Protecting Alabama's water | AnnistonStar.com

Protecting Alabama's water | AnnistonStar.com: "Observers of the ludicrous were treated last year to a tussle. Some folks wanted a public boat ramp built in Orange Beach to relieve the overcrowding at existing facilities. Other residents of a nearby gated island community did not want the public whizzing around and disturbing their upscale tranquility.

The whole thing descended into an argument over beach mice, feral cats and the right of common folks to go boating.

As far as we know, the matter remains unresolved.

What happened there could happen at many places around the state, as access to rivers, lakes, bays and inlets becomes increasingly threatened by development and the popularity of 'dockominiums' — docks restricted to condominium or neighborhood owners.

Also threatened by the growing expansion of waterfront communities are the mom-and-pop bait shops, ice houses and small marinas that have long served the public. Pushed out as property values soar, unable to fit into the yacht-club atmosphere that comes with the new developments, these iconic establishments are disappearing."