboarding is growing on a exponential level, whether it is Elevation or other schools, their presence is necessary. I do feel strongly that these presences should contribute in some ways to the community as well as enhance the area. Elevation Kiteboarding has done both, voluntarily and generously. As Kevin has mentioned, they make available time and equipment to the local kids and adults when they show up and have questions. They support the local business by bringing people to the lake, which ultimately brings more money into the area for locals (the store, the motel etc etc). Of course they themselves purchase fuel, food, use the showers, all which support the local area on a consistant basis.
The safety implications are also paramount. On a personal level, knowing that boats are available in case I injure myself or break down is a huge relief that allows me to sail with confidence and comfort. I will say should I ever benifit from such a rescue, a gratuity would indeed be offered regardless if they are friends or not.
As for the debate of the motorized units on the lake. This debate is irrelevant regarless of how anyone feels. Simply put they are allowed to operate on the lake at any capacity just as windsurfers and kiteboarders are able to occupy any area of the lake. There is absolultely no jurisdiction with the execption of MOT (Ministry of Transport) rules that apply. So whether you feel they get in your way, are noisy, stinky, ugly....whatever it doen't matter, they have just as much right to be there as you or I do PERIOD.
OK on a FACTUAL level.
Boundaries of Campgound are not an issue. The tent and school area are out of the boundary. Yes the boundaries do extend up beyond the "sauna area" about 200 ft.
The campground is a Ministry campground, with the management contract held by the Ditidaht Band, who put the management of the campground out to tender each year.
Yes there is a 14 day rule in effect. It is up to the ministry and camp host to enforce this rule. Camp hosts and their desinated workers are exlcuded from the 14 day rule and evidenced by a Letter of Exemption.
Businesses are typically not allowed to operate within campgound boundaries. However, there is a process with allows one to do so..It is not my place to speak on behalf of Elevation however I will say they have been absolutly diligent and cooperative in pursuing this process in accordance to all ministry standards. THEY ARE THERE LEGITIMATELY AND IN FULL AWARENESS AND HAVE SUPPORT OF THE MINISTRY.
On a factual basis and safety basis, as a former member of the Nitinaht Emergency Services unit I have responded to many injuries within the campground and on the lake (windsurfers and kiteboarders). Nitinaht Emerg. Services do have a rescue boat, which has been used on occassion to help sailors in distress, however it takes time to mobilize, launch and locate those that are in distress. Furthermore, aside from myself others in the Emergency Services are not familiar with the procedures of approaching downed kites or windsurf rigs to properly and safely extract the person and gear from the lake. Having the schools and their Jet skies available for emergency rescue is a HUGE boon for the simple reason of timelyness and safety as the operators of these vehicles are familiar on how to deal with situations involving our gear (both windsurfers and kiters). Yes if you breakdown and are able to swim the these vehicles are not necessary. However if you have a broken arm, leg, neck injury etc etc, risk of further injury or death is a far greater possiblity should you attempt to self rescue (if you are able).
As for loss of Campsites. I have only once seen the campsite at or near capacity once. So to say that there is no space or that they are taking up to much space is inaccurate and unreasonable. I have been here for the most part of this season as well and again have not seen the campground at capacity. If the issue is that you do not have access to your favorite spot thoughout the season, sadly that is unfortunate but once again irrelevant in regards to management. Once again this is a moot point as the "big" tent is outside campground boundaries. So if I set up a village and tied up the entire beach all the way up to the river that debate has no relevance in regards to the campground or Ministry. For those of you that think your camp fees don't apply if you camp up in that area, you are more than likely wrong...If you park your vehicle the camp boundary you need to pay your dues.
Ultimately this issue, questions and concerns should be dealt with by the appropriate people. These are:
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts (Ministry with Jurisidiction)
The Nitinaht Visitor Center (Operations)
Dale Moffatt here, for those of that are reading this post that do not know me. I have lived in Nitinaht for 9 years, operated a businesss (the store), and managed the campground for the last three years. I can truly say I have been here at the lake since kiteboarding came to the area and have seen alot of the "fireworks" since. I am commenting on this subject for two reasons, on a personal level, and on a factual level.
Personal level....
When you directly mention one individual or business your are directly involving them, and as such if not careful can affect them both in a positive and negative way. I strongly feel if you are going to mention someone or label them, then you need to get all the facts before you in this case attack them (especially if you involved personal comments like taxes). There is no mention of others who could be mentioned/involved also in this thread, both on a business level and personal level (but lets not go there).
Kiteboarding is growing on a exponential level, whether it is Elevation or other schools, their presence is necessary. I do feel strongly that these presences should contribute in some ways to the community as well as enhance the area. Elevation Kiteboarding has done both, voluntarily and generously. As Kevin has mentioned, they make available time and equipment to the local kids and adults when they show up and have questions. They support the local business by bringing people to the lake, which ultimately brings more money into the area for locals (the store, the motel etc etc). Of course they themselves purchase fuel, food, use the showers, all which support the local area on a consistant basis.
The safety implications are also paramount. On a personal level, knowing that boats are available in case I injure myself or break down is a huge relief that allows me to sail with confidence and comfort. I will say should I ever benifit from such a rescue, a gratuity would indeed be offered regardless if they are friends or not.
As for the debate of the motorized units on the lake. This debate is irrelevant regarless of how anyone feels. Simply put they are allowed to operate on the lake at any capacity just as windsurfers and kiteboarders are able to occupy any area of the lake. There is absolultely no jurisdiction with the execption of MOT (Ministry of Transport) rules that apply. So whether you feel they get in your way, are noisy, stinky, ugly....whatever it doen't matter, they have just as much right to be there as you or I do PERIOD.
OK on a FACTUAL level.
Boundaries of Campgound are not an issue. The tent and school area are out of the boundary. Yes the boundaries do extend up beyond the "sauna area" about 200 ft.
The campground is a Ministry campground, with the management contract held by the Ditidaht Band, who put the management of the campground out to tender each year.
Yes there is a 14 day rule in effect. It is up to the ministry and camp host to enforce this rule. Camp hosts and their desinated workers are exlcuded from the 14 day rule and evidenced by a Letter of Exemption.
Businesses are typically not allowed to operate within campgound boundaries. However, there is a process with allows one to do so..It is not my place to speak on behalf of Elevation however I will say they have been absolutly diligent and cooperative in pursuing this process in accordance to all ministry standards. THEY ARE THERE LEGITIMATELY AND IN FULL AWARENESS AND HAVE SUPPORT OF THE MINISTRY.
On a factual basis and safety basis, as a former member of the Nitinaht Emergency Services unit I have responded to many injuries within the campground and on the lake (windsurfers and kiteboarders). Nitinaht Emerg. Services do have a rescue boat, which has been used on occassion to help sailors in distress, however it takes time to mobilize, launch and locate those that are in distress. Furthermore, aside from myself others in the Emergency Services are not familiar with the procedures of approaching downed kites or windsurf rigs to properly and safely extract the person and gear from the lake. Having the schools and their Jet skies available for emergency rescue is a HUGE boon for the simple reason of timelyness and safety as the operators of these vehicles are familiar on how to deal with situations involving our gear (both windsurfers and kiters). Yes if you breakdown and are able to swim the these vehicles are not necessary. However if you have a broken arm, leg, neck injury etc etc, risk of further injury or death is a far greater possiblity should you attempt to self rescue (if you are able).
As for loss of Campsites. I have only once seen the campsite at or near capacity once. So to say that there is no space or that they are taking up to much space is inaccurate and unreasonable. I have been here for the most part of this season as well and again have not seen the campground at capacity. If the issue is that you do not have access to your favorite spot thoughout the season, sadly that is unfortunate but once again irrelevant in regards to management. Once again this is a moot point as the "big" tent is outside campground boundaries. So if I set up a village and tied up the entire beach all the way up to the river that debate has no relevance in regards to the campground or Ministry. For those of you that think your camp fees don't apply if you camp up in that area, you are more than likely wrong...If you park your vehicle the camp boundary you need to pay your dues.
Ultimately this issue, questions and concerns should be dealt with by the appropriate people. These are:
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts (Ministry with Jurisidiction)
The Nitinaht Visitor Center (Operations)
Mark on the other hand is just a scary dood 
