Posted by JM on October 12, 1999 at 09:54:10:
FOLLOWING ARE A NUMBER OF EXCERPTS (IN QUOTES) TAKEN FROM VRANA'S BUSINESS PLAN FOR THE PROPOSED THUNDER BAY SANCTUARY. IN CAPS ARE THE COMMENTS AND OPINIONS OF SOME OF THOSE WHO DISAGREE WITH THE FUNDIMENTAL PREMISE OF THE PLAN WHICH IS AN EXPANSION OF THE PUBLIC DOMAIN.
"Historical research completed for the environmental impact assessment and management plan of the proposed Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (NOAA 1999) indicates that 112 shipwrecks may be located within the boundary of the preserve (288 square miles); approximately 160 shipwrecks may be located within the proposed boundaries of the Sanctuary (808 square miles). HAVING SOME EXPERIENCE FINDING WRECKS I CAN GAURANTEE YOU THAT THEY ARE NEVER WHERE YOU THINK THEY ARE. HOW MANY SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS WOULD RISK THEIR FINANCIAL FUTURES ON THE AMOUNT OF SPECULATION THAT IS BUTTRESSING THIS PROPOSAL FOR PUBLIC EXPANSION? THAT SHOULD BE THE TRUE TEST OF THIS PROPOSAL
"There are 26 - 30 historic shipwreck sites known to exist within the legal boundary of the Thunder Bay Underwater Preserve (Figure 3)."
HOW MANY EXACTLY IS IT? THIS IS THE ONLY REAL MEAT AND POTATOES THESE PEOPLE HAVE. THE REST IS PURE SPECULATION.
"The entire collection of shipwrecks that are known to exist or may be discovered in the Thunder Bay region have potential national historic significance (NOAA 1999; Martin 1996). " ANYTHIING COULD BE ARGUED TO HAVE NATIONAL HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE, IN FACT, I'VE GOT A BROKEN-DOWN, RUSTED-UP, MODEL T CAR IN THE WEEDS OUT BEHIND MY SHED. COULD SOMEONE SEND ME SOME FEDERAL DOLLARS TO KEEP IT SAFE? PLEASE!?
"The schooners John F. Warner and Havre have not been discovered or identified, but are probably located in the preserve. " PURE SPECULATION
"Accomplishments of the Thunder Bay Underwater Preserve Committee since 1982 include the following:
· developed information for local residents and visitors to the region (news articles, slide presentations, brochures, shipwreck guide, temporary interpretive exhibits);
· participated in regional and national dive shows, and other promotional events;
· established moorings for recreational dive boats;
· developed and advertised procedures for scuba diving emergencies;
· supported the development of a hyperbaric medical program (recompression chamber) at Alpena General Hospital (no longer in operation);
· advocated evaluation of the Thunder Bay region as a national marine sanctuary; and
· assisted universities with research projects involving history, archaeology, recreation, tourism, and underwater technology development.
Development needs identified by the Thunder Bay Underwater Preserve Committee in 1989 are as follows (Vrana 1991):
combination interpretive center and nautical museum; NICE NEW GOVERNMENT BUILDING
buoy system (for mooring vessels); THIS, AS MENTIONED ABOVE, IS ALREADY BEING DONE
complete survey of shipwreck and geological resources; THIS IS BEING DONE TOO IT'S JUST THAT THEY DON'T HAVE CONTROL OF IT
intentional sinking of a vessel as a recreational dive site; LET'S KEEP FOCUSED ON THE WRECKS
park master plan;
better roads into Alpena; and INFRASTRUCTURE? IS THAT IN YOUR BUDGET?
recompression chamber." THIS SOUNDS LIKE GOV SPONSORED HEALTH CARE
IT LOOKS AS THOUGH THE LOCALS ARE DOING JUST FINE WITHOUT THE SMOTHERING ASSISTANCE OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. SIMPLE ECONOMICS WILL DEVELOP THESE WEAK AREAS AS THE MARKET GROWS FOR CITIZENS WHO SEEK TO UTILIZE SHIPWRECK RESOURCES. AS IN MOST CASES OF PUBLIC EXPANSION, THE MARKET WILL OUTPERFORM IT HANDS DOWN WHEN GIVEN THE FREEDOM TO DO SO.
"5.0 Why Thunder Bay?
strong public interest in the Great Lakes and its maritime heritage;
local need to develop an attractive image as a destination for tourism; and
strong local interest in developing these cultural resources."
IT'S FUNNY THAT THIS RESEARCH IS BEING USED TO INDICATE THAT THE LOCAL RESIDENT WANT SOME KIND OF EXTRA GOVERNMENT INVLOVEMENT WHEN, IN FACT, THE VOTING PUBLIC OF THAT AREA UNEQUIVICALBLY SAID "NO" TO IT ALREADY.
"A strategy for economic development often recommended for northeast Michigan and Alpena County is enhancement of amenities and the image of the region as an attractive destination for Great Lakes-related tourism."
NO ONE WOULD QUESTION THE ECONOMIC VALUE OF THIS BUT USING PUBLIC MONEY TO STIMULATE BUSINESS IS NOT WHAT FREE ENTERPRISE SHOULD BE ABOUT.
"Community partners in this venture include the Alpena Community College, Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce, Alpena Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Thunder Bay Underwater Preserve Committee, Jesse Besser Museum, local governments, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and private businesses. The missions of these state and community partners appear complementary and compatible with that of the National Marine Sanctuary Program under the terms of this business plan. "
HERE IS THE SAME GIRL IN A DIFFERENT DRESS. REGARDLESS OF HOW THEY DRESS HER THE VOTE FROM THE LOCAL POPULACE STANDS AT "NO" THIS WOULD LIKELY NOT CHANGE AT ALL IF THE ENTIRE MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE WERE WITH THE SATE OF MICHIGAN AS THE LOCAL RESIDENTS ARE FED UP WITH RESTRICTIONS AND MONETARY POLICY AS IT IS.
"10.0 Boundary Alternatives"
THERE IS NO MISTAKING THIS GOAL, THEY WILL START BY CLAIMING 158 SQ MILES MORE BOTTOMLAND THEN THE EXISTING PRESERVE (288 TOTAL) AND THEN WITHIN 5 YRS EXPAND THAT CLAIM OUT TO 808 SQ MILES.
"most shipwrecks yet to be discovered probably exist within this boundary
most or all of the eight vessels that have potential national historic significance probably exist within this boundary;"
HOPEFUL SPECULATION
"11.0 Five Year Pilot Period and Organizational Startup
"Direct expenditures associated with trips to the proposed Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary were projected as $555,000 in year 1, increasing to $2.3 million in year 5 (Mahoney et al. 1996)." THIS IS WHAT THEY EXPECT OT BRING BECAUSE OF THE SANCTUARY
"A five-year "pilot" is recommended in startup of the Thunder Bay Underwater Park and National Shipwreck Sanctuary in order to fully evaluate opportunities for success, reduce risks to organizational partners, and create an environment for innovation in service and market development"
IN OTHER WORDS, EVEN THOUGH WE SAY THAT WE ARE GOING TO MAKE A HALF MILLION DOLLARS THE FIRST YEAR WE DO NOT WANT TO BE HELD ACOUNTABLE IF WE DON'T. IN FACT, WE WANT TWICE AS MUCH TIME AS THE TYPICAL SMALL BUSINESS STARTING OUT TO SHOW A PROFIT. AFTER ALL, IF WE DON'T MAKE A PROFIT IT WON'T REALLY BE BECAUSE THIS IS A BAD BUSINESS PLAN, IT WILL BE BECAUSE OF SOMETHING ELSE.
"It is beneficial to envision the Thunder Bay Underwater Park and National Shipwreck Sanctuary as a business "startup" that needs to develop market-relevant programs and services, position the organization to serve those markets, and create "name brand" recognition in order to survive in the short-term. The strategies of service and market development that generally characterize a new venture will require a substantial commitment of resources by organizational partners and managerial vigor by staff of the park/sanctuary" WE'RE ASKING FOR MONEY NOW BUT DON'T EXPECT US TO REPORT ANY RESULTS FOR AT LEAST FIVE YEARS, AT THAT POINT WE WILL BEGIN TO STUDY THE VALIDITY OF OUR EXISTANCE.
" Management Team
The full-time, limited term positions comprising the management team include a park/sanctuary manager, administrative assistant, maritime archaeologist, and interpretation & education coordinator. The manager would coordinate with a park/sanctuary advisory committee comprised of organizational partners and key stakeholders. The interpretation & education coordinator would work with an expert task force to develop innovative programs that meet the needs of target markets."
LOTS OF GOOD GOVERNMENT JOBS WITH FULL BENEFITS . KEEP IN MIND THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS THE LARGEST EMPLOYER IN THE WORLD AND THEY DON'T EVEN HAVE A PRODUCT TO SELL!?!?!?
"13.0 Strategic Management Programs" GO TO YOUR WEBSTERS DICTIONARY AND LOOK UP RHETORICAL GYMNASTICS AND YOU WILL FIND THIS SECTION WRITTEN IN THERE. THIS IS A DESCRIPTION OF WHAT ALL THESE GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES WILL BE DOING WHILE ON THE PUBLIC PAYROLL.
"Estimated annual costs: Interpretation and Education
capital improvements . . . . . . $ 150,000 (interpretive exhibits and signs)
annual operating . . . . . . . . . $ 150,000 (includes salary of I & E Coordinator) ONE SALARY ONLY
NOAA and State of Michigan YOUR HARD-EARNED TAX DOLLARS
grants for specific exhibits and other projects GUESS WHERE THE MONEY WILL COME FROM IF NOT FROM THESE
revenues from licensing of trademark/logo and intellectual property WHO IS GOING TO PAY FOR THIS?
donations and gifts from private persons/organizations THIS SEEMS LIKE A SOLID APPROACH FOR A NEW BUSINESS
In-kind contributions:
university programs in public interpretation, environmental education, and heritage education" NOT SET IN STONE
"Maritime Archaeology
Estimated annual costs:
capital improvements . . . . . . $ 100,000 (survey boats; scientific diving equipment) AT THIS RATE IT WILL ONLY TAKE THIRTY YEARS TO SURVEY 808 SQ MILES OF BOTTOMLAND
annual operating . . . . . . . . . $ 100,000 in year 1; $ 235,000 in year 2;
$ 175,000 in years 3 - 5
(includes salary of the maritime archaeologist)" ONE SALARY
THIS SEEMS TO BE THE HORSE THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE IN FRONT OF THE CART. AFTER ALL, THIS WHOLE THING HINGES ON THE SPECULATION THAT THERE ARE 160 SHIPWRECKS OUT THERE BUT ONLY 26 OF THEM ARE KNOWN.
THEY WILL MAKE USE OF:
"volunteer scuba divers for appropriate aspects of scientific diving"
BY THE WAY IF YOU LIKE DIVING WRECKS AND WANT TO "CONTRIBUTE' SOME OF YOUR SKILLS YOU MAY ONLY ENGAGE IN "APPROPRIATE" ASPECTS OF THAT ACTIVITY
"Recreation Enhancement
Estimated annual costs:
capital improvements . . . . . . $ 50,000 (mooring systems) I WILL DO MOORINGS FOR HALF PRICE
annual operating . . . . . . . . . $ 100,000 (includes salary of the park/sanctuary manager" ONE SALARY
"Tourism Marketing
Estimated annual costs:
annual operating . . . . . . . . . $ 20,000" NO SALARY THIS IS MONEY FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO ADVERTISE WITH.
"Resource Protection
Recommended management activities:
determine if threatened and endangered species exist at shipwreck sites (environmental compliance purposes only); HERE IS A GOOD PLACE TO SAY SOMETHING ABOUT THE ZEBRA MUSSELS
develop a system for monitoring and assessment of shipwreck sites;
video-tape sites as a deterrent to theft;
demonstrate micro-tagging of artifacts and surveillance technologies as deterrents to theft; and investigate violations of state/federal law.
Estimated annual costs:
annual operating . . . . . . . . . $ 30,000" NO SALARY HERE, JUST SPY STUFF
"Community Partnerships
Recommended management activities:
assess community needs associated with the park/sanctuary;
cooperate as appropriate with the Alpena Community College, Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce, Alpena Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Thunder Bay Underwater Preserve Committee, Jesse Besser Museum, and other community partners in program development;
develop outreach programs of interest to nearby communities/local businesses;
provide volunteer and avocational training programs relating to the park/sanctuary;
negotiate cooperative operating agreements with owners/managing organizations of the Presque Isle lighthouses, Presque Isle harbor-of-refuge, and Sturgeon Point lighthouse for distribution of interpretive materials and other interpretive programming.
Estimated annual costs:
annual operating . . . . . . . . . $ 20,000" NOTICE THE VERBS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS MONEY: ASSESS, COOPERATE, DEVELOP, PROVIDE, and NEGOTIATE THIS MAY BE WHAT THEY CALL PORK-BARREL ECONOMICS.
"Administration
Estimated annual costs:
capital improvements . . . . . . $ 25,000 (computer systems and office furniture)
annual operating . . . . . . . . . $ 60,000 (includes salary of administrative assistant)"
"Interorganizational Agreements
The following interorganizational agreements would be needed to implement these strategic management programs:
programmatic agreement among NOAA, the State of Michigan, and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (see Attachment 3, pages 82 - 91 of the FEIS/MP for the proposed Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary).
memorandum of understanding among state agencies involved in management and development of the park/sanctuary.
interdepartmental agreement between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Department of State to transfer funds for maritime archaeology, development of historical exhibits, and other appropriate responsibilities.
cooperative operating agreements between the Thunder Bay Underwater Park and National Shipwreck Sanctuary and owners/managing organizations of the Presque Isle lighthouses, Presque Isle harbor-of-refuge, and Sturgeon Point lighthouse (Alcona County) for purposes of public interpretation."
HELLO, THIS IS THE ALPENA RESIDENTS TALKING, DON'T YOU THINK YOU NEED OUR COOPERATION TO IMPLEMENT THESE PROGRAMS? WE DON'T WANT ANY MORE GOVERNMENT IN OUR AREA, WE VOTED ON THIS ALREADY
"Program Costs
Total Estimated Costs
Annual Operating................................................................................................................................$ 555,000
Capital Improvements........................................................................................................................$ 325,000
Other Costs:
Contribution or lease of a large research/education vessel
It is recommended that NOAA provide a vessel for purposes in research and education that require a larger vessel (i.e., over 35 feet in length). THIS KIND OF STUFF DOES NOT COME WITHOUT A PRICE
Lease of visitor and community center
It is recommended that a local government or nonprofit organization provide a visitor and community center by lease arrangement." NEED LOCAL COOPERATION FIRST
IN SUMMARY, THE PROPOSAL IS WORDY AND CONVOLUTED AND WELL RESEARCHED BUT MISSES ON SOME VERY FUNDIMENTAL POINTS. NOWHERE IN THE PROPOSAL IS THERE ANY MENTION OF THE ZEBRA MUSSELS, THOSE INSIDOUS CREATURES WHO ARE PRESENTLY WORKING AWAY ON OUR PRECIOUS NATURAL RESOURCES. IF YOU HAVE DOVE IN LAKE ERIE OR LAKE HURON THEN YOU KNOW THE PROBLEMS ZEBRA MUSSELS CREATE. THEY WILL TURN A PRISTINE SHIPWRECK INTO AN INDETERMINATE LUMP OF POLYGONS, WHICH FOR MANY TAKES AWAY THE ENJOYMENT OF THE WRCK. THE IRONY OF THIS IS THAT THESE ARE REAL DOLLARS THAT THE HARD-WORKING STIFF HAS TO COME UP WITH AND MOST OF THE WORKING STIFFS THAT I KNOW ALREADY THINK THAT THEIR MONEY IS BEING WASTED ON MORE PROGRAMS. JUST AS AN INTERESTING EXERCISE, GO TO THE MAIN PROPOSAL AND BROWSE THROUGH AND SEE HOW MANY TIMES THE WORD "PROGRAMS" COMES UP http://www.execpc.com/~bbaillod/thndrbay.html
THE GOVERNOR THINKS HE IS LOOKING AT THIS OBJECTIVELY BUT HE HIRES ALL THE "YES" PEOPLE TO DO THE RESEARCH; WHAT OTHER OUTCOME COULD POSSBILY COME OF IT? NOTICE HOW THE PROPOSAL IS SET UP WITH THE RESEARCHERS CONSIDERING THREE APPROACHES; THE FIRST BEING "STATUS QUO" AND OF COURSE THE OTHER TWO BEING MORE PUBLIC WHEN IS THE LAST TIME YOU HAVE HEARD SOMEONE DESCRIBING THE "STATUS QUO" AS SOMETHING POSITIVE? IF THAT WAS THEIR (PROPOSAL WRITERS) MISSION STATEMENT FROM THE BEGINNING THEN I SAY THAT THEY PLANNED FROM THE BEGINNING NOT TO CHOOSE THE "STATUS QUO" ROUTE. EXPANSION OF THE PUBLIC DOMAIN, THAT IS WHAT THEY WANT; WHICH EQUATES TO MORE TAX DOLLARS AND MORE GOVERNMENT CONTROL.
JM