We, the undersigned, have enjoyed the rare beauty of the Mullica River (NJ) and unobstructed passage while traveling on it.  Due to distance and no wake zones, it takes considerable time to transverse the river.  We have been made aware of a request to alter the hours of operation for the Green Bank Bridge from mostly open on demand to primarily closed and open only on a set schedule.  We strongly oppose this change.  We believe this schedule will not only severely hamper access but also create extremely dangerous conditions.  This change will require boats to line up in swift moving currents and within a relatively confined area while waiting for the bridge to open at specified times.  Additionally, we believe it will create further hazards and annoyance to the general public in knowing that some boaters will rush to make those scheduled openings.  Further yet, this proposed change will adversely affect vital economically needed commercial establishments upriver (which area has very few due to restrictions Federal and State regulations of the Pinelands).

 Therefore, we do hereby petition the Coast Guard (and the Atlantic County Board of County Commissioners) not to change the decades old hours of operations.  In the event that mechanical issues force a choice, we further petition that the bridge be left in the open position by default and only lowered for emergency responses as there are viable alternate routes for motor vehicles.