Mark Handy, Secretary of the Inwood Canoe Club

I am the secretary of the Inwood Canoe Club, submitting the following request on behalf of the club: We would like to see the security zone around the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island modified to accommodate boats under paddles or oars and small sailboats. Such boats should not be forced into the powerboat and shipping channels. Since such boats are small and slow, they can safely be allowed within 150 yards of the islands and can be allowed to pass between the islands and the New Jersey shoreline. That includes passing under the Ellis Island bridge; such passage is essential for paddlers coming from the north. Thank you for your attention to the needs of paddlers and rowers.