A round-up of some of the topical consultations, initiatives and surveys that affect rowing.   

	Helping to save your Rowing Club money  In the recent Club mailing we asked clubs to support the Sport and Recreation Alliance (SRA) with a survey that will help them lobby to improve the lot of grassroots sport.  The SRA want to hear from clubs about the challenges they expect to face over the next few years.  The SRA campaigns for reduced rates for VAT, lower utility rates, lower alcohol and music licensing costs.  This is an important survey and we would like to urge rowing clubs to take part.    Read more about the survey here.
	Have your say in British Waterways Consultation On 30th March 2011 British Waterways began a three-month government consultation into the future of inland waterways in England and Wales.  This consultation says Chairman of BW, Tony Hales, "is an important part of establishing the best framework for the long term security for our canals and rivers.... I would encourage all those who have an interest in the nation's magnificent former industrial waterway nework to take part". Read how to take part here.
	Help to stop the spread of the Killer Shrimp! Rowers, along with other recreational water users, need to be aware of the simple actions they can take to protect our aquatic environments, not just from the killer shrimp but from all invasive non-native plants and animals. DEFRA is urging all water users to work together to combat the spread of these damaging and invasive species.  Ben Hunt-Davis joined the Environment Minister last week to help drive home the message 'Check, Clean, Dry'.  More information and advice from DEFRA from the link here.
	Red Card to Red Tape 'How Sport and Recreation Clubs want to break free from bureaucracy'.  This is a report commissioned by the DCMS and written by the Sport and Recreation Alliance.  It reviews the regulatory burdens facing community sports clubs in the UK today.  Conducted at the request of Hugh Robertson MP, the Minister for Sport and the Olympics, its findings are designed to feed into the wider review of red tape and regulation currently being conducted. Available to download here.