I am recovering nicely, thank you, from a total knee replacement.
It was neatly accomplished by Dr. Lee Schmidt of GBMC. It?s a handy operation if you need it; one you don?t want otherwise. Temporary restrictions on wading streams, boating lakes and tramping afield had me wondering about those who ? through war, accidents or genetics ? are unable to get around easily.
Recommended Stories
You can easily find out about Department of Natural Resources access for the blind. The Maryland 2006-2007 Fishing Guide lists (on Page 11) put-and-take trout fishing areas for the blind in Frederick, Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties.
In addition (on Page 4), patients of a veteran?s hospital for a service-connected disability and those in treatment in a state-approved mental hospital or retardation facility (with approved programs of therapeutic fishing activities) may fish inland waters without a license. You can do the same in tidal waters but must first send a letter to the DNR requesting this exception.
A simpler solution by the DNR would be a “comprehensive complimentary license” for those qualified.
Finding about other handicapped aids is not easy, but the DNR is initiating a new handicapped “click-and-find” button to make it simple to get Internet information. Until this is online, you can go to www.dnr.maryland.gov/accessforall and find your area of interest. With general information are details about wheelchair access to fishing piers and easy-to-use boat ramps.
The planned-for “disabilities information” area on the main Web site will describe various handicapped needs and/or aids desired then list sites and available access. A printed “disability brochure” could accomplish the same thing.
But accomplishments have made a difference. That was the case with the 1992 Patapsco Valley Trout Unlimited project for trout fishing access on Morgan Run (Klee?s Mill Road). Today, wheelchair fisherman can move along a concrete trail for trout fishing opportunities.
I also recently chanced upon the handicapped dock at Loch Raven Fishing Center, where wheelchair anglers can easily and safely board boats.
Another big aid for handicapped anglers will come with the new fishing access area below Conowingo Dam, opening in the spring of 2007. Ramps for wheelchair access and fishing spots at different levels will allow angling regardless of varying river heights.
There are also opportunities for handicapped fishing on federal lands, but the many agencies make this difficult. National wildlife refuges to military bases to national parks all have different rules. A check with each one is required. That?s time consuming.
But the disabled are remarkably “abled” and can handle this hurdle, which is minor to the others they face. And DNR informational help is coming.
C. Boyd Pfeiffer is an internationally-known sportsman and award-winning writer on hunting, fishing and the outdoors, and he has more than 20 books to his credit. He can be reached at [email protected].
