The boat ramps at Walter E Long Lake have been closed, causing significant impact on the local community and businesses in Austin, TX. These closures are not necessary and are preventing boaters from using the lake at their own risk. This is not only affecting recreational activities but also hurting local businesses that rely on lake-goers for their livelihoods. According to a study by Texas A&M University, outdoor recreation contributes about $28.7 billion annually to Texas' economy (Texas A&M University, 2018). By closing these boat ramps, we are potentially missing out on a significant portion of this revenue in our local economy. We urge the responsible authorities to reconsider this decision and reopen the boat ramps at Walter E Long Lake immediately for public use.  Please sign this petition if you support reopening these vital community resources.