Paddling Guidelines  PINE RIVER PADDLING GUIDELINES
The Pine River is claimed to be one of the most beautiful in Northern Michigan. It is spring fed, clear and cooler than most, which contributes to its being a blue ribbon trout stream. The current of the river is quite strong and will transport your watercraft with little paddling necessary except to navigate and guide you around obstacles. The Sportsmans Port services the Pine River with canoes, kayaks and rafts. We offer paddling tips for all who need assistance and suggest that beginners be paired with those who are more experienced.
UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE GUIDELINES
The popularity of the river has made it necessary for the United States Forest Service to control the number of watercraft placed on the river daily as well as the hours of use. This was accomplished by implementing a PERMIT system. The permits are included with each of our watercraft rentals. The Sportsmans Port supports the guidelines of the Permit system and asks that our paddlers do so as well.
-Permittee must have a daily permit with them during each trip.
-Watercraft hours are between 9:00am and 6:00pm
-No Styrofoam coolers, glass bottles or balloons are allowed in watercraft on the river.
-All watercraft will be equipped with a bag or other durable container to hold the personal effects and litter of user. Containers must be secured to the inside of the watercraft.
-Federal regulations prohibit camping in the river corridor. Use only public lands for rest stops.
-Respect the rights of others using the river. Float quietly past fishermen.
OPERATING A WATERCRAFT UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE IS IN VIOLATION OF THE LAW AND SUBJECT TO A FINE, IMPRISONMENT OR BOTH.
PARKING PASSES
Parking passes are also required by the USFS and must be displayed in all vehicles parked at the river landings daily. They are available in our office. (Daily passes-$3.00, Weekly-$5.00, Annual-$20.00)
RESERVATIONS
Reservations may be made by contacting the Sportsmans Port @sportsmansport.com, or calling 231-862-3571 or toll free 888-226-6301. Keep in mind that July and August fill very quickly and early reservations are recommended.
After reservations are made, full payment is due within 10 days or by credit card at the time of reservations. This payment is NON-REFUNDABLE. After receiving the payment you will receive a confirmation that will serve as your receipt.
WATERCRAFT PLACEMENT
Your watercraft will be preplaced at the landing you have designated. We will also retrieve the watercraft at the conclusion of your trip at the destination agreed upon. If your watercraft is left at any location other than that agreed upon, you will be responsible for a recovery fee.
RENTAL CONTRACT
The group leader (at least 18 years of age) must review, sign and assume the responsibility of informing the group of the conditions of the contract. A security deposit is then paid. Paddles, life preservers and litter containers are issued, along with parking passes. At the conclusion of the trip, it is the responsibility of the leader to return all equipment issued. The security deposit is refunded to the leader when ALL of this equipment is returned intact by 6:00pm on the day of your scheduled trip.
TRANSPORTATION
The Sportsmans Port will assist the group leader with determining the most favorable of options for placing the paddlers at the designated river landing. Parking passes will be necessary for those who wish to handle this with their vehicles or a Sportsmans Port shuttle service is also available.
More information is available by calling 231-862-3571, toll free 1-888-226-6301 or e-mail us at info@sportsmansport.com. |
