I know most of you are tired of this, but I was asked to post the letter I just sent to the EAMG shareholders. I have not been reading the forum lately because I have been busy at work, so I don't know if there is anything I should be responding to or not, but as far as I am concerned, there is no emergency here.

Dear EAMG shareholders,

Many of you may be aware of the recent debate about Elkhorn Acres
which arose in the run-up to the NPFF, when a BWA member asked about
camping at the Acres for the festival. There has been dissatisfaction
voiced, from within the EAMG as well as without, about the current
management structure. Much support of the current structure also has
been voiced. American Whitewater is concerned that the property be
managed in accordance with their mission and serve the needs of AW's
constituents. This is understandable given that AW is the owner. Mark
Singleton, AW Executive Director, appreciates and respects the EAMG
shareholders for their efforts and donations for this access and AW
has not had any problems with the management of the property to this
point. But Mark has been very concerned about the tone of the debates,
which has been quite harsh, and wants to open up a conversation among
regional stakeholders about the best way forward for managing the
property. He wants to see us resolve this locally, rather than AW
settling the matter by declaration.

Toward that end, a conference call has been set up with Mark, Brent
Austin (BWA President and an EAMG shareholder, myself, Darrin Hines
(Viking President), Dave Stawicki (Elkhorn Paddlers' representative)
and a Bardstown Boaters representative, probably Spalding Hurst. This
conversation will explore the issues and concerns surrounding the
property, and review the current management structure. Ideas for
possible changes to the management structure will be discussed. One
concept which has already been put forth is to have a regional council
with representatives from all area boating clubs plus the EAMG. No
decisions will be reached at this meeting.

Also, I will be calling an open meeting for all interested parties, to
be held in Frankfort toward the end of March/ beginning of April. This
also will not be a meeting where any decisions are made, but where
possibilities are discussed. Then individuals can return to their
respective interest groups and make decisions about what best serves
their interests and the boating community in general. If there is
general agreement, we can move forward to either ratify existing
processes or create new ones as a community of boaters. If there is
not agreement, we will work with AW to find a mechanism arriving at a
management solution. This will not be a quick process, but is meant to
be inclusive. You will be kept in the loop as it progresses. Please
feel free to contact me to voice your thoughts, or to contact Mark
Singleton of AW as well. I ask that you not "reply to all" because
some receive these notices at work and can't have their mailboxes fill
up with a debate. I encourage people to come to the open meeting, and
I will give details as soon as I can get it set up. I also ask that we
keep all interactions respectful.

Thank you,

Zina Merkin
EAMG President