Recreational?

Dear Editor,

The article Tuesday pointed out the riverbed is not open to the public and this is where wildlife finds their only water.

I agree with this of course, as I respect nature. Ironically, our town just completed a new sewage treatment plant a couple of years ago and the outflow is treated with ultraviolet lights to kill bacteria to prevent it from entering the waterway as the Republican River has been designated a "Recreational Waterway" by some governmental entity.

It is recreational, although there is no possible way the river could be floated without touching bottom and creating trespass. The river is dry several months of the year and, when flowing, is no more than a few inches deep at best.

Many landowners will give permission to ride the dry riverbed if asked. They do have the right to deny access, as taxes on the riverbed are paid by landowners.

It just seems silly that the government interferes and deems the river "recreational" when it is physically unfeasable without breaking the law.

It also requires municipalities to unnecessarily spend money to comply.

Another case of the government knowing what's good for us better than we do.

Gary Benson

via e-mail