Post By: MathGeek      Posted: 7/7/2012 4:09:40 AM     Points: 351    

I've had my boat inspected at Eleven Mile Reservoir many times, and that inspection station is one of the most polite, most efficient, and friendliest experience of any kind of government mandated inspection or bureaucratic requirement that I have seen. I've also done considerable background on the zebra mussel and invasive species reasons for the boat inspections, and I can say there is no appearance of cutting corners.

They complete inspections thoroughly and quickly and are well organized with additional personnel when needed to keep the lines moving. When I pulled out yesterday, there was a big backup of boats because some wind and a storm coming in pushed a dozen boats out of the water at about the same time. I asked my wife to keep us moving in the line while I walked over to the restroom. By the time I returned, we were at the front of the line and a few minutes later we were on our way. That was my longest wait ever.

I will also add that I've had very positive experiences with all the park staff at Eleven Mile State Park, it is a well-managed fishery and a well-managed park. When the boat inspectors ask if I want a yellow tag or a green tag (returning or not), I often ask, "Why would anyone fish anywhere else?"